I went to this show yesterday (a generous friend with a very expensive hi-fi paid for my ticket). Pretty much everything there was out of my price range but still a fascinating experience. We caught about half of the exhibits so this is by no means an exhaustive account and bear in mind I'd struggle to distinguish between components in each system.
Best systems I heard
1. Magico M6 speakers/Constellation amplification/pc source: sensational realism and musicality, ditto price
2. Proac S18 speakers/Van den Hul TT and cabling/ Crimson cartridge: lovely relaxed sound with accurate and unobtrusive bass. (As a cable/analogue sceptic, I was a bit surprised by this performance)
3. Canor TT/amplification/speakers: TT a testament to Slovakian engineering, dynamic untiring sound
4. Devialet were the prettiest
My general impression of the show was that while manufacturers can produce systems with wonderful mid and upper ranges, their attempts to extend bass response have mixed and rather unmusical results. While the Magico/Consellation system was an honourable exception, the D'Agostino/Wilson and the Bryston/PMC Fact 8 systems disappointed in this respect - was the digital source the problem?
I heard some great music too. Missa Criolla with Carreras, Ode to Billy Joe by Patricia Barber and a fantastic Cuban pianist whose name I stupidly failed to get.
Great show.
Best systems I heard
1. Magico M6 speakers/Constellation amplification/pc source: sensational realism and musicality, ditto price
2. Proac S18 speakers/Van den Hul TT and cabling/ Crimson cartridge: lovely relaxed sound with accurate and unobtrusive bass. (As a cable/analogue sceptic, I was a bit surprised by this performance)
3. Canor TT/amplification/speakers: TT a testament to Slovakian engineering, dynamic untiring sound
4. Devialet were the prettiest
My general impression of the show was that while manufacturers can produce systems with wonderful mid and upper ranges, their attempts to extend bass response have mixed and rather unmusical results. While the Magico/Consellation system was an honourable exception, the D'Agostino/Wilson and the Bryston/PMC Fact 8 systems disappointed in this respect - was the digital source the problem?
I heard some great music too. Missa Criolla with Carreras, Ode to Billy Joe by Patricia Barber and a fantastic Cuban pianist whose name I stupidly failed to get.
Great show.