AXPONA 2025: A Showcase of Cutting-Edge Analog and Digital Sources

Explore the highlights from AXPONA 2025, featuring groundbreaking analog and digital sources that captivated over 10,910 attendees.

Overview of AXPONA 2025

Topping more than 10,910 attendees again in 2025, AXPONA had its biggest showing yet, featuring products from over 700 manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and brands. People of all ages attended this year’s show, representing large numbers from over 50 countries. My focus was on source components, and as I noted last year, there is always a source component in every room unless the display is static. Given the massive scale of 213 showrooms, it was impossible for one person to cover everything. Thus, I prioritized new and newly introduced products based on insights gathered from various contacts and press releases, along with some exciting discoveries. While I’m sure I missed some gems, there’s an understanding that physical limitations exist. Now, let’s dive into the remarkable findings from AXPONA 2025.

Most Significant Products

Revox B77 MKIII

Revox and Pro Sound Ltd. showcased the Revox B77 MKIII tape deck, available in its standard configuration ($17,950) and as a visually striking Alice Cooper special limited-edition model. The B77 MKIII comes equipped with a completely new internal electronics package, featuring fully balanced circuits, XLR input and output terminations, electrolytic-free signal-path capacitors, new tape heads, NAB/IEC eq selection, and selectable speeds of 7.5ips and 15ips. Additionally, it offers output level options of -10dB consumer or +4dB pro settings, along with a Class A headphone amplifier. I’ll be evaluating the B77 MKIII for an upcoming issue of the magazine, so stay tuned!

Zesto Athena DAC

Zesto Audio introduced its near-final version of the Athena DAC, featuring an all-tube output section without any additional filtering. This design choice allows for a natural high-frequency limit that Zesto believes is optimal without the need for extra electronic components. The Athena supports up to 24-bit/384kHz PCM formats and multiple DSD formats (1x, 2x, and 4x). It includes inputs for USB, coaxial, optical, AES/EBU, and I²S, as well as both XLR balanced and RCA single-ended outputs for versatile system integration. When paired with a Zesto-based system using Stillpoints racks driving YG Hailey 3 speakers and Cardas cabling, the Athena provided a smooth, inviting sound, particularly on a Cannonball Adderly track and Christian McBride’s double bass.

Air Tight ATE-5

Air Tight showcased its new ATE-5 phonostage ($13,575) connected to its reference components, including the ATC-7 preamp and ATM-3211 211-based push-pull tube monoblock amps. The ATE-5 is a stripped-down version of the flagship ATE-3011 phonostage, boasting purity with no circuit path switching. The required step-up transformer for moving coil cartridges is external, ensuring a clean signal. In this setup, Air Tight used the ATH-3S step-up transformer with its Opus1 cartridge mounted on a special Panzerholtz edition Reed 3P arm on a Reed 3C Friction Drive table. The overall sound was coherent and delicate, with a dynamic range that impressed.

Clearaudio Diamond Jubilee Cartridge

Clearaudio unveiled the Diamond Jubilee MC cartridge, priced at $29,000, which clearly sets a new benchmark above the Goldfinger variants. Sporting a Zirconium Oxide body, this cartridge utilizes Clearaudio's expertise in assembly techniques to achieve its patented signal generator assembly. The sound was fast, dynamic, and stable, delivering an exceptional listening experience in the Quintessence Audio rooms.

DS Audio TB-100 Tube Equalizer

The DS Audio TB-100 Tube Equalizer ($20,000) was paired with a DS Audio Grand Master EX cartridge on a Clearaudio Universal 9” arm atop the Master Jubilee turntable. This equalizer employs transformers and a matched quad set of 12AU7 tubes in a pure single-ended circuit design. The playback was vibrant, especially in the upper midrange, showcasing the depth and clarity of the recordings.

Auspicious Debuts

Clearaudio Smart Double Matrix

The Smart Double Matrix ($3,500) is a more affordable alternative to the Double Matrix Professional Sonic, offering fewer features in a compact design. This unit still effectively cleans both sides of a record simultaneously using a non-contact method. While it lacks the one-button auto features of the Pro Sonic, it retains user selections to control each cleaning step with a manual static brush.

