Deel 2 verslag Xfi
Contents
Bowers & Wilkins with Rotel
Bowers and Wilkins featured two pairs of loudspeakers, the famous 804 D3 floorstander and the all-new Formation Duo. The eye-catchers, however, were the new Michi pre- and final amplifier, a sub-department of Rotel. Not only did they look impressive, but they didn’t sound wrong at all! Very clean and open… We would also like to test these special amplifiers!
Boenicke
A lesser known brand is Boenicke that builds special speakers and importer Henrick&Younk a particularly captivating sound. The loudspeakers, with their distinctive shape and construction, were driven by an equally special integrated Spec amplifier that tries to breathe new life into the Class D concept in an unusual way. Something to keep an eye on.
AVM and Acoustic Energy
Not an active set at Viertron, a conscious choice, but a lot to see such as the beautiful products of AVM that have now come under their wings and that will get more attention again in the near future. Another fine brand is the British Acoustic Energy that makes beautiful, affordable speakers and again have some fine series in their range. With a bit of luck we will test another monitor from the new 500 series later this year.
Lyngdorf
Also interesting was the room of Hificorner Trading where Peter Lyngdorf ‘himself’ explained his patented room correction. The Lyngdorf aircraft powered a set of bizarre Model B Steinway and Sons loudspeakers that created a fantastic live feeling and produced a flawless sound without any other damping in the room.
Aequo Audio
A big surprise on the Xfi was AEquo Audio. The Dutch play with the Ensis on equipment from TotalDac, among others. What immediately stands out in the sound is the openness and punch. What a powerful sound. By the way, not bad if you consider that it is low active. The tightness in the sound is, among other things, the result of an active bass-unit that can be controlled. A kind of passive room correction, shall we say. Nice set. It’s in our top five.
