Standout Rooms at Capital Audiofest 2023: A Personal Selection by Michael Lavorgna

Room 730 emerged as a familiar haven at CAF 2023, resembling a reunion for Lavorgna. Here, he had the pleasure of rediscovering the Credo EV1202 speakers, a sleek tower that he had previously reviewed last November. Described as a “sleek, slender amp-friendly tower speaker that serves whatever music suits your fancy,” the Credo EV 1202 Ref continues to impress with its ability to cater to diverse musical preferences. Accompanying this auditory delight was the Meitner MA3 DAC, a versatile component that had caught Lavorgna’s attention in a prior review.

In this setting, powered by the LTA MicroZOLT monoblocks, Room 730 bathed its visitors in a cascade of pure, sweet music, devoid of any intrusive room effects. Unlike some exhibitors grappling with acoustic challenges, this system maintained its sonic integrity. Michael Kraske of Credo employed Room EQ Wizard (REW) for setup, a strategic move that transformed what could be a frustrating exercise into a streamlined task, ensuring optimal sonic performance. The EV 1202s, with their surprisingly deep and rich sound, continued to defy expectations, proving that size does not dictate sonic prowess.

The Gear: (available in the U.S. from AudioShield Distribution)

• Credo EV1202 Reference Loudspeakers ($16,995/pair)
• Linear Tube Audio ZOTL40 Reference+ Power Amplifiers ($6800/each)
• Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL Preamplifier (Level 2) ($5750)
• Meitner Audio MA3 Integrated D/A Converter ($10,500)
• van den Hul Inspiration Hybrid Speaker Cables ($1600)
• van den Hul Mountain Interconnects (XLR & RCA) ($1265)
• van den Hul Mainserver Power Cables ($290)

In Room 730, the seamless integration of these components delivered an immersive and enchanting musical experience, solidifying its place among the standout rooms at Capital Audiofest 2023.