Axpona 2026: April 10th through 12th

[amirm]

Axpona 2026 is in Chicago as usual. It is the largest hi-fi show in US. It is quite fun to attend, listen to music, chat with company reps and other audiophiles.

AXPONA 2026 - April 10-12, 2026 - AXPONA

AXPONA The event for music lovers and audiophiles to explore high-fidelity listening rooms, thousands of products, cutting edge-demos, and much more! April 10-12, 2026Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center | Chicago, IL Learn More Why Attend AXPONA? Because some things you have to...

axpona.com

There are also seminars and I notice Dr. Olive is giving a talk.

Just made my reservations. I was going to every audio show for quite a while. Then Covid came and that was that. Would be nice to attend a big show again even though it is a lot of work to document it.

 

[MattHooper]

Grabbing this from SHF:



Andrew Jones and brothers Jamie and Bill Cerreta start a new speaker company. Will debut at AXPONA Expo April 10-12, 2026.

Jones and Cerreta | A New Speaker Company from Andrew Jones

www.axpona.com
APRIL 10 – 12
Room 302
Chicago, IL

APRIL 11
Expo Hall 5-5:45pm
Andrew Jones Master Class:
Reimagining the Dual Concentric Driver

 

[WillBrink]

Have you seen the new speakers? Looks beautiful! I'm interested in more info for sure.

 

[PristineSound]

Axpona always occurs during the spring break week of my kids' school. This year, we're not going anywhere for spring break because we have spent quite a bit on household repairs and what not, tens of thousands of dollars to be exact.

I was going to book a flight and come through, but then to be honest, it's not fun when you don't have good friends to go with, sure maybe I can bump into some casual acquaintances that I have met at other audio shows or shoot the breeze with internet personalities that I have interacted with online, but at this stage of my life, my time is better invested with personal relationships with people that actually matters.

And being at CAF this year, I was reminded yet again, these audio shows aren't a place to enjoy sonic performance of audio gear, they are just for visual satisfaction.

Perhaps one day when my kids are off to college.

 

[amirm]

Oh, Axpona is definitely a lot of fun and informative. While I usually meet up with a friend/member, we separate out so that we can each concentrate on rooms we like. So solo attendance perfectly works. It is also very easy to make new friends. All you have to do is start a conversation with the person next to you in a room or at lunch. Ask, "what have you found that sounded good?" They will ask you the same and next thing you know, you have found a new audiophile friend!

You will also have the opportunity to meet key people from companies including designers. You can get their contact info, ask questions, etc.

Finally, there is a ton of music discovery. Companies come with very nice playlists which I capture using my phone song ID. While I will be posting them here as part of my show report, it is not a substitute for being there and hearing it first hand.

The main negative is the hassle of flight especially now. Otherwise the convention hotel is near the airport so not much aggravation getting there.

 

[jhaider]

Hopefully I’ll be able to attend Friday and Sunday.

 

[amirm]

TOP 10 THINGS TO EXPERIENCE AT
AXPONA 2026, APRIL 10–12
Discover the NEW ALTI Pavilion, 220+ Listening Rooms, live concerts, AI-powered mobile app, seminars and more​

For Immediate Release

SCHAUMBURG, IL (March XX, 2026) – AXPONA (Audio Expo North America), the largest high-end audio event in North America, returns April 10–12 to the Schaumburg Convention Center for its 17th year. Audiophiles, music lovers, musicians and industry professionals from around the globe will gather for three days of immersive listening experiences, groundbreaking technology, educational seminars, live music and the latest gear from the world’s most respected audio brands.

With more than 230 listening rooms, 750+ brands, an expansive Expo Hall, Ear Gear Experience, Hi-Fi Car Audio Showcase and a new ALTI Pavilion, AXPONA 2026 offers attendees the opportunity to test, touch and experience the best in high-fidelity sound. Add these 10 must-do experiences to your agenda to make the most of the show.

Experience 220+ Immersive Listening Rooms​

The heart of AXPONA is its 230+ dedicated listening rooms, where attendees can hear and compare expertly engineered high-performance audio systems from the world’s most prestigious manufacturers. Across multiple floors, guests can sit down and experience systems featuring cutting-edge speakers, amplifiers, streamers and analog gear in carefully curated listening environments.

Shop the Expo Hall and Record Fair​

The Expo Hall, home to the popular Record Fair, offers an extensive marketplace for vinyl collectors and audio enthusiasts alike. Browse thousands of LPs and discover the latest in turntables, tonearms, cartridges, cables, racks and accessories from top manufacturers including Butcher Block Acoustics, Fern & Roby, Music on Reels, SOTA Turntables and more.

