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

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.

@larsman I believe they were the Duos with ceramic tweeter.  Sounded fantastic.  

"@hilde45 So -- glad to hear all the positive reports, here."

Tons of positive comments by many of the regular reviewers out there reporting back so far.  I’ve spent the past few evenings watching - It’s been a ton of fun watching all the different reviewers on YT, each showing as many rooms they can.  The only complaint so far is "way too many rooms" trying to see, cover, and listen to everything over a few days. Many reviewers seemed extra appreciative about just how good the show was and such a "fantastic turnout".  I’m a bit perplexed to see so many new [or different] options out there in all of these different videos from the show this year.  

Great appreciation to all the people who care to share their videos, comments, and what they saw and heard there. Different styles of reviewers and regular people simply sharing their videos and comments - Thanks So Much. 

It’s helpful to read comments by Agon’ers here who visited Axpona 2026!

I was there all three days.  My personal highlights and easter egg finds were Aratia Speakers.  Real natural, non-fatiguing, full range.  Standmount and tower were both great in a few different rooms.  Every Magico room was really natural and pure sounding.  Morel has stand mounts are tiny, $2500, perfect for an office or small room.  They completely charged the room with sound, including satisfying bass.  Fiio products continue to impress at real world prices.  I may be in the minority, but the Brunoco room sounded great.  Korean brand.  They have 300B integrated amps with good looking design and build quality for $3500.  Hard to beat.  I really liked the sound of the Brunoco speakers as well.  Bag End were interesting with a 2 way standmount speakers with a beautiful wood that looked like they were made out of whiskey barrels. Manly looking speakers.  Bag End sounded great but had a unique connections that may turn some away. I'm told they can make the speaker with whatever connections you want. Gotta love smal companies that can make what you want.  SPL is a German company with amp, dac, and preamps that may cater to the detail, studio sound fans, but looked serious and sounded good with Falcon Speakers.  I have hundreds of pictures and opinions.  Also, the ATC flagship was bonkers amazing. Benchmark impressed.  Totem's small tower speakers created vivid images with no detail lacking.  Dynaudio Confidence 20A blew my mind.  Just add a streamer or source and you have everything you need.  I tried to get to all the rooms but failed.  I spent too much time in the headphone area.  Found some gems there too.   

+1 On the positive comments. I was an audio tourist, which led me to becoming a Enthusiast and Buyer. It’s sometimes easier to be cool when you’re putting stuff down, tho. Cheap trick…

Didn’t make it up this year. Did anyone go to the LTA/Sound Lab room? Heard a lot about LTA amps.