Show Reports

Welcome back to our extended Toronto Audiofest 2025 show coverage. Without further delay, let’s dive right on into Part 4.

REGA / TRUTUNE ELECTRONICS
For a vinyl enthusiast, TAF 2025 was a great show for wandering the halls. It is on the third floor where I found the Trutone Electronics/Rega room. In this space, two Rega-centric systems were available for perusal. I was quite pleased to see that one of the systems included higher-end components, while the other had an affordable set of options. I know that audio shows usually display the upper-echelon of what manufacturers have to offer, but it is refreshing to see a display of equipment that doesn’t necessarily break the bank.

In Room 363, the higher-end system — which, all in, was valued at $60,000 — included the Rega Aethos stereo amp, Rega Naia flagship turntable with Aphelion 2 MC cartridge, Rega Aura MC Reference phono preamp, Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G floorstanding speakers, Arcam ST25 ultra high-resolution music streamer, and AudioQuest Niagara 3000 power conditioner, along with Rega and AudioQuest cabling.

Upon first arrival, I was ever-so-pleased that the 2011 remastered 180g version of Bruce Cockburn’s 1984 LP Stealing Fire (True North, TNV002) was playing on that beautiful-sounding Naia table. Shortly after that, the 2009 remastered 180g LP of Dire Straits’ self-titled June 1978 debut LP (Warner Bros. 47769-1) was popped onto the second system.

The latter, $5,000 setup featured the Rega Planar 2 turntable with Nd3 cartridge, Rega Brio MK7 integrated amp, and a pair of Paradigm Founder 40B Azure Ice bookshelf speakers. Both Rega systems sounded great, each of them offering lively detail — and during the multiple visits I made to this room, I noticed definite interest in the second system. It’s something within the budget range of someone new to the analog world who wants a simple setup that is versatile and easily upgradable. It’s even an option for, say, a young, college-age turntable enthusiast looking to bring their vinyl to a dorm.

TECHNICS / VINYL SOUND
It was fantastic to see a Technics SL-1210G Grand Class Reference turntable ($5,999) with a Hana SL MK II low-output MC cartridge ($1,150) displayed by Vinyl Sound down the hall in Room 325. Not only was Technics well represented here, but other tried-and-true audio brands were included in this setup.

Besides the Technics table (shown above) and the Canadian debut of the KLH Model Seven loudspeakers ($8,498/pr), Room 325 also featured an Arcam SA45 streaming integrated amp ($7,999), Furutech e-TP609 NCF-N1 power distributor ($2,538), Furutech Evolution Speaker II speaker cables ($1,153), and Furutech power cables ($981 ea) seated on a four-shelf Norstone Spider bamboo hi-fi rack ($450-$600 per shelf).

Needless to say, I was thrilled when Nick Kuburovski (seen above) pulled out the 2011 RSD 180g 2LP edition of Eric Clapton’s Unplugged (Duck/Reprise 468412-1), because it sounded more than just a little bit awesome! Clapton’s guitar work was full and lifelike, with beautifully layered detail in the accompanying instruments. Naturally, I circled back to this space a few times to hear more!

ORACLE AUDIO / MAYFAIR
I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the Mayfair Room and a certain Canadian turntable manufacturer that continues to set the gold standard. Not only has Oracle Audio been designing, crafting, and assembling their turntables in Sherbrooke, Quebec, since 1979, but chief designer and co-owner Jacques Riendeau carries forth with the legacy of the company his brother Marcel founded.

Here at TAF 2025, representation of Canadian talented audio manufacturers in this space enticed visitors to take a seat and listen. In this room, Oracle had a static display, including the Oracle Delphi MK VII Reference turntable ($18,500) and Turbo MK 2 power adaptor, completed with the Reference 1 24k-gold black anodized tonearm ($11,500), Origine with matte-black insert and Origine arm ($3,200), Paris PH100 Mk III phono preamp ($1,520), and Paris PH 200 Mk III phono preamp ($2,780). For the main display, a Solid Meuble stand ($6,000) and Cardas cabling supported the Oracle table and its related electronics, while the brand new Gershman Acoustics Symphoria speakers ($70,000/pr) provided the transparent warm sound.

The entire package consisted of an Oracle Delphi Mk VII Signature turntable ($21,500) with Reference 1 tonearm ($9,000) and Corinth low-output MC cartridge ($3,250), Allnic H-5500 phono preamp ($6,600), an Oracle CD2500 Mk IV CD player ($24,500), Eon Art Tachyon DAC ($79,400), and Eon Art Quark integrated amp ($89,500).

Every time I went by, the listening seats were quite busy, and the knowledgeable folks working in the Mayfair Room gave visitors valuable information about the gear in both French and English. I also saw Anne Bisson and Guy Belanger engage with visitors through their well-received performances in Mayfair. A huge thank you to Stephane Hautcouer from Eon Arts, Jacques Riendeau, and, of course, Eli and Ofra Gershman for making this captivating space come alive.

Part 5 of my TAF 2025 show report is coming soon!

If you want to check out McKellar’s TAF 2025 turntables teaser reel, go here.