High End Munich 2024 news and highlights: Arcam, PMC, Q Acoustics and more
High End Munich 2024 info
When: Thursday 9th & Friday 10th May (10am-6pm) – trade visitors only; Saturday 11th (10am-6pm) & Sunday 12th (10am-4pm) – open to the public
Where: MOC München, Lilienthalallee 40, 80939, Munich, Germany
Tickets: €10 Saturday, €10 Sunday. Buy tickets here
The High End Munich 2024 show is underway and delighting our eyes and ears right through to the weekend, so prepare yourself for an onslaught of new product announcements and hands-on impressions brought to you by the on-ground What Hi-Fi? team. (Between currywurst and stein consumption, you understand.)
Europe's biggest hi-fi show this year has already blessed us with product launches from Focal, NAD, Chord Electronics, Q Acoustics, Pro-Ject, Elac, Sonus Faber, WiiM and Luxman, while brands such as Tannoy, Mission, Quad, Audiolab, Epos and many more have teased what they will be launching later in the year.
Last year's High End Munich 2023 show was the biggest yet, celebrating its 40th year and showcasing more brands than ever before. The High End Society is set to smash those records once more, with 1000 brands exhibiting (check out the full list of exhibitors here) and even more visitors estimated to stroll through the halls and atriums, looking in awe at the latest designs and technological marvels from the world's finest hi-fi brands.
Speaking of, let's get to some hot-off-the-press news, shall we?
High End Munich 2024 highlights
7 weird and wonderful pieces of hi-fi we saw at High End Munich 2024
PMC's 21-speaker Dolby Atmos system is the ultimate argument for spatial audio
I listened to the ￡1900 Meridian Ellipse wireless speaker – and you should too
We found 5 surprisingly affordable hi-fi gems at High End Munich
High End Munich 2024 news
High End Munich 2024: all the news
Arcam takes the fight to Naim with two new all-in-one music streaming systems
The Radia range expands with the premium SA45 and SA35 all-in-one streaming systems featuring Class G amplification, HDMI ARC and MM/MC phono stage, and hi-res full-colour displays.
Read the full Arcam streaming system news
Vertere Acoustics introduces its high-end Calon phono stage
The Calon is an exquisitely engineered MM/MC phono stage from Vertere Acoustics, a brand that brings a fresh approach to the phono design in every aspect.
Read the full Vertere Calon news
Mission's 778 series CD transport and music streamer could be half-width hi-fi heroes
We got our first look at the upcoming 778CDT and 778S hi-fi separates to join the excellent, five-star 778X amp, and we are loving the compact, half-width chassis design. Read the full Mission 778 news
Q Acoustics 3000c is the entry-level speaker range we've been waiting six years for
New driver technology, refined cabinet bracing designs, new finishes and rather reasonable price tags are the highlights of the latest generation of Q Acoustics' 3000 speaker series. Read the full Q Acoustics 3000c news
Elac updates its Award-winning Debut range with seven new speakers
The new Debut 3.0 series promises improvements with a brand new tweeter design, increased efficiency and compatibility and a sleeker finish. Read the full Elac Debut 3.0 news
Fyne's Special Production speakers promise class-leading technologies in a more affordable package
The new series bridges the price gap between the Vintage and Classic series, while the high-end SuperTrax tweeter module is designed to sit atop (most) speakers. Read the full Fyne Audio news
Fiio's fully automatic Bluetooth turntable promises a modern, fun design
The new TT13 deck features large buttons for automatic operation, aptX HD Bluetooth streaming, built-in phono stage and LED lighting. Read the full Fiio TT13 news
Pro-Ject's eye-catching deck is here to put the colour back into your records
The updated Debut Evo 2 turntable is a belt-drive design with Evo MM cartridge and an 8.6-inch carbon tonearm, aiming to bring unparalled value and quality to a reasonable price point, says Pro-Ject. Read the full Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 news
Meze's trio of new headphones includes affordable in-ears with USB-C adaptor
The new Alba wired in-ears are the brand's new entry-level offering, boasting a custom-designed 3.5mm to USB-C headphone adaptor with a DAC built in, while new open-back 105 AER over-ear headphones are also unveiled. Read the full Meze Audio news
Dali’s new Rubikore speaker range packs flagship tech in five new models
Using trickle-down tech from the epic Kore and Epikore flagship speakers, the new Rubikore range brings new driver technology to a less high-end price bracket. Read the full Dali Rubikore news
Sonus Faber brings flagship driver technology to stylish Sonetto G2 speakers
The Sonetto G2 series consists of seven models and features new driver technology derived from the flagship, ￡/$700k Suprema speaker system along with updated concrete base, reflect duct tech and a sleek new design. Read the full Sonus Faber Sonetto G2 news
WiiM Ultra and WiiM Amp Pro are updated, versatile, multi-tasking streaming units
Boasting new DACs, new features, extensive streaming and connectivity and still remaining affordable, the WiiM Ultra streamer (with a new design and touchscreen display) and Amp Pro streaming system are sure to be popular yet again.
