CanJam SoCal 2022 Show Report
Aural adventures and dynamic innovations!
CanJam SoCal 2022 Show Report By Emiko

CEntrance… admittedly, I had passed by CEntrance's display a few times while making my rounds. When I finally had a chance to sit down, I asked myself (silently of course) why I didn't get to them sooner. I was completely impressed with their creations which included the HiFi M8 V2 ($750), the Ampersand ($750), and their DAC Mini ($2000). I hooked these goodies up to a pair of Rosson Audio headphones and away I went with Chaka Kahn and Katrina and the Waves. The cool thing about their components, in addition to their size and affordability, is that they've thought of the extra things, like a subtle but very noticeable bass boost which you can toggle off and on.

A similar button is available as a treble boost which gives added shine to horns and tambourines. CEntrance components are designed and developed by Michael Goodman, who, like yours truly, comes from the pro-audio world. His understanding of how to blend pro-audio quality with hi-fi needs and sensibility is beautifully balanced. Am sure many of you already know of the company, yet if you don't, get ready because you should and you will.

Spirit Torino arrived all the way from Italy to show off three of their headphones. I was fortunate enough to audition their Mistral Pro and their Twin Pulse. Their third headphone was being hoarded by a listener who was testing the limits of death metal and by all accounts, seemed to be quite impressed with the experience. For me, I found their Mistral Pro headphones were incredibly string friendly. They were beautiful and vibrant and offered fantastic dynamics. Once I switched to the Twin Pulse (which is next up in their line), I heard a marked difference. The same vibrance and dynamics leveled up and flute and wind instruments in my choice of music (The Barber of Seville Overture) sounded bullseye authentic.

Veramentebella, if I may say so (although I don't know if headphones are masculine or feminine in Italian). Either way, a job very well done by Spirit Torino.

Bloom Audio was a table I had to circle around for a while but I was determined to spend some time with the Burson Grand Tourer. This was paired with Focal headphones, which I A/B'ed with the Dan Clark Expansions and streamed Qobuz. Previously, I had a chance to experience a smaller Burson unit paired with Audeze so I was curious to know how the Grand Tourer would do. They don't call it "Grand" for nothing. Well done Burson Audio and thank you Bloom Audio, for bringing them to CanJam.

Earmen had a simple exhibit table and a somewhat unassuming display are not to be passed over. Earmen was a definite win in this girl's experience. I sat down with their Angel balanced DAC/headamp ad preamp combo ($799) and paired it with the Meze 109pro. I state freely here and now that this was one of the warmest and beautiful sounding experiences I had had thus far. This setup was great for vocals.

I switched over to the Earmen CH Amp ($1499), which was stacked with the Tradutto ($799) and the Staccato ($999) which I paired with the HiFiMAN Sundara's, and was literally blown away by how incredible the piano sounded on the track I had chosen. I also want to make mention how nice their rep was. CanJam was buzzing with tons of attendees but Earmen took the time to connect and answer all my questions. I appreciated that as much as I appreciated their great components.

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