CAF 2022 Highlights: Distinctive Stereo | Genesis Loudspeakers | Merrill Audio

November 16, 2022 Michael Lavorgna Capital Audiofest 2022

Big system + big room = big sound.

Merrill Audio Element 116 Power Amplifier Monoblocks ($24,000/pair)

I’ve known NJ Dealer Distinctive Stereo‘s Larry Borden for more years than I care to share. Each year at CAF, Larry joins forces with Merrill Audio and Genesis Loudspeakers, this year featuring the Tribute Loudspeakers ($125,000/pair) that pay homage to Genesis founder Arnie Nudell, to fill the grand-sized Frederick room with music.

Merrill Audio Christine MX Preamplifier ($28,500)
VPI Avenger Direct turntable ($36,000), Design Build Listen‘s The Wand Master Series Tonearm ($4250), and I failed to note the cartridge
Aurender N20 Streaming Music Server ($12,000), EMM Labs DA2 V2 Reference Stereo DAC ($30,000)

I arrived in time to hear a visitor’s Talking Heads Fear of Music LP from 1979, a record I know well from those smoky days, at glorious live-like volume and sound quality levels. Big system + big room = big sound.