By Juan C. Ayllon I don't know about you, but I am filled with anticipation. With AXPONA around the corner, upcoming speaker and equipment reviews, and the arrival of new speakers, there's a lot to look forward to in the coming days. AXPONA (Audio Expo North America), the largest consumer audio show in the U.S., is being held this Friday, April 22, through Sunday, April 24, at the Renaissance Convention Center and Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois. Nestled in this large, northwest suburb of Chicago, with over 150 listening rooms and several live acts, including singer/songwriter and recording artist, Lori Lieberman on Saturday, April 23rd, there's so much to see and experience. The Usher Audio ML-802 loudspeakers, shown in a factory photograph, featuring Magnesium alloy tweeters and midrange, along with two eight inch carbon fiber woofers, are scheduled to arrive at Prairie Audio Man Cave headquarters soon. Their single woofer model, the ML-801s, will be playing in the Triangle Arts display in Room 614 at AXPONA this upcoming weekend (photo courtesy of Usher Audio) Amongst other things, it offers a chance to audition some of the latest in stereo and AV equipment in intimate room settings, meeting some of the industries' professionals and principals, and sharing the celebration with other audio enthusiasts. One of the things I'm looking forward to is hearing the new Usher Audio ML-801 loudspeakers in person at the Triangle Art room, where Tom Vu will be using them to showcase his gleaming high end turntables and electronics. The ML-801 features a magnesium alloy tweeter and midrange driver, combined with an eight inch carbon fiber woofer (the ML-802 pictured above, which I should be receiving in June, employs two eight inch woofers). Another is meeting principals and representatives from Roon Labs, Qobuz, Focal Naim America, Perlisten Audio, VPI, AV Room Service, and a myriad of other companies and hearing their latest offerings. Additionally, I am excited about seeing old friends, meeting online connections in person for the first time and making new acquaintances at the show. In addition to AXPONA, this week I am scheduled to review a pair of Perlisten Audio S7t speakers at a local dealer, then slog up to Spring Green, Wisconsin to tour the Taliesin Wisconsin campus, Frank Lloyd Wright's estate. Featuring his former 37,000 square foot home and a treasure trove of FLW buildings, it will go a long way to indulge my inner architect and design aesthetic in viewing one of America's landmarks.
Then, in several weeks, I will begin chipping away at other reviews, including the Straight Wire Crescendo 3 speaker cables, Pass Labs XP-17 phono stage and XP-12 preamplifier. And, if all goes well, I should be taking possession of my new Usher Audio ML-802 speakers in June whence, afterwards, I will share my impressions with you, my readers. Like I said, there's a lot of fun experiences and listening to anticipate in the coming days and weeks, and you'll be hearing about it round these parts. And, who knows? Maybe I'll catch you at AXPONA. Cheers!
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Juan C. AyllonA writer, artist, educator and owner of Prairie Audio Man Cave, he lives with his wife, Isabel (AKA Belle), and their Goldendoodle, Liam, enjoys listening to high fidelity music and all things hi-fi at their home in the greater Chicagoland area.. Archives
March 2024
Categories |