A subjective tour through the world of loudspeakers large and small.
The HIGH END 2025 is the 21st and, for the time being, last to take place at Munich’s M.O.C. It was a trade fair of contrasts – in many respects. Even the number of visitors fluctuated greatly: without the usual long weekend, it remained noticeably quiet on some of the trade visitor days. The situation was quite different on Saturday, when visitors were literally sitting on each other’s laps in some of the demonstration rooms.
The price ranges of the components on display were no less diverse: from affordable entry-level models to models in the upper six-figure range. This wide range was not only a reflection of the market, but also a clear sign that good listening can – and should – take place in many classes today.
One of the most pleasing aspects of the fair was the diverse audience. While rooms with oversized power amplifiers and impressive horn loudspeakers were mostly populated by baby boomers, the “World of Headphones” area was filled with a strikingly young audience under 30, especially on the first day of the fair.
Headphones with style and substance
So let’s start right there – with headphones. The Edge from Chinese manufacturer Moondrop stood out for its light weight, good design, and impressive overall package. For around $89, you not only get noise canceling, but also a pleasantly balanced sound with clean bass – ideal for on the go.
A clearly recognizable trend: high-quality materials and handcrafted details. This was particularly beautifully implemented in the headphones from ZMF, which scored points with their artistically designed wooden housings with slightly esoteric ornamentation and a characteristic dark sound signature. Feliks also showed that tube amplifiers no longer have to look like workbenches – including fine woods and living room-friendly design.
Hifiman impressed with its new “Unveiled” series. Especially in the acoustically optimized demonstration booth, the differences in sound between the various models and upgrade levels were clearly audible. The Arya Unveiled, in combination with the company’s own Serenade v2 DAC and preamplifier, offered a musicality that, for me, was one of the best headphone moments of the entire show – regardless of price. And the “small” electrostatic Mini ShangriLa with its own power supply also invited visitors to linger for a while.
Of course, there were also high-priced items: the new CRBN2 from Audeze is approaching the five-figure mark and offers a purely electrostatic design – but (as of yet) without an amp of its own. If you want to use it, you have to resort to third-party suppliers such as Stax or MalValve.
But Audeze also had something else to offer: the LCD-S20, a new closed-back headphone, impressed with its high wearing comfort and surprisingly generous soundstage – a harmonious overall package for discerning listeners who want to stay well below the magic threshold of $1,000.
Speakers: From understated to XXL
There were also exciting discoveries to be made in the speaker sector. In terms of color, there was a clear retreat from boldness – brown, black, and white instead of colorful experiments. My personal highlight came from Spanish manufacturer Kroma Atelier: the “Callas” speakers, powered by elegant tube amplifiers from Engström, not only delivered high-end performance on paper, but also impressed with their finely nuanced sound and charming character.
At the opposite end of the price scale: the Utah 8 from Indiana Line. The once Italian manufacturer now belongs to a Polish company – and shows how well that works. The compact floorstanding speakers sounded incredibly harmonious, combining precision and enthusiasm, and cost only around €1,400 per pair. Anyone who thinks that such speakers are only suitable for teenagers’ bedrooms or vacation homes should give them a listen – it’s worth it.
Of course, the really big systems were not missing either; after all, Munich’s HIGH END has always been a showcase of what is possible. Acapella presented an impressive concept with the Hypersphere: 2.70 meters high, weighing around a ton, equipped with eight 15-inch bass drivers per side and a huge horn attachment. And the amazing thing was that quiet, delicate sounds were reproduced with an ease that one would not have expected from a system of this size.
Clarisys also relied on impressive proportions. Half a dozen tube power amplifiers powered the monumental panel speakers, whose striking lighting almost looked like a light installation. The Atrium reference system, consisting of four baffles and 500 kg of magnetic material, is installed directly at the customer’s premises worldwide for just under $800,000 – a real statement.
Genelec surprised visitors with an active loudspeaker that was not only larger than anything previously seen from the Finnish manufacturer, but also broke new ground in terms of sound: the new version of the flagship model 8381 in piano black. The floor-standing loudspeaker functions as a point source that can be perfectly adapted to the respective installation room. Genelec has redesigned and outsourced the amplifier modules specifically for use in living rooms. The fine tuning was strikingly restrained and rich in detail – quite different from what one is used to with the often sober studio speakers. Only the design divided opinion: studio or living room – that remains a matter of taste.
Parting in style
To bid farewell to the M.O.C., the Fink Team came up with something special: 21 special models of the well-known KIM – each featuring an elegant solid wood front instead of the usual double-walled MDF cabinet. A nice gesture – a highlight both visually and sonically.
Finally, a look at the new Elac Concentro 807. With VXe (Variable Coax Electric) technology, the speaker can be easily and purely analogically adjusted to different room acoustics. 25 different switch combinations allow for precise adjustment – without an app, directly on the device. A practical solution for individual sound optimization.
Conclusion
HIGH END 2025 was a worthy conclusion to the sound transducer sector in Munich. It impressively demonstrated how diverse the world of high-quality listening has become – from clever entry-level solutions to uncompromising concepts at reference level. And it made one thing clear: the appeal often lies in the mix. With this in mind – see you again in Vienna!