High End Munich 2025 – My Third and lastTime at the World’s Most Iconic Audio Show
This year marked my third, and most likely final, trip to the High End Munich Show. My first time, back in 2023, I wandered the massive halls wide-eyed and overwhelmed, like a zombie drifting from one room to the next without fully grasping what was going on. In 2024, I was much more prepared. I had a clear plan, a shortlist of interviews, and, most importantly, the support of my friend and cameraman Francesco, whose help made everything smoother. Sadly, he couldn’t make it this year, so I tackled the 2025 edition alone.
Still, I arrived with a focused mindset and the venue map basically memorized. I covered the two press and B2B-only days with military precision, camera and notebook in hand.
This edition had a special energy, not least because it's the final one to be held in Munich. Starting in 2026, the show will move to Vienna. To mark the occasion, many big names chose to go all out. Some, like DALI and Dynaudio, opted for a quieter, more intimate presentation in the adjacent Motorworld complex, just a five-minute walk away, but still very much part of the show’s fabric.
Pro-Ject Audio – Turntables, Tributes, and a Few Surprises
As always, one of my first stops was Hall 3, where Pro-Ject Audio had set up an eye-catching display. I was greeted by a familiar face, Shareef, Pro-Ject’s friendly and passionate Head of Marketing & PR,who’s become a regular fixture in my Munich adventures.
This year, Pro-Ject came in strong with a wave of new releases. Alongside the special editions,including the Peanuts-themed turntable for the 75th anniversary of the comic strip, the limited Elvis Presley 100th anniversary model (€1,399), and the previously announced AC/DC deck, they also unveiled an all-new, more affordable turntable series: the X9B, X10B, and X12B. These new models are based on the company’s more advanced Extension series but have been repositioned at a lower price point, making them more accessible without sacrificing too much of that signature Pro-Ject quality.
And it doesn’t stop there. Also making their debut were the new RPM 1 PRO and RPM 3 PRO turntables, refreshed versions of Pro-Ject’s iconic low-resonance designs, now featuring improved isolation, updated tonearms, and sleeker finishes. It’s clear Pro-Ject is doubling down on turntable innovation while still paying tribute to the roots of vinyl culture.
But perhaps the biggest surprise was just off to the side of the main display: speakers. Yes, Pro-Ject is slowly expanding into complete audio systems. One standout was the new Speaker Box 12 E Carbon, a stylish floorstanding speaker available in a wide range of finishes designed to visually match your turntable setup. It features a 1” silk dome tweeter paired with two 6.5” fiberglass carbon composite woofers. Priced at €1,199 per pair, it's a speaker that caught both my eyes and ears, and one I absolutely intend to test as soon as I get the chance.
The vibe at the Pro-Ject booth was as warm and inviting as ever, buzzing with curious visitors, press, and fans snapping photos and asking questions. You could feel the passion behind every product on display, and Pro-Ject's commitment to making high-quality audio both fun and accessible was evident in every detail.
MastersounD – Tubes, Power, and Italian Craftsmanship at Its Finest
Among the most striking rooms I visited this year was MastersounD, the legendary Italian tube amp manufacturer that continues to impress with its uncompromising build quality and bold sonic philosophy.
For 2025, the brand introduced a new black finish for their amplifier chassis, now made from thick aluminum rather than steel. This not only gives a more robust structure but also a sleeker, more modern look. The visual impact is immediate: the amps look more refined, more aggressive, and unmistakably high-end.
But the real showstoppers were the brand-new PF200 mono amplifiers, pure Class A monsters delivering 200 watts per channel, thanks to a parallel single-ended configuration using eight 845 triode tubes per side. Yes, you read that right: eight per channel. The result is a stunning blend of brute force and delicate finesse, able to drive virtually any loudspeaker with authority, speed, and that signature 845 magic, arguably one of the most beloved triode tubes in the world.
