2012 Capital Audiofest July 13-15 Washington DC

[Yay! More shows!]

“The 2012 Capital Audiofest is set for July 13-15 in the Washington DC
area, and will again be at Crown Plaza Hotel but with more of
everything so will be bigger and better. More quality playback
equipment, listening rooms, display table space, retailers, audio and
video manufacturers and live music. Last year we had approximately
1000 attendees exploring 30 rooms which isnt bad for a two year old
show! This year we plan to have 50-60 rooms along with more of everything. .
If you have not read the rave reviews by Stereophile’s own John
Atkinson, then please go to the CAF website www.capitalaudiofest.com
and link to Stereophile and other great commentary found on the
internet. Please contact me if you are interested in rate and room
information so you can reserve now.www.capitalaudiofest.com.”

THE Show 2012 (at CES) – Evolution Acoustics speakers, darTZeel amplifier, Playback Designs CD player


The little Evolution Acoustics MMMicroOne speakers were driven by darTZeel amplifier and preamp with the source being a laptop using the Playback Designs CD / SACD player as the DAC.

I am not familiar with the #2500 speaker market – but did think this sounded better than it did at RMAF 2011, but perhaps that was because it was not being played as loud.


This room was oriented along the long wall, very rare at this show.


The Evolution Acoustics MMMicroOne speaker


The Evolution Acoustics MMMicroOne speaker


The Playback Designs CD / SACD player being driven by a laptop


The Playback Designs CD / SACD player


The darTZeel NHB 18NS preamplifier


The darTZeel NHB 108 Model One amplifier


The darTZeel NHB 108 Model One amplifier


An Ampex Reel-to-reel tape deck


A final shot of the Ampex Reel-to-reel tape deck

THE Show 2012 (at CES) – Benchmark Media, Studio Electric


Studio Electric were showing their speakers and electronics with Benchmark Audio sources. Studio Electric goes for a smooth, melodic sound with decent resolution that is firmly in the Enjoyable category.


A photo from the almost-sweet spot.


The Studio Electric ‘Monitor’ speaker


The Studio Electric T3 speaker


The Studio Electric EA4 amplifier


The Studio Electric ‘Electrodyne’


The Benchmark Audio ADC1 USB DAC


The Benchmark Audio DAC 1 HDR


The Benchmark Audio DAC1 HDR