More Rooms, More Gear, More Madness – Day 2 at High End Munich 2025
A Morning at Motorworld with DALI and NAD
After a good hotel breakfast, I kicked off Day 2 by heading straight to Motorworld, located just next to the MOC exhibition center. Remember I mentioned some brands had moved here for a more intimate setting? Well, I took the chance to visit the DALI room, and I’m glad I did.
I was genuinely surprised to find a brand-new 16-inch subwoofer on display, featuring the famous Purifi surround. To my knowledge, this is the first time anyone has tried implementing it on a subwoofer. The driver itself is manufactured by DALI, but the surround is licensed from Purifi, aiming to deliver incredibly low distortion.
The sub packs a serious punch with 1,500 watts of Class D power, fully DSP-controlled, allowing users to tweak various parameters. It’s a front-ported bass reflex design, but here’s the cool part: the four front ports can be sealed, switching the tuning to a sealed configuration via the DSP. The total weight? Around 50 kg. And the price? Surprisingly reasonable at around €5,000 / $6,000—especially for the innovation on offer.
But that wasn’t all, DALI also showed off five new premium color finishes for the KORE, including the return of white for the Epikore range, which had been missing until now.
In the adjacent listening room, I got to hear the DALI Epikore 3 speakers powered by the newly announced NAD Masters M33 V2 and M23 V2 electronics. The result? Absolutely spine-tingling. These standmount speakers filled the room like they were 10 times their size, playing with effortless dynamics, musicality, and refinement. A true joy for the ears, and a reminder that DALI and NAD are a match made in sonic heaven.
HiFi Rose RS451 Debuts: Korea’s Slick New Streamer with HDMI eARC and Triple Headphone Outputs!
Back at the main MOC venue at High End Munich, we found some exciting news from Korean brand HiFi Rose. Making its official debut at this year’s show was their brand-new network streamer: the HiFi Rose RS451. This is a reference-grade music streamer with a built-in DAC and headphone amplifier, centered around the ESS ES9027 PRO DAC. It supports coaxial, optical, and even HDMI eARC digital input, perfect for connecting directly to your TV.
On the output side, you'll find coaxial, optical, and USB-A digital outputs, along with balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs. Up front, the RS451 offers three headphone jacks: XLR, 4.4mm balanced, and 6.3mm, making it a very complete hub for both speaker and headphone listeners.
I personally love the design language of Korean hi-fi products, they often look premium without drifting into ultra-esoteric pricing. I’ve never had the chance to test one in depth, but I’ve heard that the smart app and overall interface still have some room for improvement. Still, I’d really love to review one at some point, they look like serious contenders in the digital front-end space.
By the way, have you ever visited HiFi Rose’s official website? It’s kind of a disaster. A long, confusing list of models, all named RS followed by a number, with little clarity on what each one does. Personally, I find it hard to make sense of their product line. I don’t understand why some manufacturers make life so complicated, sometimes all it takes is a clear product structure, categorized by function and price range, and the job’s done. I really hope they read this constructive feedback.
The New Meze 105 Silva: A Perfect Blend of Warmth and Detail!
Staying on the topic of headphones, and since the booth was just nearby, I took the chance to test the new Meze 105 Silva.
The Romanian audio brand Meze launched the open-back 105 AER late last year, and now they’ve expanded the 105 line with Silva, which promises a rich, broad, and warm soundstage.
At the heart of the 105 Silva is a 50mm dynamic driver featuring a titanium-coated semicrystalline polymer torus and a copper-zinc stabilizer. This construction ensures excellent membrane rigidity for fast transients, minimal distortion, and pleasantly textured bass.
According to Meze, the 105 Silva blends the technical precision of the 109 PRO (€799) combined with the warmth and genre versatility of the 105 AER (€399), while bringing a stronger intimacy on midrange reproduction. Meaning listeners can enjoy the liveliness and impact of any music without sacrificing the micro details present in well-recorded tracks.
And after trying them out, I was immediately impressed. The midrange feels intimate and engaging, the treble is smoother and less aggressive than on the 109 PRO (which I personally prefer), and the bass is warmer and more defined than on the 105 AER.
