Big sounds, big speakers and big crocodiles in the parking lot. The Florida Audio Expo 2025 (or FLAX) really had it all. While still a fairly traditional “high end” audio show, there was a still a decent amount of headphone gear represented by the retailer Moon Audio on the second floor and both seminars and daily entertainment to be had.
The weather was undoubtedly a nice change for many of the out-of-state attendees, press and exhibitors. But the real fun was to be had inside the 4 floors of high fidelity gear. There were several big rooms on the first floor with jaw-dropping sounds (and pricing) along with budget and mid tier setups for folks with every type of budget peppered throughout the rest of the event.
If you would like the full breakdown from pt.AUDIO’s Marc and Brian (straight from the show) check out The Occasional Podcast’s recap in the embed below. It contains a room-by-room analysis and all the new product announcements and highlights from the Tampa event. You can also listen and subscribe on any of your favorite podcast playback platforms including iTunes, Android, Google, Deezer, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more.
Perhaps the most “showy” and “big room sound” at FLAX 2025 was the debut of the new multi-piece Clarisys Audio Atrium flagship. This flat panel speaker stood a few feet taller than the average man, and was bumping out the jams in a seriously accurate fashion. The imaging was huge, as were the sonic queues and nuance from each track I heard that weekend. Amplification was supplied by VAC and sources were a VPI Vanquish Turntable and MSB Cascade DAC for digital.
Scott Walker Audio hosted a fantastic setup featuring Estelon Extreme Mk2 Speakers, Vitus Electronics, Crystal Cable, Taiko Audio and Sonorus Audio. The large room was fully activated and pressurized by the space-age inspired speakers. While the look may be a little unconventional, both the sounds and the obvious conversation-starter looks of the Estelon room were one for the ages. A highlight and a standout at the show.
Also featured at FLAX 2025 was a new product release from Meze Audio. The new POET model is an open-back planar magnetic headphone from the Romania-based company featuring a “MZ6 ISODYNAMIC HYBRID ARRAY” and two voice coils per driver. Bonus features include removable cables and ear pads attached with magnets for easy swapping. Retail pricing is set at $2k and pre order is available now for shipping in Mid March.
Focal wasn’t in one of the big rooms at the Florida Audio Expo 2025 this year, but they were still able to pull off some big sounds with the new wireless Utopia Diva. This speaker represents a big leap into mainstream (and convenience) for the high end. The flagship speaker line now features a partnership between both Naim and Focal with this active speaker arrangement. Streaming options are available, so the only thing that is necessary to boogie is power and the internet. I received a DSP demo at the show that was really interesting, and utilized sophisticated listening adjustments in lieu of a microphone resource. While the asking price of around $40k is definitely a high end move, the external felt cosmetics can be swapped out for other finishes, as they become available. This could prove to be particularly fun adjustment, as Focal is known for a wide array of fun colors with their finishes. The ability to swap them out might allow for a real party look one day and some more “refinement” the next. Also included was Focal Kanta N1 with Naim CI-Uniti 102 streamer amp – a crazy compact all-in-one with Class D amps for a mere $1.5k. Not a bad price tag for the Uniti line.
I also got the change to exclusively demo the new Paris Advanced gear paired with the new PMC prophecy 9 three-way floorstander ($12.5k). The old-school looks came with a somewhat modest price tag for the tube based A12 Classic Integrated at $3,799. The company also makes a CD player for $1,199 and a streamer for $599. Sounds from this room were fantastic as well. Very detailed with a natural delivery, my host from Playback Distribution really nailed the demo tracks with some soulful, but audiophile-worthy songs. Bass was controlled and tight in the unwieldy room and the tonal balance really stood out and being well managed and true to life.
On Saturday the lower lobby was graced with the sonic delights of a local group of kids playing the violins. In-between songs, some of the children told a series of Dad jokes. I have real soft spot in my heart for Dad jokes as it is, so the performance was a real treat to break up the day. Special thanks to organizers Bart Andeer and PR rep Sue Toscano for helping organize and host the show. The Florida Audio Expo remains one of the best ways to kick off the audio show circuit each year, and 2025 was no different.
