AXPONA 2026 Listening Notes, Gear Highlights, And New Gear Show Report
Audiophile show coverage of breakthrough systems, top room demos, and must-hear gear from this high-end audio show.
Audio Expo North America 2026 Show Report By Dr. Michael R. Bump

Room 1627  GTT Audio ("Big Room")
As a seasoned proprietor and one of the most highly regarded and sought-after purveyors of high-end audio wisdom, Bill Parish of GTT Audio can be trusted to craft one of the finest ensembles of audio instruments wherever he is tasked to do so. His combined knowledge and intuition, with business partner Dick Diamond, offers a powerful resource every enthusiast can trust when seeking an audio synergy that maximizes authenticity and organic realism in recorded musical presentation.

Though it is difficult to improve on perfection, there were a few new musicians present in the GTT Audio ensemble compared to last year's group. These included the US Premiere of the Vivid Audio Giya G1 Spirit Cu ($114,000/pr), Kubala Sosna Xpander 2 power distribution ($13,000), and the World Premiere of the Dejitterit Roon End Point NUC X ($8,000). New last year and returning to the system this year were the Master Fidelity NADAC-D ($27,500) and Clock ($27,500), as well as Louis Desjardins' work of art, Perpetual ($70,000). When recalling the Kubala Sosna Realization cabling of last year's system, the Ovation of this year's system truly took things a quantum leap into the realm of reality.

When serving up one of my favorite reference tracks, Brenda Navarette's, "Rumbero Como Yo" from her debut recording, Mi Mundo, her performance never sounded more present, more visceral. Just wow! For the third year in a row, I am pleased to extend an Enjoy the Music.com Best Of AXPONA 2026 Blue Note Award recognition to the GTT Audio primary system.

(Loudspeakers)  Vivid Audio Giya G1 Spirit - $105,500 pr (NEW)

(Digital) Dejitterit Switch X - $3,500
Dejitterit WiFi X - $850
Dejitterit WiFi X Access Point - $850
Dejitterit Roon End Point NUC X - $8,000 (NEW)
Dejitterit Core/Streamer NUC X- $8,000 
Master Fidelity DAC NADAC-D - $27,500
Master Fidelity Clock NADAC-C - $27,500

(Analog) Kronos Perpetual Turntable- $70,000
Kronos Discovery RS Tonearm- $24,000
Kronos SCPS-P Power Supply- $20,000
My Sonic Lab Sig. Platinum Cartridge- $11,000
Audionet Pam G2 Phono Stage- $10,100
Audionet Ampere Phono Stage - $11,200

(Amplification)   Audionet MACH Line Stage - $37,060 
Audionet Schrodiner Monos - $71,050/pr

(Distribution) Kubala SosnaXpander 2 - $13,000 (NEW)

(Cabling) Kubala Sosna Ovation

Euphoria VAC And Acora Acoustics (Primary System)
I've been conditioned through recent AXPONA visits to expect pure musical joy upon entering the VAC and Acora Acoustics Euphoria Room. Of course, why would this year prove any differently? One of the first rooms visited upon arriving, and almost always the final goodbye before hitting the road on Sunday. The synergy carefully considered among these highly respected audio artisans generates true magic in the presentation of recorded music. A singular visit seemed inadequate to fully absorb all that this system offered (though Mike Fremer's Saturday evening spin provided an excellent extended listening experience). Admittedly, friendships I share with these gifted audio designers play a role, but only a consequence of my sincere admiration for the fruits of their efforts.

This year, the system included the international premiere of the Acora MRC 5.2D ($58,000/pr), utilizing Accuton diamond tweeters and ceramic drivers. The MRC 5.2D postures as a slightly more conventional alternative to the flagship VRC-1. Building on the Horizon 360, the (new-er) statement LampizatOr Aphrodite DAC ($105,000), debuting last October in Warsaw, presented the digital side of the equation with unprecedented finesse and authenticity.

My congratulations and privilege to extend this Enjoy the Music.com Best Of AXPONA 2026 Blue Note Award recognition for this outstanding reference system. As John Cage once told me plainly following a performance many years ago, I now pass along to them, Thank you for your music!

