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.
Avid Hifi will once again be exhibiting at High End Munich in Atrium 4, Room E121.
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!
Read more news about Munich High End 2016 Here and Hifi Pig’s coverage of last years High End Munich here
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.
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 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.
Read more news about Munich High End 2016 Here and Hifi Pig’s coverage of last years High End Munich here
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 and more. Read the full story here.
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.
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’.
Read more news about Munich High End 2016 Here and Hifi Pig’s coverage of last years High End Munich here
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.
Read more news about Munich High End 2016 Here and Hifi Pig’s coverage of last years High End Munich here
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.
Read more news about Munich High End 2016 Here and Hifi Pig’s coverage of last years High End Munich here
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.
You can see them at Munich High End 2016 in room E210, Atrium 4.2.
Read more news about Munich High End 2016 Here and Hifi Pig’s coverage of last years High End Munich here
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.
You can see them at Munich High End 2016 in room E210, Atrium 4.2.
Read more news about Munich High End 2016 Here and Hifi Pig’s coverage of last years High End Munich here
Latvian 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)
Read more news about Munich High End 2016 Here and Hifi Pig’s coverage of last years High End Munich here
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)
Read more news about Munich High End 2016 Here and Hifi Pig’s coverage of last years High End Munich here
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.
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 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.
Read more news about Munich High End 2016 Here and Hifi Pig’s coverage of last years High End Munich here
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
Read more news about Munich High End 2016 Here and Hifi Pig’s coverage of last years High End Munich here
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
Read more news about Munich High End 2016 Here and Hifi Pig’s coverage of last years High End Munich here
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.
More High-End Munich 2016 News
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 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.
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.
Based on the initial projections of the German music industry association (BVMI), the turnover of music sales in Germany for the year 2015 increased by 3.9%.
Audio streaming was at the forefront in the growth trends with a 96.6% increase. Behind all the “new” download and music streaming services lies a societal change that one can hardly ignore. According to a BITCOM study, downloads and streaming generated in 2014 for the first time as much revenue worldwide as with physical recordings. In contrast, the German market is not yet so far developed. The total share of digital music sales (strea- ming and downloads) did however in 2015 with 30.9% reach almost a third of the total turnover.
The future of digital music can be experienced at the HIGH END trade fair
More and more “online shops” are meanwhile appearing with music in high-resolution audio. (High resolution equals a greater number of details.) 
Similar to the television image in HD format with four times the number of pixels and thus also a picture that is clearer, sharper and more appealing, Hi-Res audio also contains four times as many sound details compared to the data of a music CD. An increasing number of audiophile “gourmets” therefore naturally want their favourite music in optimal quality.
Measured against the mass music market, Hi-Res is still a niche business, but the fan community for high-resolution audio is increasingly on the rise, and ultimately “what’s better” is the enemy of “what’s good”. Numerous audio devices now also possess the required memory capacity and therefore offer themselves for the saving of high-resolution audio files in various formats and playing them back for the user’s listening pleasure. This revolutionary innovation toward better sound quality can be experienced at the HIGH END trade fair in Munich. Here, visitors will find the entire spectrum of high-resolution players and numerous online music services offering high-resolution audio files in various formats for downloading.
Physical recordings are still much sought-after in Germany
In nearly all countries worldwide, the physical side of audio recording sales has deteri- orated rapidly over recent years. According to the German music industry association however, in Germany the lion’s share of music sales is with 69.1% still generated by physical media (CD, vinyl, DVD, Blu-ray). Of this, the CD continues to command a con- siderable share of the sales with 61.2%. Although sales of vinyl recordings have experi- enced a sharp rise in 2015 (+ 32%), these still only comprise 3.3% of the total turnover. Since 2007 this “black gold” has seen a steady increase in demand, since it represents a culture of listening that forces us toward slowness and paying attention, and thus also creates a stronger bond between the music and the listener. This remains undisputed.
