I wonder if you can tell I really enjoyed myself at Axpona 2026. Really. There were so many good to great sounding rooms and such a good vibe I nearly had to pinch myself.
Here are more favorites with things in them I’ve covered before which makes them familiar.
Fern & Roby
Richmond, Virginia-based Fern & Roby know how to make lovely looking things (I lust after their Archival Turntable) and all together those things make for easy listening. Never a bad thing.
Wattson Audio
When people ask for a simple streaming solution that sounds great I typically say Wattson Audio (I reviewed the Wattson Emerson Analog and the Madison stack).
GTT Audio / Vivid
NJ-based GTT Audio imports Vivid speakers along with a host of other great brands and they always deliver great sound at shows (and In Barn).
VinnieRossi
I reviewed the VinnieRossi BRAMA Integrated Amplifier back in 2024 and it remains a favorite.
Wilson Benesch Discovery 3Zero
The Wilson Benesch A.C.T. 3Zero wowed me during their Barn stay and these smaller Discovery 3Zero seem equally wow-worthy, brought to Axpona 2026 by Fidelity Imports.
Diptyque Audio & Kora Acoustics
Someday I will review a pair of Diptyque speakers, perhaps as seen and heard here with electronics from Kora as I was very impressed by the TB140 Integrated Amplifier I reviewed (can it be?) nearly 6 years ago. This room was also brought to you by Fidelity Imports (they had 8 in all).
Rockport Atria II
Why beat around the bush—I still miss the Rockport Atria II I reviewed ages ago (2023 but it feels like longer).
DeVore O/96 | Phasemation
I always enjoy seeing my DeVore O/96 (not mine literally but you know what I mean) paired with gear I’ve never tried in Barn. Here with the eye-appealing electronics from Phasemation and those glowing 300Bs brought to you by the fine folks from Axiss Audio.
Yes, I’m interested.
Bell Canto Black Reference System
I was taken with Bel Canto’s Black ACI 600 Integrated Amplifier I reviewed last year so I always enjoy some time with the big Bel Canto Black System (ASC2 System Controller and two MPS2 DAC/Amplifiers) here paired with the Franco Serblin Accordo Unica Loudspeakers also from Axiss Audio.
MC Audiotech
I reviewed the MC Audiotech TL-12 Loudspeakers back in March and was impressed by their rather unique set of qualities that bring a “luminous energy” to the music they’re asked to reproduce. Here paired with intriguing electronics from Audio Mirror.
Dynaudio Confidence 20A
I’ve written about the active Dynaudio Confidence 20A when their press was released. I have two updates—they are very (very) good sounding and when a company brings in art, carpets, and furnishings to create a comfortable environment that erase the fact that you’re sitting in a hotel room, you know they get it. It being the real value of hifi lies well beyond spec sheets and press releases.