The Best & Most Interesting Loudspeakers

Our own James Larson attending ‪@AXPONA‬ 2024 to check out the best, and sometimes most interesting, loudspeakers he could find. James spent some time listening and talking to the engineers behind the products. He even saw a ludicrously priced speaker system at $4 million dollars that did NOT impress. A full written show report will follow soon.
0:00 Introduction
2:22 Yamaha
5:25 Dayton Audio
8:25 Stratton Acoustics
10:05 Perlisten NEW Subs
11:35 Focal
13:35 $4M ESD Audio Dragon System
15:08 Legacy Audio
18:00 Acoustic Energy
19:13 HSU Research
21:05 RBH Sound
25:43 Creative Sound Solutions
26:55 Gauder Acoustics
28:11 Vivid Audio
29:45 Metaxas
31:40 Acora Acoustics
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• Focal Bathys by Dreamedia AV MSRP: $699
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Recommended Headphones:
Focal Bathys: bit.ly/FocalBathyswireless
Focal Celestee: bit.ly/Focalcelestee
Mark Levinson 5909: bit.ly/MarkLevinson5909
Sony WF-1000XM3: bit.ly/SonyIEMs
Recommended Subwoofers:
SVS SB-1000 Pro: audioadvice.io/36Pea3a
SVS PB-1000 Pro: audioadvice.io/3sreeyk
SVS SB-3000: bit.ly/SVSSB3000Sub
Paradigm Defiance X12: bit.ly/ParadigmX12
Perlisten D15s: bit.ly/PerlistenD15s
Perlisten R212s: bit.ly/PerlistenR212s
Perlisten R210s: bit.ly/PerlistenR210s
Arendal 1723 1S Sub: bit.ly/Arendal17231Ssub
Recommended AV Separates
Trinnov Altitude 32: bit.ly/TrinnovAltitude32
Trinnov Altitude 16: bit.ly/TrinnovAltitude16
Trinnov Amplitude 16: bit.ly/TrinnovAmplitude16
Trinnov Amplitude 8: bit.ly/TrinnovAmplitude8
Anthem AVM 70: bit.ly/AnthemAVM70pre
Anthem AVM 90: bit.ly/AnthemAVM90
Anthem MCA 323 Gen 2: bit.ly/AnthemMCA325
Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2: bit.ly/AnthemMCA525
Recommended AV Receivers:
Onkyo TX-RZ50 ($1,599): bit.ly/OnkyoTXZ50
Denon AVR-X3800H 9.2CH AV Receiver: bit.ly/DenonX3800h
Marantz Cinema 50: bit.ly/MarantzCinema50
Sony STR-AZ5000ES: bit.ly/SonySTRAZ5000ES
Sony STR-AZ7000ES: bit.ly/SonySTRAZ7000ES
Anthem MRX1140: bit.ly/AnthemMRX1140
Monolith M8250x 8CH Amp: bit.ly/8CHamp
NAD M23: bit.ly/NADm23amp
Recommended Powered Speakers:
Kanto YU6: bit.ly/KantoYU6speakers
Kanto TUK: bit.ly/KantoTUK
Kanto Sub8: bit.ly/KantoSub8
Recommended Center Channels:
SVS Prime Center: bit.ly/SVSPrimecenter
Paradigm Premier 500C: bit.ly/Paradigm500C
Revel C208: bit.ly/RevelC208
Recommended Speakers:
SVS Prime 5.1 Speaker / Sub System: audioadvice.io/3JZJOt5
JBL HDI-3800: bit.ly/JBLHDI3800sale
Polk R700 Tower Speakers: audioadvice.io/3C0TK2B
Heco Aurora 1000 Tower Speakers: bit.ly/Aurora1000
Monolith Encore T6: bit.ly/EncoreT6
Arendal 1723S Tower Speakers: bit.ly/Arendal1723s
Focal Kanta No2: bit.ly/Focalkantano2
SVS Prime Elevation Surround: audioadvice.io/35aZCdR
MartinLogan Motion XT F100: bit.ly/MartinLoganF100
MartinLogan Motion XT F200: bit.ly/MartinLoganF200
MartinLogan Motion F10: bit.ly/MartinLoganF10
Perlisten S7t: bit.ly/PerlistenS7towers
Perlisten R7t: bit.ly/PerlistenR7t
Perlisten R5t: bit.ly/PerlistenR5t
Perlisten S3ic: bit.ly/PerlistenS3ic
Perlisten R3ic: bit.ly/PerlistenR3ic
Audioholics Recommended Cables:
250ft CL2 12AWG Speaker Cable: amzn.to/2vwS9QH
50ft 10AWG Speaker Cable: amzn.to/3DeMTT5
Locking Banana Plugs: amzn.to/2ZQt15x
9ft 4K HDR HDMI Cables: amzn.to/2WiIXeD
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#loudspeakers #audiophile #music

