The High-End audio show is the largest audio event on the planet, and it returns for another year but at a different venue.
After its long-time run in Munich, it’s had to pick up sticks and head to a new city in Vienna (courtesy of the MOC being renovated by owners BMW). It’s also had to move to a later date in the year due to a clash with Eurovision.
But it remains the same old High-End event, showcasing the latest in extravagant hi-fi as well as more affordable brands looking to make an impact and attract attention. It’s not all about that cash money.
There are plenty of brands launching new kit at the show, and we’ll be trying to keep pace with everything that’s announced. Keep on reading to see what’s been announced for the show so far.
Astell&Kern
Image Credit (Astell&Kern)
Korean audio brand Astell&Kern will debut two new products at High-End Vienna, and as per usual, they’re both expensive and high-specc’d.
The SP4000T continues where the SP3000T left off and goes even further. It features an industry-first in being the first digital audio player to feature Raytheon Jan6418 MIL-Spec vintage vacuum tubes in a Quad configuration. We’re not sure what that means but it sounds fancy.
It also marks A&K’s first dual Wi-Fi antenna design, delivering faster and more stable wireless performance. That is something we can definitely get behind.
FiiO
Image Credit (FiiO)
FiiO is launching three new products, but who knows, considering their track record, there could be even more.
At the forefront is the JT9 planar magnetic headphones with an open-backed design for desktop listening. The Level 1 is a a desktop amplifier with 300W of power at its disposal, as well as LDAC Bluetooth for streaming; while lastly, there’s the Class A headphone amplifier that’s designed for high-end headphones in mind.
KLH Audio
Image Credit (KLH Audio)
The Model 4 joins the Model 3 and Model 5 speakers from the American heritage loudspeaker brand, and will make its debut at High-End.
It’s a loudspeaker that combines attributes of the Model 3 and 5 into one speaker enclosure, utilising the smaller footprint of the Model 3 and sonic architecture of the Model 5 to create a speaker for rooms where there’s not as much space but high fidelity is still paramount when it comes to listening sessions.
Topping
Image Credit (Topping)
Topping is a brand you may not have heard of but it’s having an impact with hi-fi kit that offers more value than the price point suggests. The E50 II brings higher-end features to a more affordable price.
It’s a DAC rather than a headphone amplifier, supports hi-res audio up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD512, and Bluetooth support with LDAC and aptX Adaptive onboard. All that for just £199.
Jamo
Image Credit (Jamo)
The Jamo name has lain dormant for several years but it’s back and it’s launching several new products in Vienna.
For now, we’re concentrating on its two new speaker series in the Concert Legacy and Concert Element, an evolution of its Concert models from the 1990s. Developed in Denmark, with the drivers co-designed with Scan-Speak and SEAS; the Concert Legacy zeroes in on performance, while the Concert Element focuses on design. Both series launch in August but you can preview them at High-End.
Moon
Image Credit (Moon)
Moon will be showcasing the latest additions to its Compass Collection at High-End.
The Moon 491, in typical Moon fashion, is a Swiss Army knife of hi-fi, taking in network player, preamplifier, DAC, phono stage and headphone amplifier” skills so it can act as the hub “of a high-performance audio system”.
The Moon 461 power amplifier can act as a partner for the 491 network player, pumping out 150W per channel for low distortion and stable performance across a “wide range” of loudspeaker loads. They’ll both be on sale in the UK from July onwards.
DALI
Image Credit (DALI)
DALI always has a presence at High-End and this year it’ll be offering a glimpse of its rather interesting all-in-one system.
The Vega can be placed on a desktop of hung from a wall, with 10 drivers inside to produce sound, plus various streaming inputs and HDMI ARC for those who wish to connect to a TV. With plenty of style and grace, it’s an system that looks like it might give the Focal Hekla Muso some competition.
Noble Audio
Image Credit (Noble Audio)
In a surprise for a premium brand such as Noble Audio, it’s launched a pair of true wireless at what some might describe as ‘normal’ prices.
The Osprey is a true wireless that brings Noble’s high-tech approach down to more affordable levels, with support for ANC, LDAC Bluetooth, and a hybrid driver design that cover the frequency range and deliver the precise and balanced sound that the brand is known for.
You won’t need to be at Vienna to sample them, though, as they go on sale June 4th.
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