High End Munich 2016 | Hifi Pig

Melco At High End Munich

At this year’s High End, MELCO will be demonstrating the latest addition to its range – the N1ZH60. A 6Tb HDD version of the SSD N1ZS10, the N1ZH60 offers significantly more storage space at a very competitive price.

With music files accessible via either LAN to a streaming player or USB to an off-board DAC, all MELCO Digital Music Libraries maintain music files in native form. For those with CD libraries wanting to catalogue their music onto a stand-alone device, MELCO’s new CD Import feature rips an exact copy of the CD to the library, allowing listeners to enjoy their music collections in bit-perfect quality without having to leave the comfort of their armchair.

Melco can be found at Hall 3 – Stand L03/H05.

Three New Products From Neodio At High End Munich 2016

28. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: hifi news, High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

French brand, Neodio, whose 35,000€ Neodio Origine CD player we first encountered back in 2013, will be launching another three products at High End Munich 2016. The products feature Neodio’s new ‘Zero Vibration’ Technology. The trio are the Origine B1 anti vibration support, the 25kg Origine S2 CD player and the equally weighty Origine A2 Integrated Amplifier.

Stéphane Even and his team will be in Hall 1, Stand A07.

Gruensch Present New Phonostages At High End Munich 2016

28. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: hifi news, High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

Gruensch Audiotechnik, who have been building audio components in Southern Germany, since 1998, will be exhibiting at this year’s High End Munich show.

They will be presenting their new, third generation, Reference Phonostages MCS II SE and MCS II+ SE. They say that they have made a ‘wide range of improvements’ to these new models, including ‘the addition of balanced outputs of the highest quality embodying a zero feedback Pure-FET-Pure-Class-A design.’

They are in Exhibition hall 4, booth P02.

Soundsmith Present ALTO Tonearm at High End

28. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

Soundsmith will be showing some new products during the Munich HIGH END show next week, including a special “asymmetrical loading topology” tonearm called ALTO that was designed by Frank Schröder and is being built in the USA by Soundsmith.

Also being introduced will be Soundsmith’s Mk. III version of the Zephyr high-output cartridge, and the “Star” version of their low output Zephyr “MIMC” cartridge, now sporting a laser-drilled sapphire cantilever and nude Contact Line diamond.

Both Peter Ledermann and Chris Sommovigo will be there at the Acoustic Signature booth in Hall 4 on the ground floor, just to the right of the entrance in booth T02.

Atoll At High End Munich

28. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

Atoll, the French electronics manufacturer will be at this year’s High-End Munich show along with their German distributor AUDIUM at Atrium 4, 1st Floor, Booth F107.

There will be a presentation of the IN400se (pictured) with their CD400se, demos with the company’s All-in-One SDA200 and also demos with the Mini Line HD120/MA100/MS100 and new MD100.

Atoll will also be showing the 400 series (PR400 & AM400) and SDA200 with the ATOHM loudspeakers GT Series (GT1 – GT2 and GT3) at Atrium 4, 2nd Floor – Booth F229.

Computer Audio Design And Boenicke At High End

28. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

Computer Audio Design will be at the Munich High End Show again this year with Boenicke Audio in Atrium 4, Room F215. They are sure to have their update CAD 1543 DAC on demonstration and the little Boenicke Audio speakers really are a bit of a revelation in what is acheivable from such a diminutive package.

Westminster Lab At High-End

28. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: hifi amplifiers, High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

Westminster Lab, who Hifi Pig visited at last year’s Newcomers stand at High End Munich, will be there again this year displaying their UNUM amplifier and their cable collection to visitors to the show.

“The UNUM is the first handcrafted solid state mono amps without any sort of PCB, components are directly connected and soldered with each other without intermediate disturbance. The chassis is made from an unprecedented combination of aluminium, solid brass, solid copper, carbon fibre, PEEK, titanium & 24k gold.” Says the company’s recent press release.

You can visit Westminster Lab at Hall 2, G06 at this years High end show in Munich.

Audionet At High End

25. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

Audionet will be in the Atrium 3, room C121 for High End Munich.

The company will present five brand new components within the two new Scientist series:

HEISENBERG and STERN – their new “Über-Amps” in the ultimate high-end series, designed by Hartmut Esslinger of Apple-fame.
PLANCK, WATT and AMPERE – the first three machines from their new “ultra-highend series”.

