James Holland

Audio Advice Live in Raleigh showcased high-end stereo speakers from leading audiophile brands. The standout was the $65,000-per-pair Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5, praised for its detailed yet warm sound, while Focal’s $210,000 Diva Alta Utopia impressed with energetic, room-filling performance and integrated amplification. Klipsch’s limited-edition Klipschorn offered a softer, vinyl-like presentation at a comparatively lower $24,998, and JBL’s $99,990 Summit Series K-2 delivered exceptionally clean, powerful sound with substantial headroom. Sonus Faber, Wharfedale and Cabasse also received favorable mentions.