Kudos/Norma

This simple system consisted of a Norma REVO CD player and REVO IPA-140 integrated amp driving the small Kudos X3 floorstanding speakers in a small untreated room.

Both of these manufacturers were new to me, but the system produced excellent sound, with surprising amounts of well-controlled bass, good imaging and a deep, wide soundstage.

Lawrence Audio

Lawrence Audio demonstrated their Cello floorstanders, and Violin, and Mandolin stand-mounts with their custom stands.  The electronics consisted of the Unico CDPrimo CD player and Triode 25 integrated amp from Unison Research.  There was also a turntable which supplied a Thöress Enhancer phono equaliser.

The sound from the Violins was very good indeed.  The ribbon tweeter blended perfectly with the dynamic woofer, producing a seamless sound with good imaging and a large soundstage.

MBL

The MBL system consisted of the C31 CD player with the C11 preamp and C21 power amp driving the Radialstrahler 126 speakers, all from MBLs Corona line.  The system was well proportioned to the smallish room, where it was positioned along the long wall.  Apart from some small plants which perhaps provided some diffusion the room was untreated, and the low lighting used provided a relaxing ambiance.

Imaging was excellent with vocals and instruments, almost palpable, each positioned in its own space in a wide and deep soundstage.  The bass from the 126s was taut, textured and surprisingly powerful and deep.  It blended perfectly with the wonderful midrange and treble.

Music was very enjoyable in this room and I returned several times.  This was definitely some of the best sound at the show.

Meridian

The Meridian room featured their DSP7200SE digital active speakers supplied by the Control 15 from their Sooloos system.  The speakers were positioned along the long wall of a medium-sized, untreated room.

The sound was quite good but unremarkable, perhaps due to setup or the music selections I heard.  I have a sense that I didn't truly hear the capabilities of this interesting system.

TAVES 2014 Show Report

Page 1:     Intrduction, Arcam, Audio Note, Bowhead

Page 2:     Bryston, Estellon, Gershman/Berkeley/PS Audio/Pass Labs/Entreq, Harbeth/Accuphase/Kuzma

Page 3:     Kudos/Norma, Lawrence Audio, MBL, Meridian Audio

Page 4:     Naim/Focal, Neat, Pure Audio Project, R2R Audio

Page 5:    Raidho, Sony, SVS, Tannoy

Page 6:    Tidal Audio/Reimyo, Wilson Audio/ Dan D'Agostino, Woo Audio

Page 7:    Wrap up, Additional pictures

 © Wayne Butcher