I don’t know why I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve hung out with Damon Von Schweikert and Leif Swanson of VSA, but it was such a relief to see them at AXPONA 2023. I miss those big exhibit rooms with Kevin Hayes’ VAC amplification and that million dollar system plus, but I also know another thing: Von Schweikert Audio can bring the goods even in smaller rooms. And that’s what happened in the VSA and Scott Walker Audio at AXPONA.
Words and Photos by Marc Phillips
Damon told me that the average VSA customer often wants the biggest speakers they can get, which is not always the best choice. (This should be obvious to audiophiles who know what they’re doing.) Just recently, Damon talked a customer out of the massive Von Schweikert Audio Ultra 11s and into a pair of much smaller but still formidable Ultra 7s, which achieved a better overall sound in the customer’s home. In the VSA and Scott Walker Audio room, the $180k/per pair Ultra 7s were mated to the usual VAC power amps, this time only two instead of the usual four, along with MasterBuilt cables.
I felt like VSA and Scott Walker Audio added a new, unexpected element to this system–R2R. For the first time I can remember, we listened to analog tape and yes, it’s hard to find a better sound than this. The smooth yet dynamic sound of tape, coupled with the incredible frequency response of the Ultra 7s, was hypnotic.
I do want to single out the digital source in the VSA and Scott Walker room–the quite amazing LampizatOr Horizon DAC with an Aurender music server. Not to diss any of the other digital audio manufacturers at AXPONA, but there were plenty of Horizons in some of the best-sounding rooms at the show. When I discuss the magic of VSA and VAC, I’ve been remiss in giving credit to LampizatOr for their vital contributions to the overall sound. Then again, I don’t expect anything less from Damon, Leif, Kevin and anyone else associated with these awesome stereo systems.
If you would like to hear even more coverage from AXPONA 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 iTunes, Android, Google, Deezer, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more.
Also don’t forget to check out our collaboration to commemorate the event with our solid bronze record weight available only for a limited run. This 800 grams of solid bronze features the PTA roundel on the top with also acts as a 45 adapter. You can purchase direct from the PTA Approved Store here on the site.
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