The 2025 Capitol AudioFest: Jacob Heilbrunn Celebrates Analog Audio Magic

Vinyl and analog audio gear shone brightly at the 2025 Capitol AudioFest, proving the analog revival is still spinning strong.

If there’s one thing the 2025 Capitol AudioFest made crystal clear, it’s that the vinyl renaissance is far from fading. Walking into the bustling atrium, you’re instantly swept up in a sea of thousands of LPs — rock, jazz, classical, pop — you name it. For vinyl fanatics like me, it was pure analog heaven.

Among the crowds, Californian J.R. Boisclair was busy showcasing his ultra-precise Wally Tools, essential for anyone serious about dialing in the perfect turntable setup. It felt like stepping into a lush analog wonderland — a vibe captured perfectly by an original Prestige pressing of John Coltrane’s Lush Life that I scored from local vinyl dealer Chris Armbruster. Upstairs, the audio showrooms offered more delights, from vinyl rigs to vintage tape decks, each promising sonic treasures waiting to be unearthed.

Alma Music & Audio: The Thales Elegance Turntable’s Grand Performance

Alma Music & Audio wowed with their demo of the new Thales Elegance turntable and tonearm combo, retailing at $28,800. What’s fascinating about this beauty is its battery pack, which provides up to 16 hours of electricity-free performance. Plus, its eddy-current brake promises more precise drive motor control — a nifty touch for audiophiles.

Though compact, the turntable delivers a surprisingly big sound. Listening to the Pepper Adams Quintet album, a recent reissue from the fresh North Carolina label Gammaut, I was struck by the richness of the bass and the expansive soundstage. The Von Schweikert VR.thirty loudspeakers ($59,900/pair), with their trio of ultra-fast honeycomb ceramic drivers, didn’t just complement the setup — they elevated the entire sonic experience.

Haniwa Audio: Petite Package, Mighty Sound

At the other end of the spectrum, Haniwa Audio’s dainty but dynamic setup caught my ear. Offering a comprehensive analog chain from cartridge to horn loudspeakers, Haniwa’s low-impedance cartridges act as voltage devices—a clever innovation. Their HTRT01 turntable, priced at $15,000, delivered a vibrant performance.

The standout moment? Hearing “Take Five” from an original stereo Columbia 6-Eye pressing of Dave Brubeck’s Time Out. The alacrity and energy of the Haniwa system breathed new life into this jazz classic, making it sound absolutely boffo.

Robyatt Audio: Powerhouse Simco 1 and Custom VPI Magic

The legendary Robin Wyatt was in the house demonstrating his powerful Simco 1 loudspeakers ($15,590 per pair), alongside a selection of Miyajima cartridges and a custom VPI “In the Can” direct-drive turntable ($15,550). To my ears, the sound was nothing short of superb, though I later heard about some technical glitches beyond Wyatt’s control. Regardless, his setup was a highlight for analog purists.

Blink Audio: Italian Elegance with Borresen M3 and Thuono TH-4

For those who crave a bit of Italian flair, Blink Audio’s exhibit was a looker and a listener’s dream. Tim Lukas and Veronica Diaz brought the impressive Borresen M3 loudspeakers ($294,000) to the spotlight, alongside the American debut of the Thuono TH-4 turntable ($59,500).

This oversized belt-drive marvel features magnetic suspension and a striking marble and aluminum body, exuding an aura of power and precision that matched its formidable sound.

Acora Acoustics & VAC: The DJ and Turntable Dream Team

The Acora Acoustics and VAC room was an epicenter of big sound and even bigger vibes. The Swedish Audio Technologies XD1 direct-drive turntable, with a price tag close to $300,000, was paired with the SAT CF1-09T tonearm — the “T” stands for titanium, the latest in this meticulously crafted series by Marc Gomez.

A special moment was catching audio legend Michael Fremer at a dinner hosted by Command Performance AV owner Jeffrey Fox. After dinner, Fremer took over as DJ, spinning LP after LP on the SAT turntable to an enthralled crowd.