The Importance Of Room Treatment Presented By GIK

25. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: Hifi Shows, High End Munich 2016

Acoustic treatment manufacturer GIK Acoustics will exhibit at the HIGH END Show in Munich from 5th – 8th May, 2016. dave200

In addition to displaying products, GIK Acoustics-Europe General Manager, David Shevyn (Pictured), and GIK Acoustics-Germany Room Designer, Lukas Rimbach, will present a discussion on the importance of room treatments and the basics of room setup. Mr. Shevyn and Mr. Rimbach will also answer audience questions on room acoustics.

GIK Acoustics will present Room Acoustics And How To Set Up Your Room at the Technology Stage in Hall 3, Booth K 08 on the following dates:

Thursday, 5th of May 2016: 12:30pm-12:55pm

Speaker: Lukas Rimbach, Language: German

Friday, 6th of May 2016: 12:00pm-12:25pm

Speaker: David Shevyn, Language: English

Saturday, 7th of May 2016: 04:00pm-04:25pm

Speaker: Lukas Rimbach, Language: German

Sunday, 8th of May 2016:12:00pm-12:25pm

Speaker: David Shevyn, Language: English

Technology Stage is open for all visitors of the HIGH END show. You don’t have to register – it’s first come, first served. Usually there are enough seats for all listeners.

GIK Acoustics will display new products in the Alpha Series. The Alpha Series beautifully combines absorption with diffusion and enhances any room both aesthetically and acoustically with superior quality, high-performing, and stylish room treatments.

Visit GIK Acoustics In Hall 4 Booth T13.

Constellation Audio At High End Munich

25. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

Constellation Audio have announced that at Munich High-End they will be demonstrating their Reference Series Altair II preamplifier and Hercules II monobloc amplifiers in Atrium 4, 1^st Floor, Room F-118.

The engineering accomplishments of the Altair II are many claims the company’s recent press release, beginning with the separate triple- transformer power supply which is itself shielded by a machined aluminium chassis. Constellation1_CES2016

Construction of the completely dual-mono control center is highlighted by the use of a machined solid aluminum enclosure (called a raft) which is constructed with 8.2mm-thick walls. The raft is secured to a platform incorporating an isolating polymer sheet between sheets of stainless steel, and this platform is in turn mounted on an elastomeric suspension.

Hercules II monoblocs begin with a solid foundation using two 3,000-Watt transformers housed in their own shielded, suspended enclosure. The shielding and suspension prevents electromagnetic noise or mechanical vibration from entering into the system. Using the 125- Watt fully balanced building block modules that have become a signature of Constellation Audio amplifier designs; the Hercules is configured using multiple modules in a single chassis to deliver 1,000 Watts into each mono chassis. Connection between the Altair II and Hercules II is optimized using the Constellation Direct interface which eliminates an extra gain stage in the signal path. However, for those users of other preamplifiers, Hercules II is also equipped with balanced and single-ended inputs.

Source components will include the Constellation Audio Cygnus Media Server/DAC and a Continuum Audio Labs Obsidian turntable with Viper tonearm paired with a Constellation Audio phono stage. Martin-Logan Neoliths will be used in the system too.

The Constellation Audio Reference System will be on display at the MOC, Atrium 4, 1st Floor, Room F-118.

SPECIFICATIONS

Altair II

Bandwidth: 10Hz-200 KHz @ 0.5% Output = 17 Volts RMS

Inputs: 4-XLR Balanced, 4-RCA Unbalanced

Output: 2pr XLR & RCA/channel

Volume control resolution: 0.1, 0.5, or 1 dB; user-selectable Remote Control: Volume, Balance, Input, Mute, Phase Features: External power supply, 12V trigger, USB control, DB-9 Dimensions

Preamp: (W x H x D): 17.5” x 5.5” x 14.8”; 44.5 cm x 14 cm x 47.6 cm; Weight: 84

lbs.; 38.2 kg.

Power Supply: (W x H x D): 17.5” x 2.8” x 14.5”; 44.5 cm x 7.2 cm x 36.8 cm; Weight: 26.2 lbs.; 11.4 kg.