Read the full WiiM Ultra and Amp Pro news
Sennheiser's HD 600 range of audiophile headphones gets a surprise new addition The new closed-back HD 620S cans feature custom-tuned 42mm drivers and aim to offer isolation while also mimicking the airy nature of open-back designs. Read the full Sennheiser HS 620S news
Audio-Technica’s limited-edition wood headphones should sound like music to your ears
These ATH-WBLTD cans are encased in three layers of hardwood that are typically used in musical instruments, with only 300 pairs being made. Read the full Audio-Technica ATH-WBLTD news
Wheels of steel! Technics partners with Lamborghini for special-edition SL-1200 turntable
The SL-1200M7B is a special-edition model based on the popular SL-1200 turntable decks, available in three finishes and comes with a picture disc record of the V12-engine sounds of six Lamborghini super sports cars. Read the full Technics x Lamborghini news
Final's flagship D7000 planar magnetic headphones promise to bring the bass
After spending some time developing its range of wireless headphones, Final has returned its attention to its high-end roots with a new addition to its flagship line. Read the full Final D7000 news
Focal's nature-inspired headphones follow in the Bathys' footsteps
Promising to make the "purity of high fidelity sound accessible to as many people as possible", the new open-backed Hadenys are arriving alongside the closed-back Azurys. Read the full Focal Hadenys and Azurys news
Chord teases Suzi pre/power amplifier concept that's like Lego for your hi-fi
Designed by Chord’s founder and owner John Franks, the new Chord Suzi modular concept includes a preamplifier and a power amplifier that boasts Ultima-derived technology. Read the full Chord Suzi news
Tannoy Autograph 12 speakers pay tribute to iconic driver 70 years
The original Tannoy Autograph launched in 1954, seven years after the dual concentric driver was invented, and now a modern-day version is coming.
Read the full Tannoy Autograph 12 news
Astell & Kern takes on the Sony Walkman with new Activo P1 player
Astell & Kern is relaunching the presumably budget-conscious Activo sub-brand with an all-new player, the P1. Read the full Activo P1 news
High End Munich 2024 preview: what else to expect
High End Munich 2024 preview: what else to expect
Astell & Kern
A brand new high-end flagship hi-res player, the A&ultima SP3000T, and its second collaboration with Empire Ears – the Novus in-ear wired monitors – are on the agenda for Munich this year. Also being unveiled is a new Activo P1 digital audio player, which looks like a more slimline music player and it features 32-bit hi-res audio support, 20-hour battery life, 64GB built-in storage with 1.5TB microSD card slot, two ESS Sabre DACs, and a sleek white finish with rounded edges rather than A&K's typically sharp-edged designs. Pricing and availability are TBC.
