Capital Audiofest 2024 is America’s premier east-coast audio show. It marks the end of the high-end audio show calendar, and also represents a brief opportunity to announce what’s to come in the new year. This year’s show, though smaller than previous years, still left us with plenty to be excited about, as it seems several of the brands we’ve reported on are experiencing their own golden-age.
Words and Photos by The INDULGR Staff
We attended this year’s audio show with all of our staff present, and even a few friends in tow. What lies ahead is our top picks for the most honest highlights of the Capital Audiofest 2024 weekend, along with an even stronger collection of exhibits that battled for our best-of-show honors. Also included, a photographic oddity “temptation” at the end of our article that shows off the kinkier side of this audiophile hobby.
Enjoy the show!
WADAX, Riviera, Göbel, Bending Wave
Bending Wave is a Florida based dealer-slash-distributor of globally renowned high-end audio brands. Exhibiting at Capital Audiofest 2024, familiar faces in WADAX, Riviera, and Göbel. Often we see monster sized speakers and audio racks filled with glitzy components from the aforementioned makers, but this year was different, but still same-same?
The Göbel Divin Comtesse debuted earlier this year at the Munich High-End Show to great fanfare. Despite representing the smallest footprint yet, and “entry-level” place in the product lineup, the new loudspeaker was reported to omit nothing of the signature dynamics and scale we associate with the Göbel brand. So when it was announced that the plump baby was to make an American debut at CAF 2024, the Bending Wave exhibit moved to the top of our ‘priority rooms’ list. Also showing were WADAX‘s new Studio Player Disc/DAC/Streamer, and a small but powerful collection of Riviera components that don’t shy away from a sturdy asking price.
Our Impressions
- Nice scale for a small speaker, though it’s what we expect from Göbel, and the fact is: multiple 8-inch bass drivers and tweeter horns don’t hide much
- Nice sense of depth and image solidity, again something we expect from the entire system considering the WADAX all-in-one source is undoubtedly capable and high-end
- If there’s one gripe: top end sounds were a bit disjointed from the rest but still agile and tonally enjoyable, that said, horns aren’t known to be the first word in waveform coherence
Overall, the small (in Bending Wave terms) exhibit system did everything we expected from the coalition of brands reputation. What’s more exciting are the possibilities of large scale dynamics that deliver an unquestionably more refined semi-horn sound. We’re excited to see what comes of the little-big speakers that could.
https://www.bendingwaveusa.com/
Kharma, Conrad-Johnson, 20/20 Evolution Systems
Kharma loudspeakers under the supreme control of Jay Truitt of 20/20 Evolution Systems‘ one-of-a-kind electronics displays is always a fan favourite — if one were to say that audio shows had fans. It’s been our tradition in recent years to stroll into Jay’s exhibit room on Sunday afternoon like we own the place, take a center seat and riffle through an hour or more of what we consider demanding music. Not to say it’s demanding on the listener, but demanding on the playback system. Mr. Truitt’s Kharma helmed systems never fail to leave us speechless.
Making their US debut, a stunning pair of Kharma Enigma Veyron 4D loudspeakers. If you’re an automotive nerd, or just happen to have a pulse, you know the name Veyron well, and know what the word means: powerful, fast, and prestigious. All things we would say are duly earned by the commercially popular toys that bear the moniker. Present company included.
The rest of the ultra-high-end system featured analog playback from Kuzma, digital playback from Taiko and Lampizator, and all manner of signal amplification from Conrad-Johnson.
Our Impressions
- The best Kharma loudspeaker experience we’ve ever had
- Staging extended well beyond the boundaries of the room in both depth and width. The stage was ultra wide, deep, and tall when the music demanded it
- Images were dense and solid with no uncertainty or confusion, all were distinctly outlined and defined
- Overall tone was very warm but without giving up any resolution, supremely enjoyable and listenable, we could (and nearly did) absolutely listen all day without fatigue
- Fleshy and textured, while still forgiving to poorly recorded content
- As with all previous Kharma demos, treble went right to the edge of extension without ever crossing the line into anything unpleasant
- Dynamically true and rendering all types of content, instrument, and voices with fantastic timbre and textures
Overall, 20/20 Evolution Systems always deliver a best-of-show level sound at any show you put them. Though, with our highest praise comes also our highest scrutiny. The Kharma Enigma Veyron 4D was Jameson’s favourite ultra-high-end loudspeaker of Capital Audiofest 2024, while Eric’s favourite of the ilk was the other perennial favourite, TIDAL Audio loudspeakers as shown by The Voice That Is (read about TIDAL speakers further ahead in this article).
