Hi-Fi Surprises and Ultimate Audio 14 years

Portuguese version

Popular wisdom says it’s bad luck to celebrate before the day — so I’ll save the party for the right moment. But resisting curiosity? That’s another story. When I saw the announcement for the event celebrating the 14th anniversary of Ultimate Audio (6th for the Porto store), happening next Saturday, I had to call Francisco Monteiro.

With the system partially set up, the temptation was strong: I had to go take a peek. Or rather, to listen and feel a bit of what’s coming. (Why not take a look at last year’s event report to help bring back some memories?)

This year, the setup promises to impress. What’s planned:

• The imposing Zellaton Plural Evo speakers
• The Halcro Eclipse monoblocks, debuting in Porto
• The Boulder 1110 preamplifier
• The Wadax Studio Player digital source — a weighty component (32 kg) that integrates a SACD player, streamer, and DAC into one chassis
• The sculptural Torqueo T34 turntable, with DS Audio optical cartridge
• Siltech cabling
• And surprises still to come.

However, my visit left me intrigued right from the start. As soon as I entered, centerstage between the speakers in the current setup, the Kroma Atelier Stella, what really caught my attention was the amplifier powering them: a compact box, about 30 x 30 x 9 cm, delivering a “modest” 50W. The exterior immediately conveyed a premium feel. Boulder manufactures practically everything that goes into their equipment, and you can feel it in the quality. And then, with the music on, it was confirmed.

This small giant, the 861, was paired with the 1110 preamp, also from Boulder, and in front of the system (or behind, if you prefer), the Wadax Studio Player: an SACD player, streamer, and DAC that surprises with its elegance, featuring clean lines and a design that’s immediately recognizable yet more discreet than what the Spanish brand usually offers.

Musicality? Yes, immersive, with an openness that brought space, depth, and layered texture to every sound.

Attack and speed! Transients and resolution that continued to surprise me with this system’s capability. The scale and power of this amplifier were unexpected, and the sound? Not cold or clinical. The detail is all there, without any artificial coloration — just natural sound that drew me into the music.

I went home with the feeling that hi-fi still has the power to surprise and captivate, teaching us something new with every step. I can’t wait to see what this anniversary celebration will reveal.

The countdown has begun!