Axpona 2026: April 10th through 12th

[MattHooper]

Looks like whatever bug I picked up is staying with me. Woke up with headache, and stuffy head. I will post as fast as I can but harder to do.....

That’s a bummer. Sorry to hear it.

I haven’t been to an audio show since the pandemic (and not necessarily by choice).

Reminds me of a CES show I flew to years ago when I had a nasty bug that cost me to be completely congested and all plugged up.
I was pretty clueless about that state of affairs and flying.

I remember we were about to takeoff and I asked the stewardess if they had any decongestant or something like that, and she inquired about my condition and could see that I was really plugged up. She told me basically that you really shouldn’t fly when you’re that congested. And I said “ well what do you guys do when you’re congested?”

She said: we don’t fly! You can burst your eardrums because of the pressure imbalance!

I’m like “ great so I’m learning that it just now as we’re about to takeoff.”

And I was especially concerned since I already had pretty bad tinnitus and I didn’t want any more damage.

So we took off and I remember the pressure getting pretty strong and me being pretty freaked, but once we reached altitude I seemed to be OK after a while.

Later when the same stewardess was delivering my meal I mentioned that I seem to survive the takeoff fine so I’m good.

She said “ oh, it’s not the ascent that is bad on your ears. It’s the decent! That’s when you can rupture your ears!”

And then I was like oh maaan…

And sure enough that descent was absolute hell, I’ll never forget the pressure and pain on my ears as I was doing everything I possibly could to try and clear my ears without success. They really did feel like they were about to explode.

Fortunately, I didn’t have lasting after effects.

Later I talked to a friend of mine who is a pilot about it. He said that very often they have to fly even when they’re sick and congested. The pilots get really used to it and they have special techniques of clearing their ears - Sumit maneuver I forget that apparently works really well (I think it’s a similar maneuver for underwater diving?)

Anyway, I’ve never flown that congested again and if I have started to get congested, I have a routine of stuff I take that seems to work well.

 

[RexrothPigeon]

I’ve always been sceptical at the idea that drivers “ have a sound” and so I wouldn’t go so far as to make such a claim. But I sure seem to perceive a certain Sonic character to speakers using these drivers (including some other speakers, I’ve encountered using the drivers). They also seem to be used in speakers that produce really clean waterfall plots for whatever that’s worth.

I like seas drivers too (Dutch & Dutch uses them in the 8c), but iirc every study attempting to test if (frequency-matched) drivers are audibly distinguishable has come up empty.

 

[Wolf]

If you wear earplugs, it helps.

 

[MattHooper]

Did anybody who attended the show manage to listen to these things?
Speakers from Avalon Sound Design, a Spanish company. In the Wynne Audio room,

Supposedly, these were in the upper tier of outrageous prices for the whole system, but every comment I’ve seen has been very positive “ the only expensive system worth the price” kind of thing.

So I’d be curious about the impressions from an ASR member who had a listen:

 

[Avp1]

Did anybody who attended the show manage to listen to these things?
Speakers from Avalon Sound Design, a Spanish company. In the Wynne Audio room,

Supposedly, these were in the upper tier of outrageous prices for the whole system, but every comment I’ve seen has been very positive “ the only expensive system worth the price” kind of thing.

So I’d be curious about the impressions from an ASR member who had a listen:

View attachment 524971

I think I heard them ( I visited almost every room), but did not notice as anything special.

 

[Wolf]

Did anybody who attended the show manage to listen to these things?
Speakers from Avalon Sound Design, a Spanish company. In the Wynne Audio room,

Supposedly, these were in the upper tier of outrageous prices for the whole system, but every comment I’ve seen has been very positive “ the only expensive system worth the price” kind of thing.

So I’d be curious about the impressions from an ASR member who had a listen:

View attachment 524971

I can't tell what is going on with the tweeter, but the mid is an Audio Technology/Skaaning, and the woofers appear to be the long throw carbon fiber Visaton subwoofers.

 

[Soniclife]

I can't tell what is going on with the tweeter

It looks like it has it's own built in electrical storm going on in that picture. I think it's a crappy bent wire version of their logo, designed presumably for ineffective protection, and random diffraction effects.

 

[Sonny1]

I only went on Sunday, first time I’ve attended in seven or eight years. Last time I attended, the show was much smaller and in Rosemont. It was great to see the show expand so much, and a pleasant surprise to hear so many good sounding rooms. The elevator situation was inconvenient for my wife but we took the stairs which is always my preference. Need to get my steps in!

My only regret is not reaching out to my ASR people and getting together. Next year, I’ll be more conscientious and try to set something up. Great show, I look forward to next year!

 

[Avp1]

This was a very strange room. Amplifiers were absolute monsters with their 212 variant tubes. Speakers shared properties and sound quality with MBL.