To establish a bit of context as to why I (Eric) still prefer the TIDAL speakers, I’ll say this: If I were a younger man, looking to “run at it” still like Jameson, I’d welcome the extra color and interpretation that Kharma brings. Alas, I am a middle aged man now, and looking to the future, I would prefer to plant my roots with the more definitively fresh and clean sound that TIDAL speakers and electronics bring to any listening space.
https://kharma.com/
https://www.2020evo.com/
Kroma Atelier, Blink High End
The Kroma Atelier loudspeakers are made in Granada, Spain by Javier Millan and his son. Each of Kroma’s “Reference”, “Signature”, and “Classic” line of creations merge artistry with technology, in the aim to deliver extraordinary listening experiences. Our staff of experienced audiophile writers agree with that company sentiment, and now so in a bigger way.
The Turnadot model of loudspeaker — on hand at Capital Audiofest 2024 — represents the middle-child of three designations that populate the Reference flagship line of Kroma creations, each being: a big, bigger, and biggest. Each cabinet is fitted with two 12-inch woofers, two 6.5-inch aluminum mid-bass drivers, and two AMT tweeters (one front facing, one rear). Electrical sensitivity on paper is quite good; and impedance, amplifier friendly at 8 ohms. Frequency response is full-range (20Hz-25kHz), and recommended amplifier power is anywhere from 30 to 1,000 watts. Wisdom tells us to aim high.
Our Impressions
- Very classy sounding; no bass bloat or boominess, no harsh or splashy treble, and a midrange section that is balanced and communicative but never interrupting or shouty.
- Presentation of the sonic character may be considered slightly softened to some listeners, but for our ears it’s done so in a pleasant and comfortable way.
Overall, we were quite taken with the high-end sound and finish of the behemoth-like (460 lbs per speaker) Kroma Turnadot loudspeakers. Of special note was how excellently the Turnadots commanded the air of such a gargantuan listening space, possibly the largest ballroom listening-room of the exhibition.
https://kromaatelier.com/
https://blinkhighend.com/
TIDAL for Bugatti, TIDAL Audio, Döhmann Audio, The Voice That Is!
The Voice That Is — is — a Philadelphia based ultra-high-end dealer of prestige audio brands from around the globe. Think, the best-of-the-best. For further context, there are probably no exhibitors/dealers at Capital Audiofest 2024 who play in the same atmosphere as Doug White, founder of The Voice That Is, and the proof is in the system.
It was a “world premiere” for the MC1 Preamplifier from TIDAL for Bugatti, sidelong with the previously exhibited MC1 Digital Controller of the same crossover-brand. From TIDAL Audio‘s own lineup, Akira Loudspeakers and Ferios Monoblock Amplifiers. At the center of the activity, a Döhmann Audio Helix One Mk3 Turntable, outfitted with a SAT CF1 Tonearm and Air-Tight PC-1 Supreme Cartridge. Cabling throughout from Turnbull Audio, audio racks from HRS, and power management from Equitech. All available through The Voice That Is.
Our Impressions
- Described best as a cleansing drinking of pure water on a hot day, the signature sound of TIDAL loudspeakers and electronics is ultra-high-end and clean to the ear
- Imaging is pinpoint and staging is accurate for both width and depth of the background
- Scale of soundstage and instruments, along with layering of instruments and vocals, is portrayed in a way that shows off varied recording techniques
- Jameson says this year’s exhibit presented an ever so slightly thinner sound than in years past but that’s just nitpicking
- We’ve heard best-of-show sound in this exact room on several occasions with TIDAL and The Voice That Is at the helm, and this year looks to be no different
There are a few things you can count on at an audio show: crowds, late nights, and Doug White of The Voice That Is bringing a consistency in exhibition performance, no matter the location, that has dazzled audiophile press writers for over a decade. Also making an appearance for the weekend-long exhibition, Mark Döhmann (as himself) to answer questions and extoll his turntable design philosophy.
