HIGH END 2025: The Definitive Insider Report On Luxury, Innovation, And Audiophile Excellence
A timely guide to cutting-edge audio innovations at HIGH END 2025 in Munich.
HIGH END 2025 Audiophile Show Report By Jason Kennedy

emm labs  showcased their new CD transport, a sure sign that the Redbook standard lossy 16-bit/44k.1kHz silver disc is back in business (the CD is a lossy format as digital masters were 20-bit/48kHz or higher).

The emm labs reference TXi has an Austrian transport mechanism with mechanical isolation, a proprietary resonant mode power supply, and an Optilink output for connection to EMM's DA2i and DV2i DACs. Controversially, this is the only output available on the TXi ($12,500). Loudspeakers were by EgglestonWorks and high-quality wiring was provided by Kimber Kable.

Phil Harris of dCS was having a blast playing hooligan tunes with the new Lina DAC X in a system with the Lina Clock, VTL MB-450 monoblock power amps, and Wilson Audio Watt/Puppy floorstanding loudspeakers with Loke subs on both channels. Phil played Yookie's Sunshine Of Your Wub, a heavily amp'ed and remixed version of the Cream original that compressed the air in the room to an unhealthy degree. Still, it was good to hear something outside of the usual audiophile playlist. The Lina DAC X ($15,500) is a Lina DAC in a full-width case for those not so enthusiastic about half-width style products.

Furutech was in one of the big ground-floor halls on a static stand, where they revealed two new products. Project V1-S (€15,000 / 8-foot pair) is a new flagship speaker cable with silver-coated OCC inner conductors and DUCC outer conductors, these being in extremely pure oxygen-free copper. The cable is cryogenically treated and demagnetized for maximum transparency.

The Origin Power NCF (€1,380) is a no-stone-unturned power cord based on non-magnetic pure copper conductors, triple-layered anti-resonance sheaths, and a patented ground/earth system to dissipate magnetic interference. I can't say that I've heard other cable companies mentioning magnetic effects; this may require investigation. See Furutech's website for more information.

Gershman Acoustics was at HIGH END 2025 demonstrating their Black Swan floorstanding loudspeakers ($95,000) to good effect on the end of a Pink Faun Scion streamer, MSB Cascade DAC, and True Life Audio TSI 300 stereo integrated amplifier. The two-part loudspeakers allow the mid and tweeter to be isolated from the energy of the bass system.

They also provide adjustments to the relative position of these elements, so they can be adjusted to suit room acoustics / listening position. This pair was supported by copper finished isolation feet.

Gershman Audio's stereo system at HIGH END 2025 in Munich sounded more rhythmically coherent than many others, there was good acoustic power and timing on a live version of Lily Was Here by Candy Dulfer. The "Buena Vista Social Club" music album sounded quite authentic as well.

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