Thursday, June 11, 2015

T.H.E. Show Newport Beach, CA 2015

http://theshownewport.com/

First, a show wrap-up by LVAC member, Nick:

For me (Terry-fellow LVAC member-was doing his thing for a while) the most pleasant surprise at the show was the Stein Music room. Holger Stein and his wife, who are from Germany, were demoing their system and the sound was very natural and engaging. The soundstage was excellent with lots of detail. I was only able to listen to a few orchestral cuts as well as a little Bob Dylan and a female artist named Youn Sun Nah. I can't speak regarding the bass response, the the midrange and top end were spot on. What's also interesting is that Mr Stein designed all of the components including the speakers. It was digital only, but he also showed me a 2 box phono stage that I believe will retail for under $2,000. He also has a cartridge. I can't say that I recall any other designer who "does it all".

The Odyssey room was interesting as the sound was good and Klaus at Odyssey did a great job making it sound as good as it did as it was the strangest shaped room I recall seeing at any show. It was the second time I've met Klaus and he's a fun and engaging guy. He also makes a stand for a great price so my equipment will finally have a good home.  

I've always been interested in the Sonus Faber speakers and this time they were paired together with McIntosh. There was also a single piece from Audio Research which may have been a music server. The sound was good, but it was a rectangular room and we were seated too close to the speakers and that didn't allow the speakers to shine as I've heard great sound from Sonus Faber at other shows. 

This was the first time I've ever been at the Newport Show and I was only there Saturday and Sunday, but I truly had a great time. Terry was lots of fun and I may go back next year as my brother lives very close by...and I love free room and board.

As I was in California, I bought some lotto tickets so I might be able to buy my dream system. But I didn't quite win anything. My dream system might well consist of DartZeel with Sonus Faber speakers or maybe Magico or. I can't say that I've ever demoed any reference speakers in my home although I love my SP Tech Timepiece speakers and my modded McCormack DNA 1.0 amp as well. That's it for now.

Photos by LVAC members Terry, Nick and Mike. Additional photos by unknown.

















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