Wow! It's been more than 15 years since I've been attending the Munich High-End Show and this year will be the last year it is to be held in Munich. But for now, that time of the year again! The 2025 Munich High-End Show has finally arrived. Farewell with a record turn-out of visitors from around the world, 501 exhibitors from 42 countries and a total of 22,818 people from 92 countries flocked to Munich Show. As a result, it broke its all-time visitor record; 11,675 consumers and 10,562 trade visitors showed up. Well, I was like a kid in a candy store. Now it's show time, so follow me.
Aries Cerat
The first room I visited on press day was an extravaganza by the mad scientist, Stavros Damos of Arie Cerat. He was celebrating his 15th-year anniversary with a few new creations and I was floored by his new designs. He had two systems set-up for the show. The main system was the new Pallas loudspeakers, ($430,000/pair). The system rendered music with a life like naturalness; it was open, uncompressed, textured, and weight. It was as if I was listening to live music. This model in one step below their flagship loudspeaker (Contendo II), with a massive four-way semi-active horn loudspeakers. It consists of a midrange field coil driver, an inverted horn tweeter, midbass horn and boasts of eight 12" active woofers. The handmade Pallas was exquisitely finished in a proprietary finish which takes three weeks per panel to complete and there are 8 panels total! The Odysseas mono amplifiers (105,000/four chassis), and Aether three chassis linestage powered the Pallas effortlessly. I was super impressed. The analog source was the Pandora turntable ($285,000) with two tonearms along with a new Hermes phonostage ($24,000). The Ianus Ithaka Minor DAC (review in work, $70,000) was showcased with a prototype digital source enhancer that works only with their DAC. It goes between the DAC and a server or a laptop. For the demonstration he used a laptop and it sounded just like listening to a reference analog setup. I've got to have one! The Ithaka Minor DAC sounds just like analog, it's pure music. In his second setup was a more moderate system compared to the Pallas. Aries Cerat debuted the Quindecim (15 in Latin) stereo amplifier ($24,000). A "baby amplifier," it utilizes NOIES technology (negative output impedance energy source) with tube circuits and it's a single stage and single ended with a 15 watts output. The Quindecim drove the Aries Cerat Aurora horn loudspeakers ($110,000/pair) outstandingly; it was music to my ears.
Lorenzo Audio Labs/SAT
I was very glad to see the Lorenzo Audio Labs setup was on the main listening hall, A 4.2, F206 instead of a makeshift listening room down the hall. What can I say? It sounded magnificent. The system rendered music with power, great ease, and realism, making it feel like I was listening to a live ensemble. The Lorenzo Audio Labs LM1 loudspeakers ($250,000/pair) were driven impressively by the Ypsilon Aelius II monoblock amplifiers. The Lampizator Horizon DAC and Taiko Audio Olympus I/O server ($125,000) were used as a digital source and the SAT XD1 turntable with vacuum hold down and CF1-09Ti arm, ($300,000) were used as an analog set-up. All cabling was by Zensati cables.
Alsyvox/Omega Audio Concepts
Alsyvox debuted their Michelangelo loudspeakers ($500,000/pair). They are three panels, each channel with symmetrical design: one ribbon super tweeter in the center, flanked by one ribbon tweeter and one ribbon midrange 45mm wide on each side, and two woofer panels with ribbon planar transducers with a total surface of 1075 m2 for each channel. The Michelangelos sounded superb, driven by the Omega Audio Concepts electronics; the Accordo integrated ($78,000/4-chassis) mono amplifiers, the Omega Audio Concept CDP Zenit ($98,000) was used as digital source. The Thouno Audio TH400 turntable with TH12" tonearm ($48,000) sounded fantastic. The Omega Audio Concepts AC power cords and RCA interconnects and speaker cables ($36,000) were used in the system. The Shunyata Everest power source and the Shunyata Altaira grounding ($8000) and the Shunyata Everest power distributor ($15,000) and the Critical Mass Maxxum Ultra racks ($60,000), completed the system.