Each monoblock weighs in at a staggering 80 kg, but MastersounD thought that through as well: they come on a built-in base with integrated wheels. The rolling base is cleverly designed as part of the shipping crate itself, complete with carved-in resting points for safe placement. Price? €90,000 each.
Complementing the PF200s is a brand-new preamp, the Spazio, which takes the design of their previous Spettro preamp and adds a third gain stage. This helps bring output impedance even lower, allowing it to confidently drive a wide range of power amps with precision and control. As a bonus, the Spazio also includes a fully adjustable MM/MC phono stage, making it a true all-in-one centerpiece for analog lovers. Price point: €20,000.
As someone who owns the MastersounD Dueventi at home, it’s no secret I’m a big fan of the brand. Their products are hand-crafted in Italy with extraordinary attention to detail, and they consistently deliver a sonic experience that combines warmth, transparency, and sheer musicality. Seeing their latest creations up close only deepened my admiration.
iFi GO pod Air – Turning Your IEMs into Hi-Res Wireless Beasts
One of the most fun and clever presentations at the show came from iFi, who showcased their latest accessory: the GO pod Air. The concept is simple but brilliant, turn any in-ear monitor into a fully-fledged hi-res Bluetooth device.
Normally, “Bluetooth” and “hi-res” are two words that probably shouldn’t appear in the same sentence. But somehow, iFi seems to have cracked the code. With support for top-tier codecs and their usual focus on clean power and signal integrity, the GO pod Air could be a game-changer for IEM users who want portability without sacrificing too much on sound quality.
So basically, all you need is your smartphone and your favorite IEMs and you’re ready to go. The new GO pod Air is smaller and lighter than the previous generation, yet still manages to pack in a built-in DAC and amplifier, making it a complete solution for high-quality wireless listening on the move.
It’s the kind of solution that feels long overdue, and iFi’s fun, almost tongue-in-cheek way of presenting it made it all the more memorable.
Auer Acoustics – A Hidden Gem with Monumental Sound
Tucked away in one of the main atriums at High End Munich 2025, I stumbled upon a brand previously unknown to me: Auer Acoustics. Their room featured the Versura V4, a formidable 3.5-way sealed floorstanding speaker that left a lasting impression.
The Versura V4 boasts a meticulously engineered driver array: a 34 mm (1.34") beryllium dome tweeter, a 12 cm (5") midrange driver, an 18 cm (7") bass-mid driver, and a side-mounted 32 cm (12") woofer. This configuration delivers a frequency response from 20 Hz to 40 kHz, with a sensitivity of 90 dB and a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Each speaker weighs in at a substantial 98 kg, underscoring its robust construction.
Crafted entirely in Germany, the Versura V4's cabinet is made from tankwood, a high-density pressed wood known for its exceptional damping properties. This material choice eliminates unwanted resonances, ensuring precise and authentic sound reproduction. Internally, the speaker features state-of-the-art components, including silver/gold Mundorf capacitors, WBT terminals, and Van den Hul internal wiring, all contributing to its high-fidelity performance.
During my listening session, powered by Soulution electronics, the Versura V4 delivered a sound that was both detailed and natural. The bass was tight and fast, with an impressive extension that belied the speaker's dimensions. The overall presentation was vibrant and engaging, making for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Auer Acoustics, based in Amerang, Bavaria, is a brand that certainly warrants further exploration. Their commitment to craftsmanship and sonic excellence is evident in the Versura V4, making them a noteworthy addition to the high-end audio landscape.
Yamaha – A Full Dream Setup with a Touch of Magic
One of the most delightful and memorable moments of the show was stepping into Yamaha’s private room, where their gorgeous high-end loudspeakers were playing in perfect harmony with a Yamaha self-playing grand piano. It was a full Yamaha dream setup, a blend of tradition, innovation, and style that left me smiling throughout the entire session.
