Audio Thesis, Norma and Rosso Fiorentino | AXPONA 2022

I was excited to see Derek “Skip” Skipworth of Audio Thesis Distribution at AXPONA 2022–I hadn’t really talked to him since reviewing the Rosso Fiorentino Pienza two-way monitors last year. While I enjoyed the Pienzas, Skip has always told me that I need to hear RF with Norma Audio amplification, also from Italy. Skip started Audio Thesis based on the incredible synergy between the two brands–he’s been working tirelessly for the last few years to get the word out in the US.

I’ve been expecting a Norma amplifier for review, but supply chain issues tend to keep the coordination between manufacturers to a minimum. That said, I visited the Audio Thesis room at AXPONA 2022 for that specific reason. Okay Skip, let’s hear the magic.

Using the very same pair of Rosso Fiorentino Pienzas ($4,900/pr USD) that I reviewed, Skip assembled a system using Norma Audio Revo PA-160 monoblocks (price TBD), SC-2B preamplfier ($8,000) as well as CD players and DACs from the rest of the Norma Revo line. Cable was supplied by AudioQuest–Skip and I have both been trying out some of the new Mythical Creatures interconnect and agree they’re utterly fantastic.

This part of the Audio Thesis story is going to be predictable, but troubling to me nevertheless. Skip was able to make the Pienzas sound even better than I could in my home–at a trade show hotel room. All that Italian warmth and emotion was still there, but the Normas were able to create a sublime sense of detail that was new to my ear, as well as a distinct improvement to the deepest bass. That either speaks to that incredible synergy between Norma Audio and Rosso Fiorentino, or my possible shortcomings as a system set-up guy. I’m just going to assume it’s the former. Let’s move on.

The sound of this Norma Audio/Rosso Fiorentino system in the Audio Thesis room was excellent. Show attendees were particularly amazed with that deep bass response of the Pienzas as well as the very reasonable price. I’m looking forward to getting a Norma Audio integrated amplifier for review very soon–in fact, I’m downright excited about it.

If you would like to hear even more coverage from AXPONA 2022, check out our recap report and highlights from our audiophile-oriented show The Occasional Podcast. You can stream the episode direct from the embed below, or from your favorite podcast platform including iTunes, Android, Google, Deezer, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more.