(Loudspeakers)  Acora MRC 5.2D - $58,000/pr (Premiere)

(Digital) Aurender N30SA Server/Streamer - $27,500 LampizatOr Aphrodite DAC - $105,000

(Analog) Swedish Analog Technologies (SAT) system (incl. Table, Arm, Isolation Base) - $384,238
Lyra Atlas Lambda mc Phono Cartridge - $14,500

(Amplification) VAC Master 300iQ Mk II Musicbloc dual-mono amplifiers - $50,000 ea/$100,00pr  
VAC Statement Line Stage preamplifier - $94,000 
VAC Statement Phono Stage - $94,000

(Cabling) Cardas Clear and Clear Beyond

(Stands)  Acora

Epiphany Suite / Serenity Suite  Next Level HiFi, Audio Group Denmark, And SV Audio
Tyler Mueller and team Next Level HiFi know how to work a room…In every sense of the phrase. This crew has gained well-earned respect in the high-end audio industry for their commitment to the customer/family dynamic as their business model. Integrity and a genuine commitment to being there in all aspects of a client's journey towards their listening objectives in recorded music. As a professional musician of over 45 years performing, recording, composing, and teaching (as well as a dedicated audiophile) I share these values and can attest Next Level's mojo is the real deal. Simply put, I think the world of this crew.

While Next Level HiFi was founded around 2009, their relationship with Audio Group Denmark's founders (Lars Kristensen and Michael Børresen) dates back further. Their close association with AGD has benefited both businesses tremendously, providing a successful platform to domestically promote and distribute, alongside other fine audio brands that Next Level has represented for some time, such as McIntosh, Focal, and Naim.

So it was quite an attraction at this year's AXPONA audiophile show to see a new Danish audio designer postured alongside AGD in Next Level's Epiphany Suite - SV-Audio.

While the Epiphany room featured a full Audio Group Denmark system featuring Børresen C3 loudspeakers with a pair of BM3 Bass Modules, an Aavik flagship 588 Suite (I-588 integrated amplifier, SD-588 streamer / DAC, and P-588 power amplifier), as well as a loom of Ansuz D3 level cables and resonance control devices, the Serenity room next door featured the North American debut of SV-Audio, showcasing their flagship Fenja floorstanding loudspeaker paired with McIntosh electronics. The MAC stack gave it everything it needed to perform at its best. Analog duties were handled by an AMG turntable, paired with a DS Audio optical cartridge and EQ. DS Audio founder Tetsuaki Aoyagi was also on hand during one of my three visits.

The Fenja were amazing – Present, quick, yet realistic transient speed, beautifully balanced lows, and mids that just glowed on every reference track I tested. I'm looking forward to quality review time this Fall with their standmount, Fridas. Keep a close eye (and ears) out for SV-Audio!

It was one for the books, as both Next Level Hi Fi systems saw some of the busiest audience activity of this year's AXPONA 2026, and for good reason. Ultimately, my experience with the AGD collective in the Epiphany room (in particular the Borresen C3 / BM3 combo), brought me to the gig, as they do every time I hear them. Thus, a standout Enjoy the Music.com Best Of AXPONA 2026 Blue Note Award recipient.

Epiphany Room:  (Speakers)  Borresen C3 - $40,000/pr Borresen BM3 Bass Modules (x2) - $21,000 ea/$42,000 pr

(Digital)  Aavik 588 Streamer/DAC- $30,000

(Amplification) Aavik 588 Integrated - $30,000 
Aavik 588 Amplifier - $30,000

(Cabling)  Ansuz D3 cabling and resonance control accessories Ansuz C3 cabling and power (Borresen) BM3's)

Serenity Room: (Speakers)  SV Audio Fenja - $82,000/pr 
SV Audio Gro - $32,000/pr (Static)  
SV Audio Frida - $22,000/pr (Static)

(Digital) McIntosh DS200 Streamer/DAC - $4,000

(Analog) AMG Giro 2 Turntable - $13,000  
AMG Linear Power Supply - $1,260.00  
DS Audio 003 Optical Cartridge - $2,750.00  

(Amplification) McIntosh C2800 Preamplifier - $10,500 
McIntosh MC 462 Amplifier - $11,500  
DS Audio TB-100 Phono Equalizer - $22,000

(Cabling)  Ansuz C3 cabling

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