Every April, the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center – some 40 minutes northwest of Chicago –transforms into a place where music isn’t merely heard, but lived. This is where the international world of high-end audio enthusiasts meets for AXPONA – Audio Expo North America. Anyone who has experienced this spectacle knows that this trade fair is more than just an exhibition of high-end technology. It’s a feast for the senses, a journey through worlds of sound and living proof that passion for music knows no boundaries.
Since its inception in 2010, AXPONA has become the largest and most important high-end audio trade fair in North America. What started out as an ambitious project is now the audiophile equivalent to institutions like the Detroit auto show or the Fashion Week in New York. A must-attend event for the scene – with growing appeal far beyond the continent.
A gathering of music lovers from all over the world
The numbers for AXPONA 2025 speak for themselves: over 10,000 visitors filled the spacious halls and floors of the Convention Center from April 11 to 13. More than 700 brands presented their innovations – from long-established heavyweights to fresh and bold ideas from small manufacturers. In more than 200 individually furnished listening rooms, visitors could hear their way through audiophile universes – from lush tube sounds to crystal-clear digital systems to completely analog chains that brought music to life with mesmerizing naturalness.
One thing that AXPONA is not is elitist. You will encounter the big names in the scene, legendary developers and CEOs of world-famous brands, but this show is an open and welcoming event. Open to newcomers, to the curious, to anyone who wants to be enchanted by good sound. This is exactly what makes it so appealing: Tech nerds and music lovers meet at eye’s height here.
The secrets behind its success
The fact that AXPONA has become the premier audio event in North America is the result of many smart decisions. The central location in Illinois, close to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, makes the trade fair easily accessible for visitors from all directions. Then there’s the professional organization by JD Events – an organizer who knows how to reconcile structure and atmosphere. From the clear trade fair concept to visitor guidance and ticket booking: everything seemed well thought out and implemented to a high standard.
But AXPONA’s biggest stand-out feature is its diversity of content. Whether classic two-channel systems, headphone installations, the so-called “Ear Gear Experience”, or practical workshops and lectures with leading minds in the industry – the program covers all bases and yet appears clearly curated. Even live music has a permanent place at the trade fair.
The new “Car Audio Showcase” was also proof of AXPONA’s innovative strength in 2025. Created in collaboration with the IASCA – the International Auto Sound Challenge Association – this area gave visitors the chance to experience elaborately modified vehicles with high-end sound systems. Demos and competitions made this new area a hit particularly with a younger crowd. A successful step towards rejuvenating the audiophile scene – without compromising on quality and standards.
Superlative sonic and emotional experiences
The Audio Group Denmark setup was undoubtedly one of the sound highlights in 2025. With its complete 800 series chain – including the DS Audio-compatible phono preamplifier, streamer, preamplifier, power amplifiers, the new M2 loudspeakers with ironless drive and the BBM open bass module – the Danish manufacturer showed just how far you can take sound quality. The performance made the total price of around 2.7 million US dollars almost seem inconsequential. Rarely has music sounded so finely resolved, yet at the same time full of power, space and dynamics – almost as if you were listening to a reference headphone in a concert hall.
But it wasn’t just Audio Group Denmark that caused amazement. The mighty Magico M9 on a Relentless front end by Dan D’Agostino, Wilson Audio’s Chronosonic XVX, Estelon on Vitus or T+A with their new all-in-one system “Symphonia” also delivered sound demos that you won’t soon forget. The latter also proved that excellence does not necessarily require huge towers and endless cables – it can also find its place in stylish, compact devices.
A quiet, but all the more intense highlight was the performance by Audio Note. In an almost intimate room, Peter Qvortrup personally presented his brand’s new Field Coil loudspeakers – either with a digital front end and ladder DAC or purely analog. The legendary Meishu integrated amplifier with just 2 x 8 watts created a magical atmosphere that was hard to resist. And then, suddenly, electronic music filled the room, making it abundantly clear that this delicate-looking setup has no problem delivering sound pressure, low bass and dynamics. In fact, it felt as if you were closer to the music – the real, living music – than ever before.
Personalities, concepts and surprises
Another highlight was the appearance of REVOX with the new B77 MK III tape machine – a technically revised new edition of the legendary tape recorders. The strictly limited “Alice Cooper Edition”, of which only 25 were produced, was a particular talking point. Every buyer of this special edition not only receives the tape recorder with bespoke design elements, but also an exclusive tape copy of an Alice Cooper album – plus a personal meet & greet with the old master of shock rock. It’s this kind of surprising combination of technology, music and pop culture that gives the trade fair its soul.
At least as spectacular – albeit in a completely different way – was the “Al Di Meola Celebrity Turntable” presented by Clearaudio. The elaborately designed turntable was created in close collaboration with the legendary guitarist and its design is reminiscent of Di Meola’s iconic Gibson Les Paul. Included is a limited edition red pressing of his album Elegant Gypsy. Design, music history and precision engineering combine to create a very special collector’s item.
Anyone interested in modern electronics could find what they’re looking for with Vinnie Rossi and Rockport Technologies. The combination of Vinnie Rossi BRAMA monoblocks and the new Rockport Lynx loudspeakers was often cited as one of the most musical systems of the entire trade fair – a setup that impressed with emotional depth and sonic elegance.
Away from the big names, many smaller manufacturers invited visitors to discover their products: Heaven 11 impressed with a small, aesthetically and sonically compelling integrated amplifier with hybrid technology and an integrated streaming module.
With the Varieta preamplifier, Ranieri from Italy brought along a device that made tube rolling easier than ever before – just select the tube type on the selector wheel, pop in the tubes, done. No software, no menus – just logic as it used to be. It was an almost nostalgic pleasure to experience the possibilities of different tubes in direct comparison.
And then there was Treehouse Audio. A speaker manufacturer with an obvious love of wood – the speakers are actually made of solid tree trunk material into which a sophisticated open baffle concept has been integrated. Not clinically neutral, but full of life, emotion and directness. A system that convinces the heart, not the test bench – and thus perfectly matches the spirit of the trade fair.
AXPONA – More than just a trade fair
What remains after three days full of impressions, soundscapes and discussions? Above all, the realization that high-end audio is more than just a hobby. It is a passion that unites. An art form that arouses emotions. And a market that is constantly evolving – creatively, courageously and full of dedication.
AXPONA is not a place for superficial showmanship. It is a stage for real encounters. For music in its most beautiful form. For technology to touch your soul. And for a community that grows – with every new idea, every new visitor, every new sound.
Anyone who is passionate about music should mark April 10-12, 2026 red in their calendar. Because that’s when AXPONA opens its doors again. And who knows – maybe you’ll hear the most beautiful sound of your life there.