Discover the Ear Gear Experience​

Personal audio takes center stage in the Ear Gear Experience, the largest showcase of its kind at AXPONA. This dedicated area features the latest headphones, in-ear monitors, DACs, amplifiers and portable audio players. Leading brands including 64 Audio, Beyerdynamic, Dan Clark Audio, Noble Audio, Sennheiser and ZMF Headphones will debut new products and offer hands-on listening opportunities.

Explore the NEW ALTI Pavilion​

New for 2026, AXPONA welcomes the ALTI Pavilion, presented by ALTI Association (Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International). This dedicated B2B space within the Expo Hall brings together audio and loudspeaker technology innovators, consultants and manufacturers to collaborate, network and explore new business opportunities. The Pavilion also anchors AXPONA’s expanded trade programming, including seminars, the networking mixer and lounges designed for industry professionals.

Hear the Best in Hi-Fi Car Audio​

The Hi-Fi Car Audio Showcase returns, giving attendees the chance to experience high-performance automotive sound systems up close. Demonstrations from top manufacturers and dealers highlight cutting-edge car audio technology, culminating in the Car Audio Showcase Invitation Sound Quality (SQ) Competition, where experts compete to achieve the pinnacle of sonic clarity inside the car environment.

Enjoy Live Concerts with Amber Rubarth and Caelan Cardello​

When the show floor closes, the music continues with live concerts at AXPONA.

On Friday, April 10 at 8 p.m., acclaimed jazz pianist Caelan Cardello will perform. A rising star in modern jazz and recipient of the BMI Future Jazz Master Award, Cardello is known for blending classic jazz traditions with contemporary innovation.

On Saturday, April 11 at 8 p.m., award-winning singer-songwriter Amber Rubarth takes the stage. Known for her soulful voice and cinematic songwriting, Rubarth’s music spans folk, Americana and indie influences, delivering an intimate and emotionally rich live performance.

Both concerts are sponsored by Wireworld Cable Technology.

Discover New Products from 750+ Global Brands​

AXPONA is the place where manufacturers unveil the latest innovations in high-end audio. More than 750 brands will showcase new speakers, turntables, streaming systems, cables, amplifiers and accessories. Attendees can explore the newest technologies from leading companies including ATC Loudspeakers, Bel Canto, Cambridge Audio, Devialet, Focal Naim America, Magico, Nordost, Pass Labs, Totem Acoustic, Vandersteen Audio and YG Acoustics.

Attend Expert-Led Seminars and Master Classes​

AXPONA’s robust seminar program offers attendees the chance to learn directly from industry experts, engineers and musicians. Sessions cover topics such as hi-fi system building, immersive audio, analog playback, headphone technology and the evolving world of high-end audio. AXPONA is also introducing a new trade-focused seminar track this year, featuring two sessions designed specifically for industry professionals. These seminars will explore modern marketing strategies and evolving retail concepts, offering actionable insights for brands, dealers and partners looking to grow and adapt in today’s competitive landscape.

Navigate the Show with the NEW AXPONA Mobile App​

New for 2026, the AXPONA mobile app helps attendees plan and navigate the show with ease. Featuring an AI-powered help desk, the app allows guests to quickly find exhibitors, locate brands — including companies showcasing turntables and analog gear — and receive personalized recommendations. The app also includes messaging features, seminar schedules and exhibitor directories to enhance the overall attendee experience.

Passport Program​

AXPONA also invites attendees to engage with exhibitors through its interactive Passport Program, accessible via the AXPONA App. Participants can collect ID numbers from participating brands throughout the show, with completed passports automatically entered into daily drawings. Three winners will each receive $100 in cash prizes, awarded at the Master Class Theater.

Tickets​

1 Day – $32 online, $40 onsite
Multi-Day – $60 online, $75 onsite
Gen Z Pass – $15 online, $20 onsite

All general admission tickets grant access to exhibits including Listening Rooms and the Expo Hall, as well as educational seminars, live music and special events.

AXPONA opens Friday, April 10 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.), Saturday, April 11 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.), and Sunday, April 12 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.axpona.com/register.asp.

 

[sigbergaudio]

Sigberg Audio will also be present, room 740, showcasing a Manta active speaker system with dual 10D subwoofers.

 

[Joe Smith]

I heard from Fosi about the show, I gather they will be there, showing off the new Merak cd player among other things.

 

[orchardaudio]

While I will not personally be at this show, Orchard Audio equipment will be in the following rooms:

Room 705 – Philharmonic Audio

• PecanPi+ Streamer Premium
• Starkrimson 25 Mono Premium

Room 502 – VPE Electrodynamics

• Starkrimson Ultra Mono Premium

 

[Zgrado1970]

Oh, Axpona is definitely a lot of fun and informative. While I usually meet up with a friend/member, we separate out so that we can each concentrate on rooms we like. So solo attendance perfectly works. It is also very easy to make new friends. All you have to do is start a conversation with the person next to you in a room or at lunch. Ask, "what have you found that sounded good?" They will ask you the same and next thing you know, you have found a new audiophile friend!

