Helsinki HifiExpo 2011, down to earth

That the HifiExpo 2011 was not just about luxurous highend systems was nicely demoed by Ideal Point with a value-oriented system comprising of 2x25W Yarland 845SE amplifier running Omega's 97dB Hoyt-Bedford Type 1 loudspeaker. All cables Choseals. The source was a laptop connected to Yulong D100 DAC. This all under 3500 euros. A happy match also with regard to sound quality. www.idealpoint.fi

Thse Italian splendours were offered by SoundGallery: the 92 dB sensitive Italian Zingali Zero Sei loudspeaker with a wooden 1500Hz Onmiray GZ midrange/tweeter-horn (110 degree radiation) and two 6" woofers were driven by 2 x 45W Italian Pathos InpolRemix hybrid amplifier. The source was Pathos' latest CD player model, Endorphin. www.soundgallery.fi

This soft and symphatetic sounding system was set up by Audioshop Ratilainen. In it the top-loader Atoll CD400 cd player (suspended CD PRO Drive, 24bit/192kHz DA-converters/Burr Brown PCM1794, etc.) was inter-connected to Manley Stingray II tube integrated. The EL84 output stage can be switched between either 20 watts of triode power or 40 watts of ultra-linear mode in push-pull operation. The loudspeaker was the 93dB WLM La Scala with a controllable treble. All cables by WLM. www.audioshop.fi

Another decent sounding little/big system, although not exactly cheap, was ASR Emitter I amp feeding B&W PM1 standmount speakers, the B&W DP1 subwoofer strengthening the bass. The CD player was the mighty AMR CD77, and the turntable Pro-Ject 2 Experience. The selection by Audio Pori. www.audiopori.fi

This system, chosen by the Linn specialist Musiikin.com, may look moderate but made much sense. Exposure 1010 CD and 1010 integrated amp (650 euro each) together with Klipsch RF-series floorstanders (less than 1000 euro pair). The rack/table is by Norstone.

Their second system featured Linn Majik loudspeakers with active bass. www.musiikin.com

For fans of Rega Research - many! - Stereo Helsinki set up an all Rega system with Rega Saturn CD player plus 24bit/192kHz Rega DAC, Rega Brio-R integrated amplifier, and Rega RS7 loudspeakers, all cables by VOVOX. Note: Rega's completely new Rega P3 turntable equipped with Dynavector DV-10x5 cartridge, and hooked to the upgraded Rega Ios MC phonostage. www.stereohelsinki.fi

Now here's a honest sounding, simple but not trivial system by Hifimesta: Guru M60 loudspeakers played by Linn Majik DSi music server/integrated amplifier. All cables by the new sensation manufacturer TelluriumQ from the UK. All music stored on a laptop. www.hifimesta.fi

Two other interesting combinations: KEF/Ayre (Highendstudio) and Focal/NAD/Project (AH-hifisystems).