AXPONA 2019 Show Coverage brought to you by the LSA Group

CHICAGO (PTA) — Mark Sossa of Well Pleased Audio Vida once again demonstrated a stellar stable of components and show-stopping sound. Rethm loudspeakers continue to dominate my personal point-source category, Qualiton, Aqua, and Innuos make quick work of the hi-res streaming, while GigaWatt, Swisscables, and SGR Hifi Racks do more than support the system.

The Story

The big story is Jacob George’s new Rethm Maarga v2 loudspeaker. The updated Maarga now has a more advanced and in simple terms longer re-routed horn loaded labyrinth. Including a larger dual-side port, and redesigned whizzer-cone. Finishing is also updated, and it is super sexy in the black lacquer on hand today.

The Aqua Formula xHD Digital-to-Analog Convertor gets updated with a new analog output stage, Innuos Zenith MkIII and Qualiton A20i SE amplifier rounds out the system. Swisscables has been with Well Pleased AV since RMAF 2018 in Denver, and in less than a year has proven to be a solid performer. Showing this time around is Swisscables Diamond Reference Plus series of cables, which in conjunction with GigaWatt’s PC-4 power conditioner, have created one of the most dark backgrounds upon which music flows.

The stable of products curated by Well Pleased AV continue to perform second to none, reflect Mark’s ear for good sounding gear, and his ability to find the diamonds in the rough from around the globe.

The Sound

In all my previous dealings with Rethm speakers, there have been no others that come close to imaging and creating a sense of endless depth to the sound-stage. The sonic picture painted by the Maarga v2 can roll off into the distance for what seems like miles. When it comes to the electronics that Mark hand selects to show with, I can’t help but think that his hearing must be one of the best in the business. Dark backgrounds, low noise floors, and sonic acrobatics are always hallmark characteristics of Mark’s product exhibitions.