Capital AudioFest 2024

[Alrainbow]

When I have time I do plan to list my thoughts on rooms , but some people just post it’s good or something
I think we all need to be better observers and give more information as to the situation. Now having said this my posts grammar , spelling , punctuation and not staying focused on the subject is well
A hot mess lol.
but I will try harder

 

[Mgrif104]

I wasn’t able to attend, unfortunately. In reading through this forum, I didn’t see any comments/posts about GTT Audio who I believe showed the Master Fidelity NADAC D and C (DAC and Clock). Does anyone have any observations from that room?

 

[Ron Resnick]

Please enjoy my interview at Capital AudioFest 2024 with Colin King, proprietor of Gestalt Audio, which represents Wolf von Langa, Trafomatic Audio and Cinnamon. Colin discusses the Wolf von Langa Serendipity loudspeaker, the Trafomatic Pandora 811 tube amplifier and the Cinnamon DAC and streamer.

 

[gestalt]

Please enjoy my interview at Capital AudioFest 2024 with Colin King, proprietor of Gestalt Audio, which represents Wolf von Langa, Trafomatic Audio and Cinnamon. Colin discusses the Wolf von Langa Serendipity loudspeaker, the Trafomatic Pandora 811 tube amplifier and the Cinnamon DAC and streamer.

Always a pleasure Ron.

 

[Kingrex]

We will all miss Ron at Axpona this year. It seems they have decided to blend Car Stero and home stereo at the show. I received the announcement this morning.

 

[gadawg58]

As always, everyone is entitled to their opinions. The vast majority of audiophiles listen to cones in boxes, just as the vast majority of folks drive internal combustion engines and pay $6/$7 a gallon for gas in California. One cannot change the world. Either you understand the science behind electrostatics (or EVs) and see the logic behind linear transducers or you stick to your views that there’s only one way to design loudspeakers ( or cars).

AAA shows the average price for unleaded gas in California today at $4.44 per gallon… yes quite a bit higher than what I pay here in Texas but a far cry from $6-$7 you are quoting. So when you talk about science it helps when you start with reliable data sources.

 

[gadawg58]

As an exhibitor my feeling is the attendance was definitely down . The reasons are for me only speculation however I would guess the dates had something to do with it

As some of the regional shows are starting to gain some traction I am wondering if that affects shows like this than depend on a nationwide draw?

 

[Kingrex]

This was one of the very few rooms where I took a breath for a few minutes and actually listened -- leisurely -- to at least one song.

I agree with Greg. I thought this room sounded very good. Maybe the conrad-johnson was a wonderful match for diamond encrusted this and beryllium that?

Wait, Conrad Johnson isn't ranked as unobtanium premium can't touch this audio. How could it sound good?

 

[Kingrex]

AAA shows the average price for unleaded gas in California today at $4.44 per gallon… yes quite a bit higher than what I pay here in Texas but a far cry from $6-$7 you are quoting. So when you talk about science it helps when you start with reliable data sources.

I think you dropped this in the wrong thread.

 

[Audiohertz2]

AAA shows the average price for unleaded gas in California today at $4.44 per gallon… yes quite a bit higher than what I pay here in Texas but a far cry from $6-$7 you are quoting. So when you talk about science it helps when you start with reliable data sources.

It was prolly a prediction based on past trajectory and zeitgeist ..

7.00 in CA may not be way off ..

 

[gadawg58]

Agree with some comments mentioned above -- the MBL room was a disappointment IMO. The Borresens C3's at $38K powered by an AAvik integrated sounded amazing. The Focal room with the $240K + Grand Utopias with REL 32's powered by T&A gear was exceptional as well. It was a disappointment not to see ARC 330's Monos but Val was prominent with his Acora Acoustics VRC-1 speakers in beautiful "Sunset Fire" in the VAC room powered by a pair of VAC 450iQ mono blocks. He also had amazing $4K speakers (MRC series) which sounded great IMO. The VAC room with either speaker sounded exceptional (they had a SAT XD1 TT but wasn't playing when I stopped by -- over $300K w/tone arm).

