Orpheus's Vanguard digital audio dock
(7500 Swiss Franc) is a 192kHz/24-bit unit with a variety of inputs. It offers
a wide variety of flexability for those who want top end digital with multiple
possibilities.
Harmonix X-DC350M2R power cable ($1350) is said
to add seamless transparency to your system's sound. The cable is seen here with company owner and
excellent mastering engineer Mr. K. Kiuchi. Harmonix is really great at
offering a wide variety of tweaks, including their Harmonix TU-800EXi record tuning mat, TU-812 tuning clamp and Harmonix TU-666M tuning feet, all of which i have
reviewed and truly enjoy.
.
The Antelope Audio Rubicon 384kHz/32-bit (€30,000 or
thereabout) DAC unit looks very impressive. Not shipping yet but stay tuned as
am sure there will be many reviews once it does.
Montagne three-way (€80,000)... Made in Italy with
style... And yes I can't help but wonder how a metal dome midrange will sound
as I hate metal dome tweeters and a metal midrange seems a very interesting
choice.
Lehmann Audio's new Linear USB SE (€1650 on up depending on
finish) headphone amplifier. This unit has an integrated Burr Brown DAC, selectable gain, APL volume control and operates in high-end audio Class A.
If you do not need a DAC, they also offer a standard Linear SE version.
Vicoustic offers a variety of room acoustic
tuning devices.
Box Design by Pro-Jeff offers a truly stunning array of headphone, Internet streaming and more.
As my first show award, I present to you the Block
CV-R100 (€799), which is designed and engineering in Germany. It offers a
variety of digital and analog inputs and uses high quality parts. So what do
you get for the money? A preamplifier, amplifier, Internet radio, CD player
and more! The Block CR100 earns my Award for Best Bargain Component at the
High End 2012 show.
AlkemiaVero is made in Italy and uses carbon fiber cabinet, top mounted ribbon tweeter, Manger midrange and
10 inch woofer. Sensitivity is 91dB/W/m and frequency response is from 24 Hz to 33 kHz.
This is truly a great way to use carbon fiber.
Pro-Ject turntables as far as the eye can see.
Many times i have seen and enjoyed Ayon Audio
gear at shows, yet with top off it is obvious Ayon Audio carefully handcrafts their
gear. I really love the layout of the Spheres phonostage (€26,000) seen
here.
And of course there is plenty of vinyl and CDs for sale.
Ultrasone headphone paradise.
Caught someone (not me!) just chillin' out at
High End 2012 in Munich.
Rarely seen in public at shows, the Nola Grand Reference 6
(€278,000) quad tower speaker with external crossovers only needs a normal stereo amplifier.
The sound was indeed effortless and with great dynamic range... and sweet,
sweet highs! Deeee-lish!
Mumax acoustic panel €500 each with the claim that frequency is even in control. Seen here is great guy Ole Lund Christensen.
Cool shapes... almost erotic actually... Or just my mind
working... Anywho, this is the Auto-Tech brand.
Saturday's show
coverage --->
High-Performance Audio Reviews
Munich High End Show Report 2012
