Air Tight was also out in full force. Legendary for their tube amplification, they only showed their wares on static display this year. Practically every model of their extended range was on display, including the brand new stereo version of their ATM 2001 monoblock. Though I see these amps practically everyday (in my store), their extremely high standard of fit and finish still never ceases to impress me…

Brinkmann and HRS teamed up this year to great effect. In the Brinkmann room, one La Grange and one Balance turntable were each placed on individual M-3 shelves and housed in an awesome HRS MXR rack. Their individual tube and solid state power supplies were located on separate M-3 shelves. Apart from providing isolation against all kinds of nasty vibrations, the mighty HRS rack looks just fabulous! Could this be the best audio rack in the market right now? If appearance and quality of finishing were the only factor, then it would get my vote hands down!

When I was in the Brinkmann room, I listened to a demo of the La Grange with a unique “tangential pivoted” arm called the Thalus, and a new EMT cartridge. This is the first time I have seen an EMT cartridge design that comes without their traditional integrated headshell. What this means is that you can fit it on any tonearm now! There are actually 2 models called the JSD 5 and 6 with different stylus shapes. The sound was very nimble, detailed and yet refined at the same time. Transients on drums were among the best I have ever heard – truly first class stuff! I hope to have some of these interesting cartridges for demo soon!