Hall 1, B10a/B10/C05/B10b
Audiolab
Audiolab will be taking the wraps off a new flagship pre/power amplifier – the 9000Q and 9000P – and the speaker pairing for the demo will be the Leak 250 Sandwich speakers, which made their debut earlier in the year.
Atrium 4.2, E223/E224
Audiovector
The Danish brand has unveiled the Trapeze Reimagined floorstanding speakers just recently and we expect these new, nifty-looking high-end models to have their first public showing at Munich.
Atrium 4.2, F203
Burmester
It wouldn't be the High End Show without a press conference showcasing new products from the established German brand, and this is taking place at 2.30pm CET on Thursday 9th.
Atrium 3.1, C119
Cambridge Audio
Cambridge Audio turned heads last year when they set up camp right outside the MOC exhibition doors in a bright red London double decker bus. Will the bus (full of the British brand's latest audio products) return this year? Cambridge has already started the year with two hi-fi launches – the five-star CXN100 music streamer and the just-launched CXA81 MkII stereo amplifier, the latter of which we're hoping to see in the flesh for the first time at High End. We're also hoping to have a peek at the special Evo 150 Delorean Edition...
Hall 4 entrance
Chord Electronics
The British brand always has a shiny new product or two to reveal (last year's Ultima Integrated amp certainly caught our eye) and we're told there will be three new products unveiled this year. Two new analogue products – the Suzi pre/power amplifiers – are confirmed, while a "groundbreaking" new digital product will be shown in its pre-production prototype form, with five FPGAs (field programmable gate array DAC architecture) at its core, we're teased. Founder John Franks and digital design consultant Rob Watts will both be at hand throughout the show to give insight into the products, too.
Atrium 3.1, C122 & Atrium 4.1, F107
Dali
Dali has treated us to high-end product launches such as the towering Kore and Epikore speakers, along with premium wireless IO-12 headphones, in the last few years – could we see more of the same or something completely new? We don't know yet, but we're excited to find out.
Atrium 3.1, D107/D108
Epos
After launching the Epos ES-7N bookshelf speakers at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show, Epos are set to launch a full floorstanding model at Munich, called the ES-28N. No details yet, but the teaser photo shows it could be a three-way design with a tweeter (most likely the same as in the ES-7N and existing ES-14N), a midrange driver, two bass drivers, spiked feet propping up the tall speaker and the same angular design as the excellent ES-14N speakers.
Atrium 4.1, Room E121
Fiio
Visitors will be treated to a whole bunch of new products from Fiio, which includes a turntable! From the teaser press image, the TT13 looks like it has a metal plinth with various shiny buttons and a remote control – so it may well have automatic operation and Bluetooth features. Also being revealed are flagship ￡999 / $999 FA19 in-ear wired monitors, a new SR11 music streamer with a large display screen, and SP5 desktop active speakers.
Hall 1, B05
Fyne Audio
Get your retro fix as Scottish brand Fyne will likely be bringing its fine line of Classic and Vintage speakers, as well as its latest (and more modern looking) SP (Special Production) models.
Atrium 4.1, E116 & Hall 3, L04/M03
HiFi Rose
Products from emerging brands like HiFi Rose have cut through the established hi-fi separates fare and stood out with their stunningly crafted design and smart streaming tech. Last year we saw the debut of the RS130 streaming transport, but perhaps we'll see the new RA280 – the more streamlined but still stylish sibling to the flagship RA180 amplifier – this year at Munich.
Hall 2, G04/J03
iFi Audio
The Zen DAC 3, Zen Phono 3 and Diablo 2 are just some of the recent DACs/headphone amps/phono stages from iFi that will be on show this year. Visitors will also get to see the iCAN Phantom electrostatic headphone amp from last year and the five-star hip-dac 3 amongst many other models when they head to iFi's multiple stands.
Atrium 4.1, E109 and Hall 1, B12/C09/C11/D01
Lumin
High end streaming brand Lumin will be launching the P1 Mini – a scaled-down version of its $10k P1 streamer/DAC that boasts versatile connectivity including HDMI inputs.
