SoundStage! Global | SoundStageGlobal.com

March 21-24, 2013

All prices in Canadian dollars unless indicated otherwise

Details: Written by: Doug Schneider; Parent Category: Salon Son & Image 2013; Created: 24 March 2013

Did you hear about the new $4.5M Lamborghini supercar? Many did -- the company announced it and it made headlines around the world despite the fact that only a few will ever be built. Obviously, people like to know about expensive stuff just because it's there, not because many can afford it.

Details: Written by: Jason Thorpe; Parent Category: Salon Son & Image 2013; Created: 23 March 2013

There were a few systems on display that genuinely retailed for less than $5000. Here are three of the standouts.

Details: Written by: Jason Thorpe; Parent Category: Salon Son & Image 2013; Created: 23 March 2013

The rules governing the sub-$5000 system challenge weren't exactly clear. Was that $5000 at full retail price, or could it be considered the actual selling price for which retailers were willing to let it go?

Details: Written by: Jason Thorpe; Parent Category: Salon Son & Image 2013; Created: 23 March 2013

Here's a unique idea for high-end audio -- value! The proliferation of cost-no-object systems at audio shows no doubt leaves the average consumer feeling somewhat left out. While featuring monstrous conglomerations of absurdly expensive gear helps to draw a crowd, that same crowd needs to see something affordable that might just work well in a real home. Of course, exhibitors do bring affordable gear with them, but it's usually stuffed in a corner, probably not even hooked up.

Details: Written by: Jason Thorpe; Parent Category: Salon Son & Image 2013; Created: 23 March 2013

Welcome to the 21st century. I left my home in Toronto, heading to Montreal with a five-hour drive ahead of me. That's no big deal, really, as I love long-distance driving; I have a fun, fast car (Subaru STI) and a good stereo system (JL Audio sub, Morel speakers, and US Amps tube-hybrid amplifiers). Part of my pre-drive preparation involved copying over a bunch of high-resolution music files to my Android phone. Once in the car, I hooked the phone up via Bluetooth to my car deck and used the system for a number of tasks. I made phone calls using hands-free access, used the phone's GPS to guide me right to my hotel, and listened to music through the car system.

Details: Written by: Doug Schneider; Parent Category: Salon Son & Image 2013; Created: 23 March 2013

Several years ago I started dreaming about what I thought a perfect Windows-based laptop of the future would look like -- extremely fast (including boot-up), big screen, super thin, ultra light, durable, and without a traditional hard drive (eventually, they always fail in a bad, bad way). A couple months ago the computer I fantasized about came to life: a Samsung Series 9 ultrabook-type computer with a super-good 15" display, near-instant boot-up, and a solid-state drive. The moment I saw it arrive at the store, I bought it and have had no second thoughts since.

Details: Written by: Jason Thorpe; Parent Category: Salon Son & Image 2013; Created: 22 March 2013

That show conditions are not ideal for the reproduction of recorded sound is not in question. A hotel room is an unknown quantity, and I've seen exhibitors struggle for days to try and optimize the sound of their components. Add a crowd of audiophiles who -- in the best of times -- aren't exactly cognizant of their surroundings, and things can go from bad to worse.

Details: Written by: Jason Thorpe; Parent Category: Salon Son & Image 2013; Created: 22 March 2013

I sit down and listen to DeVore Fidelity speakers every chance I get (read: once a year at the Salon Son & Image show). There's something intensely intimate about the sound of these highly efficient, elegant speakers that makes me feel comfortable and warm.