You will also have the opportunity to meet key people from companies including designers. You can get their contact info, ask questions, etc.

Finally, there is a ton of music discovery. Companies come with very nice playlists which I capture using my phone song ID. While I will be posting them here as part of my show report, it is not a substitute for being there and hearing it first hand.

The main negative is the hassle of flight especially now. Otherwise the convention hotel is near the airport so not much aggravation getting there.

I live in the area so attendance is easy, plus it is an opportunity to meet up with my (kind of subjectivist) friend, and argue about audio. I agree with most of what you describe, except for the music part (see my posts in the other thread). Also, I find listening kind of frustrating sometimes with crowded rooms and (sometimes) sound bleed from adjacent rooms.

And I have to ask - Do you get recognized as the baddie from ASR? Do you feel you have to bite your tongue or avoid getting into an argument? I have heard people say some wild sh*t in some of those rooms.

But ASR folks should definitely go if they can. It is very interesting to see what is being introduced, and how it is pushed at you. Also, if you are into headphones, the Ear Gear Experience is an opportunity to sample expensive and exotic headphones setups (though the crowds require you to have some patience, and it is a little loud for open ‘phones.

 

[amirm]

And I have to ask - Do you get recognized as the baddie from ASR?

I stopped going to shows once Covid started. And that is the era where our popularity grew. Then a couple of years ago I went to a local show, not thinking about it. Someone started to chat with me, saying a number of exhibitors were scared when they realized I was there!

Will be interesting to see what happens at Axpona this year. I got a press pass so even more noticeable.

 

[amirm]

Do you feel you have to bite your tongue or avoid getting into an argument?

I never argue. Companies are there to make a living and I don't want to interfere with that. Or be obnoxious for that matter. I go and listen to what is being played and if something interests me, I chat with the folks running the room. But always polite and non confrontational.

 

[Zgrado1970]

I never argue. Companies are there to make a living and I don't want to interfere with that. Or be obnoxious for that matter. I go and listen to what is being played and if something interests me, I chat with the folks running the room. But always polite and non confrontational.

That makes sense. I was thinking you wouldn’t be the one starting the argument.

 

[jhaider]

Was hoping to take tomorrow off to go, but too many filings…

Still planning for Sunday.

 

[MattHooper]

Boy, I wish I could go! I love audio shows.

Looking forward to people’s impressions.

 

[KxDx]

Have you seen the new speakers? Looks beautiful! I'm interested in more info for sure.

They outwardly look so much like the MoFi speakers that you'd think it was the same brand.

Speakers - JONES AND CERRETA

troubadour A troubadour is a composer and performer — a keeper of song who carried music directly to the listener. Designed in Los Angeles, a city shaped by songwriters, studios, and recorded sound, our Troubadour honors that lineage. It exists to preserve the artist’s intent and deliver...

jonesandcerreta.com

 

[WillBrink]

They outwardly look so much like the MoFi speakers that you'd think it was the same brand.

Speakers - JONES AND CERRETA

troubadour A troubadour is a composer and performer — a keeper of song who carried music directly to the listener. Designed in Los Angeles, a city shaped by songwriters, studios, and recorded sound, our Troubadour honors that lineage. It exists to preserve the artist’s intent and deliver...

jonesandcerreta.com

Similar, but much nicer and more refined. Obviously AJ has a style inside and out for speakers his designs. I don't really like the look of his Mofi stuff, but could live with it if they sound as good as people seem to say.

 

[Midwest Blade]

Was there from today from 10 - 3, covered off over a dozen rooms. Surprised how busy the floors were for Friday. My favs were the $18k Quad panels, the new Revel line along with the Yamaha room. Have not been since 2018, wish I had planned for at least one more day.

 

[jhaider]

Other faves so far?

Did anyone go to the Cymatix room? One reason I was really hoping to be able to go today was to chat with the designer, Nick, who’s done a ton of really interesting diy projects. I think the speaker they’re showing is a smaller version of the one I heard, with concentric planar midrange and tweeter. The one I heard wasn’t insane monster with 8 SB Satori 10” woofers per side, in vented isobaric enclosures. I thought that one sounded super impressive in their lounge, with the caveat that I didn’t really try to listen to it standing up.

Another one I’m interested to hear is Scott Hinson’s design with an open back SB Satori coax in front of woofers is in a Genelec Ones style configuration.