New sounds at the New York Audio Show 2014 (pictures)
The selection of superb sounding, high-end audio gear has never been wider.
Steve Guttenberg
Focal Stella Utopia EM tower speakers
As the Audiophiliac cruised the halls of the New York Audio Show, he discovered a soon-to-be-released $50 in-ear headphone from HiFiMan that's sure to turn some heads, and at the top-of-the-heap, seriously expensive Focal Stella Utopia EM tower speakers.
Made in France, the Focal Stella Utopia EM speaker places each driver in a separate cabinet.
Sony Walkman NWZ-A17SLV high-resolution music player
Sony's nifty NWZ-A17SLV is the smallest high-resolution player I've seen, and it sounds great. A review is on the way.
Micromega MyAmp integrated stereo amplifier
It's a tiny thing, but the MyAmp is loaded with analog and digital connectivity options -- a review is in the works.
HiFiMan RE300 in-ear headphones
HiFiMan's affordable and super-comfy new headphones sounds full-bodied and clear. The RE300 will be available in November, and a review will follow.
Sennheiser HD-800 headphones & Woo Audio WA22 headphone amplifier
The HD-800 headphones' sound perfectly jelled with the made-in-New York Woo Audio WA22 headphone amp.
Aura Note V2 amplifier/CD player & Davis Acoustics Olympia One speakers
This petite amp/CD player and very small speakers produced bona-fide high-end sound quality. Its bass was so good I assumed the system had a subwoofer -- it did not.
Music Hall mmf-2.2 turntable & Audioengine A5+ speakers
A sweet-sounding little system that won't break the bank.
Zesto Audio electronics
Wes Bender Studio NYC had a rack full of luscious-sounding Zesto Audio gear, including the Bia 120 power amp, Leto preamp and Andros 1.2 phono preamp.
KEF Reference Series speakers
The bookshelf and tower KEF Reference Series speakers' highly detailed sound and razor-sharp imaging were truly exceptional.
Vinnie Rossi Audio Lio integrated amplifier
Vinnie Rossi is phasing out his old company, Red Wine Audio, and the modular Lio is his first new design under his own name. Users can easily install plug-in circuit boards for digital converters, phono preamps, power amps, etc.. Review to come.
Nola Metro Grand Reference Gold speakers
It didn't take long to know this is an astonishing speaker. The Nola Metro Grand Reference Gold produced the best sound at the New York Audio show 2014.
Zu Audio Soul Supreme speaker
The Zu Soul Supreme is a Zu Druid V speaker that's been stuffed into a smaller obelisk cabinet. It sounds a whole lot bigger than it is.
Neat Acoustics Iota speakers
The Iota is a small desktop speaker that can also do wonders as a hi-fi speaker. It features a ribbon tweeter. A review is in the pipeline.
Volti Audio Vittora speakers
The Vittora is a fairly large horn speaker, and it was playing the Rolling Stones when I entered the room. It's the best party speaker of all time!