Aesthetically, they’re absolutely stunning, with Meze’s usual impeccable build quality. Pricing is expected to fall between €500–€600, placing them nicely between the two existing models in the lineup.
What can I say — I can’t wait to get a pair in for a full review!
Vinnie Rossi x QLN: A System to Dream About
One of the rooms I truly enjoyed on Day 2 was the incredible pairing of Vinnie Rossi electronics with QLN Reference speakers. Vinnie Rossi is a high-end brand from the U.S., known for ultra-pure sound, minimalist design, and a strong emphasis on hybrid tube amplification. Their electronics are nothing short of a dream and the Brama Series? Simply untouchable. I can only imagine what it would be like to own one someday.
At the heart of the system was the Vinnie Rossi BRAMA 2nd Gen Tube Hybrid Preamplifier, priced at $38,995, featuring a matched pair of legendary Western Electric WE300B triodes, operating in pure Class A. This linestage promises breathtaking realism and musicality. Driving the speakers were two BRAMA Monoblock Power Amplifiers, each priced at $59,995, delivering an insane 600W RMS into 4 ohms (1200W into 2 ohms!) through a high-current Class AB MOSFET stage.
Partnered with the stunning QLN Reference 9 loudspeakers, at around $42,000/pair, the result was pure magic. I stayed in the room for quite a while, just soaking it in. The sense of scale was massive, vocals were enormous yet refined, and bass extended all the way down to subwoofer levels with incredible cleanliness and control.
What a setup! I honestly don’t know whether it was more thanks to the electronics, the speakers, or that elusive synergy between them, but it was truly one of the best experiences of the show.
Göbel Divin Comtesse & WADAX: The Most Explosive Sound of High End Munich 2025
Next stop: an out-of-this-world experience with Göbel High End – one of Germany’s finest loudspeaker manufacturers, known for their meticulous craftsmanship, elegant design, and innovative driver technologies.
In this room, the spotlight was on their most compact flagship: the Göbel Divin Comtesse (€59,000/pair). Despite its size, it delivers massive sound.
The Comtesse uses a custom 8" midrange infused with Göbel’s patented bending wave technology, paired with a high-performance AMT tweeter loaded into a solid aluminum waveguide. Bass duties are handled by a powerful 8" long-throw woofer seamlessly integrated into the constrained-layer-damped cabinet.
The finish in deep dark gloss looked stunning, and the sonic performance was jaw-dropping, lightning-fast transients and explosive dynamics that felt like being shot at (in the best possible way).
The setup featured Riviera Labs electronics from Italy and the WADAX Reference DAC from Spain, an all-out assault on the senses.
Just as I was about to leave, they put on one of my all-time favorite Oscar Peterson tracks, "You Look Good to Me". I froze in place. I’ve never heard it sound like that, the nuance, the presence, the space around each note. An unforgettable moment. Truly High End.
Rosso Fiorentino: Italian Elegance with a Musical Soul
While walking through the upper floor corridors outside the Atrium, I stumbled upon a brand I’d always heard about but never had the chance to listen to: Rosso Fiorentino. This high-end loudspeaker manufacturer is based in Florence, Italy, and I had the pleasure of being welcomed by the founder himself, Francesco Rubenni.
He introduced me to their brand-new ARNO series, and I was immediately struck by the refined materials used, real Italian leather, elegant finishes, and an overall look that screamed premium quality. And yet, the prices were surprisingly reasonable:
€5,000 for the compact ARNO 20
€12,000 for the larger ARNO 40 floorstander
All ARNO speakers feature custom-made Italian tweeters derived from their flagship Siena model: a 28mm silk dome with an aluminum voice coil and neodymium magnet. The woofer is also carefully engineered, with a 38mm copper voice coil mounted on a Kapton former and fitted with double-roll rubber suspension, allowing greater excursion and lower distortion.
Even the binding posts are handcrafted in-house, using pure copper, then plated in gold and palladium for enhanced conductivity and durability. The crossovers are built to exacting standards using custom coils made by Rosso Fiorentino themselves.