The experience wasn’t just about looks or clever presentation. The sound quality was genuinely impressive. Yamaha’s amplifiers continue to stand out for their clean, precise internal layout, reliability, and build quality, all while remaining accessible to the average hi-fi enthusiast in terms of price.
On display as well was the GT-5000, Yamaha’s flagship turntable. Elegant, solid, and full of character, it’s the kind of analog gear that begs to be reviewed, and honestly, it’s now high on my review wishlist.
Yamaha continues to prove that it can blend cutting-edge technology with musical soul in a way few others can.
Advance Paris – A New Identity and Serious Innovation
There are fresh developments at Advance Paris, and I must admit, while their earlier Classic series never quite appealed to me aesthetically (often coming across as a bit of a McIntosh tribute), this year felt like a turning point. It finally seems like Advance Paris has found its own unique design language, and the results are genuinely attractive and distinctive.
In their demo room, I had the chance to test the new A-i190, a Class AB hybrid integrated amplifier. This is no ordinary amp. With plenty of power on tap, combined with an internal DSP engine for room correction, it’s clearly built to deliver great performance even in acoustically untreated rooms.
A standout feature is the ability to import REW correction filters via USB, letting users tailor the frequency response to their specific space. Even more impressive, you can fine-tune the crossover point between your speakers and subwoofer, a feature that's usually reserved for high-end processors.
In their setup, the A-i190 was paired with Canton's new Reference series loudspeakers, and the difference between before and after calibration was stunning. Especially in bass-heavy rooms like those at High End Munich, the DSP made a world of difference. For real-world listening environments, this kind of smart correction is a must, and Advance Paris nails it.
Eversolo & Luxsin – Precision, Performance, and Smart Innovation at a Fair Price
Big news from Eversolo, the brand that has rapidly gained dominance with its intuitive, effective, and competitively priced digital products. I had heard whispers that something special was on the way, and sure enough, they’ve delivered with the unveiling of the long-awaited Eversolo T8: a pure digital streaming transport that strips out the internal DAC and is designed for those of us who already own a high-end DAC at home.
Dubbed a “Pure Transport”, the T8 retains Eversolo’s signature touchscreen interface, now with the addition of a motion sensor, and focuses entirely on bit-perfect digital output. It features an ultra-precision femtosecond-grade master clock to ensure jitter-free transmission to external DACs, along with dual M.2 SSD slots supporting up to 2×8 TB (a whopping 16TB of local storage for your music collection!).
Personally, this is exactly the product I’ve been waiting for, something to pair perfectly with my SPL Diamond DAC. I didn’t want to invest in the higher-priced A8 and was looking for something faster and more refined than my A6. The T8 feels tailor-made for this niche: digital purists who demand quality but value cost efficiency.
Also catching attention was Eversolo’s new flagship DAC Z10, which showcases a sleek new interface and is clearly aimed at the high-end, yet non-esoteric, segment. A promising step forward in usability and design refinement.
Luxsin – The Sister Brand With Serious Head-Fi Ambitions
Still in the same room, I came across Luxsin, a sister brand to Eversolo (both under the Zidoo/Eversolo Group umbrella). To be honest, I wasn’t aware of the connection, but I was immediately impressed by what they had to show.
The standout was the Luxsin X9, a DAC/headphone amplifier combo that’s packed with tech and smart design choices. The X9 can measure headphone impedance in real time and automatically adjust gain levels for optimal performance. But that’s not all, there are 1,100 built-in EQ presets, including Harman and flat targets, which you can activate at the push of a button. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Build quality is superb, with a 4.0-inch 1080P full-color touchscreen and a fully balanced differential circuit. Every stage, from signal decoding via AK4499EX DAC, IV conversion with OP1612, R2R volume control, dynamic feedback, to the 6120A2 headphone amp stage, is driven by a linear power supply for maximum fidelity.
I had a chance to listen to it paired with the new HIFIMAN Susvara , and despite the usual show-floor noise, the sound was phenomenal, and the price? Just €1,199. That’s a shocking value for a unit this sophisticated. One to keep a close eye on.