Karan Acoustics/Wilson Benesch
Karan Acoustics showcased their Master Collection POWERa Mono fully balanced mono power amplifiers (120,000/pair x 2), the Master Collection LINEa fully balanced line preamplifier ($46,000) and the Master Collection PHONOa fully balanced phono preamplifier ($43,500) powered the Wilson Benesch Omnium loudspeakers ($149,999/pair) with power and authority. For an analog set-up the Prime Meridian turntable ($250,000), the Graviton T1 tonearm ($37,000), and the Tesseliate Tri-S Sapphire cartridge ($11,500) were used. It sounded excellent. The APL HiFi DSD-GR reference pure DSD D/A converter ($69,000), the NSP-GR Network server player ($19,900), and the ANS-MR Audiophile Network switch ($2300) were used as a digital set-up. Crystal Cables completed the system.
Vinnie Rossi/QLN/Mersason
I was very impressed with the Vinnie Rossi room. The QLN Reference 9 loudspeakers ($59,995/pair), driven by the Vinnie Rossi electronics sounded excellent even in a makeshift room down the hall. The Vinnie Rossi BRAMA Monoblock power amplifiers ($74,995/pair), BRAMA preamplifier ($44,995), BRAMA integrated amplifier ($47,995). A Mersason Mountain DAC and an Innous Statement music server ($21,700), and Innuou Phoenix NET network switch ($4,250) digital source Mersason Mountain DAC ($22,000), Innous Statement Music Server ($23,000), and transparent cables were used throughout the system. The system had a great synergy between the Rossi components and QLN loudspeakers along with the Mersason. I went back multiple times and enjoyed the music immensely. The system rendered music with finesse and authority and with naturalness.
Tune Audio/Trafomatic Audio/Rockna Audio
Tune Audio from Greece was celebrating their 15th year anniversary with their fabulous sounding Anima loudspeakers ($46,000/pair). The Trafomatic Rhapsody power amplifier ($16,000/pair) and the Lara line preamplifier ($9600) powered the Anima loudspeakers excellently. It was open, dynamic and had a wonderful soundstage. The Rockna Audio Reference Signature DAC ($25,000) and the Wavelight server handled the streaming. Skogrand Stravinsky speaker, interconnects, and power cords were used throughout the system.
VAC/Acora Acoustics
This was my first listen on the Acora loudspeakers and I was captivated. The VAC Statement 455 iQ musicbloc amplifiers ($82,000 each) is their latest cost-is-no-object. A Statement Line Stage ($82,000) powered the Acora Acoustics VRC loudspeakers ($218,000/pair) effortlessly; it rendered a huge soundstage with powerful dynamics and transparency, and it was very musical. The VPI Avenger Statement turntable with Vanquish stand and Fatboy Gimbal 12-3D tonearm and Umami Red cartridge were used as an analog set-up and the Esoteric N-01XD SE and a Grandioso K1X SE SACD/CD player made up the digital set-up.
Audio Note Kondo
I was delighted to see the Audio Note Kondo. Audio Note Kondo debuted their G-72i preamplifier ($43,000) and the GE-2i phono amplifier (TBD). The G-72i will replace the G70! an entry-level Kondo tube preamplifier. Masaki san of Audio Note Kondo explained to me that It shares th same circuit design as the G-700i and uses four 6072 tubes instead of two 6072 in G-70 and the performance of the G-72i will be close to G700i at much lower price. Perhaps the G-72i could be a perfect match for my Ongaku? GE-2i phono amplifier will replace the GE-1. The Kagura2i monoblock amplifiers (224,000/pair) and the G-1000i preamplifier ($118,000) powered the vintage B&W 801 loudspeakers brilliantly. The gorgeous looking Ginga turntable and GE-10i phono amplifier ($75,000) and SFz step-up silver transformer ($15,000) were used as an analog set-up. The sound of the system was beautifully rendered and it was very moving.
Engstrom/Kroma Atelier
Engstrom always manages to put up a stellar-sounding room, and this year was no different. The Engstrom Eric Encore mono amplifiers ($180,000/pair), a statement power amplifier with a no-compromise design. The Eric mono amplifier uses two 845 tubes per channel in Push-Pull configuration to produce a glorious 70 watts into 8 Ohms. It uses 6L6GC as a driver tube and gain tubes are EC8010. The Eric Encore was created to drive even the toughest loads. The Monica preamplifier ($70,000) and M phono ($35,000) were used. The Wadax Studio Player ($39,800) was used as a digital source. As for the analog set-up the TechDAS Airforce VP turntable, KorfTA-AF10 tonearm and Exquiste VORO cartridge were used. Kroma Atelier Callas loudspeakers ($88,000/euro pair) were driven exquisitely, sounded detailed, transparent with dynamic with a richness. Jorma Statement Series cables completed the system.
