Australian Hi-Fi & AV Show 2018

This year’s Australian Hi-Fi & AV Show was full of surprises—including several world-firsts. We rush-wrote this brief report to meet deadline. You can read the full-length show report—and see many more photos of the show—at www.avhub.com.au/show2018

TAKATSUKI TA-SO1

The biggest surprise at the show for Melbournites was that they were the first in the world to hear the first amplifier ever built by Japanese valve manufacturer Takatsuki, the TA-SO1. Of course it was a valve amplifier or, to be precise, a single-ended integrated amplifier using TA-300B valves… made by Takatsuki itself. ‘We first heard this amplifier in March this year in the listening room of Takatsuki with the design team,’ said Bryan Fletcher, of Finn Bespoke Technology. ‘It was actually quite a surprise as we were visiting the company to find out more about their valves and knew nothing about the existence of their amplifier. When I asked what amplifier they.’