Sonoro – German Design Meets Glossy Elegance
Another brand that caught my attention was Sonoro, a German company best known for its all-in-one systems and CD players. While I’m not particularly drawn to the design of their CD players, I have to admit, their loudspeakers are a completely different story.
The Gran Orchestra floorstanding speakers are beautifully built, with a smooth, high-gloss finish that gives them a premium feel far beyond their price point. At €2,398 per pair, they seem like a very interesting proposition.
Woofers: 2x 6" PE-coated paper drivers with die-cast baskets and double magnets
Tweeter: Air Motion Transformer (AMT) with a neodymium motor
Cabinet: HDF (High-Density Fiberboard) with internal matrix bracing
Recommended amplifier power: 50 – 170W
Impedance: 4 Ω
Frequency response: 38Hz – 32kHz @ -6 dB
Sensitivity: 87.5 dB SPL (2.83V / 1m)
Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to listen to them during the show, but they’ve definitely earned a spot on my radar for a future review. Their combination of thoughtful engineering, unique AMT tweeter, and attractive price point makes them a compelling option in the competitive mid-range speaker market.
Grandinote – Italian Innovation Reaches New Heights
Of course, I couldn’t leave without visiting Grandinote, and this year they truly outdid themselves. The Italian brand, led by the brilliant Massimiliano Magri, showcased a full prototype system that was, without exaggeration, one of the best-sounding setups at High End Munich 2025.
At the heart of the system were the Mach 2 Estrema loudspeakers (Regular price €16,800 per pair), a truly commanding presence in both size and performance. They were powered by not one, but two units of the Solo Integrated Amplifier (Regular price €18,000 each), now delivering 60W of pure Class A power. The Solo features a huge 9” touchscreen that’s packed with functionality, including a VU meter, spectrum analyzer, and more.
One SOLO amp was dedicated to the main speakers, while the second powered a pair of prototype subwoofers, also a Grandinote creation. Completing the system was an Alfadue dual DAC/streamer prototype featuring twin XLR analogue outputs, one for the subwoofers and one for the main speakers, still without a set price or release date. But what we do know is mouthwatering:
Dual R2R DACs (one for Subwoofer and one for main speakers)
Integrated DSP for crossover and subwoofer management
HDMI ARC, USB & Ethernet input
All managed via a smart and intuitive LMS interface.
For those unfamiliar, LMS (Logitech Media Server) is an open-source platform that allows multi-room streaming, smart control, and advanced library management. It’s incredibly powerful, and its integration here means Grandinote’s streamer is both audiophile-grade and user-friendly, a rare combo.
We did several listening tests with and without the subwoofer, and the difference was staggering. The sub didn’t just add low-end, it provided realistic ambient cues and a three-dimensional depth that felt like stepping into the recording space. The overall sound was sweet, clean, yet incredibly dynamic, with a soundstage that extended well beyond the walls of the room.
What else can I say? I truly hope this system makes it to market soon. Grandinote continues to push boundaries, blending bold design with true high-end sound. Bravo, Massimiliano, keep it coming!
Luxman Turns 100 – A Black Beauty Driving Green Power
To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the legendary Japanese HiFi brand Luxman introduced a series of stunning products, including a limited Black Edition of the L-509Z integrated amplifier. Just look at how beautiful this room was, truly one of the most elegant setups of the show.
The 509Z was effortlessly driving the YG Acoustics Hailey 3 loudspeakers in an absolutely eye-catching metallic green finish (priced at $63,400 per pair). And yes—this isn’t an easy speaker to drive:
A hefty 91 kg (200 lbs) each,
Minimum impedance of just 2.8 ohms,
Sensitivity of only 87 dB.
Despite these demanding specs, the Luxman L-509Z handled them with ease, refinement, and grace. The sound had that unmistakable Luxman fluidity, with a musical, rich, and highly controlled presentation. I was genuinely impressed by how composed and natural it sounded, even under pressure.
