AXPONA 2025 Ear Candy, Sonic Magic, And Audiophile Bliss
Music Professor Michael Bump's special Best Of AXPONA 2025 Blue Note Awards
AXPONA 2025 High-End Audio Show Report By Dr. Michael Bump

  AXPONA 2025 delivered a symphony of sonic excellence, but only the crème de la crème earn the coveted Enjoy the Music.com Best Of AXPONA 2025 Blue Note Award — a distinction reserved for the gear that transcends expectation and elevates the listening experience to new heights. This year's winners didn't just impress; they mesmerized, setting the standard for audiophile bliss with innovation, artistry, and unrelenting musicality. Whether through breathtaking detail, staggering dynamics, or pure analog magic, these standouts prove that the pursuit of high-fidelity perfection is as thrilling as ever.

"Enjoy the Music.com wants to express our deepest gratitude for an incredible AXPONA 2025 experience. The passion, innovation, and dedication on display made this event truly unforgettable. From the remarkable audio demonstrations to the inspiring conversations, every moment was a testament to the thriving community of music lovers and high-fidelity sound enthusiasts. A huge Thank You to the many exhibitors for a fantastic showcase and for sharing their groundbreaking products and expertise. Most importantly, we appreciate everyone who attends high-end audio shows, your enthusiasm and love for music make this gathering of audiophiles so very special."

Two Epiphany Room   Audio Group Denmark And Next Level HiFi – Aavik, Ansuz, And Børresen
Enjoy the Music.com's experience with Audio Group Denmark is a masterclass in realizing what is possible in high-end audio. AGD had a commanding presence, occupying four listening rooms, representing all brands under their DNA umbrella – Anuz, Aavik, Børresen, and Axxess. The Epiphany room, in particular, offered a revelatory moment to all who ventured in. Michael Børresen, Lars Kristensen, Flemming Rasmussin - The trifecta synthesis of minds, souls, and energy that make up the creative direction of AGD. Mix in the domestic commitment to this effort via Peter Hansen, Tyler Mueller & team Next Level HiFi, and one then understands how quickly the collective has become a consummate leader in the evolution of high-end audio.

This fact was once again on full display at this year's AXPONA. I found myself enjoying multiple, extended listening in the Epiphany room, which featured the world premiere of the new Børresen M2 floor standing speaker ($190,000 pr), a ‘sneak peak' at a pair of the groundbreaking Bass Modules ($ tbd), as well as the North American debut of the Aavik R-880 phono preamp ($70,000).

Upon writing the U.S. premiere review of the (then new) Børresen 01 two-way monitor for Enjoy the Music.com (Review Magazine issue July 2020), I knew right then we were dealing with a game-changing influence that would be raising the bar in profound ways. By comparison, I look forward to a summer review window of the new T1 two-way monitor.

Rendering music at this level of authenticity, musicality, and precision is compelling beyond reproach. Once again, I have no choice but to extend another Best Of AXPONA 2025 Blue Note Award to the Audio Group Denmark / Next Level HiFi-Epiphany room system. Simply stunning!

Børresen M2 floorstanding loudspeakers - $190,000 pr

Børresen "Bass Modules" - $TBD

Linn LP12-50 Turntable

DS Audio DS Master 3 Optical Cartridge - $87,000

Aavik SD-880 - $70,000

Aavik C-880 - $70,000

Aavik P-880 - $70,000

Aavik R-880 - $70,000

Ansuz D-TC3 Gold Signature Series Ethernet Switch - $23,000

Mainz8 Power Distributor - $64,000

Mainz Power Cord - $68,000 (3m)

Speaker Cables - $108,000 (3m)

Ethernet Cable - $12,400 (2m)

Signalzi/c's - $51,000 (2m)

Signalz Phono Cable - $51,000

Ansuz Z2 Darkz - $4,000 ea

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