![](orpheus.jpg)
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.jpg)
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.
.
![](rubicon.jpg)
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.jpg)
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.jpg)
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.jpg)
Vicoustic offers a variety of room acoustic
tuning devices.
![](box_design.jpg)
Box Design by Pro-Jeff offers a truly stunning array of headphone, Internet streaming and more.
![](block_front.jpg)
![](block_rear.jpg)
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.jpg)
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.jpg)
Pro-Ject turntables as far as the eye can see.
![](ayon.jpg)
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.
![](vinyl.jpg)
And of course there is plenty of vinyl and CDs for sale.
![](ultrasone.jpg)
Ultrasone headphone paradise.
![](chillin.jpg)
Caught someone (not me!) just chillin' out at
High End 2012 in Munich.
![](nola.jpg)
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.jpg)
Mumax acoustic panel €500 each with the claim that frequency is even in control. Seen here is great guy Ole Lund Christensen.
![](auto_tech.jpg)
Cool shapes... almost erotic actually... Or just my mind
working... Anywho, this is the Auto-Tech brand.
Saturday's show
coverage --->