The 2024 Munich High End Show: Electronics and Digital Sources

The 2024 Munich High End Show: Electronics and Digital Sources

When I learn all of the product introductions that got here out of this yr’s AXPONA, which I didn’t attend, I briefly feared that Munich could be anti-climactic. Silly me. As standard, the largest and finest audio present on this planet was awash in new product bulletins, a lot of them important. Here’s what I discovered most fun.

DACS, DACS Everywhere

Ironically, whereas Michael Fremer was holding a symposium on whether or not or not there’s extra to be gotten out of vinyl grooves, the majority of Munich exhibitors appeared centered as an alternative on getting extra out of digital bitstreams. New DACs had been all over the place and at each conceivable value level. Here are a few of the highlights.

The most auspicious debut was in all probability the CH Precision C10. Since its inception, the distinguished model’s flagship 10 Series has been conspicuously missing a DAC. Buyers of that sequence needed to make do with a C1.2, an especially succesful unit that’s nonetheless a part of the less-exalted 1 Series. The new C10, priced at a heart-stopping (however more and more widespread) $91,000, now fills out the model’s higher echelon. The unit employs intelligent processing strategies to do what the C1.2 can’t: oversample incoming information at a whopping 64x in comparison with the C1.2’s 16x. There’s additionally considerably extra galvanic isolation between modules. During the present, the corporate staged A/B demos evaluating the C1.2 with the C10. Subtle however clear variations emerged, even amidst the background din of the cavernous MOC.

Another swing-for-the-rafters DAC got here from MSB, which debuted the $95k Cascade DAC/Pre. The unit consists of separate energy provide, analog and digital chassis, with a glass fiber cable connecting the latter two, in addition to a complicated R2R ladder design. MSB says the Cascade is a ground-up design that includes every little thing the corporate has discovered about digital within the final ten years. The new mannequin replaces its Reference DAC and at the moment stands atop the MSB mountain. But watch this area: MSB guarantees an much more elaborate (and dearer) DAC within the coming months.

Clocking in at $49,900 was Ideon’s Epsilon Meta. Compared to its predecessor, the Meta beneficial properties a revamped energy provide, and an output stage with switchable achieve settings. Being within the analog area, the latter characteristic permits the DAC to drive a preamp at an optimum stage whereas eliminating the decision sacrifice inherent in typical digital quantity controls.

Another new DAC, the cAQWO 2 (pronounced cee AH-kwo two), heralds from France’s extremely regarded Metronome Audio. This DAC is all about giving customers sonic choices. For occasion, there are two utterly separate DAC chains, one using the ESS 9039 DAC chip and the opposite an AKM 4499EX—each among the many finest cash should buy. Users can change between them on the fly. For even larger sonic tweaking, customers can choose from six distinctive filters provided for every DAC chain. There can also be an elective tubed analog output stage, which provides customers the selection of tubed or solid-state output modules. The base value is €29,650, and the tube module runs €2190.

In Munich, Hi Fi Rose was doing what it at all times does, which is to ship quite a lot of performance and efficiency for the cash. Its newest launch is the RD 160, a pure DAC with some nifty options. Chief amongst these is a “hidden” display that seems when the unit is powered on however utterly vanishes when it’s powered down. The display can show things like a signal-path flowchart and even VU meters. There’s additionally a quantity management and an exterior clock enter. Internally, all modules are remoted from one another, and the analog part is totally balanced analog. The DAC boasts a stupendous 132dB signal-to-noise ratio. Available in August, it is going to retail for roughly $6k.

For these needing a DAC however on a smaller price range than even the Hi Fi Rose permits, San Francisco-based WiiM Audio involves the rescue with its new Ultra streaming DAC. Outfitted with a prime ESS DAC chip, the Ultra features a bevy of options you hardly ever see on DACs at this—or, frankly, at any—value. These embrace a phono enter, sub out, HDMI ARC port, touchscreen, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6, room correction, and each graphic and parametric equalizers. The value? Just $329.

