StereoNET sits down for a chat with VAF designer, Nick Ataliotis

[VAF]

Recently, our product designer Nick sat down for an interview with Mark Gusew from StereoNET. It's a great read, check it out -https://stereonet.com/au/features/inside-track-nicholas-ataliotis-vaf-interview/

[Keith_W]

I had a long chat with Nick at the SNA show. I was very impressed by this young man (and I am only calling him young because he is about my age). The results speak for themselves. I thought that the new I-93 was one of the stars of the show. And it wasn't just me, most of the show-goers felt the same way.

 

What is even more impressive was the price. For this kind of build quality, and this kind of sound, you would be paying at least 4x as much for an imported speaker. Transporting a large speaker like this halfway around the world with all the middlemen adds to the cost, but not to the quality. 

[mikizee]

27 minutes ago, Keith_W said:

I had a long chat with Nick at the SNA show. I was very impressed by this young man (and I am only calling him young because he is about my age). The results speak for themselves. I thought that the new I-93 was one of the stars of the show. And it wasn't just me, most of the show-goers felt the same way.

 

What is even more impressive was the price. For this kind of build quality, and this kind of sound, you would be paying at least 4x as much for an imported speaker. Transporting a large speaker like this halfway around the world with all the middlemen adds to the cost, but not to the quality. 

 

Thanks for the kind words! Yeah the feedback on the new i93's was very gratifying to hear, considering the amount of speakers that were at the show. 

 

Just wait til you hear what he is working on now... it's early days of development but things are looking VERY promising indeed.

[CCRider]

Living in Adelaide and a self proclaimed huge VAF Research fan, I have had the pleasure of interacting with Nick.

Nick like past and present employees of VAF research is the epitome of the words "Passion for sound".

There is the same air of presence around Nick as there was for VAF ex employees Keith, Simon Wilde , Marty Jones and the great founder of this extraordinary company Philip Vafiadis.

The same air that exists with the current employ of Michael Ziersch and  VAF ICON the forever young Ted Grygorcewicz

Nick's passion and knowledge of sound engineering becomes very apparent as soon as you ask him what is he working on.

Rather than bamboozle you with detail you would get from a you tube presentation by Audioholics founder Gene Dellasala   Nick will give you a digestible summation that has all the detail there but not to the point that has you reaching for the Glossary of Audio Engineering Terms.

Like Philip Vafiadis who I consider the true master of conveying intricate technical detail  to the layperson ,Nick who incidentally has never worked or been mentored by  Philip  exudes with the same character traits.

I found him to be knowledgeful , honest and extremely humble.

The exact traits found in VAF staff past and present. 

Nick has already taken the already extraordinary high excellence VAF brand to levels beyond expectation.

The recent Melbourne Hi Fi Show bears witness to the reception his redesigned Signature series VAF  i93 MK5's received from the attendees.

The accolades this new breed of VAF excellence got from the masses is the epitome of excellence  that has  always been integral in the DNA of this humble but world famous company.

Many reading this post would probably be not old enough to know that when Sony and Philips launched the SACD they did it at the Sydney Opera House and used a pair of  VAF Signature Series i93 Mk1's.

The revered review from the highly reputable Rolling Stone Magazine at the time which  regarded the i93's as one of the finest and most accurate loudspeakers in the world had a lot to do with them as the choice speaker.

Nick told me that he is working on an SE (Special Edition)of the Signature series i93MKV's .

His  prototype for the new signature series i66 MK5's are currently in the VAF showroom for audition.

According to Michael Ziersch they are "something very special"

At the time of writing I have made arrangements to have a listen.

I welcome Nick to Adelaide and thank him and VAF for striving to reach to the stars.

Edited December 17, 2024 by CCRider

[crisis]

I remember visiting VAF on Churchill Road back when I was in the early days of my hifi journey. At that time Philip was the guy I spoke to I would really have loved to add his speakers to my system but at that time was not in a financial position to do so. Its great to see this company prevail especially given how hifi has transitioned through ‘stereo”, home theatre and now Bluetooth etc and the numerous buy outs acquisitions and demises of various brands.