AXPONA 2025: Highlights in Electronics and Innovations

Experience the excitement of AXPONA 2025, where the latest electronics and innovations took center stage. Discover the standout products that redefined high-fidelity audio.

Overview of AXPONA 2025

As a seasoned attendee of over 100 hi-fi shows, I can confidently say that this year’s AXPONA was among the most remarkable, both in terms of the number of attendees and their enthusiasm. This year, AXPONA attracted an impressive 10,910 attendees, marking a 5% increase from last year, which was already a record-breaking event. The show featured 213 exhibit rooms, in addition to the Expo Hall, and a plethora of vendors showcased their offerings in the headphone area. AXPONA has quickly become the premier hi-fi show in North America.

Five Most Significant Introductions

The most anticipated new product in the electronics category was undoubtedly the Soulution 717 power amplifier. This is not just an update of its predecessor; it’s an entirely new design. In stereo mode, the 717 outputs 150Wpc into 8 ohms, a figure that doubles as impedance decreases, allowing for 600Wpc into 2 ohms. In bridged mode, the amplifier can deliver 600Wpc into 8 ohms. It boasts four 600VA switch-mode power-supply modules, ensuring short signal paths from the power supplies to the circuits and loudspeaker binding posts. The audio circuitry is completely revamped. After hearing the prototype at the Soulution factory post-Munich show, I was genuinely impressed by how much more lifelike it sounded compared to the already exceptional 701 model. The price tag is set at $119,995, which doubles if you decide to run a pair in monoblock mode.

PS Audio introduced four products in the new Paul McGowan Signature Series. The components feature identical, stunning casework achieved through an efficient chassis-within-a-chassis structure for all four products. This series includes a linestage preamp, phonostage, DAC, and CD/SACD transport, all retailing at $8495. The PMG Signature PureStream DAC replaces the previous DirectStream DAC. Focusing on the linestage and phonostage, the linestage employs all film capacitors (no electrolytics, even in the power supply), boasts a bandwidth of 1MHz, custom stepped-attenuator volume control, and an impressive –150dB noise floor. The phonostage accommodates both conventional voltage input and a transimpedance input for cartridges with very low internal impedance. With its impressive features, if these products sound as good as they appear, PS Audio is certainly onto something big. Shipments are expected to begin in June.

The esteemed Audio Research Corporation unveiled no fewer than six new models, priced within reach of many music lovers. The lineup includes three tube and three solid-state products, starting at $7450 and maxing out at $12,950. The LS-2 tube linestage, built around two 6H30 tubes, features four single-ended inputs, two balanced inputs, and optional mm/mc phono and DAC cards. The price begins at $8450, rising to $9950 when fully loaded.

The LS-3 preamplifier mirrors the LS-2 but is the solid-state equivalent, carrying the same features and interface, at just $1000 less.

Also featured is Audio Research’s S-100, a 100Wpc stereo Class AB power amplifier utilizing dual-mono architecture and separate transformers for each channel. The balanced differential design offers both XLR and RCA inputs, priced at $9450. For those seeking even more power, the S-200 delivers 200Wpc with the same circuitry and features as the S-100, complete with front panel power-output meters, also priced at $9450.

The D-80 is an 80Wpc vacuum tube amplifier featuring a pair of KT-150s per channel, built on the ARC REF80S platform. It maintains a balanced differential design and is exclusively equipped with balanced XLR inputs. Its price stands at $12,950.

Lastly, the I/70 tubed integrated amplifier can be seen as an upgraded version of the I/50, offering 70Wpc and sharing the same platform and tube configuration as its predecessor. This model boasts significant enhancements in power and performance, with an optional phono stage and DAC boards available. Price: $9950, or $11,450 fully loaded.

Pass Labs presented their flagship preamplifier, the XS Pre 2, featuring a three-box design with separate chassis for control electronics and audio channels. An upgrade from the previous XS preamp, this new design reduces noise and includes a dual mono power supply with three double-shielded transformers. The output stage has been refined for improved Class A bias and lower output impedance. With a focus on quality, Wayne Colburn, the designer, claims it’s his best work in over 35 years. Price: $55k in silver, $56k in black.