Hercules II Mono

Power Output: 1.1 kW into 8 Ohms, 1.5 kW into 4 Ohms, 2 kW into 2 Ohms Frequency Response: 10Hz – 100 KHz +1/-0.5 dB

Gain: 32dB

Inputs: XLR Constellation Direct, XLR Balanced, RCA Unbalanced Output: 2pr. Binding post/Banana socket/channel

Input Impedance: 10KΩ Unbalanced, 20KΩ Balanced Features: 12V trigger, USB control

Dimensions (W x H x D): 19” x 13” x 32”; 48.3 cm x 23 cm x 81.3 cm

Weight: 220 lbs.; 100 kg.

The US retail price of the Altair II is $78,000

The US retail price of the Hercules II Monos is $180,000/pr.

Obsidian Labs To Launch $35000 Turntable and $10000 Arm at Munich High End

22. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016, turntables

Continuum Audio Labs say they are pleased to announce the introduction of their new analogue playback system, the Obsidian turntable and Viper tonearm at High End Munich 2016.” Designed by a team of engineers and designers whose expertise spans the disciplines of physics, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, vibration control, and industrial design, the system represents a major accomplishment in terms of sonic performance, mechanical sophistication, and aesthetic design” says the company’s latest press release.

Continuum CEO, Dr. Murali Murugasu, observes the significance of the Obsidian and Viper when he commented, “Having already established landmark designs such as the Caliburn and Cobra, creating a new design that would advance analog playback was a formidable challenge. Not only do the Obsidian and Viper do so on their merits, but doing so at its price is truly an accomplishment.”

The Obsidian utilizes tungsten in key points including the arm post, contact points for the arm suspension, and bearing ball and shaft. The bearing itself utilizes a magnetically opposed (but non-floating) design. The net effect of these constructs is that all platter resonances are below 10 Hz.

Beneath the platter and suspension lies the motor. Dubbed “The Quiet One”. For obvious reasons, this motor was specifically designed for Continuum Audio Labs. Speed stability comes from a 35mm, 60-volt zero-cogging DC motor that was designed and manufactured specifically for optimum performance with Obsidian’s platter mass and physical harmonic characteristics. The motor is controlled by a servo amplifier running at 53.6 kHz and has the highest power currently available in a motor of its size. Noise is addressed through the use of graphite brushes which provide the current conducting capacity required to drive a heavy platter and a specially designed damping system that attenuates brush noise.

Drawing on the familiar contoured shape popularized by the Cobra tonearm, the company utilized the latest finite-element analysis (FEA) software to create a tonearm with the “optimum stiffness to mass ratio in order to minimize unwanted resonances. In the Viper is a sapphire “V”- jewel paired with a hardened stainless steel pivot. The swash plate rides on damped miniature bearings manufactured to ABEC 9 standards, the tightest tolerance (0.0012 mm). A 30mm adjustable tungsten central tower provides a massive, stable support for the tonearm.

Finally, the Obsidian is set-up to allow the owner to add a second tonearm of virtually any length or design.

The Continuum Audio Labs Obsidian and Viper will be on display in the Constellation Audio Room (MOC, Atrium 4, 1st Floor, Room F-118) from May 5 – 8, 2016.

The US retail price of the Obsidian is $35,000 and $10,000 for the Viper. Deliveries to worldwide markets are scheduled to begin in Q3 of 2016.

Master And Dynamic Headphones At High End Munich 2016

22. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: headfi, High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

New York City-based, Master & Dynamic, will be showing their growing line of headphones and earphones at High End Munich 2016. You can find them in the MOC Munich in Halle 3, stand J08 from May 5th to 8th 2016. Among the models they will be exhibiting will be their MW60 Wireless Over Ear Headphones.

Hear Zesto Audio at the Hi Fi Deluxe Show, Munich.

22. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: Hifi Deluxe, hifi news, High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

Zesto Audio will be exhibiting at the Hi Fi Deluxe Show in the Munich Marriott Hotel. The show runs alongside the High End Munich show, with free transport between the MOC and the Marriott. Zesto will be showing their valve electronics with Joseph Speakers, Cardas Cables, Brinkmann Turntables and Audiophilar Racks in Exhibit room 218, 12:00h to 20:00h Thursday, Friday & Saturday May 5th, 6th & 7th, 2016. Admission to the Deluxe show is free.

