In a large conference space that might have been called the Gulag Room -– it was large and empty and terminally grey –- Carl and Marilyn Marchisotto showed off their NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers ($150,000/pair) in a system that overcame the shortcomings of the room in gratifying ways. The NOLA, Thrax and McGary room featured much of the same system I heard at Dr. Vinyl’s house last month, so I’m very familiar with the sound. What I did notice is that despite a space that seemed to exist on a different plane within the hotel–thank goodness for the WARMTH button on my photo processing software–I was still able to enjoy the NOLAs and their ability to unearth fantastic sound in less than optimal conditions.

 

The Marchisottos are one of the few people who still use CDs to demo their system, and I suspect this is how Carl still enjoys his favorite music at the shows. Dr. Vinyl did bring some stellar digital gear from Thrax Audio, including the Dionysos preamplifier ($27,000) and the matching Maximinus MK II DAC ($38,500), and a pair of Mike McGary’s superb monoblock tube amps ($25,000/pair). Additional digital duties were conducted by the 432 Evo Aeon streamer ($8,000), which I heard and enjoyed at Dr. Vinyl’s place.

What was remarkable about this NOLA, Thrax and McGary system, with all cabling from Albedo, was how it erased the preponderance of grey in the room with a sound that utterly served the music. After three extended listening experiences with the NOLA Baby Grand References, I still have problems finding the correct words to describe them. The NOLA speakers don’t editorialize very much, and they allow the music to come through without exaggeration nor embellishment. I’m finally finishing up my review of the NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers, followed with a stern email to the Capital Audiofest about a room that needs remodeling BAD. The Marchisottos deserve better.