Ones and Zeroes: Digital Sources

One of probably the most shocking launches of the present got here from Wadax. No one anticipated an organization that made its identify with bespoke digital separates to come back out with an all-in-one field—not to mention a (comparatively) reasonably priced one. But that’s the Studio Player, a CD/SACD transport/streamer/DAC with quantity management. Wadax says the brand new mannequin is a “distillation” of its reference gear, and, certainly, the Studio Player’s DAC module is an identical to the one discovered within the Atlantis Reference DAC. The $39,800 ticket might (or might not) sound steep till you contemplate the wealth of trickle-down know-how and the truth that attaining equal performance in Wadax’s reference elements would price over $400k! The Studio Player sounded terrific, too. (See “The 7 Best-Sounding Rooms” under.)

Munich had its justifiable share of music servers. One of probably the most spectacular was Ideon’s Absolute Stream Meta ($24k), which is a 4TB server that additionally streams. With quicker reminiscence and a hybrid linear/switching energy provide, the unit guarantees nice efficiency. Plus, it helps a built-in Roon Core, making an exterior Roon server superfluous. I hope this concept catches on.

Innuos, which already makes fairly just a few servers, crammed out its lineup with two new fashions. The ZENith NG server has a GaN energy provide and plenty of different upgrades to the usual ZENith. A totally modular unit, the NG begins at $18,900 and goes up from there, relying on storage capability and choices (e.g., streaming). Innuos additionally launched the ZEN NG. At roughly €9500, the ZEN is simply down from the ZENith NG within the revamped product vary.

Many audiophiles nonetheless have a library of shiny discs; many even declare they sound higher than different digital sources. For them, Metronome launched two new merchandise that may spin each CDs and SACDs. Hot on the heels of the alluring AQWO 2 CD/SACD participant/DAC launched right here final yr (€19,990) comes the AQWO 2+, the brand new mannequin is actually an AQWO 2 with an exterior energy chassis. The thought is to take away all power-generated noise from the principle field, and Metronome says the sonic distinction is considerable. The 2+ goes for €26,800. (Note that it’s not potential to improve from an AQWO 2 to a 2+.)

Metronome’s second new spinner is the tAQWO 2. Unlike the AQWO 2 and a couple of+, the “t” is a pure transport with no built-in DAC. But there’s a touchscreen interface, in addition to SPDIF, AES/EBU and I²S digital outputs. Importantly, all these interfaces will carry DSD info from an SACD within the DoP PCM format, making the transport suitable with most exterior DACs. The value is €30,350, plus €2k if you happen to’d just like the elective streaming module.

Power Amps Aplenty

One reality the business has taken near coronary heart is that even digital sources in the end want an influence amp to drive audio system. Thus, there have been energy amp introductions galore. A variety of these new amps, reminiscent of these from Audio Research, Constellation, and Soulution, symbolize the daybreak of recent eras from their producers.

In case you haven’t heard, Audio Research Corp is below new possession. The venerable firm was not too long ago bought by Val Cora of Acora fame. The first fruit of the brand new group is the Reference 330 tubed monoblock ($90k/pair), a ground-up design that’s “a break with something ARC has ever performed earlier than” effort, in response to Cora. The KT170-based unit places out a wholesome 330 watts. (All output figures are into 8 ohms.) The 330 could possibly be heard driving Magico S3s and the combo was a candy one (see under).

Although administration hasn’t modified at Constellation, the corporate goes by one thing of a renaissance, updating its whole line for the primary time in 10 years. The new merchandise are distinguishable by their fetching champagne end and Series 2 nomenclature (e.g., the Inspiration Series 2 built-in amp). Inside, all the brand new fashions make use of switch-mode energy provides, which the corporate says reap huge sonic advantages. First out of the chute are the Revelation Series 2 fashions, together with the brand new 250 watt/channel stereo amp ($30k) that was performing brilliantly driving Wilson Sasha Vs (see under). Performance Series 2 and Reference Series 2 elements aren’t far behind. Also exhibiting, on static show, was the forthcoming Statement energy amp, a behemoth of a halo piece that may put out 750 watts/channel in its stereo model or 1500 watts within the monoblock. Pricing and availability are TBD.

Also within the midst of a wholesale revamp, Soulution revealed its 717 flagship stereo energy amp, a mate for the 727 preamps not too long ago featured in a glowing TAS cowl story by JV. The 717, which replaces each the 711 and the 701, places out 150 watts/channel and can be configured as twin mono or bridged mono. Bandwidth is a staggering 2MHz and the value is equally lofty at over $100k.