On the subject of valve amplification, George Counnas, President of Zesto Audio says “Vacuum tubes faithfully bring warmth and harmonic tonality like nothing else can. As a young man in England, I designed vacuum tube circuits. I worked for DECCA Navigator — at the time Britain’s largest electronics company — as part of a research and development team designing airborne navigational systems for the Royal Air Force. So I have many years of experience designing, creating and bringing to market high-end electronic equipment. The difference here is that no one’s life is at stake”.

Lector Strumenti Audio At High End Munich 2016

21. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

Italian manufacturer, Lector Strumenti Audio has been pioneering hybrid technology since 1982, designing and introducing to market the first tube-based, Audio CD player and DAC back in 1989.

Ever since, their product portfolio has been growing and they are now presenting their new “R-series” at High End Munich 2016. They will be at booth R01 demo room P03, Halle 4, at the High End Exhibition May 5th to 8th.

Avid Hifi At High End Munich 2016

21. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: hifi news, High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

Avid Hifi will once again be exhibiting at High End Munich in Atrium 4, Room E121.

They will be showing their new Reference One, Two and Three Loudspeakers, their new Reference Stereo Power Amplifier and the new Acutus Reference Mono SP Turntable. Conrad Mas, MD of Avid Hifi says that these are “just three of hundreds of reasons to visit Avid Hifi”. Hifi Pig will certainly be checking them out for you!

SVS Debut Appearance At High End Munich

21. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

In Halle 3 K10, SVS, based in Ohio (USA) and designer of subwoofers, speakers and audio accessories, makes its debut appearance at Munich High End 2016 with home theatre and audiophile demonstrations and full product line displays. SVS is seeking distribution in several international markets as it continues its expansion into a global audio brand, says the company’s latest press release. SVS_speakers_munich_high_end

SVS are known for their subwoofer brands, but recently the company has emerged as a speaker designer with the release of its Prime and Ultra Series lines. At Munich High End, SVS will showcase its subwoofers, speakers and SoundPath audio accessories in two-channel and 5.1 systems as well as in a Dolby Atmos 5.2.4 set-up featuring the new SVS Prime Elevation Speaker.

“We’re looking forward to making the SVS presence felt at Munich High End by appealing to people’s passions for immersive audio experiences,” said Gary Yacoubian, president, SVS. “Our addictive energy, engineering excellence and inclusive pricing are drawing new people into high performance audio and we know many distributors are looking for this kind of vitality when seeking new partners.”

The company offers a range of ported, sealed and cylinder subwoofers, as well as tower, bookshelf, center channel, surround and satellite speakers, and a full line of audio accessories.

KR Audio At High End 2016

19. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: amplifiers, Headphone Amplifier, High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

KR Audio, famous for manufacturing their very own tubes will be at this year’s Munich High End where they will have their VA 200 amp rated at 200 Watts and utilising the KR 842 vhd tube application. 11-kronzilla-sx

Also on show at High end 2016 there will be their P-130 pre-amplifier with KR 05 tube application and the VA300i with KR 300B tube application.

As well as more traditional amplifiers, KR Audio will also have a headphone system showing a VA355i with Abyss with KR 100 tube application. The KR T-00 is, say KR Audio a superior 845 and the amplifier is also known as the ‘baby Kronzilla’.

Wilson Benesch To Premier New Speaker At High End 2016

18. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

Hifi Pig posted earlier today about Viva at High End Munich who could be sharing a room with Wilson Benesch and Way cables, now Wilson Benesch have announced what they will be taking to the show.

Previously at Munich High end the British company have launched its flagship loudspeaker, Cardinal, its ‘Super-Monitor’ Endeavour loudspeaker and this year the company say they have a very special addition to their reference marque, Geometry Series.

Following the launch of the A.C.T. One Evolution in 2015, Wilson Benesch will this year premier the Discovery II Loudspeaker at the Munich show.
This year Wilson Benesch will be partnering with their German importer IBEX Audio. Courtesy of IBEX Audio, Wilson Benesch loudspeakers will be partnered with amplification from Viva Audio and cables from Way Cables from Serbia.

High End Munich 2016 – Swissonor

18. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: High End Munich 2016

Swissonor who make a great range of kit will be at this year’s High End Munich Show demonstrating their wares. For those not in the know Swissonor, from Switzerland, make a range of gear including power amp, phonostages, passive pres, SUTs, tube amplifiers, a modular amplifier system (pictured), a range of loudspeakers and accessories for the famed Thorens TD124 turntable. SWISSONOR_munich_high_end_2016
You can see them at Munich High End 2016 in room E210, Atrium 4.2.

