I posted several comments elsewhere that focused on speakers.
I thought the sound, as usual, was best at THE Show. I heard four speakers that impressed me. First the Zen Acoustics little guys with the Red Dragon switching amp. Second the Tonian $1500 speakers which have to be the best buy for the money. Third were the Ars Aures big speakers. With low phase distortion, they gave an excellent sound stage and realism. I could listen all day with the Art Audio 845 amps. Fourth and best, were the Cerious Technologies satellite speakers with powered subwoofers. They were no doubt helped by the H-Cat, but their sound stage realism was dumbfounding. I have never heard such accurate bass. They are also incredibly priced at $7800.
The Acapella Violon Mk IIIs were also excellent, but their price is offputting. The little one, also pricy, were also excellent.
I would entirely agree with you about both the Wisdoms and the Rethms. I have heard the Rethms sound quite good although most limited in frequency response, but this time I stayed as short a time as I could.
I cannot agree about the Zus, however. I only listened to the bigger ones but thought they were far superior even in the very close field at RMAF. I lost all interest in them.
The Cogents were a thrill and a disappointment. It is good that there is an American all out effort, but although I liked the sound considering the small room, I really don't want to get back to a four way system and the very great expense of getting there.
As you can see, only the Cerious Technologies is a viable interest for me.
I thought the sound, as usual, was best at THE Show. I heard four speakers that impressed me. First the Zen Acoustics little guys with the Red Dragon switching amp. Second the Tonian $1500 speakers which have to be the best buy for the money. Third were the Ars Aures big speakers. With low phase distortion, they gave an excellent sound stage and realism. I could listen all day with the Art Audio 845 amps. Fourth and best, were the Cerious Technologies satellite speakers with powered subwoofers. They were no doubt helped by the H-Cat, but their sound stage realism was dumbfounding. I have never heard such accurate bass. They are also incredibly priced at $7800.
The Acapella Violon Mk IIIs were also excellent, but their price is offputting. The little one, also pricy, were also excellent.
I would entirely agree with you about both the Wisdoms and the Rethms. I have heard the Rethms sound quite good although most limited in frequency response, but this time I stayed as short a time as I could.
I cannot agree about the Zus, however. I only listened to the bigger ones but thought they were far superior even in the very close field at RMAF. I lost all interest in them.
The Cogents were a thrill and a disappointment. It is good that there is an American all out effort, but although I liked the sound considering the small room, I really don't want to get back to a four way system and the very great expense of getting there.
As you can see, only the Cerious Technologies is a viable interest for me.