2025 STEREONET HIFI SHOW REPORT

We have just returned from the Stereonet HiFi Show and are reflecting (or should that be recovering) on a brilliant experience.

Ear opening and learning so much.

It was a family affair.

The three brothers, 

Michael, Russell, and Martin.

My son Ben, who builds the speakers

Martin's daughter Amy who is responsible for website design and Social media.

I hope that you had the chance to come into room 2312 and listened to our System 1 speakers.

The full system comprised :

- Lenehan Brothers System 1 Speakers

- Grandinote Volta Streamer/DAC

- Grandinote Supremo Integrated Amplifier 

- Pioneer PD-70AE SACD Player

- Curious Ethernet cables

- Foilflex by Lenehan Audio XLR Interconnects and Speaker Cables

- CG Toppers by Lenehan Audio 

- Luna Power Cables

- PS Audio Dectet Power Conditioner 

When we first set everything up on Thursday we had 3 problems:

1. No power board or AC conditioning. The unit that we had arranged did not show up. We drove to JB Hi Fi in Melbourne to get a cheap surge protection power board. We needed sound !

On my return, we found a new PS Audio Dectec Power Conditioner connected to all our Lunar cables. Mike Kirkham from Magenta Audio had kindly supplied a spare one after hearing of our dilemma. Such kindness is so appreciated. 

2. No internet connection. Rob Campbell from Purasound Brisbane had supplied the Grandinote electronics and the Luna cables. The Grandinote Volta is a Streamer/DAC and Rob supplied a separate modem to use prepaid WiFi instead of tapping into the Hotel WiFi and not share possible bandwidth issues with every other exhibitor . Despite setting up his own room on the 3rd floor, Rob helped us work through our connection issues. Thanks Rob !

3. Once up and running , streaming Tidal and playing CDs/SACDs, the sound was TERRIBLE.

Dull, flat, lifeless, and with boomy, uncontrolled bass, we all were facing our defeat at the starting line. With cool precision (panic ), we set out to fix the problem.

We moved the speakers to different locations and angles. We tested different listening spots.

But most importantly, we recognised the powerful and extended bass response of our System 1 Speakers were exciting room nodes.

Bass traps were needed. We did not necessarily require mid to high frequency absorption because of the way we set up the speakers. So, brother Mike went to see Marc Rushton (the Stereonet show organiser) and requested access to the hotel store rooms. We came back with sofa cushions that we installed in all the corners right up to the ceiling. We stacked empty equipment boxes ( with all the packaging foam) at the back behind the seats. Magic happened ! Now, it sounded great. An occasional room enhancement on certain very low notes , but mostly tight, defined, and extended bass. Balanced from top to bottom. A few people poked at the sofa cushions and asked, " Where can I buy these bass traps ? "

Several hundred people came and listened throughout the 3 days. Some came back on multiple occasions to listen for long periods. Other exhibitors dropped in for a chat and a listen. Feedback was very positive. 

I had limited time to visit other rooms, but I made a special effort to seek out fellow Australian manufacturers.

- Scott Krix and his comprehensive Krix display. Home Theatre heaven !

- Brad Serhan and Serhan Swift loudspeakers.

- Jon De Sensi from OAD ultrafidelity : electronics and open baffle speakers

- Terry Oneil from Gold Coast HiFi

Well done everyone. There were many others that I have not mentioned. I did not get the chance to visit all the rooms.

Aussies and New Zealanders have real support for one another.

A special mention for Rob Campbell and the Purasound room. Uber expensive setup with 

Aries Cerat electronics, Alsyvox panel speakers and Luna Cables. Next level sound.

The whole show was well run, comprehensive and good sound all round. Congratulations to all the exhibitors and to Marc Rushton and all the Stereonet and hotel staff.

Next year will be bigger and better !