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April 16 – 18, 2027
Schaumburg Convention Center | Chicago, IL

Author: Liz Smith

Episode 75: This Audiophile Tube Amp Brand Makes Everything From Scratch

Written by Liz Smith on . Posted in Audio Insider Podcast.


Episode 75: This Audiophile Tube Amp Brand Makes Everything From Scratch

If you have ever wondered what it actually sounds like when a company spends 35 years refusing to cut corners, this episode is your answer. Adrian from Audio Note UK sits down and walks through a brand philosophy that is almost unheard of in this industry. No discontinued products. No MK2 making your purchase obsolete. No chips in their DACs. Just tubes, hand wound transformers, custom wound signal capacitors, silver voice coils, and a resistor ladder DAC that their head designer spent 12 years building from scratch because a chip was never going to be good enough. When Adrian says Audio Note makes everything from the power cord to the tip of the stylus, he means every word of it.

This episode gets into territory most audiophiles have never explored. The difference between a chip based R2R DAC and a true resistor ladder. Why 300B tubes have a cult following and what separates a great 300B amp from one that just sounds like pipe and slippers. The story of how Audio Note acquired the entire IP of legendary speaker designer Peter Snell. And why once you sit down and let an Audio Note system draw you in, most people say the same thing: this sounds like music.

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Episode 74: The Audiophile Analogy That Changes How You Think About Vinyl Forever

Written by Liz Smith on . Posted in Audio Insider Podcast.


Episode 74: The Audiophile Analogy That Changes How You Think About Vinyl Forever

If you have been sitting on the fence about changing from a moving magnet cartridge to a moving coil, this episode is going to push you right off it. Garth from Musical Surroundings brings over 40 years of high end audio experience to this conversation and what he breaks down about cartridge design, analog resolution, and the physics of why a moving coil just sounds more alive is the clearest explanation most audiophiles have ever heard. He compares it to the difference between a low res JPEG and a 60 megabyte TIFF file and once you hear it that way, you cannot unhear it. On top of that, Garth takes us deep into two of the most respected cartridge brands in the world, Clear Audio and HANA, and the stories behind both are genuinely fascinating. A nuclear physicist who founded Clear Audio because turntables were not good enough. A 56 year old Japanese company that quietly built cartridges for everyone else before finally putting their own name on one. And a turntable that weighs 770 pounds with a magnetically levitated platter that sells for $300,000. This is what it looks like when a lifetime obsession with music and sound collides with 40 years of industry knowledge in one conversation.

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AXPONA 2026 Seminars: All Ears Welcome: Building a More Inclusive Audio Community

Written by Liz Smith on . Posted in Audio Insider Podcast.


AXPONA 2026 Seminar Recording:

All Ears Welcome: Building a More Inclusive Audio Community

The audio world is changing—but is it changing fast enough? This session takes a frank look at diversity and inclusivity across both the industry and the hobby, exploring who feels represented today and who’s still missing from the conversation. Attendees will dig into shifting demographic trends, cultural barriers that have shaped participation, and the growing efforts to broaden the community. Expect an honest discussion about what progress looks like, why it matters, and how the audio world can evolve into a space that genuinely welcomes every listener.

Moderator: Angelas Cardas, Manager, Cardas Audio
Speakers:
Harry Kimura, Sound Quality Judge, IASCA
Kat Ourlian, MoFi Electronics
Anastasia Protopappas, President, Pass Labs

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Episode 73: Every Audiophile Needs to See What Is Inside These Speakers

Written by Liz Smith on . Posted in Audio Insider Podcast.


Episode 73: Every Audiophile Needs to See What Is Inside These Speakers

Rich from Monarch Systems sits down and unpacks some of the most engineering forward speaker and turntable technology in the world right now. We are talking speakers built with ceramic foam and copper foam inside the cabinet, spiderless drivers, glass cladding, and a modular flagship that was sold in only 10 pairs at a quarter million dollars. And then there is the turntable story that almost sounds too good to be true. Garrard, a company that started as a jeweler making crown jewels, is now rebuilding their legendary 301 idler wheel turntables from the ground up using original paint recipes, original rubber mat molds, and a brand new rubber formulation for the idler wheel that makes the whole thing run in complete silence. This is the kind of episode audiophiles share with each other. The level of craft, history, and engineering obsession packed into this conversation is genuinely rare and Rich clearly loves every bit of it. Whether you are a speaker person, a vinyl person, or both, there is something in here that is going to make you want to dig deeper.

