AXPONA 2014

Scott M. Rifkin reporting from Chicago

Axpona 2014, also known as the Audio Expo Of North America, was held on April 25, 26 and 27th at the luxurious Westin O'Hare Airport Hotel in Chicago last weekend. Since I had not attended a high end audio show all year, I felt the need to get going again. So I booked my trip to Axpona just days before the event was scheduled to take place.

Axpona can be characterized as a Woodstock of high end audio because after it's first day, I had already listened to approximately fourteen hours’ worth of music and lectures. Without a doubt I was most impressed with the dedication of many of the exhibiting companies and their efforts to please the general public.

In my mind, Kharma International of Holland/Netherlands was the best in show at this year Axpona. On display was their new Elegance DB 11-S coupled with two beautiful Constellation power amps in a room of such sweetness that even a novice audiophile would appreciate the greatness of the sound being created. The presentation was all digital and the sound was crystal clear but not angular. It was digital sound that sounded analog; which is my favorite.

Another great room was the United Home Audio room, with it's Phase 11 UHA customized reel to reel tape recorder; really a tricked out and upgraded Tascam reel to reel. MBL speakers delivered great spatial accuracy via tubed amplification. UHA's grand commander, Greg Beron, went well above the call of duty as we drifted through two late night listening sessions of reel to reel music offered by The Tape Project.

Scott with Editor and Chief of The Absolute Sound Magazine, Robert Harley

The MBL room, not to be confused with the UHA room with MBL loudspeakers, was another great room with outstanding sound. At the helm of the room was Jeremy Bryan; a perfectionist in room set up who maximized the listening experience of everyone in attendance. In particular, he took the time to correct my posture and positioning as I focused my listening skills on the music being offered.

Finally, the Triode Corporation/Twin Audio Video room was truly a work of art. Instead of having late night listening sessions, TCTAV had early morning sessions; starting at 7 am. They were also nice enough to play my band's new cd on their incredible system...

By Scott M. Rifkin