London’s annual hi-fi show lands at Heathrow this weekend. Few of the big names in AV appear to be participating at the Park Inn this year, but it might still be worth a visit.
Probably the key attraction is the area run by high-end distributor Absolute Sounds, which is exhibiting in four separate suites in the hotel’s Business Centre. There you’ll find two of the larger names in high-end hi-fi in the Johnson Suite in the form of Krell and Wilson Audio. A variety of equipment is promised, from Krell’s KID iPod dock/preamp and Wilson’s ‘entry-level’ (that’s just under grand to you) Duette speakers, to reference level products from both marques.
Nearby, Audio Research and MartinLogan are demonstrating valve-based audio and electrostatic loudspeaker technology, alongside kit from Copland, Mystere, PrimaLuna and Sonus Faber.
Also debuting at the show is the Absolute Studio. Created by Ricardo Franassovici, the man behind Absolute Sounds, the Studio is described as “an haute couture audio boutique…exclusive, rarified creations, pieced together to create an audio ensemble of uniquely desirable quality.” Should be nice.
Visitors will be invited to listen to a system fronted by the Kalista CD player from French firm Metronome Technologie, coupled to amplification from Switzerland’s darTZeel. Speakers are V3s from Californian company Magico, complete with unique Nano-Tec carbon nanotube driver technology.
Show-goers are also urged to bring along a favourite vinyl record for free cleaning, courtesy of Keith Monks Audio Works.
The Hi-Fi show runs 19-21 September, at the Park Inn, Bath Road, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 0DU. It’s open to the public Friday 19th from 2pm-6pm; Saturday 20th, 9.30am-5pm and Sunday 21st, 10am-4pm.
