High End Munich 2025: Electronics and Digital Sources Highlights

Explore the latest in high-end electronics and digital sources showcased at Munich’s landmark audio event.

Munich’s Grand Finale and Industry Impact

The final High End Munich show was truly a pinnacle event—the biggest and most sonically impressive I’ve experienced in 21 years at the MOC convention hall. Next year, the event moves to Vienna, stirring mixed feelings across the industry. It’s tough to beat Munich’s incredible track record: over 10,500 trade visitors from 87 countries, nearly 12,000 consumers from 63 countries, and 581 press from 43 countries. A staggering 501 exhibitors presented close to a thousand brands over four days. Simply put, Munich is audio heaven like no other.

The Absolute Sound brought its largest team to cover every angle: Andrew Quint on affordable loudspeakers, Michael Fremer on analog, Robert Harley on electronics and digital sources, Jonathan Valin on ultra-high-end speakers, Tom Martin on tech breakthroughs, and Jacob Heilbrunn offering lively commentary on his personal favorites.

The VTL Lohengrin flagship power amplifier

Flagship Amplifiers Steal the Show

VTL Lohengrin – Power Amplifier Mastery

VTL’s Lohengrin, the new flagship, made a striking debut. It combines the driver stage from the Siegfried model with an all-new eight-tube output stage that pumps out an impressive 400W. This design features zero global feedback, wide bandwidth up to 100kHz, and an adjustable damping factor for ultimate sound control. Visually modern and priced at $100,000 per pair, the Lohengrin promises top-tier performance. Paired with Wilson Audio Alexx V Carbon speakers, the sound was nothing short of breathtaking.

Vitus Audio SM-025 – A New Power Player

From Denmark, Vitus Audio SM-025 previewed a revamp of the discontinued SM-011. This amplifier boasts output-stage boards mounted inside a machined heatsink section, a colossal transformer, and a completely new input stage. Users can select either 40W Class A or 200W Class AB power modes. Expected to retail around $65,000 per pair, the SM-025 will be available late this summer.

Soulution 717 and AlsyVox Botticelli

Though unveiled earlier at AXPONA, the Soulution 717 ($119,000) amplifier shone driving AlsyVox Botticelli, a three-way full-range ribbon speaker just beneath the Caravaggio flagship. Paired with Soulution’s revolutionary turntable that minimizes radius-dependent tracking error, the system delivered exceptional sound.

Gryphon Antilion Revolution – Danish Excellence

Gryphon’s Antilion Revolution power amplifier is the latest iteration of a classic since 1995, now upgraded with technologies inspired by their flagship models Commander and Apex. This beauty packs 40 Toshiba high-current transistors, dual transformers, and massive capacitance of 335,000µF per channel. Available as stereo ($45,000) or monoblock ($90,000 per pair), it blends Class A liquidity with authoritative bass control.

Linn Klimax Solo 500 – Innovative Cooling and Bias

Linn’s Klimax Solo 500 is a redesigned Class AB amplifier delivering 250W into 8 ohms and 500W into 4 ohms, housed in a compact aluminum case. Its novel cooling system uses natural convection and smart fans controlled by FPGA to maintain optimal temperature, along with Adaptive Bias Control to maintain ideal transistor bias over time. It retails at $32,380 per pair.

Burmester’s Reference Line Revamp

Burmester unveiled a fresh take on its Reference Line with new preamplifier 249, power amplifier 259, and turntable. The modular 249 preamp supports optional phonostage, extra inputs, and DAC modules, powered externally. The 259 amp offers stereo or mono configurations requiring no warm-up. Customizable finishes and an acquisition of a key supplier promise exciting future possibilities. Shipping expected in Q3 or Q4.

Karan Acoustics – Serbian Craftsmanship

Karan Acoustics displayed an elegant system featuring their flagship LINEa preamplifier, PHONOa phonostage, and POWERa monoblock amplifiers. Known for balanced circuits, oversized power supplies, and exquisite casework, the Serbian brand continues to impress with refined, dual-mono stereo amps.

Telos Foundation Core Series

Taiwan’s Telos Foundation Core Series launched affordable power conditioners and grounding units inspired by their high-end tech. The Power Core ($15,000) and Ground Core ($12,000) offer solid aluminum chassis and practical features like multiple outlets and binding posts to enhance system stability and noise reduction.

Digital Source Innovations

Qobuz Connect – Streaming Made Simpler

The standout digital audio launch was Qobuz Connect, a new app allowing direct playback control on compatible devices without third-party software. Early feedback suggests superior sound quality compared to other streaming apps, with widespread manufacturer support already in place.

