Part 2 — 2300 And 2400 Hallways: Montreal Audiofest 2026 Show Report
High-end audio gear reviews, in-depth hi-fi technical details, and exhibit room listening notes.
Montreal Audiofest Show Report By Rick Becker

The large space was stretched thin with this rig, where the entry-level turntable was merely a suggestion.

The table displaying WiiM gear was where the action was, with people eager to learn about the differences among the various models.

Gentec also handles TEAC gear in Canada. On the right was a cassette duplicating deck on top of a CD/cassette combination unit. I've heard rumblings of cassette tapes being manufactured again. Will it follow the resurgence of vinyl? Stay tuned in the coming decade.

A TEAC HA 507 headphone amp was on top of a popular TEAC CD transport with a scaled-down version of the clamping CD drive units found in the very expensive and highly acclaimed Esoteric brand.

A long table featured a lineup of Musical Fidelity amps.

At the landing at the top of the escalator, a local radio station had set up and broadcast throughout the day on Saturday, with chairs set up for people to watch a live show in action. The chairs were full, so I guess these were popular radio personalities.

More Montreal Audiofest 2026 Coverage....
At this point, I returned to my room to prepare for the Industry Gala, so I'll call it a wrap on Part 2. Part 3 will be the coverage of the industry awards at the Gala in a couple of days. Coverage of the large rooms on the lower level will follow in Parts 5 and 6. Stay tuned and enjoy your music. Lots more to come.

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