T.H.E. Show 2019

Leif S

Industry Expert
Feb 13, 2015
770
166
180
California
www.vonschweikert.com
T.H.E. Show 2019 – Esoteric/Von Schweikert
https://theaudiobeatnik.com/t-h-e-show-2019-esoteric-von-schweikert/
L1060991.jpeg
Since RMAF 2017 I have been impressed by systems with Von Schweikert speakers. We have given them multiple Bongo awards, and we aren’t the only reviewers recognizing them. Most of these awards have been for speakers that range in price from $71,500 to over $300,000.

Their system at T.H.E. Show 2019 was very different. Teamed with Esoteric Audio, they paired $40,000 speakers with electronics instead of the VAC tube amps we were used to seeing them with. The Endeavor E-5 MKII speakers were also the first Von Schweikert speakers we had seen in a regular-sized hotel room, which means they would fit in the average audiophile’s listening room.

The System
The system included Esoteric’s beautiful Grandioso line of electronics, the Esoteric C1 Linestage Preamp for $38,000 and their S1 Power Amplifier for another $27,000. The source was an Esoteric Grandioso Series PIX Transport that cost $50,000. It was paired with the D1X Monoblock DAC for $50,000, an N-03T Network Audio Transport for $11,000 and a G1 Rubidium Master Clock for $26,000.

MasterBuilt cables and power management completed the gear in this room. The two racks and amp stand were from Grand Prix Audio.

The Sound
The sound of this system was a revelation to me. In a smaller than usual room for them, the Von Schweikert team had paired smaller speakers with electronics, and the system produced recorded music with almost the same level of performance as their larger speakers had in huge rooms. Not only that, they were showing that these smaller speakers are more than worthy to pair with the very best electronics.

As we left, Becky commented that she just likes how Von Schweikert speakers sound. Later when visiting with Damon Von Schweiker and Leif Swanson, I mentioned that the Endeavor E-5 MKII Speakers are still above our budget. Damon was quick to tell us that there is a new and very similar but smaller Endeavor speaker on the way that will be about half as tall and half the price. Leif was equally quick to tell us that these new speakers will still need high quality and high powered electronics. I hope to review this new speaker this fall, and I look forward to hearing them perhaps at the Capital Audiofest.
 

marty

Well-Known Member
Apr 20, 2010
3,035
4,198
2,520
United States
THE SOW 2019
Interesting title for a thread Leif! Since we're not talking about planting or female pigs, I would suggest correcting the typo:)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Leif S

Steve Williams

Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
THE SOW 2019
Interesting title for a thread Leif! Since we're not talking about planting or female pigs, I would suggest correcting the typo:)
done
 

About us

  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

Quick Navigation

User Menu

Steve Williams
Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator
Ron Resnick
Site Co-Owner | Administrator
Julian (The Fixer)
Website Build | Marketing Managersing