What can I say, I'd love to spend some time with the 509Z at home, where I could really dig into its performance with my own reference setup. A true showstopper, and a worthy tribute to Luxman's 100 years of craftsmanship and innovation.
15 Years of Estelon – Pure Elegance, Now Even More Explosive
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Estelon, and the brand celebrated in style by showcasing its entire loudspeaker lineup, from the compact Aura all the way up to the monumental Extreme.
If you know me well, you already know I’m a huge fan of Estelon, and if money were no object, this is the speaker brand I’d choose without hesitation. Their designs are sculptural, their sound is breathtakingly refined and sweet, and they always manage to capture both musicality and precision in a way few others can.
On my website, you’ll also find a dedicated article on the new A Series, which marks an exciting step forward for Estelon. It includes a brand-new center speaker, satellite speakers, and for the first time ever, Estelon's own subwoofer: the AURUS.
This new line retains all the elegance and sonic grace Estelon is known for, but now adds a deeper, more explosive dimension thanks to the new subwoofer. Prices are of course high-end and not for everyone, but if you're lucky enough to afford them, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
Inside Manger Audio – Two Systems, One German Masterpiece
We step into the world of Manger Audio, a brand I’ve been following for quite some time now. As always, they partnered with SPL electronics to create a jaw-dropping all-German high-end system, a pairing that never fails to impress.
What really stood out this year was the clever room setup: although the space wasn’t particularly large, Manger managed to install two completely different systems, one active and one passive, allowing to simply rotate yourself to switch between them when need it. Very clever!
Even more impressive was the attention to detail: on every chair, there was a printed sheet listing the entire system configuration, including racks, cables, and prices. Every exhibitor should take note, this is how you do it right.
I’ve already had the pleasure of listening to the Manger P2 floorstanders (in that beautiful red finish, priced at €15,600 per pair) at previous shows, and I absolutely fell in love with them. Their musicality and refinement are exceptional for the price, rivaling speakers that cost significantly more. A big part of their magic comes from Manger’s proprietary star-shaped bending wave transducer, a truly unique driver.
This year, Manger unveiled the newly updated W06 transducer, and it’s a significant step forward. The optimized motor now delivers an impressive magnetic field strength of 1.48 Tesla, resulting in even faster rise time. They’ve also implemented a new damping system at the diaphragm’s center, which substantially reduces distortion between 400 Hz and 1600 Hz, precisely where the human ear is most sensitive.
All current Manger loudspeakers are now being shipped with the W06 driver, and great news for existing owners, the upgrade is available for their speakers too.
I’m not sure if these models have already reached the American hi-fi shows, but if you ever get the chance to hear them, don’t miss it, you’ll be blown away.
Two New Products from SPL: Phonos Duo & Crossover Mk2
There are also two exciting new additions from SPL this year. First up is the Phonos Duo, an expanded version of the well-known SPL Phonos phono preamplifier. The Duo now features balanced stereo inputs and outputs, finally answering the call from many vinyl enthusiasts looking for a truly fully balanced turntable setup. If you remember, I already spoke in a previous video about the advantages of running your vinyl chain fully balanced, from cartridge to preamp and with the Phonos Duo, the results are even more impressive: a blacker background, improved soundstage, and deeper, more realistic three-dimensionality.
Also debuting is the Crossover Mk2, the second generation of SPL’s analog active crossover. This update brings a much wider range of crossover points and a host of new functions, making it even easier to achieve perfect integration between speakers and subwoofers, which we know can be one of the trickiest parts of system tuning.
Compared to the original model, the Mk2 loses the classic yellow VU meters (RIP VUs!) but gains significantly in flexibility:
18 selectable crossover frequencies (up from 6),
switchable RCA and XLR inputs,
independent low-pass and high-pass roll-off controls for each channel.