Speaking of big amps, the poster youngster for such merchandise, Boulder, stunned everybody by introducing the 861 PowerAmp stereo amp. Unlike many Boulder fashions of yore, the 861 is downright petite. In reality, it’s the smallest and—at $9500—least costly amp Boulder has ever produced. The 861 places out a modest 50Wpc however is claimed to be excessive present. Yet Boulder didn’t disappoint its high-power Goliathan amp devotees. The firm launched a brand new flagship monoblock, the 3050, which places out 1500 watts and prices a cool $305k/pair.

While many others had been scaling up, VTL was cutting down its well-known Reference 600 Siegfried monoblock. There’s now a Reference 450 that appears like a Ref 600 Mini-Me. With “solely” 450 watts (versus 600), the brand new mannequin can also be cheaper at $70k in comparison with the 600’s $100k.

TotalDAC is increasing past its namesake merchandise into audio system, amps, and even cables. In Munich, the corporate was showcasing the Amp-1 Sublime, a single-ended, high-voltage design with a solid-state achieve stage. A stereo (130 watts/channel) or monoblock (500 watts) model might be yours for €25k. NB: The Sublime sounded fabulous driving TotalDAC audio system (€70k/pair).

New from Swiss stalwart Goldmund was the Telos 800 stereo energy amp. The 300Wpc unit continues Goldmund’s pioneering use of wide-bandwidth circuitry and intensive mechanical grounding. The Telos 800 prices $89,000, and I’m curious sufficient about its sound to have requested a evaluate pattern.

Octave was exhibiting its newest, the Jubilee Ultimate push-pull 140-watt tubed monoblock. The unit includes a transformer with a ten–80kHz bandwidth, which is extraordinarily extensive for tubed gear. There’s additionally a complicated power-protection system and adjustable bias that permits the amp to be optimized for particular audio system. Price is $150k/pair.

Finally, Vitus confirmed the ultimate prototype of the SM025, coming in October for €40–50k. The amp will probably be switchable between 25–30 watts Class A or 150–200 watts Class AB. Users may also have a selection of two output levels. Vitus additionally launched a phonostage card for the SIA-030 built-in amp. The card will go for €7–8k.

In Other Analog News

Though energy amps dominated Munich’s analog information, they weren’t the one tales. TAD, for instance, proudly showcased the attractive new C700 preamplifier ($68,500), which sports activities a brand new low-noise FET enter stage, dual-mono development, direct wiring to and from the transformer, mechanical grounding, and a customized ladder-resistor quantity management.

Sadly, there have been only a few new built-in amp bulletins, however one got here from the irrepressible Dan D’Agostino, who was exhibiting off the brand new Pendulum ($15k). This built-in is within the vein of lots of the newest such fashions in that, apart from an amp and a preamp, it additionally features a DAC (with Roon and MQA), a streamer, a phono module, and a headphone amp. Shod with usually stunning casework, the Pendulum’s value and wealthy characteristic set ought to deliver DD excellence to a wider viewers.

Germany’s personal T+A introduced that it’ll shortly be revamping its whole E Series electronics. This is the corporate’s entry-level lineup, with every part promoting for below $10k. The new fashions will probably be trickling out starting on the finish of the yr, beginning with the R1200 E, a disc participant/streamer/DAC/energy amp.

Many of the best-sounding methods on the present had been graced with Crystal Cable, which prompted me to offer their room a go to. There, I discovered a wealth of recent merchandise. The firm is celebrating its 20^th anniversary with restricted editions just like the Infinity energy twine (€18k and up, relying on size), which options 9 conductors of monocrystal silver shielded with gold. The know-how will quickly migrate to an entire vary of speaker cables and interconnects. Not to be outdone, sister firm Siltech confirmed the prototype of its Master Crown sequence, a full line of flagship cables and cords that will probably be accessible by the top of June. HMS of Germany was additionally within the room, having been bought by Crystal and Siltech. The HMS merchandise complement these of its dad and mom by being copper (relatively than silver or silver/copper variants) and rather more reasonably priced—they begin at simply €250.

