This year’s Guildford Show will host loads of kit in the UK for the first time, including: Dan D’Agostino’s horologically inspired amp/streamer; speakers adorned in 24K gold leaf; an audio server called The Beast; and a pair of ultra-rare Sonus fabers with cabinets fashioned from the desk of the company’s founder, Franco Serblin.

Absolute Sounds is set to deliver a number of UK debuts at the annual spring show hosted by retailer Guildford Audio. Taking place in the comfortable, scenic surroundings of the Best Western Plus Reading Moat House hotel in Berkshire on 18-19 April, the show will occupy four separate rooms, each containing a matched system compiled from a range of high-end audio’s most prestigious marques. Highlights of equipment on show and on live demonstration include:

DAN D’AGOSTINO

UK debut for the Krell founder’s first amp with wireless streaming.

SONUS FABER

An exclusive appearance of the new Lilium floorstanding speaker, in stunning 24K gold leaf special-edition finish. Plus, a preview of the forthcoming Chameleon range.

REQUEST AUDIO

The Beast, “constructed without compromise” by the US-based server specialist’s Swiss arm.

WADIA DIGITAL

A selection of components including the Wadia 321 decoding computer.

TECHDAS

Japanese engineering for vinyl addicts – the extraordinary Air Force 2 turntable.

METRONOME TECHNOLOGIE

The latest CD-player from the Gallic disc-spinning specialists: Le Player.

WILSON AUDIO

A chance to hear Sabrina, the new ‘entry-level’ model.

CONSTELLATION AUDIO

All the latest Inspiration Series components.

AUDIO RESEARCH

Hear the GSPre and GS150 pre/power amp.

PLUS!

A very special listening session spanning two rooms has been arranged for Saturday evening… The first room will contain Sonus faber’s 24K gold leaf special-edition Lilium floorstanding speakers, driven by a Constellation Audio Inpiration preamp and monoblock power amp system, with ReQuest Audio’s The Beast serving up the music.

The second room will offer an opportunity to experience Sonus faber’s Extrema Anniversary speakers. These were produced in 2014 in a strictly limited run of 30 pairs; just two of these had cabinets fashioned from the actual desk of Sonus faber’s legendary founder, Franco Serblin. One of those two pairs will be driven by Dan D’Agostino’s new MLife integrated amp/streamer.