Here are some impressions from the audio fairs in Munich last week:
Our small group typically combines our Munich visit with mountain trips in the Garmisch Partenkirchen and Innsbruck area. However, due to inclement weather this year, we started our journey with a detour to Prague, where we enjoyed a fantastic jazz show by the band CAPTAIN FINGERS at the AghaRTA club.
Arriving in Munich after two and a half days, we postponed our mountain trip until after the exhibition. We attended two exhibitions (one in the MOC, the other in the Marriott Hotel), each showcasing a wide array of high-quality audio equipment. Despite differences in size between the MOC and Marriott Hotel venues, the Hifideluxe exhibition seemed to offer greater value to visitors in terms of sound quality.
Attendance during the two days I visited (Thursday and Friday) was similar to last year, with an attentive audience. Other commentators had already remarked on the sound quality in the show, noting that successful displays were those that were meticulously prepared, rather than relying on chance.
However, I found it disappointing that many presenters used playlists featuring techno and electronic music, which seemed out of place for such an event.
Here are my impressions of some of the systems:
- Lorenzo Audio: While the music system was enjoyable to listen to, the selection of music sometimes felt off, and the Hi Mid sounds occasionally sounded thin.
- TAD: Despite its potential, I found the mid-high sounds too thin for my liking, leaving me wondering if more effort could have been made to improve the overall result.
- VTL\Wilson: A pleasant surprise, as the combination of VTL with Wilson speakers produced excellent music.
- Living Voice: Although the sound quality was not as good as last year, the system managed to impress with jazz music.
- MAGICO S5: Despite a familiar playlist, the room left me smiling, with little to fault beyond the music selection (ordered a pair a couple of weeks ago to replace my S3 2023).
- Gobel + Pillium: This setup did everything right for my ears, although accompanied by a huge subwoofer the smaller loudspeaker was a refreshing look next to all the audio monsters presented at show.
- J-M-F (Hifi Deluxe): A surprising standout, with simple-looking speakers delivering impressive sound.
- Diesis Roma (Hifi Deluxe): Among the most enjoyable stands, offering a colorful yet satisfying sound experience.
- Aries Cerat: While capable of reproducing a full symphonic orchestra, the system's downside lies in its space requirements and design, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Brodman\Zensati: Consistently delivering quality music without much fanfare.
- Alsyvox: A pleasant surprise despite a lack of slam, with excellent midrange performance (can't say the same words on the Clarisys system that was presented at the Marriott).
Unfortunately, I missed out on experiencing Cesario and Vivid Moya this year.
As for the disappointments:
- Goldmud Sound Systems: Lacking in power and credibility.
- CH + Wilson XVX: Thin and unexciting sound, despite previous positive experiences.
- Nagra + Stenheim: Disappointing sound quality, despite the opportunity to purchase HD Vinyl and discs at a discount.
- Boulder Audio + YG: Failed to meet expectations, with the size of the disappointment matching the anticipation.
To sum it up, I'm probably more fond of horn speakers than I admit, and I don't find most Swiss audio gear to my taste.
Lastly, while there were many other rooms with both positive and negative aspects, these were the ones I chose to highlight. Looking forward to 2025!
