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Tannoy & Upscale Audio: T.H.E. Show 2023

The Tannoy Kensington driven by a stack of PrimaLuna electronics and the VPI Signature 21 Turntable were a huge hit at T.H.E. Show 2023.

Tannoy, PrimaLuna, VPI, Lumin, REL Audio System at T.H.E. Show 2023

California-based, Upscale Audio, has become one of the best audio/video dealers in North America for a myriad of reasons; Kevin Deal understands his customer base, delivers superb customer service, and doesn’t sell the flavor-of-the-month products that hi-fi magazines love to drool over. He’s not afraid to says things that make some people uncomfortable; and we need a lot more of that in the high-end industry.

Tannoy Kensington Loudspeaker Driver Closeup

In another lifetime, I worked for a hi-fi brand that sold a lot of product though his store and he was one of the few dealers that never caused us any real headaches; he understood the product, trained his staff to properly install and service it, and genuinely knew how to sell it. I recommend his store without any hesitation.

He is also the type of dealer and distributor that is extremely loyal to the brands that support him; Tannoy, PrimaLuna, and VPI took center stage in their primary room at T.H.E. Show 2023 and it definitely delivered from a performance perspective.

PrimaLuna, VPI, Lumin Electronics in Rack at T.H.E. Show 2023

The Tannoy Kensington ($19,790 USD) driven by the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid Tube Integrated Amplifier ($7,295 USD), PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Phono Preamplifier ($3,695 USD), and PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC ($3,395 USD) delivered enormous presence and tone that made eCoustics, Vintage Audio Editor, Eric Pye, run back to the vinyl ballroom to find more music to play.

Tannoy Kensington Loudspeaker Top

A VPI Signature 21 Turntable ($10,250 USD) running a Soundsmith Hyperion ES MKII Moving Iron Cartridge ($7,999 USD) was the primary source in the room; a Lumin U2 Digital Transport ($5,000 USD) connected to the EVO 100 Tube DAC was the digital front-end. All cabling in the room was provided by Cardas Audio.

PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Phonostage

“Huge, smooth, and just intensely moving,” remarked Eric Pye in his comments later that day.

T.H.E. Show 2023 Tannoy/PrimaLuna System List

Tannoy Kensington Loudspeakers (pair)$19,790
REL Acoustics S/812 Subwoofer$3,299
PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid Tube Integrated Amp$7,295
PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Phonostage$3,695
PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC$3,395
Lumin U2 Digital Transport$5,000
VPI Signature 21 (Rosewood)$10,250
Soundsmith Hyperion ES MKII Moving Iron Cartridge$7,999
Audioquest Niagara 5000 Power Conditioner$5,900
All Cabling by Cardas Audio?
Total$66,623

For more information: upscaleaudio.com

Related: See more coverage of T.H.E. Show 2023

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