2017 Brussels - New Music Hifi Show

[bart]

Ilumnia




I had read about this new Belgian brand.
No specs available yet, but I found there was quite deep bass and a lot of clarity.
Will have to hear these again in more optimal circumstances.
15K.
They were driven by Jadis gear.

"The world's first electromagnetic floating cone driver". We felt it in our hands. very light!

[bart]

Stenheim - Aries cerat




I heard the same electronics with the Magico S1 last year.
Great!
This is fantastic gear.

This time, some standmounters from Stenheim transduced the sound.






I strongly advise you all to run to the nearest dealers and get yourselves a pair.
NOT!!

Awful. Really.
We heard a ton of speakers costing 4-10 less that sounded - much - better.

[bart]

Primare & Audio Physic




The Audio Physic Classic 5 was playing truly well.
1790€ for a pair.






This small Primare I15 Prisma has a Dac, streams and puts out 2x75W.
A little marvel if you ask me.
1750€.




For 3540€ + cables, you get a very decent small system.
For me, this was the budget system of the show!

[bart]

All-in-one devices seem very popular.
Musical Fidelity, Naim, Primare as mid-fi products, Pioneer, Marantz and also this one as entry level:






It was driving B&W 700 series stand mounters.




Quite decent.

[bart]

Genelec




I had heard a lot about these.
We listened to a couple of tracks, and the demo went from the smallest to the largest and back again.
Not too bad... but I heard hindering sibilance.
For more than 4K for the smallest, you expect better.

[bart]

Mola Mola & Vivid Audio




The last room we visited, before we went back to the Wilson Audio and YG Acoustics room.
Jacques took place, listened for 15 seconds, smiled at me and said: this is my number 2!
Amazing bass from such a small speaker, and the clarity and transparency that I enjoy everyday at home.




Mola Mola Makua pre amp and Kaluga mono blocks:






The new DAC.
10K, exists also as a module to put into the pre (8K).

[bart]

I had a good time with Jacques.
It was striking that we automatically agreed upon the 3 best systems.
Less rooms than last year, and less very expensive set-ups.
But more people attending than last year(s).
Of course, grey haired audiophiles everywhere, but I could see young people too, even with their wives/girlfriends.
Hifi not dead and buried yet?!

[bart]

Originally Posted by Jerome W

Bart,
The Orpheus is a 55k headphones ?

Jérôme, let's call it a headphone system.
It has DAC and amplification on board and you can even put the cans into it after your listening session.
Your spouse can listen along, just pay an additional 25.000€ please.
If cost is no object, put this high on your wish list.
Very high.
I'd suggest: on top of it.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by bart

Jérôme, let's call it a headphone system.
It has DAC and amplification on board and you can even put the cans into it after your listening session.
Your spouse can listen along, just pay an additional 25.000€ please.
If cost is no object, put this high on your wish list.
Very high.
I'd suggest: on top of it.

Thanks Bart.
Now I want to hear it !

[bart]

Originally Posted by Jerome W

Thanks Bart.
Now I want to hear it !

Jérôme, we warned you