Deep Dive Audio | FLAX 2024

I’m usually cautious about visiting dealer exhibit rooms at high-end audio shows–in most cases the dealer is trying to fit all of his lines into one big system that probably lacks the appropriate amount of synergy. But I had two good reasons to visit the Deep Dive Audio room at FLAX 2024. First, Jeff Fox of Notable Audio was setting up a J. Sikora Standard Max turntable in the room, and I have a J. Sikora Initial Max turntable in for review. (We had logistics to discuss.)

Words and Photos by Marc Phillips

Second, Deep Dive Audio was showing off the Audience ClairAudient 1 +1 V5 monitors ($3,900/pair) that I also happen to be reviewing right this second. The ClairAudients are indeed tiny–I’ve been enjoying them in my newly christened tabletop system–but they are capable of throwing up a huge, holographic soundstage that’s intoxicating.

This exhibit room was a typical dealer room with many brands represented in the system–Accuphase, Meitner, Franco Serblin, Margules, REL, Quadraspire and many more–but the overall sound of the system was coherent and impressive. In fact, I’d go as far to say that Deep Dive Audio was just as successful at extracting the same high levels of performance from the Audience speakers in a hotel room that I’ve achieved at home–which isn’t usually the case.

When the Franco Serblin monitors were placed in the system, the sound was still impressive–sultry, deep and seductive–but the ClairAudients are a much bigger surprise in terms of sound. It’s amazing how these very small speakers can fill the room with music.

Deep Dive Audio is a new high-end audio dealer in Palm Bay, Florida, but they’ve hit the ground running. They specialize in system building, an approach that implies they know what they’re doing, and the proof was this sprawling and complicated system that still managed to sound impressive to these jaded ears. I look forward to seeing them at future shows.