Florida International Audio Expo Pt.3

final Expo video

The third and final video from last month's Florida International Audio Expo 2026 covers SUPATRAC, Hana, Clearaudio, Aesthetic, Magnepan, Döhmann, Elekits, Audio Note U.K. AGD, Prodigio, Innovo, VOLTI, Border Patrol Benchmark, Altai, Grimm, Wireworld, ArgentPur, Perfect 8, Clarisys, Pink Faun, MSB, and Pass Labs.

There's in-depth coverage with the people running the rooms and an interview with Border Patrol's Gary Dews. Not much in the analog world unfortunately, though what's there includes the SUPATRAC tonearm, a new field coil cartridge from Audio Note U.K. that resembles the original I/O cartridge from years ago, and not that much more, despite analog's ascendancy. It's so much easier to play files. Oh well.

Enjoy the video and now on to AXPONA!

Comments

2026-03-17 07:34:22 PM

Todd wrote:

Any chance you guys are gonna review the new DSS Lionel Ritchie album?
- 2026-03-17 10:24:09 PM
  
  Michael Fremer wrote:
  
  I have a test pressing and it sounds amazing. I suppose I should!
  - 2026-03-18 12:45:10 PM
    
    Todd wrote:
    
    Would love to hear your thoughts. Just bought a used OG and it’s really bad.
- 2026-03-18 02:00:22 PM
  
  Come on wrote:
  
  My impression is that it’s a technically really perfect reissue with a lot of new details to experience, you just can’t expect miracles in terms of changes to the production characteristics and limitations of that recording era or more emotional involvement due to a noticeably new/different EQing. It’s rather perfectly polished than enchanting. Which is a good thing as far as a sticking to the original intent requires it. For sure the best sound of it so far. Looking forward to Michael’s review.
  - 2026-03-18 05:51:37 PM
    
    Todd wrote:
    
    I don’t know if it just a bad pressing but the overall feel of the record is just bad. Sounds like it is coming out of a radio.
    - 2026-03-18 09:00:48 PM
      
      Come on wrote:
      
      I don’t have the OG (just digital formats besides the new DSS), but I guess you got a bad pressing. If a bit too little bass is your problem…this might also still be one for the reissue on some setups.
      - 2026-03-19 05:58:59 PM
        
        Todd wrote:
        
        I think it was much more than a lack of bass. Love this album enough to get the DSS so will grab it.
2026-03-18 10:45:34 AM

Jeff 'Glotz' Glotzer wrote:

Great show coverage... that Border Patrol DAC looks intriguing! Bring it on Ken!

And can't wait for AXPONA!! I bet Michael has something fun planned...
- 2026-03-18 11:27:54 AM
  
  Michael Fremer wrote:
  
  Well, Caelan Cardello is featured Friday evening entertainment in the big theater, and I'm doing two seminars: one with Caelan, which should be great and then an analog seminar with "heavy hitters" and me...
2026-03-18 12:47:14 PM

db wrote:

Clarisys Audio was my favorite big room. Even though I was there to listen to audio systems, in that room I kinda forgot about the system and just listened to the music.