With N.A. Distributors also representing the Naim Audio brand, the tour served to showcase some of the finest products from the two brands, including Naim's Statement amplifiers, and the Focal Sopra No.2 loudspeakers.

Kicking off in November last year at Surround Sounds in Perth, a flagship system comprising Naim Statement amplification and electronics, Focal Stella Utopia and Scala V2 Utopia loudspeakers was demonstrated for keen customers.

Just two days later the roadshow moved along to one of the most iconic names in the Australian HiFi market, Sydney's Len Wallis Audio, with a focus on the Naim Audio brand. N.A. Distributor's Chris Murphy gave a brief presentation and then it was on to the music. Products included Naim's new NAP300 Power Amplifier from Naim’s revitalised core range of separate power amplifiers, now with Statement transistors and DR (Discrete Regulator) technology. They also featured the NAC-N 272 streaming preamplifier, new Super Lumina high-end cables, and Naim Ovator S-400 Loudspeakers.

With invitations extended to existing customers, Hawthorn's Melbourne HiFi was the next stop, also featuring Naim electronics with Focal's Sopra No.2 loudspeakers. Sopra No.2 has been attracting praise and racking up awards since its release at the Munich HighEnd Show in 2015. Styling cues definitely hint at Focal's higher-end Utopia model, yet more compact and sleek standing just shy of 1200mm tall.

With distinct sections for the two 7” bass drivers, 6.5” midrange driver and a 1” beryllium tweeter housed between the two, the solid MDF cabinets feature a curved front baffle, aiming to physically time align the individual drivers. They're available in a range of beautiful finishes that will match any decor. Personally, we prefer the orange finish which just happens to be a perfect match with our logo!

Available in Australia for $18,200 RRP, Sopra No.2 is certainly worthy of a “high-end” tag, yet less than the cost of a small car which seems to be increasingly uncommon. I had the opportunity to listen to Sopra No.2 at each of the locations, and often had to remind myself that these speakers are more than well priced for their performance. For many, they would be the end-game speaker, a model that will likely stand the test of time. From acoustic blues to classical, 80s rock to modern techno, they'll play happily across all genres.

With a short break over the festive season, February this year saw the roadshow travel to Audio Junction in Newcastle, and then back to Sydney's Audio Solutions, owners Nick Papas and Tony Stantzos being true to reputation and putting on quite the spread. Audio Solutions customers are like one big family, and all embraced the Sopra No.2 (when they could be pulled away from the glorious food). Kicking on until the late hours, many would have listened until morning if they'd been given the chance.