AXPONA Chicago April 10-12, 2026 - Who is going??

First time, really great.  For me the Rockport Technology, Morel, and Marten-Parker speakers along with Dynaudio Confidence 20A in the active category.

Just found this thread. Really interesting! Thanks for all the show reports.

I’ve been watching reports from people who went, and a few from people who didn’t go.

Did anyone catch this video about *not* going to this show? He presumes to speak for "professionals" and "exhibitors" and slams some who come to these shows. He caveats it by saying it’s "not the majority" but then lambastes: Normies, Audio tourists, cows, douchebags, jerkoffs, rubes, fake judges, bozos, and "Pocket protector" types. There are a bunch of other insults in the video, too -- all in the name of "keeping it real." Honestly, I have no idea why someone would post such meanness and think it was helpful. If I were an audio dealer, I would keep these comments to myself. Everyone needs to vent, but in a public video? (And read the comments, too. He sounds like someone who needs a different job. I mean, we all have people in our lives that frustrate us, that need to learn better, etc. but aren't we exhausted to see these public "rants" posing as educative truth? Demeaning people is a poor way to educate people, and at the end of the day, the speaker is the one who damages themself.)

So -- glad to hear all the positive reports, here.

I did sit in the room with the Blade 1m, I was hoping to hear the B2m. 

@swaudiofan - were those Martens the Parker Duos or Trios or something new? I've had Parker Duos (not the diamond tweeter ones) on their dedicated stands for a few years now and love them. 

Lots of good speakers.  As last year, I find I really like the SQ of the Pure Audio Project Duets.  I also spent three hours listening to headphones.  I didn’t go to hear the new Andrew Jones speakers since I heard they go for $35,000.  I also walked right past the Altec Lansing room.  In retrospect those were mistakes.  I wish I’d taken the time to hear both.

I happened to stop by David Chesky’s room to hear his new speakers.  Turns out they are designed by his son, Luca.  I thought they sounded great, especially for less than $2,000.  The enclosure is 3D printed and will probably have a low WAF, but the sound is good.  David did the presentation and was oddly defensive, even a touch combative.  I found out afterward that the ASR folks have been caustic about Luca’s speakers - typically, though, without listening to them.  Luca interned for Edgar Choueiri at Princeton and he’s in his teens.  The kid has a future.