It's great to see SPL continuing to refine their products with real-world usability in mind, this is the kind of gear that can truly make a difference in high-end systems.
Audionec OBi MAX – French Elegance and Open Baffle Magic
While strolling through the main hall, I was immediately drawn to the striking design of these loudspeakers from the French brand Audionec. Founded by Francis Chaillet, Audionec is known for its innovative approach to sound reproduction, and it really shows here.
On demo were the AudioNec OBi MAX, which feature the brand’s proprietary DuoPole™ wideband driver, a unique dipole transducer that handles frequencies from 400 Hz to 10 kHz with impressive efficiency of 95 dB. This driver is the heart of the speaker and delivers exceptional clarity, transparency, and a very natural midrange.
Supporting the wideband driver are four 15-inch woofers per pair, specifically developed for open baffle use. These can reach down to 30 Hz, with -6 dB at 45 Hz, offering not just precision and detail, but, most of all, an expansive and airy top end that filled the room effortlessly.
The design is as refined as the sound, and the price reflects its high-end pedigree: €23,760 per pair. Definitely a memorable and atmospheric listening sessions.
And honestly, it’s crazy how many brands I still didn’t know exist. The more shows I visit, the more my cultural map expands. That’s what I love about audio, you never stop learning, discovering, and being surprised. And that’s exactly what keeps the passion alive.
Stones Speakers – When Sound is Carved in Stone
While exploring the exhibition, I was intrigued by the unique loudspeakers from the Italian brand Stones Speakers. Founded by Michele Gastaldello, a master stone carver by tradition, the company is based in the Veneto region of Italy. These speakers are true works of art, meticulously carved from Euganean Trachyte, a volcanic rock sourced from the Euganean Hills near Padua.
The crafting process is entirely artisanal, involving numerous steps carried out with hammer and chisel, following ancient traditions of Trachyte working. This labor-intensive method contributes to the exclusivity and cost of the speakers. For instance, the compact bookshelf model on display weighs a substantial 50 kg and is priced at nearly €12,000.
In conversation with Ing. Giacomo Munari, Michele's partner and designer, I learned that these speakers exhibit minimal resonance issues at low frequencies compared to traditional designs. Instead, any resonance occurs at higher midrange frequencies, which are generally easier to manage. The speakers feature a vented box design and are not particularly difficult to drive, though a minimum of 50W of power is recommended for the smallest model.
Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to listen to them, as they were part of a static display. The design may appeal to some and not to others, it's a matter of personal taste. However, they did mention the possibility of crafting the speakers in white stone using a different type of rock.
A word of caution: be careful not to drop one on your foot!
A Last-Minute Surprise from Sweden – Guru Audio
Tired but with a bit of energy left for one final booth, I stumbled upon a brand that was completely new to me, Guru Audio, a Swedish high-end loudspeaker manufacturer based in Stockholm. Founded in 2007, the company has built a reputation for creating compact speakers that deliver surprisingly expansive, full-range sound.
Guru designs are meant to work harmoniously with room acoustics, often allowing placement close to walls without compromising performance. Their signature wide “sweet field” enables multiple listeners to enjoy a consistent and immersive soundstage, a trait not easily found in compact designs. All critical components are developed in-house and manufactured in the Czech Republic, keeping everything within Europe to maintain the Scandinavian build quality.
I was especially drawn to the new Guru 8, a small speaker with an affordable price tag, under €2,000, but with premium-level finish and design. The bass reflex port is cleverly integrated into the plinth, giving the speaker a very clean and modern aesthetic. With 87 dB sensitivity and a 4-ohm nominal impedance, they recommend at least 20W of amplification.
Let’s see how it performs, I can’t wait to test it myself!
I wrapped up my first day at High End with some smooth jazz at the Pro-Ject pavilion, the perfect way to wind down before heading back to the hotel for a well-deserved shower and some rest.
Stay tuned for Part Two—more discoveries coming soon!