Hall 3, M13
Luxman
High-end Japanese brand Luxman will be showing off its first-ever NT-07 network music streamer, alongside a new matching DA-07X DAC that will launch in the summer. There is also a new reference-level E-07 phono preamp that will launch in the autumn
Atrium 4.2, F229
Meze Audio
Meze has teased that a white version of The Empyrean flagship headphones will be unveiled, alongside previews of future new additions to its line-up, which include a new pair of "Alba" in-ear wired headphones and a pair of "105 ARE" over-ear, open-back headphones.
Hall 1, B04 & Hall 1, B10a/B10/C05/B10b
Mission
We've been teased that products to match the five-star 778X amplifier will be shown, including the 778S network audio streamer and 778CDT CD transport. All products will launch in the autumn.
Atrium 4.2, E223/E224
Moon
Canadian brand Moon will be demoing the flagship pairing of its North Collection, the 891 streaming preamp powered by two 861 mighty power amps, throughout the show. The 861/891 combo (each costing ￡25,000) will be plugged into a pair of Dynaudio Confidence 60 loudspeakers, and Moon promises a "relaxing environment" so people can sit down and just enjoy the music.
Atrium 3.1, C120
Naim/Focal
A mainstay at any hi-fi show, we expect to see the Naim/Focal partnership out in full force. Naim celebrated its 50th anniversary last year with the Naim Nait 50 limited edition amp and the new 300 series. This year, maybe we'll see the Uniti Nova Power Edition? Focal has already revealed it will be showing two new wired luxury headphones, the open-back Hadenys and closed-back Azurys.
Atrium 4.1, F105
NAD
The Canadian brand has already revealed its Munich launch and it's a new addition to its C/Classis series: the NAD C 379 Class D amplifier, which boasts ample digital and analogue connectivity, including HDMI eARC and a moving magnet phono stage. The amp is designed to be future-proofed and modular, allowing users to add extension modules – such as BluOS network streaming with Dirac room correction or emerging AV tech – if they wish. Not bad for ￡899 / $1099.
Atrium 3.1, D107/D108
Perlisten/Trinnov
AV fans will be glad to hear it's not all two-channel. Perlisten and Trinnov are joining forces for an 11.1.6-channel AV system that promises an "unprecedented acoustic level of immersive audio" in an 18-seat cinema. The system will feature Trinnov's WaveForming technology with Perlisten's THX Certified Dominus surround system. and there will be eight 15-inch active subwoofers used. Mighty. Demos are by appointment only.
Atrium 3.1, room D112
PMC
PMC will be flexing its pro and hi-fi muscles together with an ambitious large-scale Dolby Atmos speaker system to play prog legend Steve Wilson's latest album, The Harmony Code, in full. Wilson himself will be there on all four show days at Room K1, Foyer 1 to showcase how he uses and mixes reference-level audio, using the PMC set-up to demonstrate the capabilities of Dolby Atmos and spatial mixing. Also on show will be PMC's new Twenty5i Active speaker range that was launched at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show earlier this year.
Atrium 3.1, D106 & Room K1, Foyer 1
Pro-Ject
We've become accustomed to seeing Pro-Ject reveal special edition turntables with artist collaborations – who can forget the snazzy Metallica turntable, or the beautiful Pink Floyd one, or the delightful Yellow Submarine deck? – but we also tend to see innovations like the T2 W wireless turntable. Could we see even more turntables, please?
Hall 3, M04/N03/N04/P05
Q Acoustics
Q Acoustics launched the new 5000 series of speakers last year, one of which (5040) became a What Hi-Fi? Award winner, while another (5050) just made their official global debut – read our full review here.