The finish options are stunning, from leather, carbon fiber, to custom lacquered colors. The end user can truly personalize the speaker to their taste.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to hear the ARNO series this time, but I did experience ICONE’s flagship Pisa floorstanders, a massive 3-way design weighing 90 kg each. They feature a unique ribbon diaphragm ultrasonic generator that honestly deserves its own deep dive. But here’s the short version: the sound was unlike anything I’ve heard before. Tactile, tight bass, beautifully airy highs, and a tonal balance that felt effortless. Nothing flashy, just pure musicality and emotion. Every note landed with grace and impact, like a gentle caress for the ears.
What can I say? Rosso Fiorentino left a lasting impression, and I truly hope to get the chance to review one of their models in the future.
Next stop: Scansonic Room
Scansonic is a Danish loudspeaker brand known for delivering high-performance audio at much more accessible prices. Originally linked to Raidho Acoustics, Scansonic draws heavily from Raidho’s cutting-edge technologies and design principles, particularly their ribbon tweeters and a focus on speed, precision, and tonal balance, all while keeping a strong value-for-money proposition.
Speaking of Raidho, it’s a brand I’ve always admired. Every year at High End Munich, I find myself stopping to listen to them. They’re not affordable, but they’re definitely one of my favorite high-end brands alongside Estelon and Marten.
This year, Scansonic was debuting their brand-new M Series, which includes a bookshelf, two floorstanders, a center speaker for home theater, and an on-wall model. Without even checking the price, I was immediately impressed by the clean design, refined finish, and overall build quality. The biggest model in the lineup, the M30.2, was playing in the room powered by Moon electronics, and if I had to guess, I would’ve said around €6000.
Instead… surprise! €3500 a pair. Seriously impressive.
The Scansonic M30.2 is a 3-way floorstanding speaker featuring a neodymium ribbon tweeter with a Kapton diaphragm (71.5 × 44.5 mm), a 4” honeycomb mid-woofer, two 6.5” woofers, and two 6”x9” passive radiators. It offers a frequency response from 33 Hz to 30 kHz, 88 dB sensitivity, and an 8-ohm nominal impedance (with a 4-ohm minimum), making it easy to drive with amplifiers rated at 50 watts or more.
The M30.2 played loud and clean, with excellent instrument separation, natural-sounding vocals, and a smooth, airy top end. Bass was strong, maybe a little excessive due to room acoustics, but the overall first impression was excellent. Balanced, confident, and engaging.
The M series is assembled in the Far East to keep costs under control, but the engineering and tuning clearly reflect Raidho's pedigree. Honestly, it’s refreshing to see a brand with such esoteric roots bring that experience to a wider audience.
Well done, ScansonicHD!
MSB + Estelon Diamond XB – A Marriage of Emotion
Now let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite rooms at the show, easily in my Top 3, and we’re not messing around here. This was the room featuring MSB Technology electronics paired with the stunning Estelon Diamond XB speakers.
Just take a look at this setup! The room itself was beautiful, elegant, calm, and perfectly prepared. I noticed something curious: some rooms were pleasantly scented and well-climatized, while others had heavier air, not smelly, just not as fresh or inviting. I don’t know why, but the difference in atmosphere was noticeable, and this one felt just right.
MSB brought their Premier DAC, which sits just above their entry-level Discrete model, and it was paired with the Digital Director for optimal digital signal handling. Amplification was handled by the MSB S202 stereo amplifier, a relatively compact yet high-end powerhouse. They also used a PS Audio PowerPlant power regenerator, ensuring clean and stable power delivery.
💸 Estimated US retail prices:
MSB Premier DAC: ~$24,950
Digital Director: ~$24,950
MSB S202 Power Amplifier: ~$29,500
PS Audio PowerPlant 15 Regenerator: ~$7,499
Estelon Diamond XB: ~$80,000 (depending on finish)
➡️ Total system cost: over $160,000
And the sound? A moment of pure sonic bliss.