VTL/Wilson Audio
VTL room was an excellent sounding room featuring their new Lohengrin Reference monoblocks amplifiers ($100,000/pair), (availability: summer 2025) and the VTL TL-7.5 Series III reference LInestage ($40,000) powered the Wilson Audio Alexx V Carbon loudspeakers (157,000/pair) with authority and power. It features an eight-tube output stage configuration capable of delivering 400 watts. The amplifier's user interface makes tube operation intuitive and worry-free. Its a fully automatic bias control and multilayered fault sensing systems enhance reliability and simplify the management of the output tubes. Peace of mind! I listened to the Kuzma Stabi R turntable with Safir 9 arm ($35,286) with a beautiful sounding Lyra Etna Lambda SL ($10,995) and the TP-6.5 Series II Signature Phono Stage ($17,000) was used. Nordost Odin2 cables were used throughout the system.
True Life Audio/Gershman Acoustics
Gershman Acoustics 30th Anniversary Black Swan ($95,000/pair) sounded fabulous driven by the True Life Audio TSI-300 Integrated amplifier ($53,700). The Pink Faun Scion Streamer and MSB DAC were used as a digital source. TSI-300 Integrated amplifier is a hybrid design; it delivers 150wpc into 8 ohms, and 300wpc into 4 ohms. It is a tube preamplifier with two solid-state power amplifiers in one chassis. There are four inputs, two balanced and two unbalanced. There are two power supplies. The first one uses a custom designed EI low loss lamination transformer and a custom designed choke. The second power supply is a uniquely designed UI low loss lamination transformer. It utilizes high speed rectification and quality filter capacitors and delivers dual polarity voltage and high current needed for the solid-state and output sections. It has a shunt attenuator volume with a remote control. The audio signal is connected to a 12AU7 tube gain stage followed by a12AU7 tube buffer. There is only one high-quality film capacitor in the signal path from input to output. The highest quality components are used throughout the circuit. Each component is hand selected, tested, and matched for utmost quality.
Estelon/MSB
Estelon was one of the several companies celebrating its 15th year Anniversary at Munich this year. Here the Estelon XB Diamond speakers ($69,300/pair) was teamed up with MSB Technology to make a great sounding room. The MSB S202 stereo amplifier ($29,500) powered the Estelon XB Diamond outstandingly. MSB Premier DAC ($27,500) and MSB Premier Digital Director and Antipodes Kala 22 were used as the digital source. Ikigai Audio cables were used throughout the system.
Goebel/Vitus Audio
Here in a modest size room the Goebel High End collaborated with Vitus Audio to create an outstanding sound. The Goebel Divin Noblesse loudspeakers ($269,000/pair) sounded excellent, powered by the new Vitus Audio SM-025 MK.I mono amplifiers ($60,000 euro/pair), debuted at the Munich and with SL-103 MK.I Preamplifier ($42,500). The Innous Zenith Next-Gen server ($20,700) and a Vitus Audio SD-025 MK II ($32,000) were used as a digital source and sounded beautiful. The Vitus Audio SM-025 MK.I drove the Goebel Divin Noblesse effortlessly; it was detailed, transparent and produced a vast soundstage.
Thrax Audio/Hemingway Audio
The Thrax Audio and Hemingway Audio collaboration produced a stellar sound. Thrax Teres MK2 monoblocks ($35,700/pair) and Thrax Libra preamplifier with 300B tubes ($62,000) were in symphony driving the Thrax Lyra SE ($23,800/pair) with Hades add on woofers ($16,200/pair). All the components were connected with the Hemingway Audio cables. The XACT S1 Evo server ($16,000) via XACT N1 network switch ($6000) feeding Thrax Maximinus MK2S DAC ($34,000) comprised the digital source. Thrax Yatrus turntable ($17,000) with Frank Schroder CB tonearm ($6000) and My Sonic Labs Signature Diamond (15,000) cartridge fed the new Thrax Cotys phono stage (9,300).