As mentioned in a previous writeup (Kharma and 20/20 Evolution Systems, above) the sonic wonderment of TIDAL Audio and The Voice That Is is nearly unmatched. We remain divided on where to attach the best-of-show ribbon, so we ask that they both respectfully share the honors. But wait… there may be another contender ahead.
https://thevoicethatis.com/
https://dohmannaudio.com/
Acora Acoustics, Ayre Acoustics, Now Listen Here
Showcasing modestly priced fare — as shown above, the entirety is just under $240K — we have one of two exhibits from Pennsylvania based dealer, Now Listen Here. As the business name suggests, our attentions were forced to remain as an audience to familiar gear that was producing a yet unfamiliar sound. It honestly left us scratching our heads.
On display Acora Acoustics QRC-2 loudspeakers, which feature solid quartz cabinet construction, shown in white. Electronics from Ayre Acoustics the KX-R Preamp, PX-8 Phonostage, and a pair of MX-R Monoblock Amplifiers. At the center of it all, two choices: for digital the EMM Labs DA2i DAC fed by an Innuos PULSAR music streamer, and for analog the Rega Naia Turntable outfitted with an Audio-Technica ART1000X Phono Cartridge. Bringing things to a close, Finley Audio’s Cirrus line of cabling throughout, and power management via an AudioQuest Niagara 5000 conditioner.
Our Impressions
- The most relaxed and smooth upper frequencies we’ve ever heard from Acora QRC-2 speakers, or possibly even Acora as a brand
- An impressive outing for Ayre Acoustics as well, with the pairing of speaker-and-amplifier producing an inviting and yet remarkably more detail laden output than we’ve ever heard from Ayre when paired with other transducer based loudspeakers designs
- Great imaging in what we know to be an architecturally difficult room
- This level of performance is a testament to the dealer’s knowledge of system set-up, and more specifically sussing out proper speaker placement
Our overall impression of this exhibit from Now Listen Here was that of “everything sounds elevated.” Which shouldn’t surprise us as much as it did, as it wasn’t long ago that Now Listen Here won Eric’s Best-of-Show award with a brand assemblage that many in the audiophile world would never have considered.
Acora Acoustics, VAC, The Audio Company
It’s been said (by me) that The Audio Company’s (of Marietta Georgia) exhibits should charge an additional-hourly-fee to show attendees, due to the number of audiophiles who flock and loiter the space, soaking in all the luxurious sounds as if they were free Costco samples. Though it’s also unlike me to say that we need to erect walls either, so do with that what you will.
The Acora Acoustics VRC (retailing well plus of $200k depending on granite finishing) is no stranger to our pages. You can read about them HERE, HERE, and HERE. What’s new for Acora and Capital Audiofest 2024 was the first public introduction to the equally market-disrupting MRC series of loudspeakers that range in price between $8k-$16k respectively, with additional marble finishes adding a considerable extra cost over the base price. Acora is known for granite construction loudspeakers, so the departure to marble doesn’t seem like such a novelty at first, but its workability are key to the more affordable pricing. The new MRC series of loudspeakers consist of five models: two stand mount monitors, and three floor-standers. All feature Accuton speaker drivers, which should pique the interest of knowledgeable audiophiles.
Our Impressions
- The VRC was excellent as usual with gigantic staging, huge dynamics, nicely extended low-end, even frequency response, etc, etc.
- Our consensus critique: “The VRC could use a little more solidity in mid-bass fleshiness, specifically the 70Hz-200Hz range.”
- The MRB-1 (in the big room) was extremely impressive and often confused press and show-goers alike as to which speaker was playing between the MRB-1 monitors and the VRC towers
- The soundstaging scale of the MRB-1 was groundbreaking for a speaker of its size, they found a way to pressurize the gigantic room
- The MRB-1 midrange was nicely sculpted and without audible etch, while creating an appreciable balance among the slightly softened top-end
- Overall, the MRC Series experience was almost Kharma-like in its delivery of enjoyability and smoothness without ever crossing into unpleasantness
- MRC-3 (in the atrium exhibit) was able to fill the noisy hotel’s largest possible space despite its modest size.
- Sound with the entry level VAC separates excellent, and didn’t sacrifice any sense of fullness despite being in such open space.