[@trevorparmer5231]

Steve, enjoyed getting to know you a bit, I was the Fidelity Imports rep in the Opera room. We really appreciate you visiting us and I’m pleased you enjoyed the sights and sounds.

[@alexw890]

Hsu played us some organ music with 16hz. It was awesome! They seem like great people. Very affordable stuff which he made a point of mentioning with the $300 amp. Glad you mentioned them!

[@Jimsathome]

Thanks for the video Gents. Seems like ShadyJ was impressed by the new HSU Subs. Can't wait for the review!

[@vassalhighend]

I'm actually stunned by his assessment of the Gauder speakers. I heard Sax, Male vocals, and Female vocals in that room. As a saxophone player, I was incredibly pleased by the level of realistic reproduction of a saxophone sound. In fact, I don't believe I heard anything better than that at the entire show in saxophone reproduction. Male and Female vocals were extremely revealing of every part of the voice. If there is a flaw in a recording, the Gauder room with Solution electronics was going to find it. Absolutely exceptional playback. As far as the ESD system goes, DUDE, they played some symphony orchestra stuff and it sounded like the trombone section was 10-12 feet away and playing wide open. That doesn't mean I'd drop 4 million on the system, but "wow" doesn't begin to describe the experience. And the folks walking out of the room with me were just as amazed as I was. After a full day of working my way down from the 16th floor, I had two other demos to go hit, but I just decided to leave on the ESD system. It wasn't going to get any better than that.

[@acousticenergyloudspeakers]

Thanks for taking the time out to visit us at the show. We look forward to any forthcoming reviews :-)

[@ashikhan244]

I ran into James on Sunday at Axopna , we were both walking out and I and the pleasure of picking his brain on some subs. I did not get to say it was very nice to meet you, and to be honest I was a little starstruck!! hahaha Anyway it was nice to meet you James.

[@jameslarson2277]

Nice to meet you too!

[@HaraldMacGerhard]

Did you ask for autograph? 🤪

[@ashikhan244]

@@HaraldMacGerhard I should have! Haha.

[@simoSLJ89]

I think the MoFi SourcePoint 888 are the best sound-for-money at the show.

[@PlaybackMansion]

I really appreciate the honest takes on all these rooms

[@RickP2040]

Just wait until you listen to the all new German Physiks Unicorn Horn Loudspeakers ! Audio Heaven on Planet Earth !

[@user-mz6lt2pr9s]

Gene and James thanks for the video and info on the speakers. Looking to James’ upcoming reviews of some of these. Rock on!

[@isaacsykes3]

James needs to review the Legacy Audio Subs... Gene, hire the movers!!

[@toddNothingClever]

Respect to HSU for making affordable products that give the average person so much value they can feel they are not missing out compared to much, much more expensive products. 💪

[@mattvaught4689]

I’d love to see the review of the Legacy Audio Goliath!

[@willbrink]

Good info gents, thanx.

[@Boxkerp]

Aww man. I was at Axpona on Saturday. It would have been cool to run into James

[@kl9941]

Listened to the Yamaha 800A at the Montreal Audiofest and I thought they were the best bang for the buck.

[@ianorigbo7617]

I got the audia flight three s. What an amp!

[@jamesconcepcion6021]

I have been following your KZbin and I have found out very informative topics in your vlogs. May I please ask which correct speaker level settings in my Yamaha RX-A2A receiver? I have two front floor standing speakers Martin Logan Foundation 1 and 1 subwoofer SVS 1000pro (sealed) and surround (L, R and Center) using my old Bose 141 bookshelves and Bose cube as my center. I put all speakers +2.0db and subwoofer +5.0db or should I just leave them all 0.0db? Thank you.

