Heavenly Headphones And Head-Fi At FLAX 2023
Personal audio gear at the Florida International Audio Expo.
Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin

  There were a few rooms on the upper floor featuring various headphones, head amps, etc., and heavenly head-fi gear. The immense growth of this part of our premium audio industry has been awe-inspiring! Reaching full maturity today, we're seeing many incredible-sounding personal audio systems at various price points. From entry-level to ultra-fi, there's a set of cans, streaming DACs, plus high-end balanced amplification for your lifestyle and budget. Recording and mastering studios have also been paying close attention to personal audio, as there are various record labels offering headphone-based music or recording mixes that are specifically engineered for personal audio listening.

Spirit Torino, they were showcasing their Sigfrid headphone hybrid amplifier ($12,570, black box with white drawing above). 

Also being shown here at FLAX 2023 is their new Centauri Planar headphones ($3000), which is the company's very first planar magnetic stereo headphone design.

Spirit Torino's limited-edition Pulsar ($6,000) headphones were also at FLAX 2023 for you to audition. Without a doubt shows like this provide an excellent opportunity to try before you buy.

The far right silver headphones above are their statement Valkyria Titanium ($12,000) with center star-like design on the outer earcup. Every aspect of this design was to achieve sonic excellence. There are two drive revolvers generated by 13 powerful neodymium magnets. They are arranged in such a way, and patented as an isobaric motor unit, to concentrate all the magnetic flux on the moving coil. There's a lot of technology within this design, so be sure to read the company's website for more details. 

While walking the hallways at FLAX 2023 there's special impromptu gatherings from time to time. Enjoy the Music.com reviewers and wives above include, from left to right, myself and wife Heather, Rufus Smith and his wife Julie, plus great guy Chuck Bruce.

Audeze and Aurender showcased what seemed to be their entire line of headphones and streamers. Both companies are widely known to offer state-of-the-art personal audio gear, with Aurender being a major player in the lossless Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Music streaming sector of premium audio.

As seen above, there was an abundance of Audeze headphones to try before you buy.

Below is Warwick Acoustics headphones, who also gave a great showing here at the Florida International Audio Expo 2023. Their premium electrostatic headphones and amplifier delighted my ears with a truly immersive experience. Earning multiple awards over the years, these are excellent reference headphones for both music lovers and recording studio professionals alike. 

Seen above is an attendee giving a careful listen, as he closes his eyes to immerse himself as marvelous music fills one's ears.

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