The best of the best in high-end audio (photos)

The best of the best in high-end audio are coming together for a big bash at the New York Audio & AV Show.

Steve Guttenberg

April 15, 2012 9:59 a.m. PT

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Steve Guttenberg

The best of the best in high-end audio

The Gradient Helsinki 1.5 speaker is a "boxless" design, it sounds as amazing as it looks.

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Steve Guttenberg

Davone Mojo Speaker

The 1-foot-tall Davone Mojo speakers in the MA Recordings room sounded fantastic. These omnidirectional speakers really disappear, you can't tell where the sound is coming from! I can't stop thinking about these speakers.

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Steve Guttenberg

Raysonic CD168 Tube CD Player

I didn't hear the Raysonic CD168 tube CD player, but it looked extra cool!

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Steve Guttenberg

Verity Amadis Speakers

New York's Sound by Singer was showing Verity Amadis speakers and VAC Statement amplifiers together and making some of the best sounds at the show.

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Steve Guttenberg

Zellaton Concert Speaker

NYC dealer Audioarts was demonstrating the amazing Zellaton Concert speakers.

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Steve Guttenberg

David Berning ZOTL Pre One Preamplifier

Audioarts also played the David Berning ZOTL Pre One preamplifier, which features a special low-loss ceramic material that provides "a more transparent sound with additional presence."

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Wes Bender

Wes Bender Studio NYC

The Wes Bender Studio NYC featured Hansen Audio's newly revised Prince E speaker, with the stunning new Viola Audio Laboratories amplifiers. The system's finesse, tremendous dynamic range, and power were among the best I heard at the show.

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Steve Guttenberg

Innovative Audio Video

NYC dealer Innovative Audio Video was showing the new stereo Dan D'Agostino Momentum power amplifier, in black!

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Steve Guttenberg

Sony SS-AR Speaker

The Sony SS-AR speakers and Pass Labs amplifiers unleashed an effortless, wide open sound. It was shocking, who knew Sony makes bona-fide high-end speakers?