| Do you consider AXPONA a must show to attend? [message #99147] |
Sat, 27 December 2025 23:09  |
Bercle
Messages: 5
Registered: December 2025
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Esquire |
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Hi, all
I am Bercle, 27, a video editor staying in a small apartment in downtown Chicago. Most days, I am a graphics designer completing some orders on freelancing sites, but I've always had a real passion for music and movies.
While I was growing up, I was enthusiastic about watching Oppenheimer on TV with a simple soundbar and sometimes enjoyed a good time streaming hip-hop and classic film soundtracks through my AirPods.
The experience was sweet, but I always felt like something was missing. The sound was okay, but it also felt like it was light and lifeless.
Sometime in April this year, a fellow freelancer mentioned AXPONA, a huge audio show taking place right in Schaumburg, just a few minutes' drive away. I assumed it was an event for the rich old dudes seeking perfect sound, and not for a broke guy like me who is just passionate about music yet got no deep pockets to back it up 🤣
Luckily for me, the tickets were affordable so I bought one. The event recorded thr highest turnout this year with over 10,000 people showing up at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center.
It was on a Friday, I think 11 April. There were 213 listening rooms across 12 floors plus a big Expo Hall with lots of turntables, the new car audio showcase and vinyl.
I discovered that it was not just the old audiophiles who came around. There were young couples, and young guys like me having the fun of their lives.
When I got to the Magico room on the top floor, I saw these huge M9 speakers jamming heavily with classic songs.
The feeling that I had at the AXPONA this year was like that of when one is inside a movie and not just watching it. A feeling that is beyond streaming music at home.
The musical experience was pure magic. I had the opportunity to check lots of headphones at the event playing some of my favourite tracks from Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar and many more.
Patricia Barber performed on Saturday night. Soothing voice that hits deep into my soul.
The decision to attend AXPONA was awesome. At the end of the show, I went home making it a duty to change my headphones, DAC and even vinyl to better ones.
My music or movie nights have got better.
This makes me think that AXPONA is a must-attend show to attend for music or movie lovers. You will surely see playing music beyond the streaming world. Something much deeper.
Have you had the experience of attending AXPONA? Or do you plan to do so next year?
What's your best experience of attending from attending AXPONA?
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| Re: Do you consider AXPONA a must show to attend? [message #99170 is a reply to message #99147] |
Thu, 15 January 2026 09:01  |
Prince
Messages: 52
Registered: September 2025
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Baron |
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Hey, man, you just reminded me of good old memories. I am above 60 right now, and that means my state of health is not as it used to be, but I still giggle when I remember AXPONA in the early 2000s.
Back in those years, it was not huge, but the sound... oh my gosh, the sound!
I can still remember relaxing in a dim little suite listening to Wilson Audio Alexandria Vinyl driven by big tube amps, playing Miles Davis' type of blues.
The trumpet floated right in front of me as if Miles had just stepped out of the shadows. I think I was around 43 then, not financially buoyant, but I had to save for months just to attend.
That special feeling never left me. You experienced the same, didn't you? The moment when the songs stop being "played" and start breathing.
It's quite unfortunate that I've not been there for over a decade now - my wife's health challenge, then mine - but reading your posts brought those amazing memories back.
You should go there next year, son. Immerse yourself in every bit of the experience. Those memories never fade quickly.
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| Re: Do you consider AXPONA a must show to attend? [message #99181 is a reply to message #99170] |
Wed, 21 January 2026 23:28 |
Bercle
Messages: 5
Registered: December 2025
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Esquire |
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Prince wrote on Thu, 15 January 2026 09:01Hey, man, you just reminded me of good old memories. I am above 60 right now, and that means my state of health is not as it used to be, but I still giggle when I remember AXPONA in the early 2000s.
Back in those years, it was not huge, but the sound... oh my gosh, the sound!
I can still remember relaxing in a dim little suite listening to Wilson Audio Alexandria Vinyl driven by big tube amps, playing Miles Davis' type of blues.
The trumpet floated right in front of me as if Miles had just stepped out of the shadows. I think I was around 43 then, not financially buoyant, but I had to save for months just to attend.
That special feeling never left me. You experienced the same, didn't you? The moment when the songs stop being "played" and start breathing.
It's quite unfortunate that I've not been there for over a decade now - my wife's health challenge, then mine - but reading your posts brought those amazing memories back.
You should go there next year, son. Immerse yourself in every bit of the experience. Those memories never fade quickly.
It's a shame that ill health can deny us experiencing some of the beautiful moments that life has to give. Trust you and your lovely wife are getting better because I would wish that you get that opportunity to show up for this year's or next year's event.
That being said, I have always set aside some funds that will take me to AXPONA this year. Ain't sure that I am going to miss it for any reason whatsoever right now.
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