Viva at Munich High End 2016

18. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: High End Munich 2016

Italian brand Viva have been in touch with Hifi Pig to tell us they will be at this year’s High-End show in Munich with British manufacturer Wilson Benesch and Way Cables.

The company says they will have the following devices on audition at the show:

Numerico
Uno
Aurora (pictured above)
Solista
LF2
Egoista
Egoista 2A3 (pictured below)

Munich High End Launch For New Avid Turntable

11. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016, turntables

It’s been ten years since Avid Hifi launched the Acutus Reference was launched and now they have announced the Acutus Reference Mono SP turntable.

Conrad mas of Avid said “We have re-designed the amplifier stage way beyond most audio amplifiers and enabled twin mono operation to power each motor coil. Not limiting performance to save cost the new power supply is truly mono, employing the contents of two full Reference power supplies.”

There are two 1000VA mains transformers, twin regulated power stages, two massive capacitor banks and double soft start boards housed into casework matching the company’s Reference Pre and Mono amplifiers.

The Acutus Reference Mono SP will debut at the forthcoming Munich High-End Show 2016.

The Acutus is offered in three levels of performance and existing owners will be available as an upgrade.

Prices are expected to be:

ACUTUS REFERENCE MONO SP TURNTABLE £ 25,000.00

REFERENCE MONO SP UPGRADE FROM ACUTUS SP £ 15,000.00

REFERENCE MONO SP UPGRADE FROM REFERENCE SP £ 12,000.00

Aequo Audio Launching Ensis Hybrid Loudspeaker At High End Munich 2016

08. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: hifi news, High End Munich 2016, Loudspeakers

Aequo Audio is a Dutch loudspeaker manufacturer situated in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. The company, experienced in building high-end custom loudspeakers, is now releasing its first loudspeaker to be produced in series: the Ensis. The Ensis is a modest sized, full-range floor standing speaker shaped to resemble a music note.

The fully closed enclosure is built with in-house developed materials. It provides a three-way driver line-up, Including an active 10 inch subwoofer, controlled by an on-board amplifier and an analogue hardware system. The hardware also provides a smart room size and speaker placement correction system, controlled by two billet aluminium rotators. The middle and high frequency section of this hybrid speaker remains passive.

Anyone who wants to get acquainted with the brand and the sound of these new speakers, can visit their demonstration cabin on the High End show in Munich this May.

Presentations and Lectures At High End 2016

07. April 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016, Uncategorized · Tags: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016

Once again, the HIGH END show at Munich will feature, not only great hifi and audio equipment,but also a wide variety of interesting talks, presentations, demonstrations and workshops with high-profile speakers all about consumer electronics.

Here is a small selection of the exciting topics to come:

TECHNOLOGY STAGE – HALL 3, STAND K08 HQ-RADIO IN EUROPE
Initiatives and trends for radio as quality audio medium

Mr. Werner Bleisteiner, editorial manager for digitalisation projects at BR-KLASSIK

Thursday, 05 May 2016, 3.00 pm
Friday, 06 May 2016, 4.30 pm

Radio has come a long way to arrive in the future: Digital distribution channels – on air and online – program associated data services and interactive features have blown the old box. Yet, audio quality is still the key issue to define the special quality of experience of the medium.

Major European broadcasters, especially from Germany, France and Great Britain, collaborate closely under the auspices of the European Broadcasting Union EBU to set future milestones and standards in media technology development.

Werner Bleisteiner (BR) takes a look at the European broadcasting landscape for surround sound, binaural and high quality streaming services with HTML5, as well providing first hand insights into the present stage in the development of the upcoming technology “object-based broadcasting”.

TECHNOLOGY STAGE – HALL 3, STAND K08
THE FASCINATION OF TUBES
Dipl.-Ing. Ulrich Apel (Association of German Sound Technicians)

Friday, 06 May 2016, 3.00 pm

Starting with an explanation of the basic function of a tube, different types and details on the tasks they perform in preamplifiers and final amplifiers will be explored. An important aspect is the comparability of the tubes made by different manufacturers, different type designations and an outlook of their lifespan. To finish, a few tips for integrating a tube amplifier into an existing system.