CH Precision, renowned for their high-end electronics, recently acquired Wattson Audio, a Swiss manufacturer. This collaboration aims to integrate Wattson’s designs into CH’s offerings, making high-quality electronics more accessible. The first product from this partnership is the Madison, a compact Class AB power amplifier that delivers 50Wpc. The Madison was demonstrated alongside the Wattson Madison Streamer, producing a stunning sound that belies its power. Price: $6495. Stay tuned for a full review.

Auspicious Debuts

Theory and Application elektroakustik (T+A) from Germany presented two new integrated amplifiers, including the Symphonia Streaming Integrated Amplifier. Packed with features, it includes T+A’s latest streaming engine supporting services like Roon, Qobuz, and Tidal. The amplifier also comes with FM radio, internet radio, Bluetooth, and HDMI with ARC, alongside a phonostage for both mm and high-output moving-coil cartridges, delivering 125Wpc into 8 ohms. Price: $9995.

The Valve Amplification Company (VAC) showcased its new Statement 450iQ power amplifiers, featuring notable advancements like a larger power supply and improved drivers. Producing 230Wpc in stereo and 460W in monoblock mode, these amps paired excellently with Acora’s top VRC speaker. Additionally, VAC introduced the Essence Linestage and Essence 90 iQ monoblock amplifiers, with the latter featuring Gold Lion KT-88 tubes and innovative automatic biasing. Price for the Essence 90 iQ is $9900.

Vandersteen revealed the production version of their L5-ACC linestage, designed with unique features to optimize sound quality without sacrificing audio integrity. Priced at $15k, the preamp includes bass and treble controls, tone-adjusted presets, and a mono-blend circuit.

Meanwhile, I explored the new Atoll IN400 Evolution amplifier, a major revision of its predecessor, featuring a robust design focused on sound quality and connectivity options like DSD decoding and Bluetooth. Rated at 160Wpc into 8 ohms, the amplifier is priced at $7500.

Germany’s AVM showcased the PL 5.3 AC power conditioner, which effectively removes noise from the AC line. The company offers a six-outlet version for $4900 and a twelve-outlet version for $6900.

In Other News

I experienced an exquisite sound in the Gestalt Audio room, featuring Wolf von Langa Ultima loudspeakers powered by SW1X MPA V monoblocks delivering just 6W. This was more than sufficient to drive the Ultimas. The SW1X amplifiers are Class A, tube-rectified designs. The price for a pair is $35,895, with the SW1X Pre III LPX Classic preamplifier at $29,995.

In the Engström room, I heard the Eric Encore monoblocks performing beautifully with Marten Parker Trio Diamond loudspeakers. Priced at $180,000 per pair, they delivered stunning tonal quality and spatial depth.

The French brand Devialet introduced their new integrated amplifier, Astra, set for release later this year. With features like AirPlay, Google Cast, and Roon Ready, the Astra is expected to retail at $20,000.

Boulder Amplifiers presented the newly introduced 1151 monoblock amplifier and 1162 stereo amplifier, showcasing Boulder’s Class-A Smart Current Biasing Circuit. The 1151 is priced at $23,500, while the 1162 is priced at $45,000.

RH’s Best of Show

• Best Sound (cost no object): Stenheim Ultime 2 SX driven by VTL amplification with Nordost cabling.
• Best Sound (for the money): PS Audio Aspen FR-5 loudspeaker ($3000 per pair). Despite its size, this standmount speaker delivered an impressive soundstage and deep bass.
• Most Significant Introduction: Soulution 717 power amplifier. This new model promises to set a new benchmark in amplifier performance.
• Most Coveted Product: The Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems Relentless preamplifier, a fusion of sonic, industrial, and visual artistry.
• Most Significant Trend: The notable price escalation at the high end alongside the emergence of exceptional affordable gear for entry-level enthusiasts.

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