High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

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10 / 08 / 24

AES Show NY 2024 Starts Today
The Audio Engineering Society (AES), a non-profit volunteer-based organization that is designed to inspire, educate, and promote the technology and practice of audio, annual New York show will take place from October 8th through 10th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. According to the AES, "Step into a world of audio innovation and inspiration at AES Show 2024 NY, the flagship event of the Audio Engineering Society. This annual gathering unites over 10,000 audio professionals, enthusiasts, and exhibitors from around the globe. Whether you're a seasoned expert, a novice, or a student, the AES Show provides a platform for collaboration, discovery, and learning."

"Join us in this immersive experience where leading manufacturers showcase cutting-edge solutions, engineers demonstrate the latest products, and a diverse array of workshops, panels, demos, and training sessions cater to both researchers and practitioners," says the Audio Engineering Society. "The AES Show creates an environment where ambition is amplified, crafts are fine-tuned, and the entire spectrum of the audio lifecycle is brought to life. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to widen your perspective, connect with industry leaders, and stay at the forefront of audio technology. The AES Show 2024 NY is where passion meets possibility, and where the future of audio is crafted."

10 / 07 / 24

Hi-Fi+ October 2024 High-End Audio Magazine
Editorial: High-Performance Audio's Impressive Modernization
Linn Klimax Solo 800 Mono Amplifier
Avantgarde Acoustic Colibri C2 Loudspeaker
Döhmann Audio Helix Two Mk3 Turntable
T+A PSD 3100 HV DAC / Preamplifier 
Luphonic H2 Vinyl LP Turntable
HiFi Rose RA289 Integrated Amplifier
Manley Oasis Phono Stage 
Gryphon PowerZone 3 Power Conditioner 
Crystal Cable Infinity Power Cord
...And Much More!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "The hi-fi world is occasionally rocked. Sometimes by performance, by a revolutionary change in technology, and sometimes by the demise of a designer, a founder or a manufacturer. This time, however, what seems to have sent out the shock-waves is a price. Cambridge-based digital expert dCS is no stranger to 'upper-echelon' pricing; the company's existing four-box Vivaldi APEX comes in at an already 'spendy' £124,250 without cables. However, the company's latest project, Varèse, confidently eclipses even the Vivaldi APEX. The five-box design (Core unit, Master Clock, Mono DACs, and User Interface) cost a cool £217,500, with a CD/SACD transport to follow next year. Granted its unique ACTUS connection system lowers the cost of inter-device cabling (wiring up a full four-box Vivaldi APEX with something like Nordost Odin Gold adds substantially to the price of admission)."
---> See Hi-Fi+'s October 2024 Issue.

10 / 03 / 24

UK Audio Show 2024 Show Is This Weekend
The highly-anticipated annual UK Audio Show will once again take place at the Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club. Music enthusiasts will be delighted to see many new developments from luxurious high-end audio  / premium audio manufacturers on Saturday and Sunday, October 5th and 6th, 2024. Attendees will enjoy an exceptional experience to see and hear many of the world's best brands all within one venue. Furthermore, special events will bring music lovers together to learn about both old and new technologies, new developments, and overall progress in both home, mobile, and personal audio.

With its very spacious corridors and two easily accessed levels, the Staverton Park Hotel is said to be near perfect for such a busy show. Due to the show's popularity, the Chester Group has increased the number of individual demonstration rooms to 55 and increased trade stands to 20. Be sure to look for very special announcements as the UK Audio Show celebrates its 27th year in the business! Driving Sounds will once again be showcasing incredible cars and car audio systems at The UK Audio Show 2024. Following a highly successful and much-appreciated appearance during the 2023 event, Driving Sounds, in association with Four Masters Car Audio, will return with three cars on show. They will demonstrate a wide range of car hi-fi products that fit many budgets.
---> UK Audio Show 2024 Details And Show Report.