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Episode 72: Bringing the Live Concert Experience Home for Audiophiles

Written by Liz Smith on . Posted in Audio Insider Podcast.


Episode 72: Bringing the Live Concert Experience Home for Audiophiles

If you have ever stood in a room and felt music physically move through you, you already know what this conversation is about. Rob from Third Ear Speakers joins the AXPONA Audio Insider podcast and what he describes goes far beyond specs and measurements. We are talking about a speaker so focused in its imaging that you can walk out of the sweet spot entirely and the center image does not move. Not a little. Not at all. Rob comes from the pro audio world, has mixed in arenas, has stood on the floor at Metallica, and has listened in the nosebleeds at Madison Square Garden with Clapton’s own engineer at the helm. When someone with that set of ears tells you a speaker changed how he thinks about sound, you listen. This is the kind of episode that reminds you why audiophiles never stop searching. Rob breaks down what separates a truly great listening experience from everything else, why most rooms are far from perfect and why that might not matter as much as you think, and what it actually feels like when a speaker just disappears and leaves only the music. Third Ear Speakers is the real deal and this conversation will make you want to hear them for yourself.

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AXPONA Acquired by Sound & Fury LLC

Written by Liz Smith on . Posted in Press Releases.

For immediate release

AXPONA Acquired by Sound & Fury LLC

Strategic move positions North America’s leading high-end audio event for continued expansion

SCHAUMBURG, IL. (April 28, 2026) – Sound & Fury LLC today announced the acquisition of AXPONA (Audio Expo North America), the largest high-end audio event in North America.

Since its inception, AXPONA has served audiophiles, manufacturers and music enthusiasts as a premier destination to experience high-fidelity sound and cutting-edge audio equipment from around the world. The acquisition brings together AXPONA’s reputation as a world-class exhibition with Sound & Fury’s forward-looking vision for the evolving high-end audio market.

“I had my first audiophile experience in sixth grade at my best friend’s house — and it changed the course of my life,” said Henry Wu, owner of Sound & Fury LLC. “Decades later, I am honored to serve as the next steward of what I believe is the greatest audio event in the world, alongside one of the best teams in the industry.”

Under new ownership, the existing event team will remain in place to ensure a seamless transition for exhibitors, partners and attendees. The 2027 show, scheduled for April 16-18 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, will proceed as planned, with enhanced programming and new features to be announced in the coming months.

The acquisition comes at a pivotal moment for both AXPONA and the high-end audio industry. With growing interest from a new generation of listeners, the event is poised to expand its reach while continuing to serve its core enthusiast audience.

“AXPONA 2026 set a new benchmark for energy, engagement and scale,” said Liz Smith, event director. “The growth we’re seeing reflects a community that is evolving in exciting ways. We’re excited to build on that momentum as we expand the show for 2027 and beyond.”

For more information, visit www.axpona.com.

 

ABOUT  

AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) is North America’s largest event for audiophiles, manufacturers of high-end audio equipment, musicians and music lovers. The three-day experience features 230+ high fidelity listening rooms, providing guests the enviable opportunity to experience the newest technology in high-end consumer audio products. Attendees are encouraged to go from room to room and sit, listen and compare the various systems. The Expo Hall and Ear Gear Experience play host to thousands of products and accessories from cables to headphones to LPs and SACDs. The Car Audio Showcase features high-performance car audio from manufacturers and dealers. Beyond the exhibits, AXPONA includes live musical performances and educational seminars with industry experts and demonstrations. 

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AXPONA 2026 Delivers Record Attendance, Exhibitors and Listening Rooms

Written by Liz Smith on . Posted in Press Releases.

For immediate release

TOP 10 THINGS TO EXPERIENCE AT

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 16-18, 2027.

For more information about the event, please visit www.axpona.com.