One of our most immediate takeaways, “Dang! Those entry-level VAC electronics are certified giant-killers!” Another, “So are the MRC series loudspeakers.” — Valerio Acora, The Audio Company, and VAC do it again. Not to say that we didn’t expect showstopping results, but to say that we were prepared to be blown away, and yet the sound still caught us off our guard. Bravo!
https://www.acoraacoustics.com/
https://www.vac-amps.com/
https://www.theaudioco.com/
YG Acoustics, Air-Tight, Supreme Acoustic Systems
Preamble: YG Acoustics in partnership with Supreme Acoustic Systems (distributor) brought forth a total of eight Capital Audiofest 2024 exhibits, each in a way showcasing: the upscale linearity of the product lineup, how well they played with others, and how each level of upgrade brought something greater to the sonic table.
Our first and most anticipated visit was to the YG Acoustics and Air-Tight exhibit. The reason? Air-Tight’s all-tube electronics have a sound and build quality that is beyond legendary. Being familiar with the YG Acoustics Haley 3 loudspeakers, we had an idea of what to expect. Still, we entered with clear minds and biases turned off.
As the only source in the room, handling the analog duties, a Danish made Bergmann Modi Air-Bearing Turntable outfitted with a Bergmann Thor linear-tracking tonearm, cartridge to us was unknown. AirTight electronics included a new Air-Tight ATC-7 Stereo Line Control Amplifier, and a pair of Air-Tight ATM-3211 Power Amplifiers, each delivering a well endowed 120-watts of current per channel. More than enough horsepower for the rigorous trials we intended on putting the loudspeakers through.
Our Impressions
- The best sounding YG Acoustics display at the show, was even better than we expected
- Great frequency extension from end-to-end
- Imaging was extremely three-dimensional with lifelike tone and density
- Staging was sized exactly as it should be (depending on the content) but also revealing of the ambient artifacts of the recordings
- Texture and welcomed coloration for days
While this was our consensus favourite YG Acoustics exhibit, we can’t say this was our consensus favourite YG loudspeaker. We pondered throughout the weekend if YG Acoustics would allow us to bring the XX model (also on display, read ahead) down the hall a few rooms for some afterhours experimenting. Though, we never asked. Maybe next time.
https://www.yg-acoustics.com/
http://www.airtight-anm.com/
YG Acoustics, Soulnote, Supreme Acoustic Systems
In the solid-state realm, the YG Acoustics and Soul Note pairing is looking to be where it’s at. We found in our review of the YG Acoustics Carmel 3 loudspeaker (read HERE) that the Soulnote (also reviewed, read HERE) integrated we had on hand was a stand-out pairing for the loudspeaker review, and thus made the bulk of our sonic determinations based on that marriage.
At Capital Audiofest 2024, the magical pairing was brought to extremes, or should I say XXtremes? Corny ramblings aside, the YG speaker of choice is the XX model, a passive loudspeaker that represents the most current and complete representation of technological expression possible within the YG Reference model line. Married once again to Soulnote electronics, a safeties-off assembly of flagship Series 3 components. The only racked components of non-Soulnote production were the sources; digital music storage and management (but not decoding) was handled by Innuos, and analog duties by a new turntable from Benny Audio, reported about HERE.
Our Impressions
- Yes, we would’ve preferred the use of Air-Tight electronics with the XX passive model of speaker
- The signature of the Soulnote sound came through the XX extreme clarity and expressiveness
- Excellent transient response, extension, and tactility (despite being slightly under-driven by the amplifiers)
- Slight inner warmth, which seems to be a recent theme with newer YG models
- The XX have unlimited potential, and the Soulnote pairing though not perfect, impressed nonetheless
The new XX is likely our favourite loudspeaker from the YG model lineup, and would likely be a stronger candidate for best-in-show were it not for the chosen exhibit pairing. Don’t take us wrong, if it weren’t for the Air-Tight exhibit down the hall, this exhibit would have us drooling for more.
https://www.yg-acoustics.com/
https://www.soulnote.audio/soulnote-en/
YG Acoustics, Vinnie Rossi, Supreme Acoustic Systems
The YG Acoustics Haley 3 loudspeaker gets a sequel audition at Capital Audiofest 2024 with new hybrid electronics from Boston based Vinnie Rossi.
The Vinnie Rossi BRAMA Integrated has been making waves in the audiophile press since the report of its inception, along with product renderings. Built for war in the ballroom, the new BRAMA series of electronics: an integrated, preamplifier, stereo amplifier, and a rumored monoblock — look to dominate a segment of hybrid electronics where the density of tube signal handling and the raw power of solid-state amplification converge.
