Before I talk about the Geshelli Labs room at FLAX 2023 I need to say something. Folks, this started out as a Florida event, which the organizers wisely placed in February, away from other major shows and in the NeverEndingWinter that most northerners have to face. Since I live in Key West, I can happily rub it in the faces of the other PTA staff members that I actually had to head north to arrive at the venue. That never gets old, right up to the point they see that Conchs wear mittens when it drops below 70 and the walking sleeping bag I have to wear for a coat when I go skiing.
Words and Photos by Matthew Partrick
Anyhoo, it’s no surprise that the show has become so successful, thanks to the very wise and astute organizers as well as getting great buy-in from dealers and manufacturers. I am happy to say I’ve been to every show since its founding, with the notable exception of 2021 in which it was cancelled due to Covid. And I’ve had the distinct pleasure of being exposed to Geshelli Labs since the get-go.
The family team of Sherri and Geno Geshelli founded this local company in Melbourne, Florida and initially focused on head-fi and desktop audio. This year, they displayed a prototype of a 2-channel amplifier that really caught my ears and eyes. Named the Geshelli Labs Zoofa, this piece of equipment features an insanely beautiful carved wooden case, which is the trademark of Geshelli Labs. It also has super cool analog VU meters on the front as well as multiple balanced XLR inputs and outputs on the back, a phono preamp, and the Archie 2.5 headphone amp. The specs are not fully decided, but it is class A/B and will be between 50 and 100 watts.
The price aims to be less than $2000.
At the show, the Geshelli Labs staff were playing a mix of rock and pop through the Zoofa, feeding a pair of Klipsch R-800F floorstanders. For under $3,000, you could have an absolutely rockin’ system that defines the phrase “Gateway Drug.” I was very impressed with the fit and finish of the build, and the overall aesthetic is so different from most amplifiers but yet seems appealing to many different types of audiophiles. But while I was initially sucked in by the looks, I stayed for the sound. For $2000 this seems like an absolute no-brainer. Keep an eye on Geshelli Labs–they are going somewhere.