Absolare/Rockport Technologies
The beautifully finished Absolare Hybrid Stereo 2 amplifier and the Absolare Preamplifier 2 drove the Rockport Lynx loudspeakers excellently. It rendered music with grace, power, and was most importantly very musical. The Wadax Studio Player was used as a digital source.
Kaiser Acousics/Ypsilon
Once again, Kaiser Acoustics and Ypsilon produced an outstanding sounding room. The new Ypsilon anniversary preamp with no electrolytic caps in the power supply, only foil type was paired with a high-power Aelius II monoblocks to feed the woofer section of the Kaiser Kameron Minaj loudspeakers. A new GM70 singled-ended tube monoblock amplifiers producing 40 watts utilizes 2A3 as a driver tube and tube rectifier which feeds 150Hz and upwards. On the digital source it used an Ypsilon server/streamer and an Ypsilon CDT-100 Transport feeding the Ypsilon DAC-1000 SE (silver edition with silver wire and transformer). The analog set-up was no other than the Techdas Airforce 1 premium with Airforce 10 air bearing tonearm and a flagship Techdas diamond cantilever were used. Cables were all from Ypsilon ( pure silver )
Aurender
Aurender debuted their A1 15th Anniversary Edition Analog music server (20,000) and Its limited to 300 units worldwide. It features quad DAC architecture built around four AKM4499EX DAC chips for superior channel separation and natural sound. A Class-A discrete output stage enhances musicality and dynamics and uses an R2R volume control which ensures precise, transparent adjustment without signal loss. It is also equipped with 3.5mm and 6.3mm unbalanced outputs, and a 4.4mm balanced output. The A1 was used as a digital source and the Pass Labs electronics XA200.8 monoblock amplifiers ($44,000/pair) and XP-32 Preamplifier ($18,375) powered the Magico S3 loudspeakers ($45,500/pair). It rendered music with detail, transparency, and liveliness.
Raidho Acoustics
Raidho Acoustics featured TD3.10 loudspeakers ($135,000/pair). They were powered by Moon Audio electronics. The system rendered music with detail, transparency with liveliness and an impressive three-dimensional soundstage.
True Life Audio/Zelleton
I liked what I heard from the Zelleton room. This year's collaboration with the True Life Audio is little different than before; it uses hybrid design instead of a solid-state design. The True Life Audio Supreme Series SSA-350 monoblock amplifiers (100,000/pair) and the SSP-1 Preamplifier ($60,000/pair) powered the Zelleton Stage Ultra loudspeakers ($135,000/pair) superbly. It reproduced music with detail, transparency, and realism with weight and authority.
Grandinote
The Grandinote featured two Grandinote Solo integrated amplifiers (22,500 each) driving their Grandinote Mach 2 Estrema loudspeakers ($22,400/pair), and the new R2R DAC streamer Alfa DAC (TBA) was used as digital source. The Solo Integrated amplifier produces 60W in pure Class-A, direct coupled, with no negative feedback. The Mach 2 Estrema has no crossover, SRT technology (short resonating tube), and it features 92dB sensitivity and a horn loaded tweeter. All cables were by Kimber cables. The Grandinote reproduced music with detail, transparency, and dynamic with a three-dimensional soundstage.
Eggleston Works/ Emm Labs
Eggleston Works debuted their new Andra 5 loudspeakers ($40,000/pair), celebrating their 20th Anniversary. The Andra 5 represents the most significant advancement in the speaker's nearly 30 year history. Every major element has been newly re-imagined- from its custom-designed drivers to its re-engineered cabinet and port structure. It's a completely new Andra. Internally, it has a brand-new crossover network and completely new driver set. The Andra 5 utilizes one 12' Rigid Paper Cone, dual midrange drivers with 6.5" carbon fiber cone, and a 1" Thin-Ply Carbon Fiber Dome tweeter. Emm Labs MTRX2 V2 monoblocks amplifiers ($115,000/pair) and PRE preamplifier ($25,000) powered the Andra 5 with great authority, and detail, and transparency.
