Toronto Audiofest 2026 Show Report Part 1
High-End Audio Highlights, New Gear Debuts, And Must-See Listening Rooms
Top-performing listening rooms, exciting product introductions, prestigious audio gear, and value-packed hi-fi sound systems that captivate music lovers.
Toronto Audiofest 2026 Show Report By Rick Becker

430  Rega, Stereogroup, And Totem Acoustic
Affordable Rega electronics were fed from Rega's flagship NAIA turntable fitted with a Rega cartridge, driving  Totem speakers. That's a Solid Tech rack with a built-in bubble level.

Artysan is a new Canadian cable company that I've been watching for two years now. Their cables were in use in a couple of rooms this year, indicating that they are gaining some traction in the marketplace. I came upon their table in the Conference Center on Sunday, where I had an in-hand look at them.

436  Audio Eden And Erikson Consumer
I believe these were new JBL Summit speakers finished in gorgeous high-gloss Ebony veneer, and sounding better than any JBL speakers I can recall. The stand-mounted monitor received an award for 2026-2027

The double-wide Solid Tech rack with white shelves and black pillars was a definite fashion statement. On the right side were the Chord M-Scaler and DAVE DAC. I've heard a comparison with and without the M-Scaler, and it does make an improvement. Below were an Arcam streamer and CD player. Nordost cabling tied it all together.

Chord is a top-shelf brand from Great Britain that gets a lot more exposure in Canada than in the States. Years ago, it was touted as the in-house gear at Apple Studios. The styling has remained the same while the circuitry has been upgraded over the many years.

437  Lenbrook And Star Electronics
The Lenbrook Group put together a demonstration at the entry level using DALI speakers driven by an NAD integrated amp with an NAD CD player and Bluesound streamer as source components. On the bottom shelf was an ISOL 8 power conditioner.

DALI of Denmark also makes some superb high-end speakers that require much better electronics to sound their best. These are more often seen at the Montreal show or AXPONA, and represent excellent value.

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