Upstream Audio, Aesthetix, Focal, Sonore | FLAX 2020

Part-Time Audiophile

TAMPA, FL (PTA) — Upstream Audio was showing a masterfully configured digital and analog sourced system featuring components from Aesthetix, Focal, and Sonore. The Story At first the system might seem simple and spartan but with a total system cost pushing $72k, it became apparent that the folks at Upstream Audio were not playing around. First let’s talk about the DAC (and CD Player) from Aesthetix. With a price tag of 11,500 USD, the Aesthetix Romulus CD Player / DAC was the second most expensive thing in the system by only $500 USD. Money well spent I say, as the system fronted by Focal Kanta No. 3 loudspeakers really did sing. I say this because often we see systems on display that are speaker heavy when it comes to how the prices line up. The old chestnut is true about “putting the bulk of your money on the speakers.” But it’s also true that everything else matters too. Especially sources and amplifiers. The Aesthetix Romulus is a vacuum tube based digital-to-analog converter with one USB, three SPDIF inputs and adds a CD transport mechanism, with the option to add a volume control. Everything about the Romulus is built for audio-porn, […]

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