 

[WillBrink]

I only went on Sunday, first time I’ve attended in seven or eight years. Last time I attended, the show was much smaller and in Rosemont. It was great to see the show expand so much, and a pleasant surprise to hear so many good sounding rooms. The elevator situation was inconvenient for my wife but we took the stairs which is always my preference. Need to get my steps in!

My only regret is not reaching out to my ASR people and getting together. Next year, I’ll be more conscientious and try to set something up. Great show, I look forward to next year!

Any jump out at you audio wise?

 

[Sonny1]

Any jump out at you audio wise?

Yes, but I had to cover a lot of ground in one day so I couldn’t listen to anything for too long and only listened to the stuff the reps were playing. I enjoyed most of the rooms and saw several brands I’d never heard of before the show. Two that stood out were VPE’s DSP Active Eleven (coax, with Speakerpower amp with DSP). Very cool looking and sounding speakers and the Margules Intermezzo Speakers played on a full Margules system (tube amps, preamp, streamer). Margules is a third generation company out of Mexico and I believe they make everything in Mexico. Super expensive (the passive Intermezzo speakers were $32k/pair) but well made and good sounding. Not my cup of tea but I really enjoyed the sound this room was getting.

Dutch and Dutch was also a standout as was Kii, and I enjoyed the active Dynaudio speakers. The smaller Kii speakers (white ones in the photo) were shockingly good sounding. The new Philharmonic speakers also sounded great (the monitors which use AMT tweeters instead of the Raal tweeters). Somehow Dennis managed to capture 95% of the Raal magic in a speaker that can play loud. For the money, these are probably my favorite speakers. The Odyssey room also sounded very good and Klaus is always a first class gentleman.

The large MBL’s are always fun to hear as was the big $800k system on the first floor with massive Wilson speakers. Impressive stuff I will never own.

 

[JRowland]

For the folks who went do you have any insights on the ages of the attendees? Pics here show a lot of old but trends over the past few years have shown an increase in youth. Was there a good mix?

 

[Avp1]

For the folks who went do you have any insights on the ages of the attendees? Pics here show a lot of old but trends over the past few years have shown an increase in youth. Was there a good mix?

Average around 60. Some were barely walking. Though many were still be able to walk down stairs.

 

[amirm]

For the folks who went do you have any insights on the ages of the attendees? Pics here show a lot of old but trends over the past few years have shown an increase in youth. Was there a good mix?

Far fewer females and younger crowd. Not that many in those classes come usually but there was even less.

 

[JRowland]

Far fewer females and younger crowd. Not that many in those classes come usually but there was even less.

Were there headphones and/or record albums represented anywhere?

 

[amirm]

Were there headphones and/or record albums represented anywhere?

There were but I didn't visit those spots.

 

[amirm]

As I suspected, attendance was up:

----

AXPONA 2026 Delivers Record Attendance, Exhibitors and Listening Rooms

12,000+ attendees and 750+ brands from 50+ countries gathered in Schaumburg to experience AXPONA (Audio Expo North America)​

Schaumburg, IL (April 15, 2026) -- AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) officially marked its biggest year yet, drawing 12,546 music lovers to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center—a 15% jump over 2025. This year's record-breaking crowd was characterized by a distinct shift in energy, fueled by a 52% increase in Gen Z passes. The influx of younger and more diverse attendees underscored a growing mainstream appetite for high-fidelity audio. From spectacular sound rooms to live performances, AXPONA 2026 proved that the future of the industry is younger, broader, and more passionate than ever.

“AXPONA 2026 exceeded all expectations—from record attendance to the incredible energy across the Listening Rooms, Expo Hall, Ear Gear Experience, Car Audio Showcase and new ALTI Pavillion,” said Liz Smith, VP, Event Director for AXPONA. “It’s exciting to see the passion for high-end audio continue to grow, bringing together music lovers, industry leaders, and young enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience.”

AXPONA featured a record 235 dedicated Listening Rooms (on 12 floors) crafted by the best in the business, including 750 global manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and brands.The bustling Ear Gear Experience was the biggest yet featuring everything for personal audio, from headphones and electronics to accessories and cables. The Expo Hall, which is home to the Record Fair, showcased a vast array of turntables, cables, accessories, racks, stands, tonearms, cartridges, and new and Vinyl. While industry leaders and exhibitors gave sessions in the Master Class Theater on the show floor.

The Car Audio Showcase offered passionate music lovers the best sounds in car audio. Manufacturers and dealers of high-performance car audio featured demonstrations from leading brands to discover new audio products for purchase and upgrades. In addition, car lovers and fans could witness the Sound Quality (SQ) competition—where experts competed to achieve the pinnacle of clarity and precision inside the car environment. This year’s winner was announced on Sunday during the show.

Live Concerts nightly at AXPONA are always a big hit. On Friday, acclaimed jazz pianist Caelan Cardello performed to a packed crowd. 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, award-winning singer-songwriter Amber Rubarth took 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.

