T.H.E. New York International Audio Show 2025: A Weekend at the Hilton Hasbrouck Heights
October 24-26, 2025 Hilton Hasbrouck Heights, Meadowlands, NJ
The inaugural T.H.E. New York International Audio Show brought over 90 audio brands to the Meadowlands for three days of listening rooms, film screenings, and conversations about what makes sound reproduction work, or not. The venue ranged from cramped hotel rooms to larger exhibition halls, giving vendors everything from intimate nearfield setups to full-scale reference systems.
Most rooms were taking requests. I brought my test tracks.
The Philosophy
Before we get into specific systems, here’s what I was listening for: Does the equipment reproduce the source material accurately, or does it color the recording?
Good equipment gets out of the way. Poor equipment adds its own signature.
The Room That Stole the Show
In my opinion the Audio Group Denmark room set the standard. This wasn’t just another demo room; it was a masterclass in how to present high-end audio. The staff understood what they were selling, welcomed technical conversation, and let the equipment do the talking.
When I asked about the Borresen driver technology and crossover design, they engaged seriously. They showed me cutouts of their drivers and explained their technology. This is how you run a room. Although I was a little skeptical of their “Audiophile Switch” there was a distinct change in sound when they unplugged it and went straight to their router. The sound stage collapsed and vocals on the track were noticeably thinner. I’m still wrapping my head around this one trying to understand how and why.
What made it work:
- Staff who could discuss technical details without marketing speak
- Willingness to play challenging material
- Equipment that revealed the source material honestly
What Separates Good from Great
Not every system delivered with accuracy and transparency.
The standout systems shared common characteristics:
- Transparent reproduction without added character
- Proper control across the frequency spectrum – no emphasis, no recession
- Natural decay, dynamics and micro detail
- Defined staging and imaging
- Honesty – they revealed what was on the recording, good and bad
Price didn’t predict performance. Some modestly-priced systems outperformed exotic setups because they prioritized accuracy over impression. A well-designed system in a decent room beats expensive gear with colored voicing every time.
Show Observations
The venue: The Hilton Hasbrouck Heights worked reasonably well for a first-year show in the New York metro area. Hotel rooms ranged from small to spacious, with the larger exhibition halls giving vendors room for proper speaker placement. Acoustics varied wildly. Some rooms had obvious issues that no amount of expensive gear could overcome. This is the reality of hotel audio shows, and it’s why critical evaluation requires understanding the compromises.
The crowd: Moderate attendance meant room access wasn’t an issue. Unlike packed shows where you’re fighting for a listening position, most rooms had space to sit in the sweet spot and take your time. The attendees ranged from serious audiophiles with specific questions to curious newcomers exploring what high-end audio offers. I even met a first timer who only owned headphones and never heard any hi-fi systems. Overall the vibe was relaxed and fun.
Accessibility: Vendors were universally friendly and willing to engage. The less crowded rooms gave real opportunities for extended listening and meaningful conversation about design philosophy and music.
What I Noticed: Trends and Technologies
Accuton ceramic drivers everywhere – Multiple rooms featured speakers with Accuton drivers – those distinctive ceramic cones. The results varied depending on implementation. Some systems demonstrated why these drivers have a cult following.
Vinyl dominance – As expected, turntables dominated the source component landscape. Most rooms defaulted to vinyl playback, but digital streamers were certainly present and gaining in popularity.
Headphone presence – only one headphone vendor.
The human element – What separated good rooms from great ones wasn’t just equipment, it was the people. Vendors and staff who understood their products on a technical level, who welcomed challenging questions, and who prioritized demonstration over salesmanship made all the difference. Audio Group Denmark exemplified this approach as did PS Audio. I heard I missed Paul by a day.
What This Show Revealed
Audio shows are valuable not because they replicate your listening environment, but because they let you see what’s new in design and technology. You can hear the difference between systems designed for accuracy versus systems designed to flatter. You can identify the vendors who understand reproduction versus the ones selling a signature sound.
The best rooms didn’t just play impressive sounding tracks on repeat. They welcomed requests, engaged in technical conversation, and let the equipment speak for itself.
Final Thoughts
T.H.E. Show New York proved that the East Coast is hungry for serious audio events. The inaugural show drew vendors from across the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia, with equipment ranging from budget bookshelf systems to statement pieces.
This show had equipment that expressed both accurate representation of the source material and immensely colored reproduction. Do you want gear that tells you the truth, or gear that makes everything sound pleasant?