Lumin’s Versatile Lineup

• P1 Mini ($6,000): Combines streamer, DAC, and analog preamplifier into one, supporting USB, SPDIF, HDMI inputs and featuring dual ESS Sabre DACs and the Leedh volume control.
• L2 Network Switch ($4,200-$6,600): Four-port switch with optical ports for noise isolation, available with internal storage (4TB or 8TB).
• U2X Transport ($11,000): Flagship digital transport with external power supply, noise-isolated USB, and sophisticated clocking for minimal jitter.

Wadax Studio Player Accessories

Spanish company Wadax introduced two companions for its popular Studio Player ($40,800): the Studio Clock ($28,500) and Studio PSU power supply ($29,800), plus the required Akasa DC cable. These upgrades significantly enhance sound by offering precise clocking and superior power delivery.

Aurender N50 Server

Korean specialist Aurender N50 launched the three-box flagship server ($35,000), separating power supply, CPU/control, and audio output for noise reduction. It includes a high-precision OCXO clock, galvanically isolated USB, dual AES/EBU outputs, and supports all streaming services, arriving in July.

Innuous Nazaré – Modular Digital Powerhouse

Innuous showcased the expandable Nazaré server system starting at $70,000. Designed with massive processing power, a huge power supply, vibration isolation, and upgrade paths, it can grow into a three-chassis setup with the Nazaré Flow digital output and Nazaré Net network switch. When paired with MSB DAC, Gryphon amps, and Marten speakers, it created one of the best sounds at the show.

CH Precision 10 Series

CH Precision revealed its highly anticipated 10 Series digital trio: the D10 Reference Transport ($95,000), C10 Conductor, and C10 Master DAC ($75,000). The transport features a massively engineered, brass-core mechanism suspended on gel isolators, while the Conductor handles all digital processing, freeing the DAC to focus on conversion. Both benefit from innovative design and modular power supplies.

dCS Lina DAC X

dCS Lina DAC X enhanced its Lina DAC line by adding multiple inputs and a volume control to create a complete network player. The solid aluminum chassis, large display, and future upgrade path make it a versatile choice for digital enthusiasts.

Metronome DSAS – Server with Audirvana Studio

French manufacturer Metronome unveiled the DSAS streamer/server ($5,990), running Audirvana Studio natively on a dedicated Linux platform. With 2TB expandable storage and a three-year Audirvana subscription, this compact unit offers integrated music management and streaming.

EMP Monster Music Server

Taiwanese newcomer EMP celebrated 20 years with the Monster Music Server ($40,000), designed around a power supply worthy of a power amplifier. It supports Roon Core or endpoint mode, with or without an internal DAC, and arrives in Q3 2025.

Robert Harley’s Best of Show Picks

• AlsyVox Michelangelo: A lifelike full-range ribbon delivering immediacy and power. Explore on Amazon
• MBL 101-xTreme: Effortless sound disappearance, massive bass, and smooth tonal balance. Explore on Amazon
• Wilson WAMM: David Wilson’s magnum opus, majestic and dynamic driven by Dan D’Agostino power amplifiers. Explore on Amazon
• Clarisys Atrium: Full-range ribbons with stunning spatiality and tone. Explore on Amazon
• AlsyVox Botticelli: Ribbon excellence at a more accessible price point. Explore on Amazon
• Lorenzo LM1: Tonal truth and startling dynamics from Spain at $250k per pair. Explore on Amazon
• Silent Pound Bloom: Best sound value with innovative reflection-reduction tech at €14,900. Explore on Amazon

Most Significant Introduction:

AlsyVox Michelangelo full-range ribbon speaker.

Most Significant Trend:

The growing sophistication of digital audio hardware, exemplified by Innuos Nazaré, CH Precision 10 Series, and Aurender N50.

“Driving Wilson Audio Alexx V Carbon speakers with dCS digital source and Kuzma turntable, the Lohengrin produced perhaps the best sound I’ve heard from the Alexx V.” — Robert Harley

Conclusion

With Munich’s final curtain call, High End 2025 showcased the pinnacle of audio innovation, blending refined electronics with cutting-edge digital sources. As the industry anticipates the move to Vienna, these advancements set a thrilling course for the future of high-fidelity sound. Which new technology are you most excited to explore in your own listening setup?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes the VTL Lohengrin amplifier special? It combines an advanced eight-tube output stage with zero global feedback and a modern aesthetic, delivering 400W of pristine power.
• How does the Lumin P1 Mini stand out as a digital source? It integrates a streamer, DAC, and analog preamplifier with multiple inputs and advanced clocking, offering versatility in a compact design.
• Why is the Innuos Nazaré considered a game-changer? Its modular design, massive power supply, vibration isolation, and upgrade paths provide exceptional digital playback quality.
• What is unique about the CH Precision D10 Reference Transport? Its highly engineered, brass-core disc mechanism suspended on gel isolators ensures ultra-low vibration and precision playback.
• How does Qobuz Connect improve the streaming experience? It offers direct playback control on compatible devices without third-party apps, potentially enhancing sound quality.

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