AUDIO SHOW DELUXE 2024 PERSPECTIVE
1: THE SETTINGS
Join us for our appearance at the AUDIO SHOW DELUXE 2024, a wonderful venue at the Whittlebury Park Hotel near the Silvertone racetrack. The historical connection is seen with plenty of detail in the 'Silverstone Bar', adorned with memorabilia of past and present F1 racing drivers. The hotel's layout was straightforward to follow, and the staff were consistently polite and courteous.
2: THE SETUP
Preparing for events like these entails a significant amount of work and planning. Here's a brief overview from our perspective upon arrival on Friday, the 22nd. All traders were assigned specific timeslots to unload their vans, and a team of helpers facilitated the process of moving equipment into designated rooms. In our case, unloading began around 08:30 and took approximately one hour. The barebone system was up and running by 12 noon, leaving most of the afternoon for final dressing and positioning.
3: SYNDICATE 23
Before commencing setup, we indulged in some background tunes and prepared our trusty espresso coffee machine. Our initial task was to determine the optimal layout for our system, considering both sonic performance and safety. We opted for the longer wall to provide ample space for visitors to explore our equipment safely and to maximise the broad soundstage without penalising those in less-than-ideal seating positions.
4: VALVES AT HEART
With valve amplification at the core of our system, we were confident in its ability to deliver accurate sound even at low volumes. This crucial aspect is often overlooked; a great system should excel at both high volumes and mid-to-low levels, preventing listening fatigue. Throughout the show, we often invited customers to play their favourite tracks to demonstrate the system's versatility, which it handled with ease.
5: MASTERSOUND’S HERITAGE
Our focus at the event was on the exceptional MastersounD Amplifiers, a small manufacturer based in Arcugnano, Vicenza, Italy. What sets them apart is their elegant yet simplistic designs and unique transformer technology refined over 50 years. A notable feature is their high-output, pure-triode amplifiers, which allow exotic valves such as 300B and 845s to be used with more conventional loudspeakers.
6: BRICASTI DESIGN
The sheer resolution of Bricasti Design products is widely acclaimed, and we experienced their effectiveness firsthand. The Bricasti M1S2 DAC seamlessly integrated into our system, offering precise tuning for optimal performance. Additionally, the M19 SACD/CD Reference digital transport demonstrated the enduring appeal of physical media, delivering uncompressed data with remarkable fidelity.
7: LUCAS AUDIO LAB MINIMAX, TIGLON JAPAN, SHUNYATA RESEARCH
Server duties were expertly handled by the Lucas Audio Lab Minimax, serving as a reliable digital source. Paired with our Bricasti M1S2, it ensured seamless playback of any track and a formidable match. Our setup benefited from premium cabling and mains conditioning from Tiglon Japan and Shunyata Research, respectively, providing the unwavering performance required for these systems.
8: SONUS FABER MAXIMA AMATOR
Our speaker selection included the impressive Maxima Amator from Sonus Faber, supported by FineSounds UK representing a culmination of collaborative efforts. Sonus Faber and MastersounD, who are both based in Arcugnano, Vicenza, Italy, are equally committed to excellence, extending beyond their respective factories. This partnership resulted in these speakers being tuned during development with 845 valve-based MastersounD amplifiers, showcasing their seamless synergy at the show.
9: THE SOUND
The system's performance was a testament to the synergy among its components. The MastersounD EVO845 amplifier delivered a rich sound even at low volumes, providing effortless control over the partnered speakers. Bricasti Design electronics seamlessly conveyed the musical material, offering genuine insight into the creator's intent. The Sonus Faber Maxima Amator speakers exhibited precision, intimacy, and remarkable presence.
10: BOYER AUDIO
We also enjoyed experiencing Boyer Audio's exceptional system, featuring renowned products from Shunyata Research. Partnering equipment from Wadax Digital, Engström amplification, and Kroma Atelier loudspeakers showcased audio systems' transformative potential. The Boyer system offered a distinct presentation characterised by expansive soundstages and convincing realism.
11: SYMMETRY SYSTEMS
In the Symmetry Systems room, Brinkmann electronics were paired with Sonus Faber Stradivari G2 speakers, complemented by contributions from Mike Valentine of 'Chasing the Dragon.' Their system exemplified the pinnacle of audio excellence, delivering abundant sophistication and style.
12: ANTONIO FORCIONE
The event was further enriched by captivating performances from several musicians, including the legendary Antonio Forcione. His virtuosity held everyone spellbound, showcasing stunning articulation from start to finish.
CONCLUSIONS:
A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
The AUDIO SHOW DELUXE 2024 was truly an unforgettable weekend. The impeccable organisation, hospitality, exceptional venue, and high-quality staffing exceeded all expectations.
THE ORGANIZERS
Kris Sawicki and Stuart Smith deserve praise for curating a showcase of top-tier brands and distributors. Given the success of this year's show, we eagerly anticipate future editions of the event.
NEW AND OLD FRIENDS
These shows provide invaluable opportunities to discover new products and reconnect with industry peers. Despite the audio world's size, there's always something new to explore and learn.
WERE OUR EXPECTATIONS MET?
Our expectations were not only met but surpassed. The overwhelmingly positive feedback reaffirmed our belief in the quality and versatility of our system. We look forward to building on this success and delivering exceptional experiences at future events. Thank you for visiting us, and until next time!
