Computer Audio Design and Egglestonworks | FLAX 2023

computer audio design

The Computer Audio Design (CAD) and Egglestonworks room at FLAX was a very pleasant surprise for me since I wasn’t super-familiar with the kit being presented there. It’s always a treat to be exposed to new-to-me lines, and Room 818 didn’t disappoint.

Transduction was provided by Egglestonworks Oso speakers, a three-way floorstander that features a 1’’ silk dome tweeter, two 6” mids, and a 10’’ side-firing woofer. They present a 4 ohm load, are rated at 87 dB, and the frequency response is 28 Hz-24 kHz. The sound of the Computer Audio Design and Egglestonworks was focused, tight, and loaded the room very well.

Words and Photos by Matthew Partrick

I was particularly impressed with the wide sound stage and imaging that the Osos provided. Egglestonworks implies on its website that the side-firing woofer is a small compromise towards footprint compared to their top tier models, but I did not get that impression in the least. Retailing at just under $13k, these loudspeakers should make someone out there very happy.

egglestonworks

Digital streaming was provided by the Computer Audio Design (CAD) DAC Mk II and the CAD Audio
Transport. CAD was also exhibiting some all-new products, the USB II-R Cable coming in at $1,500, and the USB Control at $750. Computer Audio Design was also providing newly updated GC1.1 Ground Controls at $2,250 each, one on the CAT signal ground and the other on the DAC and Aesthetix Mimas Amplifier signal grounds.

computer audio design

Lastly, Computer Audio Design exhibited the newly updated GC3.1 Ground Controls at $5,400. I was hearing a very crisp reproduction of “Differently” by Marian Hill, which has a little Iggy Azalea/Charli XCX funky beat going for it. Considering a lot of folks were having Wi-Fi signal issues in the venue, the CAD front end was smooth as buttah, no excess calories.

matthew partrick

Amplification was provided by the Aesthetix Audio Mimas. This is an integrated hybrid amp, with a tube preamp stage and class AB solid state power stage providing 150 watts into 8 Ohms. Options include phono stage, DAC and headphone amp modules. Bass extension in particular through the Osos was oh-so-tight, and left me wanting for naught. The Mimas retails for $9,000. I’ll certainly be on the lookout for these products in the near future.

If you would like to hear even more coverage from FLAX 2023, check out our recap report and highlights from our audiophile-oriented show The Occasional Podcast. You can stream the episode direct from the embed below, or from your favorite podcast platform including iTunesAndroidGoogle, Deezer, SpotifyiHeartRadio and more.


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computer audio design

computer audio design