[@iamamadman6542]

Thanks for the entertaining and interesting insight into the Axpona

[@dougrobinson8602]

That ESD Audio Dragon System looks like it was designed by Dr. Seuss. I can't unsee that!

[@WardoUSA]

Finally some cool content from the show.

[@T8424]

I was there on Friday and got to hear both the Focal Kanta 2 and Sopra 2 and thought they both sounded great! The Kanta may be the sweet spot in the Focal lineup as both speakers sounded much more alike than different. I was also blown away by the Borresen C1. I’ve never heard a speaker that small sound so clean, detailed, and dynamic with plenty of low bass extension. Some others I enjoyed listening to were the Perlisten S7t, GoldenEar T66, Paradigm 100F (paired with a sub), and surprisingly, the Klipsch Cornwall IV. I did briefly listen to the PS Audio FR30s playing Eva Cassidy “Fields of Gold” and they sounded very transparent, detailed and dynamic. The room was full or I would have stayed for a few songs. Definitely way too much to see in only one day.

[@craigforeman903]

I really want to hear the new Hsu sub!

[@ryangonyer9498]

Yes please review the legacy Goliath! You don’t ever see reviews on them.

[@joek6207]

I met James there. It was the highlight of the show for me. We talked about Crosstalk Cancelation. I spent most of my time in the Theoretica Applied Physics room (BACCH). Best speakers for me: PSB towers 12K a pair best mid priced: Atohm towers like 5K a pair Best value pair: BMR philharmonics $1700

[@chronometa]

Monitor continue to be my favorite

[@edbrumbaugh9202]

Enjoyed the review, much appreciated. BTW, the focal pre-amp and mono blocks with their Utopias is $300K ... so a quick $548K for speakers and electronics ... nice if you have that kind of disposable income, good on you!! Enjoy your gear!!

[@marchuvfulz]

How big is the market for a $4m stereo?

[@TriAmpHiFi]

. Registering a Business $100. $4m in Business losses.......PriceLess. No one cuts a $4m check plus sales & other retail taxes. The only people that end up owning $4m stereos are failed stereo business owners. Sssshhh..... it's a secret. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

There's a market. It's not big but it's there. The wealthy are getting exponentially more so... just look how many $100K plus speakers there are in the market. There used to be only one.

[@Acura1NSX]

Didn't see the Clarisys Ribbon loudspeakers... Probably one of the best of all of these you show.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Where did they sound best to you ??

[@Staybrown11]

Did gene listen to the $4m horn system?

[@joenovak6393]

Did anyone look at Clayton Shaw CALADAN or MACO Open Baffle speakers?

[@donkeycrock]

When is the HSU sub review?

[@valeriocora3509]

Hi James Thank you for attending the Acora/Vac euphoria Room. Just to clarify pricing the SRB-Gem in Natural Amethyst are $55,000 /pr the Bedrock bass modules are $30,000 /pr in Lilac Marble. The same speaker can be purchased in our standard Nero Assaluto black Granite or Mystic Grey Granite for $38,000 complete SRB Monitor+Bedrock Bass unit. The flagship VRC are in Sunset Fire Quartzite a close cousin to Granite.

[@Audioholics]

So $30k/pair for the sub base model, not each? Are they passive or active? I will update our written show report accordingly. Thanks

[@valeriocora3509]

@@Audioholics They are passive at this time but we do provide an active crossover/control unit for them at the price listed. The end user will need an appropriate amplifier to drive them. Yes that is a per pair price at $30k in the lilac translucent marble as shown or $20k in Black Granite

[@slawek6829]

James, your opinion on psa audio speakers...?

[@dillonmaggiano5415]

Any thoughts on USB-C wired headphones?

[@WardoUSA]

That Auralic system is bonkers. My detailing ocd would have me tending to them 247

[@garyausten5939]

Just curious since I've never been to an audio expo...are they basically a showcase of the best of what different manufacturers make or do people actually order equipment that rivals cars and houses in price??