 

ABOUT  

AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) is North America’s largest event for audiophiles, manufacturers of high-end audio equipment, musicians and music lovers. The three-day experience features 230+ high fidelity listening rooms, providing guests the enviable opportunity to experience the newest technology in high-end consumer audio products. Attendees are encouraged to go from room to room and sit, listen and compare the various systems. The Expo Hall and Ear Gear Experience play host to thousands of products and accessories from cables to headphones to LPs and SACDs. The Car Audio Showcase features high-performance car audio from manufacturers and dealers. Beyond the exhibits, AXPONA includes live musical performances and educational seminars with industry experts and demonstrations. 

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Episode 72: Bringing the Live Concert Experience Home for Audiophiles

Written by Liz Smith on . Posted in Audio Insider Podcast.


Episode 70: The Wildest Audio Brand on the Planet

On this episode of the AXPONA Audio Insider podcast, Lenny Florentine sits down with Jeff from Reel Sound Distribution to explore one of the most unique and artist-driven brands in high-end audio—Metaxas & Sins. From groundbreaking reel-to-reel tape machines and jaw-dropping turntables to omnidirectional electrostatic speakers and sculptural headphone amplifiers, this conversation dives into how Kostas Metaxas blends engineering, music, and pure artistic vision to create hi-fi unlike anything else in the world. They discuss the philosophy behind the designs, the pursuit of lifelike sound, and what makes these components as much collectible art as they are serious audio gear.

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Episode 69: Every Audiophile Needs to Hear This

Written by Liz Smith on . Posted in Audio Insider Podcast.


Episode 69: Every Audiophile Needs to Hear This

If you think you know what goes into building a truly world class speaker, this episode will make you think again. TJ from AXISS Audio Distribution takes us deep inside the Franco Serblin factory and what he describes is less like a manufacturing process and more like fine art. We are talking solid walnut cabinets that season for months before a single component is ever installed, matched serial number pairs built simultaneously so you receive a truly identical left and right, and acoustic measurements taken on bare cabinets before assembly even begins. The level of obsession here is rare, and it shows in every single pair that leaves that factory. Franco Serblin speakers are not just built to perform, they are built to last a lifetime. The craftsmen behind these cabinets come from a tradition of exotic furniture making and bring that same reverence for wood and form to every single build. When TJ calls these a forever speaker, he means it in every sense of the word. This is one of those conversations that reminds you why high end audio exists in the first place.

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TOP 10 THINGS TO EXPERIENCE AT AXPONA 2026, APRIL 10–12

Written by Liz Smith on . Posted in Press Releases.

For immediate release

TOP 10 THINGS TO EXPERIENCE AT
AXPONA 2026, APRIL 10–12
Discover the NEW ALTI Pavilion, 220+ Listening Rooms, live concerts, AI-powered mobile app, seminars and more

SCHAUMBURG, IL (March 25, 2026) – AXPONA (Audio Expo North America), the largest high-end audio event in North America, returns April 10–12 to the Schaumburg Convention Center for its 17th year. Audiophiles, music lovers, musicians and industry professionals from around the globe will gather for three days of immersive listening experiences, groundbreaking technology, educational seminars, live music and the latest gear from the world’s most respected audio brands.

With more than 230 listening rooms, 750+ brands, an expansive Expo Hall, Ear Gear Experience, Hi-Fi Car Audio Showcase and a new ALTI Pavilion, AXPONA 2026 offers attendees the opportunity to test, touch and experience the best in high-fidelity sound. Add these 10 must-do experiences to your agenda to make the most of the show.

  1. Experience 220+ Immersive Listening Rooms

The heart of AXPONA is its 230+ dedicated listening rooms, where attendees can hear and compare expertly engineered high-performance audio systems from the world’s most prestigious manufacturers. Across multiple floors, guests can sit down and experience systems featuring cutting-edge speakers, amplifiers, streamers and analog gear in carefully curated listening environments.

  1. Shop the Expo Hall and Record Fair

The Expo Hall, home to the popular Record Fair, offers an extensive marketplace for vinyl collectors and audio enthusiasts alike. Browse thousands of LPs and discover the latest in turntables, tonearms, cartridges, cables, racks and accessories from top manufacturers includingButcher Block Acoustics, Fern & Roby, Music on Reels, SOTA Turntables and more.

