Axpona 2013 Exhibitor Rooms: Part 1

Orion

Orion 4 speakers ($14,750) – Pass Labs XP-20 preamplifier ($8,600) – X250.5 amplifier ($8,250) – XA30.5 x 2 ($5,500 each) – MSB Analog DAC ($6,995) – DH Labs cables

New from Orion this year is an Analog Signal Processor. The Linkwitz ASP active crossover has improved the frequency crossover values to improve component tolerances.  That means the overall frequency response is smoother, clearer and the resolution sharper.  Also on display was a Multi-Channel amplifier with built in ASP (not shown).  This reduces the need to have six or eight sets of interconnects and all the amps required to run the Orino 4 speakers and packages everything into a nice single box.

April Audio

Stello S100 Class D amplifier and HP100 headphone / preamplifier

Solus Audio SC-6 bookshelf speaker in the April Music room

Without a doubt this little system rocked.  Powerful, dynamic, deep rich bass, texture and detail.  The sub-$10,000 system was just one of several examples of why it is a great time to be getting into high end audio.  Yes, $5,000 to $10,000 system is still luxury for some, but if they commit, and as seen at Axpona, there are a slew of fantastic entry level products out there.