To wrap up our coverage of T.H.E. Show, we are recognizing five “Rooms of Distinction” that in our opinion presented an exceptional sound and listening experience. Congratulations to these Beatnik Bongos Award winners!
Computer Audio Design/Aesthetix
Computer Audio Design’s Scott Berry and his wife, Isabelle, were gracious and informative room hosts who recently relocated to Oregon from the UK are alphabetically first on our list of Beatnik Bongos Award winners. Teaming with Aesthetix Audio, their room stood out. As I said in my room review, “Overall, the sound was very realistic, full-bodied and lifelike. The system’s tonal colors were beautiful, and it had a realism that few systems at the show achieved.” You can read the full review here.
Esoteric Audio/Von Schweikert Audio
In my review of the Esoteric and Von Schweikert room, I said, “The sound of this system was a revelation to me. In a smaller than usual room for them, the Von Schweikert team had paired smaller speakers with electronics, and the system produced recorded music with almost the same level of performance as their larger speakers had in huge rooms. Not only that, they were showing that these smaller speakers are more than worthy to pair with the very best electronics.” Congratulations on a well-deserved Beatnik Bongos award!
High Water Sound
Congratulations to Jeff Catalano on another Beatnik Bongos award. We thought the High Water Sound system sounded very much like live music, and it was also emotionally involving. All in all, it was great fun to listen to, and Jeff kept introducing us to music we hadn’t heard before. And, as I said in my room review here, “The smaller Horning Hybrid Systems Aristotle Ellipse PM65 speakers sounded like they were made for this space.”
PranaFidelity
As I said in my room review, “Steven Norber, founder and designer of PranaFidelity of Denver, CO continues to bring great sound to audio shows.” From the beautiful red speakers, the PranaFidlity Vayu/fs‘, to the analog and digital sources, this room sounded fantastic.” This is the first time I can recall giving PranaFidelity a Beatnik Bongos award, but this system deserves the recognition. Take a look at the room review here for more details.
TriangleArt/Muraudio
“The overall quality of this system stood out, and even though this was a smaller show, they would be impressive anywhere. So, the next time you have a chance to hear the Muraudio speakers or the TriangleArt turntables and amps, don’t miss them. The dedication to craftsmanship is superb!” With stunningly beautiful turntables and electrostatic speakers, this Beatnik Bongos award is well deserved. Read the full room review here.