APR 11-13, 2025
The biggest US show.
The outstanding replay quality with “economic” sources points to the relevance of the proper speaker system (LINKWITZ LX521.4MG). Even with a decent USB DAC, the results can be stunning.
Laptop with HQPlayer, doing the heavy lifting of filter and modulator duties, sending DSD128 and DSD256 in direct mode to T+A 200 1-bit DSD DAC or a Topping D90 Discrete 1-bit DAC, furthermore, you could hear the Grimm Audio MA 2 streamer.
A big THANK YOU to the LINKWITZ team and to all our visitors.
Thank you for the many
“Best Of Show”
comments we received.
A very good start @ AXPONA:
One of the first visitors to our room awarded LX521.4MG
as PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
Thank you Carlo!
LINKWITZ parlor talks
AXPONA 2025 LINKWITZ Parlor topic:
“Six major (above-threshold) problems with music reproduction that stand in the way of believability.”
The expert talks were dealing with these topics, raised by The Absolute Sound magazine:
- The problem of recording standards
- The problem of visual images
- The problem of spatial imaging
- The problem of bass in real rooms
- The problem of dynamics
- The problem of a-musical digital distortions”
Visitors experienced these challenges firsthand—and discovered innovative ways to overcome them.
1. The Problem of Recording Standards
Speaker: Barry Diament, Soundkeeper Recordings
Barry shared his expertise on minimalist microphone techniques and the importance of avoiding unnecessary compression.
He also announced the winner of the LINKWITZ Minimal Microphoning Medal Contest, presenting the winner track live for attendees.
2. The Problem of Visual Images and
3. The Problem of Spatial Imaging
Visitors were able to experience the absence of these issues,
live in our showroom.
We played back a recording from a recent Sound Liaison event, alongside images of the session.
Playback on the LX521.4MG system accurately reproduced:
Instrument positioning and scale (no spatial distortion)
Tonal, timbral, and timing qualities
were indistinguishable from the live event.
Audience feedback from attendees at the original recording
confirmed the authenticity of the experience.
4. The Problem of Bass in Real Rooms
We showcased how our dipole subwoofers solve real-world bass problems—without room treatment or digital correction.
Key Improvements:
Reduced room excitation: Dipole subwoofers radiate 66% less energy into the room compared to omnidirectional box speakers, lowering room node excitation by -4.8 dB.
Directional control: By toeing in the right subwoofer 60°, L/R room mode excitations were uncorrelated—flattening bass response across the room.
🎵 Demonstration tracks included:
- “Liberian Girl” – Michael Jackson
- “Hotel California” – The Eagles
- “Game of Love” – Daft Punk
Visitors reported powerful yet clean bass they could feel in their chests—without boominess.
5. The Problem of Dynamics
Barry Diament addressed this in detail, and our LX521.4MG system faithfully reproduced dynamic swings—even at the deepest bass levels—without distortion or compression.
6. The Problem of A-Musical Digital Distortions
Speaker: Jussi Laako, Developer of HQPlayer
Jussi Laako discussed how digital processing can degrade audio, and how to avoid it.
We presented an A/B comparison using a DSD256 classical music recording:
System Setup: DSD256 File (NAS) →
HQPlayer → 1-bit DSD-DAC → LX521.4MG
File A: Processed using a standard studio tool (DSD → PCM/DXD → DSD) with decimation and DC filters.
File B: Processed with HQPlayer Pro, retaining DSD256 format and avoiding distortion-causing filters.
The difference was clearly audible, with File B preserving natural tonality and convinced with enhanced spatial presentation.
➡️ Join us at the Munich Show to compare for yourself!
Bonus Session: Tape Transfer Done Right
Speaker: Jamie Howarth, PLANGENT Processes
Jamie showcased how poor tape transfers can ruin great recordings—especially when wow and flutter distort the original tape.
His A/B comparisons between standard releases vs. restored versions made one thing clear:
We should demand higher-quality reissues from record labels.
See TheAbsoluteSound AXPONA video
here
👉 Want to learn more?
Visit LINKWITZ.audio or meet us in person at the MUNICH High End Show.