10 / 01 / 24

October Audiophile / High-End Audio Review Magazine
Our October issue celebrates music, vacuum tubes, vinyl LPs, and more! Roger Skoff asks the age-old question about high-end sound or audiophile music. We have World Premiere reviews of the MACO MACARIA open baffle loudspeaker, KBL Sound cable system, and PS Audio's new Aspen FR5 stand-mounted monitor loudspeaker. Vacuum tube enthusiasts will love reading Jules Coleman's review of Jadis' DA88S MkII integrated amplifier, while vinyl LP lovers can learn more about the impressive iSonic Cleaner 6.2-PRO Ultrasonic. As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music!
---> October High-Performance Audiophile / High-End Audio Review Magazine.

Jadis DA88S MkII Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier Review
The ultimate music machine.
Review By Dr. Jules Coleman
Too often, I have been guilty of 'burying the lead.' Not this time: the Jadis DA88S MkII integrated amplifier is the most musically convincing and enjoyable vacuum tube stereo integrated amplifier I have ever experienced – in my home or elsewhere. From the moment it was installed in my system until the moment shippers were summoned to remove it, this handsome piece of kit brought joy and fulfillment to my listening experience that had eluded me since my decade-long love affair with various Shindo-centered reference systems fell victim to life's often unforeseeable and unwelcome interventions. At different times my Shindo systems were anchored by the (no longer in production) Sinhonia push / pull monoblocks featuring the F2 output tube as well as the ne plus ultra 300B Ltd monoblocks. The former offered a dynamic realism that the 300B Ltd could not match, while the latter offered a texture, color, and density that was in equal measure beguiling and bewitching.
---> Jadis DA88S MkII Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier Review.

World Premiere Review!
MACO MACARIA Open Baffle Loudspeaker Review
A soundsational experience that puts you close to the soundstage.
Review By Rick Becker
Coming around a corner at Capital Audiofest in 2023 I was stopped in my tracks by an incredible-looking open baffle speaker in grey granite. The large 15" full-range driver on top looked vaguely familiar but the speaker itself was a completely fresh design. Before I could figure out who the manufacturer was, a lovely familiar woman appeared at my side. It was Deborah Ann whom I had met at the Toronto Audiofest in 2022. There, she had been showing magnificent sounding open baffle speakers from Lii Song (China) driven by a Galion tube amplifier, made in China but voiced by Thomas Tan in Canada. I was eager to review the Lii speaker but she was hesitant about the possibility both in Toronto and again when we met at AXPONA the next year, as she is technically only the Canadian distributor for Lii Song.
---> MACO MACARIA Open Baffle Loudspeaker Review.

iSonic Cleaner 6.2-PRO Ultrasonic Vinyl LP Cleaner Review
Ultrasonic deep cleaning and spin drying 10 LP records in 30 minutes.
Review By Bob Grossman
The iSonic Pro 6.2-PRO is the latest variation and upgraded record cleaner design from a company that specializes in commercial ultrasonic cleaning machines. They have styles and sizes for various products with personal and industrial applications. The iSonic company has dozens of cleaner models for medical applications, jewelry, and personal items used in the home. Jerry Fan of iSonic said, "Over the past six years, we have made a lot of progress with cleaners for audio systems." Jerry modestly told me he "doesn't know too much about anything else, but we do know about ultrasonic cleaners!" They started with processing 5 to 10 records for cleaning only, then added the PRO accessory kit for spin drying with an in-water filter two years ago. Those developments were with the model P4875II+MVR10-PRO which was an upgrade to the early model P4875II+MVR5 or MVR10....
---> iSonic Cleaner 6.2-PRO Ultrasonic Vinyl LP Cleaner Review.

Many more reviews & articles are within our Review Magazine.

