HIGH END 2023 Show Report
High End Society's HIGH END 2023 Event In Munich Germany
HIGH END 2023 Show Report By Carlos Martin Schwab

Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems
Dan D'Agostino launched the Relentless Epic 800 monoblock amplifier. You can see it at the bottom of this system which includes the Relentless Preamplifier too. It employs an all-new, fully complementary topology based around a precision input stage that maintains an essentially perfect balance between the positive and negative components of the signal. Any distortion artifacts that appear on one half of the signal will also appear on the other half, and thus cancel each other. Activating the driver stage is a new bias stability circuit providing a nearly 50% increase in operating bias. Increasing Class A operation directly correlates to better sound quality. The driver transistor has been upgraded to a new device that handles 33% more power per device and its entire chassis is machined from solid aluminum.

Another launch, the Momentum MxV Integrated Amplifier, combines the front-end technology from the Momentum HD Preamplifier and the power section of the Momentum MxV amplifier, delivering Momentum Series performance in a compact framework only hinting at the advanced circuitry within. Employing a configurable, modular design, the core line stage section can be augmented to include a digital streaming and/or a phono stage module. When fully equipped, the Momentum MxV Integrated Amplifier topology is a seamless circuit working as one from input to output, optimizing performance.

Gryphon Audio
Gryphon Audio had just three units of the same product in the exhibition: Diablo 333, launched at the fair, which boasts 10% more output power than its predecessor, Diablo 300. New ultra-fast, low-capacitance pre-driver transistors and seven user-selectable PCM digital roll-off filters are included, as are a full assortment of USB, AES/EBU, BNC and TosLink inputs. The 333's USB input is compatible with all current digital audio formats.

As with the Diablo 300, the 333 can be outfitted with optional Phono and DAC modules which have been completely redesigned for the new amplifier.

WBT
WBT introduced the WBT-0210 RCA female connector and the WBT-0120 RCA plug. It is made with an oblique-angle shape and eccentric lever, which makes it very easy to use, even where the space is limited and gaps are close. The oblique angle ensures intelligent cable routing. The eccentric lever and built-in clamp-spring mechanism guarantee the central contact unit's perfect permanently elastic contact pressure on the socket. The two-part connector body made of high-performance plastic is fixed by a bayonet lock and on the cable side by a collet chuck mechanism.

This not only ensures easy adaptation to thick and thin cable diameters through the supplied cable adapter grommets in four different inner diameters but also ensures optimum strain relief. Due to the consistent avoidance of ornamental metal elements and the new clamping-spring mechanism, the new RCA plug is particularly resource-friendly. The central contact unit of the proven nextgen principle is also particularly low-mass. As with all nextgen Cu connectors, the signal conductors of the WBT-0120 Cu are gold-plated using the new WBT PlasmaProtect process.

Nagra Audio
Nagra Audio's newest offering launched at the fair, the Classic DAC II, features the same NADM (Nagra Audio Digital Module) digital engine employed in both HD DAC X and TUBE DAC, and accommodates all current high-resolution formats such as DSD 4x (256) and DXD. Other highlights include an output stage featuring discrete topology in pure Class A and an improved built-in power supply along with the option to connect a Nagra external reference power supply, Classic PSU.

The balance of Nagra's Munich system was comprised of a Nagra 70th Anniversary Reference Turntable, Nagra Reference MC phono cartridge, Nagra's upcoming HD PHONO stage, HD PREAMP, HD AMP monoblocks, Nagra IV-S tape machine and Nagra VII Anniversary Edition digital recorder all feeding a pair of Wilson Audio Alexx V speakers combined with a pair of Wilson Audio LoKe subwoofers. Cabling by Shunyata, racks and amp stands by Modulum.

Meeting Al Di Meola
"High Germanity" at the press conference, again: anyone who has been to an international trade fair will have noticed that the language used at them is English, which is the business language par excellence. Ignoring this basic rule, the HIGH END Munich ambassador's press conference was held in German for the second year in a row with the support of individual headphones and an English interpretation. In it, the press officer / CEO of the High End Society were dispatched with trade fair numbers. When Al Di Meola began his presentation, he asked to switch to English, which I expected.

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