Aida Tru-Stone Violet Limited Edition Cartridge

Aida introduced a limited-edition cartridge called the Tru-Stone Violet, priced at a more accessible $6,500. Mounted on the KV 12 MAX tonearm on a J.Sikora Reference SE turntable ($49,250), this cartridge was showcased feeding a Doshi Audio Evolution phonostage, preamp, and monoblocks, which powered Joseph Audio’s Pearl Graphene Ultra loudspeakers. While a slight bass boom affected the performance, the overall resolution and dynamic contrasts were noteworthy.

Connected Fidelity TT-Hub Turntable

Sierra Sound presented the Connected Fidelity TT-Hub turntable with a Sorane TA-1 arm ($6,000 for the turntable and arm) and Benz SLR Gullwing cartridge. Crafted from sustainable bamboo plywood, the TT-Hub’s base is securely connected to the plinth while optimizing mechanical isolation to reduce vibrations. It features an acrylic platter designed to minimize LP-based vibrations during playback. The sound quality was excellent, particularly in the guitar and vocal ranges.

Alieno Phono Extremo Phonostage

High Water Sound unveiled the Alieno Phono Extremo ($60,000) phonostage, which was featured in a system powered by Alieno preamp and amp components. This all-tube device is equipped with three selectable inputs and three EQ curves for versatility. The Cessaro Mendelssohn loudspeakers, coupled with a TW-Acustic Raven LS-Copper table and DAVA Soul cartridge, created a clear and dynamic listening experience.

In Other News

Koetsu is making a comeback! Arturo Manzano has acquired the name and assets of the company and initiated production of new models while also repairing and retipping existing cartridges. The artisans who built and maintained Koetsu cartridges are back on board, ensuring that the renowned sound and quality remain intact. In the USA, the Koetsu cartridge models will be distributed through dealers via AXISS Audio USA. Listening to the new Koetsu Vermillion ($8,300) in an Accuphase-based setup proved to be an impressive experience, marked by fast, dynamic, full-bodied sound.

On the DAC and streamer front, Innuos launched two new products: the Stream 1 ($2,800) alongside an LPS1 external power supply (price TBD) and the Stream3 ($7,215). The Stream1 offers upgrades and various output options, while the Stream3 features an enhanced power supply designed in collaboration with Dr. Sean Jacobs, supporting high-performance module additions. Berkeley Audio Design introduced the new Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P ($34,000) with the Alpha USB Reference ($6,500), while Rockna displayed the Wavedream Reference Signature DAC ($26,900). Additionally, PS Audio revealed a series of components, including the PMG Signature PureStream DAC, PMG Signature SACD transport, PMG Signature preamplifier, and PMG Signature phono preamplifier, all slated for staggered shipping starting in June.

On the analog side, we encountered the new MC 90X ($5,500) cartridge from Ortofon, TechDAS’s AirForce 10 air-bearing arm ($45,000), the Constellation Revelation 2 phonostage ($29,000), the Clearaudio Al Di Meola Celebrity turntable ($4,900), and the AFI FLAT.DUO LP Flattener & Relaxer ($2,500). Notably, we also saw the Grand Prix Audio Monaco 3.0 table ($56,250) equipped with the Fuel Station battery power supply ($15,250), all featuring a Lyra Etna cartridge.

AJ’s Best of Show

• Best Sound (cost no object): Gauder Akustik DARC 250 Mk II, paired with Soulution 7 Series and Transrotor in the Axiss Audio room produced incredible, three-dimensional sound. Meanwhile, the Stenheim Ultime Two SX, VTL, and Nordost setup in the Nordost room delivered big dynamics in a large space.
• Best Sound (for the money): The Air Tight ATE-5, backed by AT’s preamp and power amp siblings, paired beautifully with Franco Serblin speakers. The Devore Gibbon Super Nine, driven by a Leben integrated amplifier, showcased exceptional sound quality, especially with vinyl sourced from a Well Tempered turntable and Kauri MK II cartridge.
• Most Significant Product Introduction: The return of Koetsu and the DS Audio TB-100 Tube Equalizer, representing a fresh all-tube equalizer option for tube aficionados.
• Most Significant Trend: A notable rise in interest from non-traditional audiophiles, expanding the hobby's reach beyond its conventional boundaries.
• Most Coveted Products: The Revox B77 MKIII, the Air Tight ATE-5 phonostage, and possibly a reference speaker from Devore Fidelity.

In conclusion, AXPONA 2025 was a remarkable event, highlighting the latest in both analog and digital sources. Whether you're a veteran audiophile or just stepping into the world of high-fidelity sound, there's something special waiting for you in this vibrant community. What are your thoughts on the innovations showcased?

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