Tube fest!

   Jadis! Ah, here's a name that brings back very fond memories.

Having heard the Rethm Saadhana loudspeakers under many different listening situations, and electronically speaking - in many different configurations. It would be a rather logical conclusion to form this opinion: its rear loaded Lowther driver is indeed a very special transducer that possesses a rare sense of grace and delicacy not often found in many loudspeakers, especially when driven with the right amplification. I don't know much about Emille Labs tube electronics, particularly their 300B designs, but will tell you this combination sounded seductively sweet. 

KR Audio demonstrated what their Kronzilla mono amplifiers could do in bi-amp mode on a pair of Analysis Audio Amphitryon planar/magnetic loudspeakers to great sonic effect. Some very large and round subwoofers occupied each corner but while I was there they weren't on (or so read the note). US importer Mike Kalellis lives here in northern NJ, and since I'm a big fan of his loudspeakers, I've heard practically each model up close and personal in his home. That said, I've not heard them ever sound as good here when driven by these super tubed KR amplifiers. The sound was surprisingly dynamic with a sense of ease that simply drew you in. Overall, the sonics were so inviting I found it hard tearing myself away from this setup.

Greek tube amp manufacturer Tsakiridis Devices also made their way into the High End show demonstrating some very attractive 140-watt Electra mono tube ampifier (top photo).

The futuristic looking Synapse preamplifier (photo above) from Pathos Acoustics also featured their newly introduced Endorphin CD player. It never ceases to amaze me how elegant the Italians make high-end electronics.