Chuck's Capital Audiofest 2025 Review: The Most Memorable Must-Hear System Demos And Stereo Setups
Inside CAF 2025's best demos with new gear, listening notes, and a few surprise standouts!
Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Chuck Bruce

Audio Icon 12 two-way floorstanders with Boulder electronics and dCS streaming... A pair of Audio Icon 12 (Phase Audio Norway) two-way, mid-size floorstanding loudspeakers was on demo, featuring horn-loaded compression drivers for the high frequencies and 12" low-frequency drivers for deep, controlled bass. The cabinets were braced and internally damped to reduce standing waves, and the horn geometry was optimized for smooth off-axis response and extended sensitivity.

The front end was a Boulder 1110 preamp feeding a pair of Boulder 1151 mono power amplifiers, known for their ultra-low distortion, high current delivery, and precise control. Digital streaming was handled by a dCS Rossini APEX player, providing high-resolution PCM and DSD playback with advanced upsampling and jitter reduction. The signal chain emphasized neutrality and dynamic authority.

The ensemble produced stunning dynamics and scale: orchestral crescendos had real weight and impact, while chamber music retained microdynamic nuance. Horn-driven highs were fast and articulate without harshness, and the 12" woofers delivered deep, tuneful bass with excellent transient control. Imaging was expansive and holographic, creating a convincing sense of venue and performer placement that bordered on euphoric.

Marten Mingus Quintet 2 with Gryphon Essence Preamp and the new Gryphon Antileon Revelation stereo amplifier were mated with Aurender streaming and were showcased here at CAF 2025. The Marten Mingus Quintet 2 three-way mid-tower loudspeakers were showcased with Gryphon solid-state electronics providing amplification and an Aurender N50 streamer as the digital source. The Mingus Quintet 2 combined multiple midrange drivers, a dedicated tweeter, and a long-throw woofer in a time-aligned cabinet to achieve coherent phase response and wide bandwidth. Gryphon electronics contributed high-current, low-noise amplification with tight control over the drivers.

The Aurender N50 supplied bit-perfect streaming and local storage capabilities, while the Gryphon pre/power combination is considered by many to be among the very best in high-end audio. They easily support multiple input options and have ultra-robust power reserves for dynamic peaks. Cabling and room treatments were carefully implemented to let the speakers breathe and to preserve transient fidelity.

The room delivered powerful, involving full-range music: low-frequency impact was authoritative without bloat, mids were rich and textured, and highs were clean and extended. The system handled complex, high-energy passages with composure, and quieter moments revealed fine harmonic shading and decay. Overall, it was a commanding demonstration of scale, control, and musical engagement.

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