Lastly, AXPONA’s robust seminar program offered attendees the chance to learn directly from industry experts, engineers, and musicians. Sessions covered topics such as HiFi system building, acoustic room treatment, and high-resolution streaming. These educational forums remain a cornerstone of the AXPONA experience, providing invaluable insights into the engineering and artistry behind the world’s finest audio equipment.

“It was incredible to see our exhibitors joined by dealers, distributors, and press from over 50 countries, all while welcoming a new generation of enthusiasts to the show,” added Smith.“The record-breaking attendance and the influx of younger, more diverse listeners prove that AXPONA is not just the premier B2B gathering for the industry in North America, but a growing, vibrant destination for all music lovers. We look forward to building on this momentum and welcoming everyone back next year.

AXPONA returns April 9-11, 2027.

----

I guess there were more younger people that I just did not see.

 

[JRowland]

As I suspected, attendance was up:

----

AXPONA 2026 Delivers Record Attendance, Exhibitors and Listening Rooms

12,000+ attendees and 750+ brands from 50+ countries gathered in Schaumburg to experience AXPONA (Audio Expo North America)​

Schaumburg, IL (April 15, 2026) -- AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) officially marked its biggest year yet, drawing 12,546 music lovers to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center—a 15% jump over 2025. This year's record-breaking crowd was characterized by a distinct shift in energy, fueled by a 52% increase in Gen Z passes. The influx of younger and more diverse attendees underscored a growing mainstream appetite for high-fidelity audio. From spectacular sound rooms to live performances, AXPONA 2026 proved that the future of the industry is younger, broader, and more passionate than ever.

“AXPONA 2026 exceeded all expectations—from record attendance to the incredible energy across the Listening Rooms, Expo Hall, Ear Gear Experience, Car Audio Showcase and new ALTI Pavillion,” said Liz Smith, VP, Event Director for AXPONA. “It’s exciting to see the passion for high-end audio continue to grow, bringing together music lovers, industry leaders, and young enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience.”

AXPONA featured a record 235 dedicated Listening Rooms (on 12 floors) crafted by the best in the business, including 750 global manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and brands.The bustling Ear Gear Experience was the biggest yet featuring everything for personal audio, from headphones and electronics to accessories and cables. The Expo Hall, which is home to the Record Fair, showcased a vast array of turntables, cables, accessories, racks, stands, tonearms, cartridges, and new and Vinyl. While industry leaders and exhibitors gave sessions in the Master Class Theater on the show floor.

The Car Audio Showcase offered passionate music lovers the best sounds in car audio. Manufacturers and dealers of high-performance car audio featured demonstrations from leading brands to discover new audio products for purchase and upgrades. In addition, car lovers and fans could witness the Sound Quality (SQ) competition—where experts competed to achieve the pinnacle of clarity and precision inside the car environment. This year’s winner was announced on Sunday during the show.

Live Concerts nightly at AXPONA are always a big hit. On Friday, acclaimed jazz pianist Caelan Cardello performed to a packed crowd. 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, award-winning singer-songwriter Amber Rubarth took 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.

Lastly, AXPONA’s robust seminar program offered attendees the chance to learn directly from industry experts, engineers, and musicians. Sessions covered topics such as HiFi system building, acoustic room treatment, and high-resolution streaming. These educational forums remain a cornerstone of the AXPONA experience, providing invaluable insights into the engineering and artistry behind the world’s finest audio equipment.

“It was incredible to see our exhibitors joined by dealers, distributors, and press from over 50 countries, all while welcoming a new generation of enthusiasts to the show,” added Smith.“The record-breaking attendance and the influx of younger, more diverse listeners prove that AXPONA is not just the premier B2B gathering for the industry in North America, but a growing, vibrant destination for all music lovers. We look forward to building on this momentum and welcoming everyone back next year.

AXPONA returns April 9-11, 2027.

----

I guess there were more younger people that I just did not see.

The photos I’ve seen don’t show them either which is what made me ask. Thank you, and thanks for the reviews. Sorry you got sick.

 

[Sonny1]

Amir, sorry you got sick, I hope you are recovering. Also sorry we didn’t get the chance to meet. Next year!

I’ve been interested in seeing younger people getting into this hobby (so it can continue into the future) and seeing more women get into the hobby (probably not going to happen) and noticed more young people at the show this year. The majority of the crowd was male and older but I was encouraged to see several young men this year. Most were Asian and some appeared middle eastern. I’m thankful for these young people and hope we have more next year!

I have a 20 year old son who is a college student. He’s been around audio his whole life as I’ve been an enthusiast since long before he was born. He is a music lover, songwriter and musician (guitar) and I’m sad to say he is not an audio enthusiast. He has a home recording setup with a set of Adam speakers but he has no interest in “real” audio outside of Sonos and Amazon streamers. I tried my best to get him interested in this amazing hobby but it’s one of my many failures (even though he’s a good kid, talented musician and good student).

 

[essence]

Did anyone manage to hear gato audio's CLC65? 3x purifi with 2x10" rear facing pr, I'm about to blind preorder...