[@jameslarson2277]

Manufacturers can bring their best, but a lot of times they also bring their newest stuff. They just bring whatever they want to promote the most. Many of the stuff on exhibit is also on sale, and often you can get a 'show discount' if you buy it there.

[@nidoaudioyvideoEcuador]

No SVS Ultra Evolution?

[@Roddy451]

huh.. Tekton? (Sorry, I just couldn't help myself)

[@junior-OG]

lol

[@HaraldMacGerhard]

Tekton is dead company ... Eric Alexander is bully

[@Roddy451]

@@HaraldMacGerhard It will be difficult, though not impossible, to survive the self-inflicted wounds.

[@Roddy451]

You all know I meant "Tekton Tools". K? 😜😜

[@marstedt]

Would have been fun to see a flash-mob at Tekton asking about panel resonance, uneven response and directivity ... all the time fanboying over their amazing / euphoric sound and yelling at each other to shut up or their going to court.

[@philipteater3714]

I hear James voting with his ears and not his back concerning the Legacy Goliath

[@TheBodhisattvaWisdom]

Why aren't anyone anywhere reviewing the Lowther room....?

[@joecartwright9221]

Well done 👍

[@HaraldMacGerhard]

hi guys, the Opera speakers, there are several versions of the Opera Callas, I believe what you showed here is Opera Callas Diva ❤ There is also a larger one, Opera Grand Callas ❤ There is also a standmount speakers which looks way cool, like only Italians can do ❤😍

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

Cool pictures. My budget for speakers is $7,000 for decent; $10,000 for something special. Can’t blame James for not wanting to lug 200 lb speakers into the house; I’m waiting for my son to show up so that I can get some help moving my 100 lb amplifiers down stairs.

[@tritiumglo4699]

Busiest show ever. People were parked on the sidewalks. It took all three days moving fast to see everything. Perlisten was great. Mofi 888 debut was incredible. . Magnepan combined with REL and Rotel was amazing. Yamaha standmounts were smooth and laid back. Clarisys / Hegel was possibly the best of the show.

[@jaredhylton6591]

Gene, you were missed at the RBH room for sure!

[@craigforeman903]

Vivid speakers look like they were designed by Dr. Suess.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

No, by the guy that designed B&W Nautilus... one of the most iconic speakers ever made.

[@HaraldMacGerhard]

I listened to some of the smaller two way bookshelf Vivid Kaya S12 around here, under $7K ..... AMAZING speakers, incredible design insane value 😍 The small floorstander Kaya 25 is even better at slightly elevated price at $11K, and the design .... it´s a design bomb ❤😍

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Solid design, and great sound. Agreed.

[@marxman00]

is there a hearing convention next door? Everyone should get their hearing calabrated before entry to any audio expo...those results woud be interesing

[@Antimonkat]

Where's the SVS room?

[@jameslarson2277]

I wasn't able to get good pictures in that room, but it did sound good.

[@QuintEssential-sz2wn]

Gene...love Audioholics and you do a great job with your channel. However...next time you send someone to cover the show could you find a reviewer whose descriptive vocabulary goes beyond "sounded really good, sounded really good, sounded good, sounded fine, sounded really good..." ? He said he "doesn't pay attention" to the sound at shows (which is pretty bizarre to me) and I guess this is the result? Maybe others feel differently but when each sound system is shown and discussed I immediately want to know "How did it sound?" What kind of characteristics did the sound have? Doesn't mean it's an actual review, but impressions from a careful listener is part of the fun especially for us who can't attend. As an example, if you show a 4 million dollar system you actually had a chance to listen to, "sounded fine" is not very interesting or informative. I'd think someone who is an audio reviewer would actually give SOME analysis as to the general character of the sound, any strengths, obvious weaknesses, etc. I guess the general lack of interest in the sound, from an audio reviewer, just leaves me a bit befuddled and unsatisfied in terms of what some other show reports supply. Just some viewer feedback.

[@HaraldMacGerhard]

@James, please review that Legacy subwoofer 🤩 And I do have a win-win for you, please invite a football team to your home for pizza and free lifting excercises 🤪😎

[@gaurd3]

Italians are definitely known for their cars.