I had already fallen in love with a more extravagant setup in the past, Estelon Extremas powered by MSB monoblocks,but this was no less magical. There was an almost spiritual sense of refinement and emotional depth in the music. The soundstage was immense and holographic, voices hung in the air with breathtaking realism, and yet nothing ever felt exaggerated.
Bass was deep but graceful, with the kind of control that feels tactile but never boomy. Highs were silky and extended, with zero fatigue, while the mids brought every nuance of texture and emotion, especially in vocals and stringed instruments. It was one of those moments where you sit there and think:
"This is it. This is everything I’ve been searching for. This is all I need."
As a reviewer, I can’t help but wonder how those Estelons would sound with different electronics, but honestly, I’m not sure anything could top what MSB was doing here. They’ve clearly mastered the art of delivering both technical precision and emotional richness, which is what true high-end audio is all about.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment – Audio Reference Like No Other at High End Munich 2025
At High End 2025 in Munich, one of Germany’s most renowned high-end audio distributors, Audio Reference, celebrated its 25th anniversary with an unforgettable showcase:
The Concert Hall – a sonically and visually breathtaking experience zone, featuring what may be the most ambitious and expensive system ever demonstrated at least in Europe, with a total value approaching $4 million.
At the heart of the system were the legendary Wilson Audio WAMM Master Chronosonic loudspeakers, monumental, architectural pieces of audio engineering unlike anything else. Supported by 2 Wilson Audio Subsonic subwoofers, the setup achieved both visual and acoustic dominance. Seeing them in person for the first time was surreal, they looked like pillars from ancient Egypt, massive and imposing like the statues of Abu Simbel.
But it didn’t stop there. The system was driven by the latest electronics from Dan D’Agostino, including:
The brand-new Relentless Preamplifier
Complemented by ultra-high-end components and Nordost cabling across the board
And as if the system itself wasn’t prestigious enough, Dan D’Agostino himself was there to present it in person, along with the legendary Peter McGrath from Wilson Audio.
To attend one of these exclusive sessions, visitors had to pre-register online for a free ticket, and by Saturday and Sunday (the public days), every single time slot was fully booked. Luckily, I managed to find an empty seat during the press day on Friday.
As the lights dimmed and the first orchestral notes filled the space, the audience collectively held its breath. In one dynamic crescendo, people literally jumped in their seats, overwhelmed by the sheer energy and realism of the sound. I noticed quiet smiles all around the room. Nobody had ever heard anything like this, raw power fused with elegance and absolute control.
From the soaring strings to the earth-shaking bass, every note was rendered with limitless authority, yet nothing felt aggressive or exaggerated. It was refined, dynamic, and emotionally moving, the kind of sonic presentation that makes you rethink what’s possible in audio.
Honestly, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, something any true audiophile should aim to witness at least once. Massive thanks to Audio Reference for making this dreamlike experience a reality and for treating the audience not just to sound, but to an emotional journey unlike any other.
Velodyne Acoustics Returns with a Bang – Meet the New SPL-X Series at High End Munich 2025
Still inside the Audio Reference hall, we find something that will make bass lovers smile: a strong comeback and major announcement from Velodyne Acoustics.
For those who may not know: in 2019, Mansour Mamaghani, owner of Audio Reference and long-time German distributor for Velodyne, acquired the company, breathing new life into the legendary subwoofer brand. After a few quiet years, Velodyne is alive, well, and growing steadily, month after month, year after year.
To cap off their presence at the show, Velodyne Acoustics unveiled the brand-new SPL-X series, a bold new flagship line that combines cutting-edge technology with premium design and brute force.
Available in four sizes, 10", 12", 15" and 18", the SPL-X line has something for every room and every demand.
And let’s talk tech:
At the heart of the SPL-X series is the AutoEQ SUB app. It makes setup incredibly simple and precise. With the included microphone, the app performs automatic room calibration directly from your listening position, ensuring the subwoofer adapts perfectly to your room’s acoustics. The result? Tight, clean, and thunderous bass without the guesswork.
