Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I attended the AXPONA audio conference on 4/11/26 for the first time and it really exceeded my expectations!
Many many floors containing rooms of equipment with demonstration areas and product experts to talk to.
The entire conference is focused around high-end audio and this equipment is not cheap! Most pieces start between five to $50,000 each. Some of the amplifiers were $350,000 each — and even more. And to make a 2-channel setup with amps, speakers, preamps and turntables, it adds up!
Really interesting experience to get an idea of all the companies out there which are making audio equipment in this niche consumer market.
I walked away with a couple of learnings:
1) Start playing lotto because it’s the only way I’ll ever afford even some of this.
2) There are many manufacturers and companies making this type of equipment, but it is a small user base.
3) Target market is mainly male Gen Xers like myself but also a small percentage of females and Gen Z’s.
4) I will stick to my vintage equipment collecting, a top model $4000 restored receiver is still a fraction of the price of one item here.
5) I can’t wait to go again next year, or whenever this is in the Chicagoland area cause I will be there with my son again.
I attended the AXPONA audio conference on 4/11/26 for the first time and it really exceeded my expectations!
Many many floors containing rooms of equipment with demonstration areas and product experts to talk to.
The entire conference is focused around high-end audio and this equipment is not cheap! Most pieces start between five to $50,000 each. Some of the amplifiers were $350,000 each — and even more. And to make a 2-channel setup with amps, speakers, preamps and turntables, it adds up!
Really interesting experience to get an idea of all the companies out there which are making audio equipment in this niche consumer market.
I walked away with a couple of learnings:
1) Start playing lotto because it’s the only way I’ll ever afford even some of this.
2) There are many manufacturers and companies making this type of equipment, but it is a small user base.
3) Target market is mainly male Gen Xers like myself but also a small percentage of females and Gen Z’s.
4) I will stick to my vintage equipment collecting, a top model $4000 restored receiver is still a fraction of the price of one item here.
5) I can’t wait to go again next year, or whenever this is in the Chicagoland area cause I will be there with my son again.
