The Florida Audio Expo was a very nice gathering of a number of industry leaders and newcomers. I have been covering audio shows since the late ’70s, and I have noticed that each show has its own personality and vibe. The Florida Audio Expo had a very relaxed and open feel to it, unrushed and laid back. The single word I would use to describe it would be “unpretentious.”
All of the exhibitors were very approachable. I attribute this to the size of the show. Everyone involved, exhibitors and consumers alike, had time to ask questions and explore what the exhibitors were offering. Overall, it was a very enjoyable show that featured a number of very good sounding rooms.
Over the next week or so, I will introduce you to the rooms that captured my attention. Be aware that these will be presented in no particular order. These rooms represent sound you need to be aware of. So, let’s get started as I share 10 rooms with a sound that caught my attention.
ModWright Instruments
A visit with Dan Wright of ModWright Instruments is always something to look forward to at any audio show. He has a calm but confident nature, and the rooms he sets up are typically a pleasure to listen to. His Florida Audio Expo room was no exception.
Dan introduced his new KWH 225i Integrated amp ($8,495.00) at this show. This amp distills the knowledge he has accrued over the years. It combines a solid-state bipolar amplifier section with a Class A tube preamp section. The first 25 watts are biased Class A and are backed up by a total of 225 watts, if needed (usually not).
His show system featured the VPI-HW 40 ($15,000) with a VPI Shyla Cartridge ($1,200.00). This was feed into the wonderful ModWright PH 9.0 phono stage ($2,900.00) and then into the above-mentioned KWH 225i ($8,495.00). The system sat on a Stillpoints ESS rack. Cables were a mixture of Alex Sventitsky’s Platinum and Diamond WyWires, which were seen in a number of rooms at the show. As a digital source, Dan used a T+A MP 3100 HV DAC ($21,000) with a Wolf Audio Alpha 3 Audio Server ($9,895.00).
The speakers were a pair of the floor-standing EgglestonWorks OSOs, which come in at $11,995/pr, which were a world premiere. It was obvious on BOTH formats that Dan’s front end and the Eggleston Works speakers were quite comfortable. The system presented a wonderfully relaxed and detailed sound. Also spotted in the room were some of the Stillpoints Aperture Panels for room acoustic control.
This was a room where I wanted to sit down, relax and listen to music with a beverage of choice. Hey, isn’t that the way we enjoy this hobby? Well done Dan.
Note: Our complete coverage for this show is available here.