HIGH END as Mecca for collectors of exquisite audio media
Music lovers who want more than simply access to disembodied, downloaded music are sure to find just what they are looking for at this trade fair. HIGH END will feature over 200 music labels, selling various vinyl records, CDs, SACDs, Blu-ray and DVDs.
A music collection consisting only of bits and bytes is considered soulless by many music lovers and is unsatisfying for the music collector. Vinyl records and even, to some extent, CDs, SACDs etc. go beyond music playback and are considered artworks in their own right, due to the unique impression they create. It is not without reason that there is healthy demand for physical recordings, regardless of the fluctuations of seasonal business.
Special exhibition of the 50 best album covers
The 50 best album covers of 2015, which were selected by a jury of renowned design experts and former prizewinners, will be presented at the HIGH END 2016 in the Munich Order Centre (MOC).
The packaging – also called the artwork – is an essential component of the vinyl record and has developed over the decades into an art form of its own. For many vinyl fans, the design of the record cover is an important purchasing incentive.
Since 2005, the annually chosen “Best Art Vinyl Award” represents the most creative record cover. In 2015, this prize was awarded for the 10th time. The cover artworks can be seen all days of the fair in the lobby of the MOC between Halls 1 and 2 on the ground floor.
Live and very close up – the pure, hand-made sound
In the past few years, the accompanying musical programme at the HIGH END has become an integral part of the event. 2016’s Munich High End will again spoil its visitors with a broad international repertoire, sung and played live by outstanding musicians.
The artists will be providing wholly authentic live music – completely naturally, unplugged and without loudspeakers – that invites guests to linger, enjoy and listen. Visitors can look forward to a highly diverse range of music – Alpine folk, classical music, jazz, Balkan and Argentinian tango will alternate in resounding through the MOC during the trade fair.
HIGH END SOCIETY – supporting young and talented artists
The performing bands and ensembles have been selected solely from the Academy for Music and Theatre in Munich. The Academy for Music and Theatre stands for exceptional levels of artistic quality and for the finest education of outstanding young artists. The institution’s music academy has earned its current standing on the basis of its distinguished and globally renowned instructors, thus paving the way for many international careers. By incorporating the academy and its musicians into the trade fair programme, the HIGH END SOCIETY is supporting young and talented artists in developing their burge- oning careers.
Traditional Bavarian music at the HIGH END
Traditional music removes barriers, it enthuses everybody present and facilitates lively communication between the musicians and the audience. It is customary for the event organisers to welcome international guests with traditional Bavarian music.
Hirschbachmusi
Playing on: 05/05/16, from 9:30 to 12:30 – in front of the exhibition grounds at the MOC
Hirschbachmusi is made up of five musicians all aged between 20 and 30. They came together in 2007 at the Academy for Music and Theatre in Munich. The five musicians have been deeply ingrained in folk music and Bavarian culture since their childhood in southern Upper Bavaria. Hirschbachmusi performs in the typical “Tobi-Reiser” line-up. Salzburg-born Tobi Reiser founded the tradition of playing folk music in with a conventio- nal line-up of dulcimer, zither, harp, guitar and double bass in the 1950s.
Their repertoire consists of genuine Alpine folk and classical music. They have entertained audiences at various events with their string music.
Fun With Mobile Music
The stage is where the musicians are playing. They do not need any technical aids, electricity or microphones. As a walking act they wander among the audience and bring a smile to the faces of the trade fair visitors.
Duo modéré
A musical voyage from the Occident via the Balkans to Tango Argentino
Playing on: 05/05/16 and 06/05/16 from 12:00 to 17:00 – throughout the exhibition area
The two young artists Adrian Planitz and Zdravko Zivkovic have made it their mission to perfectly combine the sounds of an accordion with that of a saxophone. Their repertoire ranges from classical music to Balkan sounds and Argentinian tango. Both musicians studied at the Academy for Music and Theatre in Munich and have won several 1st prizes at international competitions.