09 / 30 / 24

IFPI Music In The EU Report 2024
As the first Music In The European Union (EU) report from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), an organization that claims to be the global voice of the audio recording industry, it highlights the European market at a pivotal moment in 2024. The IFPI seeks to perhaps influence policymakers and lawmakers to bolster European music's future amidst rising global competition. Their Music in the EU: A Global Opportunity is their first-ever attempt in exploring ways in which the work with and the financial investment of record companies that produces European music and artists (domestically and abroad). They also desire providing their own insight into the opportunities and challenges to ensure further growth of the EU's status within the global music ecosystem. According to the IFPI, "With other regions across the world seeing rapid growth and development, the report sets out how EU policymakers can help secure a positive future for music at what is a pivotal time for music in Europe."

According to the IFPI, key highlights include:
The EU is a globally important place for music but there is room for further growth.

Annual recorded music revenues in 2023 were €5.2 billion – greater than Japan (€2.5bn), the UK (€1.7bn) and China (€1.3bn).

If adjusted for inflation, EU recorded music revenues in 2023 were only 61% of where they were in 2001 (the industry's revenue peak).

Record label investment has a positive ripple effect across the European music industry and provides a boost to EU GDP contributions.

Every €1 directly generated or invested by record companies leads to an additional €1.80 GDP contribution to other parts of the music sector value chain.

Domestic artists are relatively more successful in Europe however, the EU risks falling behind in what is the most competitive global market ever.

In the 22 EU markets where IFPI collects yearly chart data, on average, 60% of the Top 10 singles were tracks by domestic artists – compared to only 47% in non-EU markets.

But U.S.A. artists lead global Top 10 single exports, with Latin and Central American artists also performing well.

09 / 27 / 24

Pacific Audio Fest 2024 A Success... And PAF 2026
"We did it!," says the PAF press release from show promoters Lou Hinkley and Gary Gill. "Three years of Pacific Audio Fest, and even though we had fewer vendors everyone did great business and had a great time. We had so many people attending who just love this show and want to see it grow, that we can't wait to do the next one! And yes to put rumors to rest, we will continue producing PAF! We drew attendees from LA to Vancouver and Victoria and as far west as Hawaii! So you may call this a 'regional' show, but it is a pretty big region!

We thank each and every vendor for being an essential part of the Pacific Audio Fest 2024. Thank you to all our volunteers, particularly the Northwest Audio Society! And a special thank you to Jonny at Snake River Audio who made the live music possible with his enthusiasm and sponsorship. We are one of the few shows in the USA that has a Marketplace of interesting audio vendors, vinyl sellers and after hours top shelf live music, all in addition to great sounding rooms of amazing audio. Few shows do all of that, why? Because it is a lot of work, and costs money, but we care about you!

We at PAF have decided to hold the next show in 2026. We see this as a win-win; the vendors can expand their base with less stress and we can deliver an even better show for everyone. We will be marketing the show starting now and encourage all vendors to send us promo, videos etc., so that we can really build a great show in 2026. We hope to see all of you and many more in two years time!!! The contract is signed for September 11th through 13th, 2026 at the same great venue with a bigger better show!, so be sure to save the date!! (no conflict with CEDIA) Thanks and we will see you soon,

Lou Hinkley and Gary Gill

PS: Coming up next is Capital Audiofest 2024 November 8th through 10th. Next week we will be opening registration for SWAF 2025 in Dallas, TX."

09 / 26 / 24

Métronome Technologie Le Player 4+ DAC / CD Player Review
The persistence of memory.
Review By Maurice Jeffries
In an act of musical and marketplace bravery, the esteemed French electronics firm Métronome Technologie has taken the bold step of offering music lovers still wed to physical media a device many long ago consigned to the dustbin of audio history: a dedicated CD player. When Toronto, Canada-based audio distributor / dealer Wynn Wong of Wynn Audio and our Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin contacted to gauge my interest in reviewing Metronome Technology Le Player 4+ CD player / DAC, I thought that they both must be crazy. What sane manufacturer would dare to offer a dedicated (and pricey) CD player in a market dominated by digital servers, streamers, music streaming services, and outboard DACs to that most fickle of consumers, the modern audiophile?
---> Métronome Technologie Le Player 4+ DAC / CD Player Review.

