If you attended the 2014 RMAF and did not stop by the
Vapor Audio/Antipodes/Allnic Audio/Verastarr/Running Springs/GIK Acoustic exhibit, then you missed a big part of what these shows are about. Those that did not attended RMAF, this is one big reason why you would want to!
The system, anchored solidly by Vapor Audio Joule Black loudspeakers, gave one of the best performances of the show, as has become the norm for exhibits from this manufacturer.
Random tracks of music were played, the Antipodes DX media server controlled by Vapor owner Ryan Scott's mobile phone, with the signal passed to the Allnic D5000 DHT DAC and Allnic T2000 integrated amp. Verastarr cabling tethered the juice while the Running Springs Dimitri Power Conditioner kept tabs on the electrical power. The cumulative effect was balanced and ultra smooth, with correctly sized images playing on a life sized stage. A simple description of the sound, with all the attributes that a great sound system should deliver, yes? But it is the trademark Vapor Audio all-day-long listening smoothness that tends to keep one planted in their seat, putting off chores and sleep, that differentiates their loudspeakers from the crowd.
The Joule's RAAL 140-15D Amorphous Core ribbons and 7" custom Audio Technology midranges are kept within their comfort zones by a single cap and coil. The Audio Technology 10C77 loaded into 10:1 Tapering Transmission line bass cabinets can be tuned to individual rooms by the addition of newly introduced room compensation networks. Insisting that looks match the sound, Vapor Audio refuses to make an ugly speaker. Absolutely gorgeous cabinets, with bomb shelter solid stacked ply construction and proprietary damping treatment, ensuring the enclosures add no sound of their own.
Displayed to the side of the room were the new Tuonare. Striking design with Vapor Audio DNA, this is their first loudspeaker for retail dealerships.
Wayne's Comments
I gave the Vapor Audio Joule speakers a thorough workout. This was done partly because it was clear that they would stand up to the scrutiny. I have yet to find an area of disappointment worth mentioning in any of the Vapor Audio speakers I have listened to in the last year at three audio shows and in Dennis’s living room.
Broken Bells,
Perfect World, the Joule speakers had a very smooth high end. Imaging was very good and the focused kick drum was very punchy.
A Nickel Creek track was presented with a very large soundstage and all the acoustical instruments had a physical presence in the room, as did Mindy's Smith’s voice on
I Know the Reason. Male and female vocals were especially enjoyable.
The bells and cymbals on Todd Rundgren’s
Compassion were very precise and revealed how cleanly and effortlessly the RAAL tweeters extended to well beyond the range of hearing. Tonality overall was very accurate, very even, with a high end perhaps
minutely more forward than I was expecting, but not off-putting in the least. The Tower of Power brass section absolutely sizzled on
Fanfare/You Know It, and the baritone sax sounded cooler than in person.
Atoms for Peace,
Before Your Very Eyes, the bass was tight, tight. Definition and clarity were excellent.
On Todd Rundgren’s
Pulse, the sampled xylophone was punchy and accurate.
Although I have preferred some Vapor Audio speakers over others for the subtlest of reasons, I have never met a Vapor Audio speaker I would not be delighted to own and show off in my listening room. The Joules would be welcome there indeed.