Check out this massive 18-inch model with its carbon fiber cone, isn’t it stunning? It reminds me of the older and beloved Digital Drive Plus series, but now with a modern, intuitive app instead of clunky PC software. It’s a huge step forward.
SPL-X Series Euro MSRP
SPL-X 10 – €2,999
SPL-X 12 – €3,999
SPL-X 15 – €4,999
SPL-X 18 – €6,999
All models are currently in production and available in Europe.
As for US pricing and distribution, details are expected soon.
The updates don’t stop there, Velodyne’s MiniVee X series is also getting a visual refresh, now available in two new finishes: a clean, modern white, and a truly futuristic-looking transparent version. I’ve honestly never seen anything like it on a subwoofer before, it’s bold, unique, and might just be a first in the industry.
Velodyne is back and aiming high. If you’re serious about low-end performance, the SPL-X series should absolutely be on your radar.
Canor Celebrates 30 Years of Tube Excellence – A Warm Reunion with the TP101 and a Glimpse into the Future
At High End Munich 2025, I had the pleasure of visiting the Canor room, where the Slovakian brand celebrated its 30th anniversary with a remarkable showcase of innovation and craftsmanship. The centerpiece was the TP101 A30, a modern tribute to their original TP101 tube amplifier from 1995. While retaining the classic design and the warmth of four EL34 tubes, the TP101 A30 features a completely redesigned electronic architecture, delivering 2x40W into 4 ohms. Notably, it includes a high-quality headphone output capable of driving a wide range of headphones, offering 2.2W into 20 ohms and 700mW into 300 ohms. The amplifier's aesthetic is equally impressive, combining real wood and stainless steel in two elegant finishes, all priced at €9,000 VAT included, with availability expected in the fall (September-October).
In addition to the TP101 A30, Canor introduced a new entry-level line featuring the Virtus I4S solid-state amplifier and the Verto D4S DAC. These components boast a modern and sophisticated design, and signal Canor's commitment to expanding their product range while maintaining high-quality standards. The pricing information is unofficial, as the product is set to launch in the market this fall.
The listening experience in the Canor room was further enhanced by the pairing with FinkTeam's Kim loudspeakers. These speakers are renowned for their expansive soundstage, delivering music with a sense of openness and airiness that belies their compact size. The integration of the AMT tweeter and 8-inch mid-bass driver results in a coherent and engaging sound, characterized by natural tonality and precise imaging. The Kim's ability to render vocals with nuance and instruments with clarity made for an immersive listening session, highlighting the synergy between Canor's electronics and FinkTeam's speaker design.
Overall, the Canor room offered a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflected the brand’s commitment to delivering high-fidelity audio, without losing sight of accessible pricing.
Qobuz Connect Is Here – And It’s a Game Changer
I wrapped up my day, and the entire show, with one final stop downstairs to visit the Qobuz team at their dedicated booth. I had a quick question that had been on my mind: is it possible to change the app’s regional content settings? Let me explain. I grew up in Italy but now live in Germany, and Qobuz often suggests German playlists, which aren’t really my thing, I’d much rather discover Italian ones. Unfortunately, they told me it’s not something users can change directly, but if you contact Qobuz support, they can adjust it for you. So I left them my email, and now I’m waiting to see if I’ll finally get those Italian recommendations. For now... everything's still in German!
And while we're talking Qobuz, there's some big news. A long-awaited feature has finally arrived: Qobuz Connect. If you’re not familiar with it, it works similarly to Spotify Connect or TIDAL Connect, letting you stream music directly from the Qobuz app to compatible devices without relying on Chromecast or AirPlay, so you get the best possible audio quality.
It already works on my Eversolo A6 and Marantz AV10, and honestly, it's a total game changer. Why? Because the native Qobuz app is simply better for browsing and managing your playlists than many third-party apps like Eversolo’s or HEOS. And now, you can even control volume directly from the Qobuz app. I’ve been waiting for this for years, and it’s finally here. Hats off to Qobuz!
That’s where my High End 2025 journey ends, but what about yours?
Let me know in the comments below—and who knows, maybe we’ll see each other next time... in Vienna? See you soon.