I was impressed with the SonoruS Reel to Reel in the Luxury Audio Group room playing thru Estelon XB speakers was an eye opener. $35K for the R-R which has several 12v tubes as drivers. As I was leaving the room -- MF entered and had a tape he wanted the host to play. Maybe we'll read of his impressions shortly.

Good turn out Friday and as I was leaving Saturday mid-day - traffic had picked up a bit but was nice to be at an audio event and not be trampled in the hallways (aka RMAF days). Good turn out from what I could tell - couldn't compare previous years as this was my first since the closure of RMAF. I was greatly disappointed by the selection of MOFI SACD material -- were nonexistent even though they did offer a free Ultradisc One-Step with purchase of 3 at regular pricing. I didn't bite.

Best to all,

Bob

Borresen C3's w/Aavik integrated
View attachment 139642

Focal Grand Utopia w/REL 32 subs and T+A Gear
View attachment 139643
VAC room w/Acora Acoustics VRC-1 speakers in gorgeous "Sunset Fire" Granite
View attachment 139644

SonoruS Reel to Reel in the Luxury Audio Group room playing thru Estelon XB speakers
View attachment 139645

SonoruS R-R (3 or 4 tube drivers)
View attachment 139646

I own one of these tape decks and I am amazed at how good it sounds compared to any other source I’ve ever heard. Their tapes are really good also!

 

[gadawg58]

It was prolly a prediction based on past trajectory and zeitgeist ..

7.00 in CA may not be way off ..

My guess is that over the next several years gas prices head back down … Only time will tell!

 

[Gregadd]

Wait, Conrad Johnson isn't ranked as unobtanium premium can't touch this audio. How could it sound good?

The room was sponsored by a local CJ dealer. I have no idea about their inventory. it was sounding great, in IMO.

 

[Kingrex]

The room was sponsored by a local CJ dealer. I have no idea about their inventory. it was sounding great, in IMO.

I like CJ. Had a premier 140 Teflon upgrade. After I sold it I stumbled around looking for something better. Even to this day I miss it. What I have is better on many levels, but not all. CJ has great authority, grip and bass extension.

 

[gleeds]

As an exhibitor my feeling is the attendance was definitely down . The reasons are for me only speculation however I would guess the dates had something to do with it

Elliot. I spoke with Lou Hinkley about dates for The Southwest Audio Festival for the same reason. Last year, there were some conflicting events, so in considering attending, I wanted to know if this year's dates offered any such conflicts.

 

[gleeds]

No doubt the Lampi Horizon sounding good. I have had several Lampi DAC's (including the Pacific) in the past and will consider getting either a Poseidon or Horizon in the future.

Gregdadd, if price is a concern, as an audio advisor, the Posidean represents perhaps the best value in high-end audio, not to mention Lampi's latest technical innovations. It's simply a beauty, and at roughly $25k, 40% of the Horizon 360s price with lots of its goodness.

 

[gleeds]

Those Westminsterlab Rei amps are quite interesting too. Class A, but don't get hot like the traditional ones.

R, the Rei features sliding bias and one of the best-engineered chassis cooling and heat-sink designs, which keep the amplifiers running cool, even under demanding conditions. Each mono-block is equipped with only six specially designed Japanese output transistors, contributing to its efficient performance. However, much of the magic of the Reis lies in other areas, including its proprietary power supply technology and the exceptionally short signal path from input to output. Moreover, Angus's Atria solid-core cabling is installed point-to-point, adding a delightful finishing touch to the amplifier's SQ.

While we have partnered with a few select retailers, in-home auditions will continue to be available for all forum members, allowing them to experience the Reis in their own systems and rooms

 

[Alrainbow]

I wonder if they have changed there digital board as well ?
all the Lampi rooms were very good.
the room with CJ and khamarma speakers was serous sound quality no matter what source.
I think st axpona there was a room with posiden and all Westminster Amps and pre
Amp
I think Von swarg speakers but not sure.
what I can say it’s was an excellent room and not crazy expensive for all new stuff

 

[gleeds]

CJ room - base Horizon, not the latest 360
Maco room - Posidean with WestminsterLab electronics
Hear This Room - Posidean with Von Schweikert, the NA debut of the Horizon 360

 

[Gregadd]

the room with CJ and khamarma speakers was serous sound quality no matter what source.

Agree.