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The event took place over a three-day weekend and seven floors and was characterized by who was there from the West (as represented by local importers) and, arguably more interesting for this reporter, what Chinese and Taiwanese firms presented their wares. The largest exhibits eclipsed in size the biggest I've ever seen at trade shows before - as did consumer attendance, causing particularly the smaller rooms in the upper three floors to present significant obstacles to entry. The White Swan hotel situated directly at the river is a true class act and completely lacks the garishness which even the swankiest of Las Vegas CES venues betray by comparison. In short, the Chinese high-end audio industry might be in its infancy compared to the US and Europe but in style and scope, the Guangzhou show certainly didn't let on.

For some pictorial impressions of the hotel and surroundings including shots of the room we stayed in, explore this Side Bar.

Because of the event's scale, I didn't sit down for any serious auditions. Rather, I attempted to cover it all while still having a good time. Accordingly, this report lacks any and all sonic commentary. I focused instead on providing web links to the various manufacturers where possible so our readers have trails heads for personal investigations.


This tube amplifier said
21st Century but with a name like that, a Google search netted no associated website.


Accuphase from Japan showed its very deep lineup on static display.


Accustic Arts from Germany had a very stylish new top-lading player/transport feeding their 32-bit tube DAC.


Adcom showed unexpected staying power as brand.


Amari Acoustics' David Zeng headquartered in Kowloon/Hong Kong explained that the brand's export division will do business as Hanss Acoustics. No matter, I was impressed by apparent build quality and appearance. That massive turntable with integral stand to the left is the LP910 and weighs in at a backbreaking 180 kilos. Besides three more turntable models, Amari also crafts electronics like the PS-610 phono stage with outboard power supply; the one-box PS-310 phono stage; the CD-222 twin BurrBrown PCM1792 CD player; and the smaller PS-200 and PS-230 phono amps. There's also the SC-310 speed controller, the AML-100 cartridge scale and, apparently quite in demand, the RW-200 record cleaner. Obviously, Amari is 100% behind vinyl.