  1. Discover the Ear Gear Experience

Personal audio takes center stage in the Ear Gear Experience, the largest showcase of its kind at AXPONA. This dedicated area features the latest headphones, in-ear monitors, DACs, amplifiers and portable audio players. Leading brands including 64 Audio, Beyerdynamic, Dan Clark Audio, Noble Audio, Sennheiser and ZMF Headphones will debut new products and offer hands-on listening opportunities.

  1. Explore the NEW ALTI Pavilion

New for 2026, AXPONA welcomes the ALTI Pavilion, presented by ALTI Association (Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International). This dedicated B2B space within the Expo Hall brings together audio and loudspeaker technology innovators, consultants and manufacturers to collaborate, network and explore new business opportunities. The Pavilion also anchors AXPONA’s expanded trade programming, including seminars, the networking mixer and lounges designed for industry professionals.

  1. Hear the Best in Hi-Fi Car Audio

The Hi-Fi Car Audio Showcase returns, giving attendees the chance to experience high-performance automotive sound systems up close. Demonstrations from top manufacturers and dealers highlight cutting-edge car audio technology, culminating in the Car Audio Showcase Invitation Sound Quality (SQ) Competition, where experts compete to achieve the pinnacle of sonic clarity inside the car environment.

  1. Enjoy Live Concerts with Amber Rubarth and Caelan Cardello

When the show floor closes, the music continues with live concerts at AXPONA.

On Friday, April 10 at 8 p.m., acclaimed jazz pianist Caelan Cardello will perform. 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, April 11 at 8 p.m., award-winning singer-songwriter Amber Rubarth takes 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.

Both concerts are sponsored by Wireworld Cable Technology.

  1. Discover New Products from 750+ Global Brands

AXPONA is the place where manufacturers unveil the latest innovations in high-end audio. More than 750 brands will showcase new speakers, turntables, streaming systems, cables, amplifiers and accessories. Attendees can explore the newest technologies from leading companies including ATC Loudspeakers, Bel Canto, Cambridge Audio, Devialet, Focal Naim America, Magico, Nordost, Pass Labs, Totem Acoustic, Vandersteen Audio and YG Acoustics.

  1. Attend Expert-Led Seminars and Master Classes

AXPONA’s robust seminar program offers attendees the chance to learn directly from industry experts, engineers and musicians. Sessions cover topics such as hi-fi system building, immersive audio, analog playback, headphone technology and the evolving world of high-end audio. AXPONA is also introducing a new trade-focused seminar track this year, featuring two sessions designed specifically for industry professionals. These seminars will explore modern marketing strategies and evolving retail concepts, offering actionable insights for brands, dealers and partners looking to grow and adapt in today’s competitive landscape.

  1. Navigate the Show with the NEW AXPONA Mobile App

New for 2026, the AXPONA mobile app helps attendees plan and navigate the show with ease. Featuring an AI-powered help desk, the app allows guests to quickly find exhibitors, locate brands — including companies showcasing turntables and analog gear — and receive personalized recommendations. The app also includes messaging features, seminar schedules and exhibitor directories to enhance the overall attendee experience.

  1. Passport Program 

AXPONA also invites attendees to engage with exhibitors through its interactive Passport Program, accessible via the AXPONA App. Participants can collect ID numbers from participating brands throughout the show, with completed passports automatically entered into daily drawings. Three winners will each receive $100 in cash prizes, awarded at the Master Class Theater.

Tickets

1 Day – $32 online, $40 onsite
Multi-Day – $60 online, $75 onsite
Gen Z Pass – $15 online, $20 onsite

All general admission tickets grant access to exhibits including Listening Rooms and the Expo Hall, as well as educational seminars, live music and special events.

AXPONA opens Friday, April 10 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.), Saturday, April 11 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.), and Sunday, April 12 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.axpona.com/register.asp.

About AXPONA

AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) is North America’s largest event for audiophiles, manufacturers of high-end audio equipment, musicians and music lovers. The three-day experience features more than 230 high-fidelity listening rooms, allowing guests to experience the newest technology in high-end consumer audio products. The Expo Hall and Ear Gear Experience showcase thousands of products and accessories, while the Hi-Fi Car Audio Showcase highlights cutting-edge automotive sound systems. Beyond the exhibits, AXPONA includes live musical performances and educational seminars with industry experts and demonstrations.

For more information, visit www.axpona.com.

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