In a successful cross-branding debut, importer Musical Surroundings demoed the new $2000 AMG Teatro MC cartridge mounted on an AMG Lorenzo tone arm, itself mounted on a Clearaudio Ovation turntable.

At Munich's High End Show 2013 Franc Kuzma showed prototypes of a new cartridge line that has now been introduced at AXPONA. Mounted on a 4 Point tone arm on the Kuzma Stabi XL turntable, the new mid-line CAR-40 ($2900) sounded great playing a "TRON" test pressing.

Highwater Sound demoed TW Acustic's Raven GT SE Turntable featuring a chassis machined from a solid aluminum billet.

The under $2000 price-pointed heated up yet further with the introduction of Funk Firm's new $1495 Flamenca turntable and F6 tone arm.

Switzerland-based Thales recently introduced "Easy", a new moderately-priced tangential pivoting tone arm, that importer AAudio Imports introduced at AXPONA.

VPI's new $999 Nomad made its audio show debut at AXPONA 2014. The 'table features a built-in headphone amplifier and MM phono preamplifier as a well as a new gimbal bearing tone arm.

Though the Sparta AXPONA demo unit was still a prototype, a company spokesperson claimed the unit was "a few weeks away" from going into full production.

Acoustic Signature introduced at AXPONA a new look with the handsome Triple X Turntable.

Balanced Audio Technology introduced at AXPONA five new phono preamplifiers priced from $3500 to $12,500. The five models are variations on a theme starting at the bottom with the $3500 VK-P6 and ending at the top with the VK-12SE Superpak.

Friday at AXPONA appeared to be well attended. The event at the Westin O'Hare attracted a healthy demographic mix and excellent area dealer support —something last year's New York show failed to get, with most dealers preferring a parasitic show relationship.