Soundsmith Zephyr MK III ES Phono Cartridge Review
Unveiling the masterworks!
Review By Paul Schumann
Back when I was starting to get serious about audio equipment, a long-time audiophile friend of mine offered me his collection of back issues of The Absolute Sound. I was a fan of TAS and eagerly accepted. For the next few months, night after night, I read, from cover to cover, all of those issues in chronological order. It was a fascinating dig into the early history of high-end audio and the culture that developed around it. One of the important discoveries made by Harry Pearson and his minions, was the sonic superiority of the old RCA "Shaded Dog" and Mercury records. The acquisition of pristine copies of these discs became an obsession for many audiophiles because, with the exception of a few reissues by MoFi, the audiophile vinyl business wasn't in full swing yet.
---> Soundsmith Zephyr MK III ES Phono Cartridge Review.

09 / 25 / 24

T.H.E. Show Acquires New York Audio Show
T.H.E. Enterprises, the owner of America's longest-running Hi-Fi show (T.H.E. Show), has acquired the New York Audio Show from the Chester Group. The renamed and reimagined event, T.H.E. New York International Audio Show, will carry on the tradition of showcasing ultra-high-end audio solutions for audiophiles within the Northeast from October 24th through 26th, 2025. T.H.E. Show previously announced a new initiative with Lone Star Audiofest, which is coming to Austin, Texas, May 2nd through 4th, 2025.

This past June, T.H.E. Show SoCal showcased over 190 of the finest audio brands in the world in Costa Mesa, California to the delight of thousands of attendees. T.H.E. Show SoCal returns to the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa from June 6th through 8th, 2025. T.H.E. Enterprises, the parent company of T.H.E. Show, is dedicated to fostering and championing supreme excellence in high-fidelity experiences through its audio shows, live events, and more. The company has been expanding this mission to larger, international audiences via growth into multiple avenues, addressing the needs and wants of audiophiles, cinephiles, and creators of music and film alike through the launch of their record label, forthcoming new network, and film festival. For more information visit TheShowNow.com.

TikToc Music Is Ceasing Operation November 28th
As a win for true lossless hi-res music services such as Qobuz, TikToc Music is shutting down in all locations globally on November 28th. According to TikToc Music: We are sorry to inform you that TikTok Music will be closing on November 28, 2024. After this date, access to TikTok Music, including login, subscriptions, and all other functionalities, will no longer be available.

What will happen to my subscription? If your subscription is active, you will continue to enjoy premium services until your subscription plan ends or until November 28, 2024, whichever comes first. All subscription renewals will be automatically canceled by November 28, 2024. Of note is that you may transfer your playlists from TikTok Music to other platforms by visiting TuneMyMusic.com. Also note that the playlist transfer service is only available until October 28, 2024.

09 / 24 / 24

WBT Founder Wolfgang B. Thörner Passes
This just in from WBT: It is with deep regret and heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our esteemed founder, owner and managing director, Wolfgang B. Thörner, who passed away on September 13, 2024 at the age of 78 after a short, serious illness. Wolfgang B. Thörner founded his company 40 years ago and laid the foundation for a success story that is characterized by vision, innovation and tireless commitment. Under his leadership, WBT developed into a leading global manufacturer of audio connectors. His exceptional dedication and technical acumen have not only established our company in the industry, but have also decisively shaped it.

Through his continuous innovative strength and his ability to think outside the box, Wolfgang B. Thörner has always set new standards in technology. He initiated numerous groundbreaking developments and technical advances that influenced and advanced not only our company, but the entire audio connector industry. His leadership style, characterized by trust and respect for his employees, created a corporate culture characterized by excellence and shared determination. His unwavering belief in the potential of his employees and his commitment to development made him a valued boss and mentor to all who had the privilege of working with him.