The sound? Fremer himself said it best:

“The sound in the room was absolutely the kind of sound you don’t really hear at hi-fi shows. That room had it set up in such a way that it sounded as good as it would in a good home room.” — Michael Fremer

Special shout-out to Acoustic Sounds’ Chad Kassem, who pressed a unique 45rpm copy of Who’s Next for Fremer’s set.

Command Performance AV: Polish Precision with J. Sikora Standard MAX Supreme

Jeff Fox and his Command Performance AV crew brought some disco-era fun with 1970s outfits and wild wigs — a charming reminder that the high-end audio world doesn’t take itself too seriously all the time.

They showcased the J. Sikora Standard MAX Supreme turntable ($11,750), hailing from Poland, which is quickly becoming a hotspot for stellar audio craftsmanship. Having always considered Sikora among the best value turntables out there, I can attest that both its build quality and sound are top-tier.

United Home Audio and Revox: Timeless Tape and Vinyl Excellence

Alongside Fox was Greg Beron from United Home Audio, demoing his new $80,000 Apollo-Evo tape deck — a beautiful beast that wowed with its spacious and wide soundstage, especially when paired with the Stenheim SX-LE loudspeakers. The bass? Simply awesome.

German stalwart Revox was in the mix too, presenting its revered B77 Mk III reel-to-reel recorder and the T700 black edition turntable, reminding us that analog tape still holds a cherished spot in the hearts of audiophiles.

Magnepan Room: A Rare Disappointment

Even the best shows have their misses. The Magnepan room, featuring the towering 30.7x loudspeaker and a $350,000 Wilson-Benesch GMT turntable, didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Despite owning the turntable myself and loving the brand, the sound felt oddly diffuse and lacked the crispness I’ve come to expect from Magnepan. A puzzling moment, but it just goes to show that even legends can have an off day.

American Sound of Canada: German Engineering Meets Orchestral Majesty

Angie Lisi’s American Sound of Canada presented the Teutonic Avantgarde Duo GT loudspeakers ($108,000) alongside a $6,500 Perpetuum Ebnert PE-60 Mk. II turntable from Germany’s Black Forest and an Analog Relax EX 500 cartridge.

The result was a colossal sound event. The orchestral power of a 45rpm Reference Recording of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique filled the room with breathtaking heft and weight, leaving a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to listen.

Bending Wave USA: Göbel’s Divin Noblesse and Clearaudio’s Majesty

Rounding out the show was Bending Wave USA’s display of pure audio firepower. The magnificent Göbel Divin Noblesse loudspeakers ($269,000) were partnered with the Clearaudio Reference Jubilee turntable ($60,000), creating a sonic spectacle that epitomized high-end analog luxury.

Final Thoughts: Analog’s Heartbeat Keeps Beating Strong

Was there a single “best of show” room? Honestly, no. My joy came from soaking in the overall vibe, the passion, and the unmistakable pulse of analog music gear thriving more than ever. The 2025 Capitol AudioFest was a vivid reminder: vinyl and analog audio are far from a passing trend—they remain at the core of audiophile culture.

FAQ

• What made the Thales Elegance turntable stand out?
  Its battery-powered operation offering 16 hours independent of house power, coupled with an eddy-current brake for precise motor control.
• Which system delivered the best jazz sound at the fest?
  The Haniwa Audio system, especially with Dave Brubeck's Time Out on an original pressing, was outstanding.
• Who is Michael Fremer and what role did he play?
  A renowned analog audio guru who DJed live at the Acora and VAC room, delighting the audience with his test pressings.
• What was unique about Blink Audio’s Thuono TH-4 turntable?
  It features magnetic suspension and a striking marble and aluminum body, offering both a powerful look and sound.
• Did any well-known brands disappoint at the fest?
  Magnepan’s room, surprisingly, underwhelmed with a diffuse sound despite high-end equipment.

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