Article: The Audio Salon Pono Event Wrap-up

[The Computer Audiophile]

You can view the page at http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content.php?r=580-The-Audio-Salon-Pono-Event-Wrap-up

[firedog]

But Chris, no direct comments on the actual sound of the Pono player? I assume you were listening to a prototype of the "Ayre" Pono player? How did it sound over hi-end headphones and a hi-end system? Hi-end? How did it sound to other somewhat comparable solutions you've heard?

[The Computer Audiophile]

But Chris, no direct comments on the actual sound of the Pono player? I assume you were listening to a prototype of the "Ayre" Pono player? How did it sound over hi-end headphones and a hi-end system? Hi-end? How did it sound to other somewhat comparable solutions you've heard?

I listened to the PonoPlayer on the larger systems. I've already listened via my JH13 IEMs. It sounds terrific. This was the unanimous sentiment by all who attended.

 

We didn't have any other comparable solutions on hand to A/B, but that wasn't the goal of the event.

[DaQi]

The Pono Players (2 - one black and one yellow) that John had with him he mentioned in passing at one point in the evening were the original prototypes and did not have the new Ayre electronics in them. There were pretty beat up especially the yellow one. He assured us that the final versions delivered would sound better than what we were listening to.

 

I think it was very important that John was clear that Pono was about delivering an excellent music experience and that they were first and foremost a music store that would ensure the integrity of that experience. When I asked him further about this and the Pono players. He was clear that they were a means to that end as there currently aren't other options that meet their objectives. At some point in the future when there are other players that meet their objectives they would stop making players as they are only a means to the end of ensuring the music experience.

 

What a great event where the CEO of this company would come and spend time in a completely open forum answering any and all questions thrown at him and there were some tough ones. John was completely relaxed and sincere about the company's direction. This all assured me that the Kickstarter pledge I made was a good one and that I would be happy with the result.

 

Hearing how the evening progressed I am sorry I left relatively early.

[freesteve]

curious on display tabletop, which speakers?

[The Computer Audiophile]

curious on display tabletop, which speakers?

kef ls50

[Wildgift]

It was a great event. John honestly answered a host of questions, ranging from Pono in cars to the UI to the upcoming store. I felt like my Kickstarter dough was in very good hands. Glad that Miguelli liked my Martin Logans

[woodford]

kef ls50

 

and the electronics?

 

love the pictures generally- in the future is it possible to include captions with a short description of what we're looking at?

[The Computer Audiophile]

and the electronics?

 

love the pictures generally- in the future is it possible to include captions with a short description of what we're looking at?

Parasound electronics.

[jim@peachtree]

This is an important product for our industry. Old friends of mine from college days (I'm 63) know nothing about DSD streaming , High Rez downloads, or asynchronous USB , but they've heard about the Pono player.

[Drtrey3]

Wonderful article and top notch photos. Thank you for the impressive work.

 

Trey

[Steve7]

I'm jealous of the attendees! Chris - very nice photo of Marilyn Monroe's picture reflected in the red Wilson.

[Superdad]

Chris:

Thanks for turning us on to Miguelli! I just listed to the three songs at Soundcloud (wish there was a way to download those) and bought the only tune he has on Amazon MP3. My wife is really going to dig this guy! Did he say anything to you about a full album in the works?

--Alex

[JJJ]

Do they actually have any music for sale yet?