Duo Papagena
From baroque music and light classical music and arrangements to music from the romantic era
Playing on: 07/05/16 and 06/05/16 from 12:00 to 17:00 – throughout the exhibition area
The duo was founded in 2012 by flautist Shantala Vallentin and oboe player Carolina Nees. The former scholars at Jehudi Menuhin`s Live Music Now range far from their home in Munich all over Germany and play regularly in Nuremberg, Augsburg, Würzburg, Rosenheim, Freiburg and Mannheim.
In February 2014 they received second prize for the interpretation of a contemporary work at the chamber music competition organised by the Mozart Association 1829 in Nuremberg.
READ MORE HIGH END MUNICH NEWS
Live and very close up – the pure, hand-made sound
In the past few years, the accompanying musical programme at the HIGH END has become an integral part of the event. 2016’s Munich High End will again spoil its visitors with a broad international repertoire, sung and played live by outstanding musicians.
The artists will be providing wholly authentic live music – completely naturally, unplugged and without loudspeakers – that invites guests to linger, enjoy and listen. Visitors can look forward to a highly diverse range of music – Alpine folk, classical music, jazz, Balkan and Argentinian tango will alternate in resounding through the MOC during the trade fair.
HIGH END SOCIETY – supporting young and talented artists
The performing bands and ensembles have been selected solely from the Academy for Music and Theatre in Munich. The Academy for Music and Theatre stands for exceptional levels of artistic quality and for the finest education of outstanding young artists. The institution’s music academy has earned its current standing on the basis of its distinguished and globally renowned instructors, thus paving the way for many international careers. By incorporating the academy and its musicians into the trade fair programme, the HIGH END SOCIETY is supporting young and talented artists in developing their burge- oning careers.
Traditional Bavarian music at the HIGH END
Traditional music removes barriers, it enthuses everybody present and facilitates lively communication between the musicians and the audience. It is customary for the event organisers to welcome international guests with traditional Bavarian music.
Hirschbachmusi
Playing on: 05/05/16, from 9:30 to 12:30 – in front of the exhibition grounds at the MOC
Hirschbachmusi is made up of five musicians all aged between 20 and 30. They came together in 2007 at the Academy for Music and Theatre in Munich. The five musicians have been deeply ingrained in folk music and Bavarian culture since their childhood in southern Upper Bavaria. Hirschbachmusi performs in the typical “Tobi-Reiser” line-up. Salzburg-born Tobi Reiser founded the tradition of playing folk music in with a conventio- nal line-up of dulcimer, zither, harp, guitar and double bass in the 1950s.
Their repertoire consists of genuine Alpine folk and classical music. They have entertained audiences at various events with their string music.
Fun With Mobile Music
The stage is where the musicians are playing. They do not need any technical aids, electricity or microphones. As a walking act they wander among the audience and bring a smile to the faces of the trade fair visitors.
Duo modéré
A musical voyage from the Occident via the Balkans to Tango Argentino
Playing on: 05/05/16 and 06/05/16 from 12:00 to 17:00 – throughout the exhibition area
The two young artists Adrian Planitz and Zdravko Zivkovic have made it their mission to perfectly combine the sounds of an accordion with that of a saxophone. Their repertoire ranges from classical music to Balkan sounds and Argentinian tango. Both musicians studied at the Academy for Music and Theatre in Munich and have won several 1st prizes at international competitions.
Duo Papagena
From baroque music and light classical music and arrangements to music from the romantic era
Playing on: 07/05/16 and 06/05/16 from 12:00 to 17:00 – throughout the exhibition area
The duo was founded in 2012 by flautist Shantala Vallentin and oboe player Carolina Nees. The former scholars at Jehudi Menuhin`s Live Music Now range far from their home in Munich all over Germany and play regularly in Nuremberg, Augsburg, Würzburg, Rosenheim, Freiburg and Mannheim.
In February 2014 they received second prize for the interpretation of a contemporary work at the chamber music competition organised by the Mozart Association 1829 in Nuremberg.