In these difficult hours, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, who have suffered an irreplaceable loss. We will honor Wolfgang B. Thörner's vision, passion and tireless energy and continue to reflect his values in our actions. Wolfgang B. Thörner will have a lasting place in the history of our company and in the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy will live on through the innovations and achievements he has shaped. His extraordinary life's work will continue to guide and inspire us. In sincere sorrow and gratitude, the WBT team.

High End & Smart Home Show 2024 In Dubai
The High End & Smart Home Show 2024 will take place this weekend, Show September 27th and 28th, at the Radisson Red Hotel Dubai Silicon Oasis. For those in the Middle-East, this may be a must-attend event for distributors, dealers, systems integrators as well as hi-fi enthusiasts and smart home technologies users from across the country and the region. A special Smart home exposition will include smart home solutions, home automation, lighting, and feature a wide range of products and services in the region.

As the premier event of its kind in Dubai, High End & Smart Home Show 2024 will focus on high-end audio/video and smart home solutions. Middle Eastern distributors, dealers, systems integrators, architects, and interior designers will showcase products to event attendees who consider high-quality audio/video and smart home solutions as the essential components of their homes. The High End & Smart Home Show 2024 is the only large event within the country you can personally listen and objectively compare numerous excellent high-end audio systems, see mesmerizing displays, home theatre setups, and learn more about smart home technologies.

09 / 23 / 24

Capital Audiofest (CAF) 2024 Show Information
With over 120 exhibition rooms, Washington DC's premier high-performance audio event, the Capital Audiofest (CAF) 2024 is set to take place at the Hilton Rockville (Maryland) from November 8th through 10th. Capital Audiofest started out in 2010 as a very casual show and has evolved into a well-organized and well-attended event, while also being recognized as a fun, friendly, and family-oriented high-end audiophile show. Families can casually stroll from room to room listening to music, auditioning gear, and browsing many bins of vinyl LP records, CDs, and hi-fi accessories. During the evenings, CAF 2024 will have live music in the bar area.

Capital Audiofest, held at the Hilton Rockville in Rockville, MD, is a beautiful venue and conveniently located next to a metro station. This provided quick access to Washington DC. With over 35,000 square feet of flexible conference space, the Hilton Rockville offers plenty of room for exhibitors and attendees to explore the latest audio products and technology. Plan ahead as discounted sleeping rooms are now available only to Capital Audiofest 2024 attendees. Things to consider: 

• Hilton Hotel sleeping rooms sold out! 
• Best Western good nearby option. 
• Parking at Hilton Hotel is tough! So....
• Consider parking for FREE at Metro on Saturday and Sunday.
• Consider parking behind Matchbox across the street in Congressional Plaza lot. 
• CAF has two nights of great live music. 
• Purchase your tickets online beforehand. 
• Great Guest Seminars on all three days!
• Many new vendors! 
• Students are FREE! 
• Check out our updated floor plans on CAF's website! 

See Enjoy the Music.com's Capital Audiofest 2023 show report. For more details on CAF 2024 and to get your tickets for this year's event, please see Capital Audiofest's website.

09 / 19 / 24

Vermouth Audio Studio Monitor Loudspeaker Review
A good-looking and great-sounding loudspeaker.
Review By Tom Lyle
Vermouth Audio is located in the Indonesian province of Bali, which is located east of Java. Most know Bali as a vacation destination. In fact, in 2017, Trip Advisor named Bali the world's top destination in its "Traveler's Choice award." Bali again won this honor in January 2021. About 80% of Bali's economy is tourism related. Vermouth Audio is part of the 20% unrelated to tourism. They are a company that designs and manufactures high-end audio connectors, cables, electronics, and, of the subject of this review, loudspeakers. When I was given the opportunity to review Vermouth Audio's Studio Monitors, which are distributed in the US by Believe Audio, located in Hutto, Texas, I enthusiastically accepted their offer.
---> Vermouth Audio Studio Monitor Loudspeaker Review.