[@trevorparmer5231]

Steve, I enjoyed our brief time together at the show. I was the Fidelity Imports rep in the Opera room. We appreciate you stopping in and I’m glad you enjoyed the sights and sounds.

[@robwr737]

Click the like 👍 button people TY

[@paulstearns93]

Not one pair of planar or open baffle in the entire review. I know there were some planars & OBs there. Was this intentional? Are y'all anti dipole speakers? Being penurious, I will check out Hsu.

[@kevindillinger3699]

Do they have a show for the average Audiophile

[@TriAmpHiFi]

Aaaw...... You're not average Kevin. You're very very Special.

[@kevindillinger3699]

@@TriAmpHiFi Aaaw Thanks I know

[@scottwheeler2679]

There definitely were some "interesting" speakers there.

[@gaurd3]

13:26 WAF is zero. Who am I kiddin, my AF is zero.

[@avsystem3142]

interesting introductions to a lot of expensive speakers. Although I can appreciate the eye candy of expensive materials and designs I personally prefer my audio equipment to be heard and not seen, as much as possible. Sitting in my home theater neither the speakers or electronics are visible to the eye, only the screen just as it would be in a commercial theater. Hiding the system components also eliminates the tendency of some to judge how something sounds based on the way it looks.

[@wa2368]

Gene, what the...you and James (Gollum) have never met?!

[@roxy_xcxc6869]

😂Gryphon at AXPONA don't even border to plug their System for u to listen. Just like AudioQuest too. no display at AXPONA. both too yayapapaya. they think they Above the Gods nowadays🤗 Act like king of all Kings

[@sentinalneo]

AudioQuest were featured in the the GoldenEar room. It was associated with Saturday Audio Exchange, a Chicago local dealer.

[@vassalhighend]

Gryphon had a fantastic demo up on either 15 or 16. The Diablo Amp was featured in that room and it was stunning.

[@WardoUSA]

Maybe it’s difficult for them to choose speaker brands without causing rifts in relationships.

[@marstedt]

Tekton? Apparently he's sorry now so it's okay.

[@vincebagusauskas278]

He aint sorry.

[@marstedt]

@@vincebagusauskas278 Oh darn. :|

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

He doesn't give a dang about anyone not liking him. No problem there.

[@marstedt]

@@OCDHIFiGuy People don't have to like him but he does need help. Threatening and slandering people is not ok.

[@kenbbaker]

Eric is just looking for his next (scape) goat

[@roxy_xcxc6869]

😂Japan people always cut cost on their Internal connection. Use too much 15% conductivity Prosper bronzes pin in their Esoteric, very Rought Sound & very bad mid base sound, very very Disappointed with Them nowaday🤗

[@Tom_the_great]

RMAF needs to come back. Chicago sucks

[@johnstone7697]

How does Chicago "suck"? First of all, it's in Schaumburg, not Chicago. Second, it's way larger and better attended than Denver ever was. And, once RMAF got bounced from the Tech Center Marriott, the new location by the airport was pretty horrible.

[@Tom_the_great]

@@johnstone7697 Are you seriously asking how Chicago sucks?

[@jameslarson2277]

Schaumberg is not Chicago.

[@johnstone7697]

@@Tom_the_great No I'm seriously asking if you've ever been to Axpona, or you're just another !diot spouting off about nothing. Besides, Denver was never a good location for a big audio show. Max attendance at RMAF was around 3000, where Axpona is getting over double that.

[@rogercoates2492]

I had a great time at Axpona this year! Highly recommended to attend. This was my fifth time going. RMAF as great, but I had to fly there. I liked staying at the same hotel as the convention.

[@willmorgan365]

No TAD?? Talking of some of the best speakers, they should definitely be there.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

TAD was there in 3 rooms.

[@willmorgan365]

​@OCDHIFiGuy, that's my point. I think Gene's anti Pioneer feelings get in the way. He'd be the only person I know that wouldn't speak highly of them.😂

[@HiFinest343]

James if you want deep bass you’re gonna have to squat deep.. get that sub on the ground plane…

[@jp93309]

I’m really digging the proliferation of white finish speakers. They’re good at making a small space look less cramped.