Our Impressions
- Excellent as usual with fantastic resolution
- Dense images, excellent immersion, and gobs of 3D-ness for solid-state
- Great pacing and snappiness, a slight warmth, and certain grace that seems unique to Vinnie’s latest electronics
Both brands are power players in the market spaces they inhabit, and both make a great pairing for those who aren’t quite ready to dive headlong into the deep end of the all-tube electronics. To better the Haley 3 Loudspeaker or BRAMA Integrated — together or separate — would require a preternatural sense of audiophile synergy, possibly deeper pockets, and definitely longer arms.
https://www.yg-acoustics.com/
https://www.vinnierossi.com/
Vivid Audio, True Life Audio, Master Fidelity, GTT Audio
GTT Audio — a New Jersey based dealer of worldwide high-end audio — was displaying the Vivid Giya range of loudspeakers — which we have been fans of for years; you can read our Vivid speaker review HERE — alongside amplification from True Life Audio (TLA), and digital-to-analog conversion from Master Fidelity. We’ve long wondered what tube electronics combined with Vivid loudspeakers would produce, and the combination did not disappoint.
The Vivid Giya G3 S2 speakers supplied for the show system were slightly larger than the ones reviewed by Grover Neville (linked above). The True Life Audio TSI 300 Integrated Amplifier is a hybrid design. The “integrated” is combining two tube preamplifiers (right and left channel) to drive two solid state monoblock power amplifiers for right and left channels. All in one chassis. For the music source, the Master Fidelity NADAC-D and NADAC-C, a two-chassis DAC and Master Clock, which offers state-of-the-art ‘Native True 1-bit’ decoding for the first time. All cabling by Kubala Sosna.
Our Impressions
- We heard a holistic richness of textures and depth that produced a sound like a match made in audio heaven.
- The recently debuted Master Fidelity digital converters, to our ears, have an even more liquidity and tangible texture than the Merging digital converters from which the company evolved.
- Grover says: “It’s hard to imagine digital audio sounding better than this. Everything from Caroline Shaw to Prince sounded as good as I’ve ever heard it.”
Overall, the GTT Audio exhibit was one the best sounding small rooms and did as such for several reasons. The TLA Integrated performs flawlessly, and the Vivid Audio Giya speakers allow for all upstream components to communicate their complete sonic attributes. In short, this is a nod to Bill Parish of GTT Audio for being able to assemble a system package that exponentially achieves a high-end sound.
Qln, Audio Hungary, Alma Music & Audio
Alma Music & Audio, along with help from Well Pleased A/V, were debuting two distinct audio components from a bevy of high-end brands, most of which we are quite familiar with. Alma is a bi-coastal dealer of audiophile treasures with showrooms in both San Diego, California and Sterling, Virginia. I recently paid a visit to Loudoun County, and dropped in to Alma for a whirlwind event. The article of my audio adventure is forthcoming.
Making their debut at Capital Audiofest 2024, a loudspeaker from Swedish manufacturer Qln, dubbed the One V7. This new speaker borrows its looks from existing Qln Prestige series designs, but lifts its sound and internal architecture from the flagship Qln Signature monitor series. Powering the whole affair, the new Audio Hungary Qualiton 300B Integrated Stereo Amplifier, which outputs a stout 25-watts per channel into stereo. If you’re new to the audiophile scene, and you doubt that 25-measly-little-watts can get a loudspeaker moving, let’s hook you up the speaker cables and see how much you wiggle. Carry on.
Our Impressions
- The One V7 leans audibly more toward Qln Signature tuning than Prestige, which is to say more balanced and high-fidelity than Prestige while retaining a smidge of the fun found in Qln’s more affordable designs.
- Jameson says “Teeny Tiny!”, but Eric Franklin Shook says “Big Sound!”
Overall, we can’t express how much refinement and composure these little Qln One V7 monitors express, along with them covering a frequency that left little to desire. It also goes without saying that what we heard was powerful and rich in tone, thanks to the Qualiton 300B amplifier doing its part to leave nothing behind in the audio signal.
https://qln.se/
https://audiohungary.com/
https://almaaudio.com/
Okay, I promised you some kinky audiophile stuff, and well… here it is.
Semrad Audio – Capital Audiofest 2024
“Favorites are fun, Bests are boasts. Temptations are many in the world of hifi reviewing. Perhaps the most alluring, the one that sings the sweetest siren song is the temptation to pretend we know more than we know.”
—Michael Lavorgna of Twittering Machines on Semrad’s CAF 2024 Exhibit