The 7 Best-Sounding Rooms

The Constellation/Wilson Room. I visited this room a number of occasions and by no means heard it sound lower than engrossing and full of life. I already knew from my evaluate of the Wilson Sasha V that the speaker had verve and will produce nice tonal selection, gobs of air, and a wealth of internal element. Now I do know that the brand new Constellation Revelation Series 2 electronics, wired with Shunyata cable, match the audio system level for level. The combo was completely dynamite.

The Stenheim/Nagra Room. Here, the illustrious Stenheim Alumine 5 (in SX guise), pushed by Nagra Classic electronics, all related with Crystal Cable, produced stunningly reasonable sound. Music got here by with an unforced naturalness that was distinctive within the present. The system held listeners captive with openness and unbridled dynamics.

The Estelon/dCS/Pilium Room. There was nothing showy about this room; however, given an opportunity, it proved that the Estelon X Diamond stays, as JV noticed, one of many greats. In Munich, it was doing its standard very good job. With dCS’ prime digital stack because the supply and massive Pilium electronics, the sound had purity and richness in equal measure.

The Cessaro/Alieno Room. This was the one system I heard that delivered actually life-size scale. Of course, to realize that the Cessaro horns needed to be even bigger than life. Indeed, they had been so huge that you may actually crawl into the bass driver. Completely impractical, however undeniably riveting.

The Wadax/ARC/Magico Room. Wadax boldly confirmed off the all-in-one capabilities of the aforementioned Studio Player by fronting a complete system with it. The streamed sign then handed by Shunyata cable to Audio Research’s equally new Reference 330 monoblocks, and on to the Magico S3 2023. There’s one thing, effectively, magical about these audio system, they usually had been as bewitching as ever in Munich. The Wadax exhibited no digital sheen in any respect, and the ARCs held every little thing collectively seamlessly. This system appeared like a wine that’s simple to drink however doesn’t lack for complexity.

The Rockport/Absolare Room. Rockport’s Atria IIs had been in a reasonably large room, however that didn’t appear to faze these modestly proportioned audio system. At $38k/pair, they’re clearly large killers. The total system had loads of scale and openness, good imaging, and mighty good bass, too. This was additionally among the many most musically participating methods I heard. TAS has by no means gotten round to formally reviewing these audio system, which at the moment are effectively into their lifecycle, but when we had, I believe they’d be candidates for our prime awards.

The MBL Room. See Best Sound under.

BEST OF SHOW

Best Sound (Cost no object): The MBL Room. On all kinds of music, the MBL 101 Mk II x-Tremes, backed by row upon row of high-powered MBL amplification, had been exemplary and extremely musical. There was no sharpness to the sound, and imaging was spookily lifelike. The system threw off tight, subterranean bass effortlessly. Most impressively, there was no compression of choral music dynamics—a primary in my expertise.

Best Sound (Cost thought of): The MoFi Room. Ace speaker designer Andrew Jones has performed it once more, this time with floorstanding towers that promote for a ridiculous $5k/pair. Here, they had been backed by Aesthetix electronics, and the mix yielded whip-sharp transients, an ultra-wide soundstage and stompin’ bass. Indeed, Jones says his new infants have an in-room response right down to 20Hz! Choosing a winner on this class was a no brainer.

Most Significant Trend: Outlandish Pricing. $90k is the brand new $50k. Manufacturers appeared to haven’t any qualms about pricing new merchandise at stratospheric ranges. This development was not solely probably the most important, but in addition probably the most discouraging.

Most Lust-Worthy Product: The Wilson-Benesch GMT^® One Turntable. It appears spectacular as all get-out, prices $370k, and MF says it’s one of the best. What could possibly be extra lust-worthy than that?

Best Joke of the Show: Dr. Roland Gauder of Gauder Akustik was explaining to Robert Harley and me why he avoids all-aluminum enclosures, preferring as an alternative aluminum interspersed with dampening ribs. “We tried pure aluminum. The cupboard rang a lot we needed to change the speaker off at three within the afternoon for it to be silent by meal time.”

Best-Sounding Streamed Tracks: Go to Qobuz and search on “Best of Munich 2024.” A playlist of that identify will seem within the outcomes. These had been the best-sounding tracks I heard in varied Munich exhibitor rooms.

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