THE TAPE MACHINE IN THE HIGH-END CHAIN
Dipl.-Ing. Ulrich Apel (Association of German Sound Technicians)

Saturday, 07 May 2016, 3.00 pm

What does it need to be able to do, and what should its settings be, to ensure it sounds right when playing master tapes?

By explaining how magnetism works, the way sound goes through magnetic heads and onto the tape is explored. Mechanical and electrical settings ensure perfect transmission. Finally, there are valuable tips for connection and level ratios.

TECHNOLOGY STAGE – HALL 3, STAND K08 SENNHEISER HE1, SOUND REPRODUCTION SYSTEM
Axel Grell, Sennheiser

Friday, 06 May 2016, 11.00 am
Saturday, 07 May 2016, 10.30 am

In his presentation, Axel Grell, Portfolio Manager at Sennheiser, explains an innovative am- plifier concept and sound converter system designed to unite the HE1 headphones, which cost €50,000, with exclusive materials.

SENNHEISER’S AMBEO 3D AUDIO TECHNOLOGY
Gregor Zielinsky, Sennheiser

Friday, 06 May 2016, 11.00 am
Saturday, 07 May 2016, 10.30 am

The trailblazing 3D Immersive Audio technology makes recording and reproducing audio at the very highest level possible, thereby creating a hitherto unheard sound experience for the user. Within the framework of a presentation at the HIGH END 2016, graduate sound technicians Gregor Zielinsky provides some insight into the development of Sennheiser’s AMBEO 3D audio products, and speaks about the special features and application areas of the 3D audio technology.

CONFERENCE ROOM K1B (OPPOSITE HALL 1)

Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

HIGH END 2016 – THE FASCINATION OF MULTICHANNEL
Following the extremely positive feedback received last year, a top-class multichannel audio demonstration will be held again this year, in conference room K1B, opposite Hall 1.

Loudspeaker icon Joachim Kiesler from Musikelectronic Geithain and cable specialist Hans M. Strassner from HMS have joined forces with the studio professionals from Merging Technologies from Switzerland and a German HiFi Internet platform to form an ambitious cooperative venture. Once again, demonstrations and workshops will treat the attende- es to acoustic performances of what is currently viable in terms of multichannel music playback.

The internationally renowned master sound technicians Jean-Marie Geijsen (Polyhymnia International), Jared Sacks (Channel Classics), Morten Lindberg (2L), Daan van Aalst (Navis Classics) and Stephan Cahen (Myrios Classics) will share reports from everyday life in the recording studio, and share their passion for multichannel music with their listeners. Accompanying presentations will round off the program.

Music in all formats will be played for visitors to listen to in closed, thirty-minute demons- trations. Stereo recordings, historical audio documents as three and four channel recor- dings, and the original master files from the most recent recording sessions by the sound technicians participating will encourage acoustic comparisons.

All those involved will be doing their very best to be able to demonstrate the music on an extraordinary system. Musikelectronic Geithain will be lending an exclusively loudspeaker set-up for this demonstration, using their reference products ME 800 K and ME 801K. This will be accompanied by the NADAC (Network Attached Digital to Analogue Converter) made by Merging Technologies as a source, and which the Swiss studio experts intend to use to redefine the quality standard in digital playback in the home entertainment sector as well. The first euphoric reactions from all over the world justify the high expectations. Hans M. Strassner from HMS will be continuing the state-of-the-art Suprema series he began with network cables, and will be contributing his brand-new, highest quality con- nection cables of the same name for use with this exceptional system. And last but not least, Reinhard Weidinger from Hörzone will be working with his sales partner, artnovion from Portugal, to provide the appropriate acoustics in the room, without which top-quality sound is not even possible.

WORKSHOP DATES WITH MATTHIAS BÖDE FROM THE STEREO EDITORIAL TEAM
Duration approx. 30 minutes
Advance reservations are not needed.