Atrium 4.1, F110
Quad
On demo throughout the show will be the Quad ESL 2912X, the first update to the iconic ESL electrostatic speakers in 12 years. The new model will feature technical and aesthetic enhancements, we're told. Also on display will be revived and evolved versions of a 1967 classic, the Quad 33 and 303 pre/power amps. We're told they will be "wrapped in an industrial design that echoes the past and embraces the future". All new Quad products are set to be available in the autumn.
Atrium 4.2, E223/E224
Ruark Audio
Ruark's retro-styled products are always a delight to see and experience, and last year the brand revealed the excellent all-in-one R410 music player. Could we see the flagship R810 (the modern-day successor to the radiogram) at the show? The brand has teased they will be showing two new products, and we're very excited to find out what they are.
Hall 3, L05/M03
Sennheiser
The German headphone brand will be launching "a new addition to its audiophile profile" – that could mean anything, but we have our fingers crossed for a new wired headphone in the vein of the HD 800S range, perhaps? It's a wild guess for now.
Hall 1, B14
Sonus Faber/McIntosh
We were treated to the exquisite Suprema speaker system earlier this year at CES 2024 to kick off its 40th birthday celebrations, and we fully expect the Suprema/McIntosh demo to happen again. This ambitious project consists of two main speakers, two subwoofers and an electronic crossover, priced at a whopping ￡695,000 / $750,000. Also on demo will be the stunning Stradivari speakers, all powered by McIntosh amps.
Atrium 4, F109
SVS
US brand SVS will be demoing its new flagship Ultra Evolution series of speakers, with seven models in the range including three floorstanding speakers, two bookshelf models, a centre channel speaker and a home cinema speaker with multi-angle mounting bracket. All models boast improvements to driver design, cabinet architecture and components, with SVS claiming the Ultra Evolution will usher in a "new era of reference-quality sound". There will be two-channel and home theatre system demos throughout the show.
Hall 3, P02/R03
T+A
T+A will be showcasing its new Criterion S 240 floorstanding speakers with transmission line technology (prices start from $16,490) with the R 2500 R multi-source receiver/amplifier that features a CD player, Bluetooth, streaming (via AirPlay, wi-fi etc) and DAB/FM radio.
Atrium 3.1, D102/D103/D104
TAD Labs
The Japanese brand will be displaying the latest addition to its flagship Reference Series, the TAD-C700 preamplifier, costing a cool $68,000. The hefty unit comes with balanced and unbalanced inputs, has a dedicated separate power supply and aims to deliver "near-perfect stereophonic sound reproduction".
Atrium 3.1, C113
Tannoy
Tannoy's 100th anniversary is looming in 2026, but the Scottish-based brand is celebrating another milestone. It will unveil the Autograph 12 speakers, which pay homage to the 70th anniversary of its Autograph speaker series, along with new technological developments made to its iconic dual concentric driver.
Hall 4, S06-1/S06-2/S06-3
Vivid Audio
This is one we can't miss: we are very much looking forward to seeing and hearing the behemoth (and near half-million quid) 13-driver Vivid Moya 1 speakers from Laurence Dickie's brand in person.
Hall 3, K16
WiiM
The wildly popular affordable brand will be launching two new products at Munich, one of which is the WiiM Ultra, which seems to be an advanced version of the superb WiiM Pro Plus music streamer with an improved DAC and full-colour touchscreen. The other launch is still under wraps, but we'll bring you the latest news as soon as we have it.
Hall 2, F07
Yamaha
We loved listening to the HA-L7A headphone amplifier at last year's show with the exceptional YH-5000SE headphones. We're not sure what Yamaha has in store for us this year, but we will be sure to share the news once we know.
Atrium 4.2, F207
YG Acoustics
We don't know what the high-end American speaker brand has in store for us either, but it has announced a press conference on Friday 10th, at 1pm CET, so we're expecting something new.
Atrium 4.2, E218
MORE:
See all the highlights and launches from last year's High End Munich 2023
Our guide to the best speakers you can buy across all budgets
Check out the best high-end record players we love and recommend