Volti Audio Razz LE Loudspeaker Review
Sometimes good things come in large packages.
Review By Ron Nagle
A buzzing bell sound sends me to my front door. Outside two large boxes hide a sweaty, smallish UPS delivery man. I can see a faint smile cross his face as he tells me, "My father wanted me to be a doctor." Now I have two mini monoliths inside my front door. The boxes each weigh about 97 pounds and stand five feet tall. I can see my significant other giving me the look that means, I've been bad. I'm thinking, don't get your knickers in a twist, I can handle this. I downloaded the unpacking instructions. And using the instructions as a guide I peeled away the three cardboard boxes that held the speakers. This unpacking thing is a job for two people and four hands. Volti Audio is a brilliant creation by loudspeaker engineer Greg Roberts. He seems to be the CEO, CFO, Chief Designer, the guy who sweeps the floor and sends out for pizza.
---> Volti Audio Razz LE Loudspeaker Review.

09 / 13 / 24

audioXpress' October 2024 Issue
From the Editor's Desk: Brand Value And Brand Values
Experimental And Theoretical Investigation
Double Bass Arrays
Eliminating Speaker Doppler Distortion
Lessons In Audio
Joachim Gerhard On Low Noise Phono Stages
5th International AES Conference On Automotive Audio
Advances In Measurement Microphones
Scientific Comparisons Of Loudspeakers
And Much More!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "After an inspiring Audio Engineering Society (AES) conference on Automotive Audio in Gothenburg, Sweden, I had to reflect on the things I learned about the automotive industry. One of the most interesting aspects was meeting the teams from the multiple tiers of the automotive supply chain, and most importantly meeting professionals from the manufacturers, from the brands, and from the audio brands that are now embedded into OEM vehicles. A pleasant surprise was to meet the large audio team from Ferrari. The famous Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, founded in 1939 by Enzo Ferrari, is one of very few original automobile "name brands." Not surprisingly, Ferrari is also one of the world's strongest brands and one of the most valued car manufacturers by capitalization–fourth after Tesla, Toyota, and BYD, and surpassing Mercedes-Benz (those things fluctuate and change quickly, of course). Ferrari is now entering a new age with advanced, fast, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles."
---> audioXpress' October 2024 Issue.

09 / 12 / 24

Aavik Acoustics System Review
High-end audio equipment is made by those who love music.
Review By Tom Lyle
Aavik S-280 Streamer, U-280 Unity Integrated Amp with built-in DAC, Ansuz Acoustics Mainz8 A2 AC Power Distribution Bar, Mainz8 A2 AC Ansuz Power Cords, Speakz Speaker Cables, Digitalz Ethernet Cable, PowerSwitch A2 Ethernet Switch, Darkz C2t, Resonance Control Devices, and Titanium Balls for Ansuz Acoustics Darkz C2t.
The subjects of this review feature components and accessories from two of the three brands designed and manufactured by The Audio Group Denmark, which acts as an umbrella company for Aavik Acoustics, Ansuz Acoustics, and Børresen Acoustics. The company was started by two Danes, Lars Kristensen, and Michael Børresen, who first met more than 20 years ago. Aavik Acoustics designs and manufactures many types of high-end audio components, such as amplifiers, DACs, phono stages, and streamers. Ansuz Acoustics products consist of what most audiophiles would call high-end audio accessories, cables, power distribution, streaming accessories, and resonance control devices.
---> Aavik Acoustics System Review.