Saturday, 07 May 2016
11.00 am
Topic: What role does the pick-up play for the sound of vinyl? Three pick-up heads – from MM to MC – in comparison.
Exhibitor: Transrotor/AVM – Atrium 4, Room F104

12.00 am
Topic: How much potential does bi-amping offer? Loudspeakers played using two or four monoblocs.
Exhibitor: AVM/Gauder Akustik, Atrium 4, room E105

2.00 pm
Topic: Does the phono cable define the record player’s performance? Conductors from the low-price segment in a cross check.
Exhibitor: Pro-Ject/Cabasse, Atrium 3, Room C118

3.00 pm
Topic: Is high-bit HiFi more than just a buzz word? Format checks from MP3 right up to 24 bit/192 kilohertz. Exhibitor: Burmester, Atrium 3, room D106

4.00 pm
Topic: Unique: Listen to record players from all price segments “virtually”. The new “STEREO Phono Festival” through a super system.
Exhibitor: MBL, Atrium 4, room D106

Munich High End Fully Booked For 2016

30. March 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: High End Munich 2016

The HIGH END 2016 is fully booked. More than 500 exhibitors and every renowned industry manufacturer will descend upon Munich from May 5th to 8th. Over the years, the HIGH END has established itself as a global meeting point for audio enthusiasts, becoming an industry institution in the process, and of course Hifi Pig will be there to keep you up to date with the latest news.

Munich High-End audio show now stands as the most important showcase event for audio anywhere in the world. Branko Glisovic, CEO of the HIGH END trade fair, is thrilled by the tremendous response from leading companies, but is at the same time aware of the demands that this interest brings with it: “Of course you try to get as many companies as possible involved. But when you reach the limits of a 28,361 square metre exhibition space, it is then a question of capacity.”

Numbers of foreign exhibitors continue to grow

The biggest growth driver here is, of course, foreign companies. Based both in Europe and further afield, these firms recognise that the HIGH END has become the industry’s foremost trade fair. With 316 exhibitors expected from abroad, this year’s foreign involvement will likely represent a 2% increase on last year’s, with an overall share of 63% of attendees. At the same time, German-based companies are still the most strongly represented at the HIGH END. Great Britain is in second place with 40 companies, followed by the USA, Italy, France, China, Japan and Switzerland.

“This means that the HIGH END offers not only a broad spectrum, but also an international selection, thereby serving as a shop window for the innovative drive of the whole industry. This is the basis for the ever growing international significance of the HIGH END and the recognition it receives on the basis of its quality. We are delighted with the faith that exhibitors put in our event through their participation”, stresses Kurt Hecker, Chief Executive of HIGH END SOCIETY.

Headphones At High-End Munich 2016

23. March 2016 · Write a comment · Categories: High End Munich, High End Munich 2016 · Tags: headphones, High End Munich 2016

Headphones are gaining significance and are popular among all age groups. A continual, and remarkable, growth has been recorded in this segment since 2008. Headphones have meanwhile become a million-dollar market and there is no end to the boom in sight.

Around 259 million pairs of headphones were sold in 2010. This figure is currently projected to have reached 290 million in 2015 (source: GfK).

These are many reasons to listen to music using headphones. Some love the direct sound and want to listen to music loudly without being disturbed, and without annoying their immediate neighbours or partners. Others use headphones as an acoustic shield from the outside world. They are not just used for blaring music, but also for silence.

Dramatic progress has been made in headphone development in the last few years. High- quality models are used to suppress ambient noise, and allow music to be enjoyed free from disturbances. Active noise cancelling by headphones makes it possible to relax and enjoy music despite surrounding noises.

While they used to be considered an accessory for the HiFi system in the living room, they can now be seen everywhere in the street. The range of different headphones has become so large that the layman quickly loses the overview.

Criteria such as audio quality and comfort help to make a decision. However, good headphones should not only have the best technical features, but also feature an appealing visual and ergonomic design.

The range of products has now become more than extensive. The trend to headphones that impress with outstanding audio quality and that make listening to music a pleasure has increased in significance in the last few years. Along with customers’ expectations, the price has also increased. This is why sophisticated products for discerning audio consumption are in increasing demand today. Models selling for far more than €1,000 are no longer a rarity.

Visitors attending the HIGH END have the opportunity to compare different headphone models directly in Hall 2, stand F10. Around 30 pairs of headphones in total, in different price classes, with uniformly high quality headphone amplifiers, will be available at all listening stations. The music selected will be identical, without any data reduction or compressed music files, and be from different genres, to give the listener the opportunity to make a direct comparison. The music will be controlled using iPads that are easy and intuitive to use.

Read some of hifi Pig’s headphone reviews here.

Read last year’s coverage of the show here.

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