The iconic exhibition for all fans of good sound, HIGH END Munich 2022, is finally back to square one and presented us with such an abundance of audio equipment that it can make our heads spin. We look at the brightest and most interesting announcements of the exposition.
20. Integrated amplifier Aavik 880
The model was developed by two masters of the industry (Borresen and Rasmussen, who have managed Gryphon for the last decades) and uses class A transistor amplification, as opposed to the D-class of the company’s junior devices. 2 x 200 watts will drive almost any speakers, and the playback quality is beyond criticism.
19. Gryphon Apex Power Amplifier
A real classic of the transistor genre, created after Rasmussen left the company – Gryphon Apex Stereo operates in pure class A, weighs as much as 204 kg, uses 128 bipolar transistors, a 2,080,000 μF capacitor bank and four power transformers of 2,000 VA each! A good “heater”, which demonstrates a filigree and ultra-transparent sound.
18. Acoustics Burmester BC150
The impressive speakers, offered for almost one hundred thousand euros and weighing 195 kg each, are a treat for the eyes and ears. As they say, German quality in all its glory.
17. Western Electrics 91E Integrated Amplifier
Warm, analog sounding tubes, retro design – all this Western Electrics 91E. Only 20 watts per channel, but what!
16. Integrated amplifier HiFi Rose RA180
We have already seen amplifiers with arrows, but how do you like an amplifier with gears? The extravagant design of the model hints at its high price, but the amplifier is offered for “only” seven thousand euros. Class – AD, output power 2 x 400 watts.
15. Lindemann musicbook integrated solution: COMBO
“Only” four thousand euros – and only acoustic systems are required to form a complete system. The manufacturer’s reputation is impeccable.
14. Stein Musics TopLine XL speakers
You wanted to know what modern horn speakers are? Welcome to the world of Stein Musics TopLine XL!
13. Integrated amplifier Denon PMA-1700NE
Offered at $2,000, a fully networked amplifier delivering 140 watts per channel is the quintessence of the brand’s approach to high-fidelity sound.
12. Switch Melco S10
Melco S10 is able to surprise even savvy and ready for anything audiophiles – the company’s flagship network switch really improves digital sound!
11. Integrated amplifier Marantz 40n
The Marantz 40n stands out for more than its design, built-in streamer, advanced multi-room capabilities, and $2,500 price tag. The 2022 model uses the latest version of HDAM-SA3 proprietary amplification and drives even complex speakers with ease.
10. DALI Kore speakers
The latest flagship model of the company. The developers use the 2nd generation SMC technology – it improves the magnetic flux in the bass / midrange emitters and reduces harmonic distortion. The hulls are now built using aluminum and composite. 110-kilogram giants sound reverently and gently.
9. Esoteric Grandioso T1 turntable
Esoteric’s foray into the analog category went well – the Grandioso T1 turnedtable impressed everyone at the show.
8. Turntable Dr. Feickert Analogue Volare
The antipode of the reference apparatus described above, Dr. The Feickert Analogue Volare is available for just over $3,000, but it still manages to sound remarkably natural.
7. Voxativ N5 lamp power supplies
Ironically, a pure-analog company has come out with tube-based devices that are geared towards enhancing the sound of digital components (servers, D/A converters, or transports). It turned out very impressive!
6. Lyravox Karlsson Tower speakers
Cases made of artificial stone, a perfectly “tailored” combination of satellites and subwoofers – we have before us the extravagant Lyravox Karlsson Tower.
5. Turntable Oswalds Mill Audio Baugruppe
More metal! Even more! More and more! Meet Oswalds Mill Audio Baugruppe.
4. Turntable Kronos Discovery
Kronos Discovery is the apotheosis of the company’s ultimate approach to record reproduction. Show such a miracle twenty years ago – and no one would have believed that such a thing is possible.
3. Oswalds Mill Audio The Museum Speaker
A real tribute to retro and chic sound provided by a 15” woofer and a sensitivity of 100 dB. Just a fairy tale.
2. WADAX Atlantis REFERENCE DAC
Twenty-three PCBs built from scratch, ten independent power supplies, a dual-mono topology, and that is how one of the most impressive and grandiose digital-to-analog converters of today was born. Yes, we have a DAC that does not show any trace of the digital nature of the sound. Bravo.
1. Speakers Monitor Audio Concept 50
Launched for the company’s 50th anniversary, the Monitor Audio Concept 50 is a perfect fusion of modern engineering and the tradition of analog audio reproduction. The 100-pound mastodons use eleven drivers, including the revolutionary Monitor Audio MPD (Micro Pleated Diaphragm) tweeter, operate from 21 Hz to 60 kHz and stagger the quality of their sound.