Audience Hidden Treasure In-Wall AC PowerCable And High Definition Wall Receptacle Review
Like a buried treasure that pays huge dividends in musical enjoyment!
Review By Rick Becker
If you're reading this review, you're either considering the installation of a dedicated line in what is likely your dedicated listening room or perhaps your home theater...  or maybe the video rig in your family room if you're seriously into watching TV. Or possibly, you've already installed a line and are wondering if this new Audience cable might be a worthwhile upgrade. In any case, I suspect you're already convinced that "everything matters" in high-end audio, especially cables. Keep reading. Audience is one of the most respected cable manufacturers and my ears perked up when I saw the ad for their new In-Wall AC cable. It's been 20 years since I reviewed Joe Skubinski's JPS Labs Power AC In-Wall cable. He's sold miles of it and "Big Red" has remained my reference dedicated line ever since. What's taken so long for the competition to arise?
---> Audience Hidden Treasure In-Wall AC PowerCable And High Definition Wall Receptacle Review.

09 / 11 / 24

HIGH END Munich Show Moves To Vienna In 2026
The HIGH END international audio show will change to a new venue in 2026, with next year's event being at Germany's M.O.C. for the final time. This move from Munich to Vienna signals a groundbreaking step and was announced by the High End Society at today's annual general meeting of the Association for High Quality Audio and Video Reproduction. With the decision, the organizer is marking an important milestone on the future path of the world's leading trade show for enthusiasts of high-quality audio technology. The HIGH END 2025 will be held in the M.O.C. Event Center once again from May 15 to 18, 2025. But then just a year later, the internationally renowned audio show will exhibit to visitors for the first time in the Austria Center Vienna (ACV) in May. The first-class event venue in the heart of Austria's capital has undergone extensive remodeling in recent years and was equipped with the latest digital technology.

The venue offers a variety of modern rooms in different sizes for exhibitors to best showcase their products and technologies. Additional rooms and spacious halls are available for exhibitors to set up their individual stands. The ACV has a total of 26,000 square meters of exhibition space on several levels in the main building as well as the adjoining halls, enabling exhibitors to find optimal conditions for their various needs. The companies that took part in FINEST AUDIO SHOW Vienna in November 2023 received a first impression of this. The consistently positive feedback and the current registration figures for this year's FAS Vienna only underscore the fact that the ACV is an excellent choice for the new home of the HIGH END.

HIGH END Munich 2025 – May 15 to 18, 2025
HIGH END Vienna 2026 – May 28 to 31, 2026
HIGH END Vienna 2027 – May 6 to 9, 2027
HIGH END Vienna 2028 – May 25 to 28, 2028

09 / 09 / 24

United Record Pressing Celebrates Their 75 Year Anniversary
Located in Nashville, a.k.a. Music City, United Record Pressing (URP) continues to press vinyl LP for music lovers worldwide. Within the past handful of years there has been a resurgence of interest with vinyl records, with revenues growing year after year as sales of the digital compact disc have been decreasing. With global sales achieving $1.4 billion in 2023, United Record Pressing and many other vinyl LP pressing plants have been a significant contributor to this resurgence. By consistently delivering quality pressings that appeal to both new and seasoned vinyl enthusiasts, United Record Pressing produces high-end vinyl LPs. That 75 years of experience translates into modern-day, ahead-of-the-game integration like exploring how AI-powered technologies can detect plating issues before they affect production or through collaborations. For example, Sibert Instruments applies optical disc technology to vinyl. To ensure a future of continued technological advancement, United Record Pressing became the first North American plant to earn a Sony Green Partner Certification.

United Record Pressing, founded in 1949 is North America's largest historic vinyl record pressing plant , which is American-owned with a global footprint. By having a comprehensive supply chain and legendary capabilities, they have ben actively pressing records for iconic musical artists over nearly eight decades. With over 60 presses in a 160,000-square-foot facility, URP is claimed to excel in providing on-time vinyl production, quality control, custom branded options, and sustainability excellence, with the capacity to press over 100,000 records daily. Lacquer cutting and electroplating are handled in-house, ensuring reliable and timely product supply. Celebrating 75 years in 2024, URP remains committed to customer success through innovation, experience, and flexibility.

Previous High-End Audio News
For previous high-end audio and music industry news click here.