Esoteric / TEAC
The Esoteric / TEAC room was producing very sweet sounds with what I might call hyper detail, impressive micro dynamics and a riveting delicacy in the upper treble that complemented the romantic lighting of the room. To the left was a system that was static; comprised of an Esoteric N-05 XD Network DAC / Preamplifier; the all-new K-05XD SACD / CDP €13,500 and S-05 Stereo Power Amplifier. The main system stack included the 35th anniversary Grandioso T1 Analog Turntable; flagship E02 Balanced Phonostage Preamplifier €12,000; a Grandioso G1X Master Clock Generator and N-03T Network Audio Transport.
In the right stack was the company’s new Grandioso C1X solo Linestage Preamplifier €29,000 sitting above a Grandioso P1X SACD Transport with matching power supply, below. Out in front was the all-new Grandioso S1X Stereo Power Amplifier €39,000. This system’s lovely sound was also attributed to the pair of elegant black Wilson Audio Sasha DAW loudspeakers and Nordost ODIN 2 cables that it was paired with.
Fezz Audio with Pylon
Fezz Audio paired up with Pylon Audio, both brands from Poland to demonstrate their products. The room had lovely décor and finishes and was attracting a crowd when I arrived.
Though I did get in for a listen to the system, the tight and crowded space only allowed a photo of the equipment stack. From left top down was first a pair of Evolution – Fezz Titania Power Amplifiers (each running mono, for 80 W side); on the bottom right, a Fezz Audio – Evolution Sagita Pre-Amplifier and to the right middle shelf, a Fezz Gratia MM / MC phonostage. While I was there, the Ayon CD-10 was the source; however, I would have like to hear the Muarah MT2 Special Edition turntable that was sitting there on stanby.
Listening to the music, I was emersed in a rich, full, laid back sound that was soft around the edges and cast broad images. The loudspeakers were Pylon Audio Jade 20 monitors €2790, which I did get a picture of outside the room sitting flanking some gorgeous army green Fezz Audio components.
LAB 12
LAB 12, a company from Athens, Greece was showing their all-new (prototype) naya hybrid integrated amplifier, with built-in USB DAC and phonostage, which delivers 100 watts / ch €3500 – €4000 expected (sitting on right). On the left, was also the new Irama, parallel single ended mono power amplifier, that will come in two versions: i) with 4 x KT 170 / 120 W; or ii) 2 x 300 B / 20 W at an estimated €4000 / pair.
Though not new, also on display were a few other specimens, including the Melto2 fully adjustable phono amplifier; and the Mighty Class A Single Ended Power Amplifier sitting on top of a True passive attenuator / input selector.
MYTEK
Mytek had a headphone listening table setup with a number of their components including their: Brooklyn Amp+ and Brooklyn Bridge II ROON Bundle €5995 as well as their Brooklyn Bridge II ROON CORE €3995.
I made my way into their listening room setup, where they had their Empire Streamer DAC €12,498 paired to Empire Monoblock amplifiers €9995 / each, that were playing out through Magico A3 loudspeakers (not pictured). The sound of this setup brought attention to the delicate details and patina in cymbals with wonderful texture and tone; a very engaging sound.
PIEGA Switzerland
PIEGA Switzerland was showing off their all-new Master Line Source 2 GEN2 loudspeaker €37,500 / per loudspeaker, plus bottom plate €1250 / each. The loudspeakers were being driven by a T+A SDV 3100HV integrated amplifier with a LINN Sondek LP12 on standby.
While I was there, the streaming of some Latin guitar music demonstrated a propensity for details, speed combined with an intrinsic harmonic warmth. On static display in the entrance to the room were a few other models from PIEGA that demonstrate Swiss simplicity and elegance of form – the models including (left to right): the new Premium 701 Wireless Gen2; 501 Wireless Gen2; 301 Wireless Gen2; Connect Plus then the; Ace 50 Wireless; Ace 30 Wireless and finally; Ace Center Wireless.
PART 6 (coming soon)
