RMAF 2010 Show Report

Edge and Avalon

I've always thought that if I were to get a set of dynamic speakers, the Avalon Indra's would be high on my list. I've listened to them at least a dozen times now and continue to be impressed. Nearly electrostatic like air and imaging, but with a body and weight that I just don't get out of my CLS's. I've never really listened much to the Edge electronics, but in this room they seemed to simply get out of the way and let the Indra's sing. Music was Ahmad Jamahl live in Paris. I could have stayed in this room a very long time!

Append: I had a long talk with the guy who designs all the Edge stuff. The pre-amp in the photo was running off the grid in DC (battery) mode. When he switched it to AC it was a huge disappointment. Great sounding room playing great music, I'd like to go back and I don't care what Justin says, the Indra's really float my boat!

Naim

So I pull out the iPad to type in something on the Naim room and it automatically detected Naim's locked wireless network, and that's kind of the story here. They were demonstrating their new streaming audio player. This is really the first time I've heard a Naim system, and they very much are systems from what I'm told. Their approach is one of very close component matching and system synergy. The sound reminded me of a similar company approach from Linn, although a bit more dynamic. Nice!

Append: Naim had a second room featuring smaller, less expensive gear (last photo) featuring the same approach. One of the biggest trends I've noticed this year is that EVERYBODY is getting into music servers and streaming audio.

MiTT said:

How's them for some groovy 211's though Justin?

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Nice but silly expensive and totally unable to push Aps.

Brystom and PMC

Bryston was similarly demonstrating their electronics via their USB equipped streaming music player. It has 2 USB connections on the front and another 2 on the back that can accept memory sticks, USB drives, you name it. The guy next to me was controlling the system via Bryston's own iPad app. The sound on an eclectic mix of music through the PMC monitors and the Bryston monoblocks was well controlled and very tuneful.

Sanders

The Sanders Model 10C speakers sounded incredibly dynamic in their diagonally set up room. I was able to listen to an assortment of Patricia Barber, Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughn. It's pretty stunning how dynamic the Sanders speakers are, and I'm sure that their being paired with Sanders own electronics didn't hurt. Not really much to look at, but then again, we don't buy this stuff to stare at it.

Append: Roger Sanders was as always a good guy to talk to and he wanted to make sure I knew that the 10C's come equipped with digital crossovers and that at their $13K asking price he includes one of his ESL specific amplifiers. He and I talked until well after the "official" show had ended.

This is great, Tim. I cant wait till the morning now! :drool:

Jimna said:

This is great, Tim. I cant wait till the morning now! :drool:

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Jim, I sent you a PM with my cell phone number. Give me a call so we can hook up for a beer or something.

High Water Sound

I hit these guys after the official show had ended, but High Water Sound was displaying their usual assortment of yummy gear from the likes of TW Acoustics and Tron. Must go back when the system is up and running tomorrow.

Tidal

Another one that I caught static because it was so late in the day was Tidal. I've heard good things about their speakers, but haven't had the chance to listen to them. What I didn't know was they they make some great looking electronics too. The guy in the room made me promise to come back, saying I wouldn't be disappointed in their sound.

Roger enjoyed his time with you tonight; and you're right, you guys hung out well after the show ended. It "sounded" (pun intended) like you enjoyed the visit as well. Thanks for coming by!

Cheers,
Angela

Sweet Music

As I was walking out I was able to catch the end of Robert Silverman's live performance in the lobby. As good as all the gear sounded today, it can't of course capture the real deal.

Can't wait for tomorrow!

Angela said:

Roger enjoyed his time with you tonight; and you're right, you guys hung out well after the show ended. It "sounded" (pun intended) like you enjoyed the visit as well. Thanks for coming by!

Cheers,
Angela

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What's funny is that I asked Roger if you were there Angela - was hoping to meet you. He's a great guy to talk to and very passionate about what he's doing. It shows, not only in the gear, but also in the man and what he represents. The room did sound very, very good too!

User211 said:

Writing impressions down as you're there is a good idea, Tim. Keep it up and looking forward to the pics.

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Thanks Justin. Figured as I was taking notes anyway I may as well do it dynamically. For all I know we may be the first site on the net to be posting the show, more or less in real time. Wish I could post the pictures right away too, but I'm technically challenged that way. Hope it's not too disconcerting waiting for the photos...

MiTT said:

the Indra's really float my boat![/I]

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Mine too Tim, thanks for the (as usual) good coverage !

Wish I was out there with you guys.........next year !

MiTT said:

They're playing a female jazz vocalist with nothing but an upright bass and some percussion backing her doing a cover of "Blackbird" and it sounds simply awesome. Very successful. Just found out the artist was Renee Marie from her "Vertigo" release on the MaxJazz label

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Here is a taste for you

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Great coverage! Keep going!

PS Audio and Genesis

PS Audio was showing their Perfect Wave DAC and Transport with Genesis speakers this year. I'm not familiar with which model of the Genesis speaker, but the sound was very nice indeed with extension at both ends of the spectrum.

Append: the perfect Wave DAC had the new Bridge card instaled and they were streaming wireless audio from a PC on the other side of the room

Audio Valve and JBL

The Audio Valve Assistant 50 integrated amp ($6500.00) looked and sounded gorgeous driving the JBL 1400 ($11,500.00) Array. Peter Gabriel's "Mercy Street" sounded great.

Tri and Acoustic Zen

This is a company that I've watched with interest every year. The products seem to sound better and better, and build quality likewise seems to improve all the time. I'd say it appears on par with Luxman and Air Tight, and that' not faint praise. Rosanne Cash singing "Bells and Roses" through the Acoustic Zen speakers was quite enjoyable indeed.

Append: Tri is a Japanese company. The TRX-PL6 amplifier pictured runs $3000.00 as does the TRX-1 pre amp. The TRV-CD4SE they were using as a source runs $2200.00.

Waterfall and Cary

First time I've seen or heard the Waterfall speakers outside of their print ads. I thought they might sound too bright with all that glass and all, but instead I was impressed with how warm and full sounding they were on a Lyle Lovett cut. The Cary electronics did the job as well. Very enjoyable sound in this room. The big Waterfall towers cost $54K.

Append: Sorry for the crappy picture of the Waterfall speakers. Glass is harder to photograph than you might think, which is too bad because they really did look good.