The High End Munich 2024 trade fair took place between Thursday, May 9 and Sunday, May 12 in Bavaria. Like every year, manufacturers took the opportunity to unveil new products. In the amplifiers and electronics market, Argon Audio, NAD, Elipson, FiiO and Cayin had some superb surprises in store for visitors. Here’s an overview of the main announcements.
Cayin celebrates its 30th anniversary
For its 30th anniversary, Cayin has developed a new range of electronics: Cayin Pearl 30. It includes the Cayin Pearl 30C CD player, Cayin Pearl 30D DAC and Cayin Pearl 30i tube amplifier.
The latter delivers up to 2 x 230W RMS, guaranteeing breathtaking musicality over a wide frequency range of 5Hz to 75kHz. It benefits from an external power supply mounted in its own housing to limit interference and make the most of the KT170 power tubes.
The Cayin Pearl 30C is equipped with the Philips VAU1255/31LF CD-PRO2 player and features a sophisticated digital audio jitter cleaner. The Cayin Pearl 30D DAC is equipped with eight ESS ES9039SPRO chips, guaranteeing excellent dynamics while reducing background noise. This exceptional DAC supports high-resolution PCM and DSD files up to 768kHz or DSD512.
Argon Audio SA2
Recently added to the Son-Vidéo.com catalog, Argon Audio’s booth was packed with new releases during High End Munich. The Danish manufacturer had its new SA2 hi-fi amplifier on display. The latter is the successor to the Argon Audio SA1 model, which won over audiophiles with its compact size and comprehensive connectivity. This second generation retains the strengths of its predecessor, but adds WiFi compatibility. As a result, the Argon Audio SA2 connected amplifier remains compact and supports AirPlay 2 and Chromecast protocols. It also comes with a new aluminum remote control. A new blue finish will also be available. The Argon Audio SA2 stereo hi-fi amplifier will be available this summer for €449.
Elipson and the Performance range
Back to France with Elipson, who showcased its Performance range. This series revolves around the Elipson Performance I300 XI connected amplifier. It is WiFi and Bluetooth aptX HD compatible. It also supports AirPlay 2 and Chromecast protocols, and is compatible with the Elipson multi-room ecosystem. It delivers 2 x 130 watts RMS into 4 and 8 ohms. The Elipson Performance I300 XI connected amplifier incorporates an ESS 9280 AQ DAC that decodes files up to 24-bit/192kHz. Connectors include two unbalanced RCA inputs, an MM phono input, an asynchronous USB-B port, a coaxial S/PDIF input and an HDMI ARC port. Finally, a subwoofer output and a 6.35mm headphone output complete the package.
In the same range, the brand offers the Elipson Performance CD300 CD player. It features an unbalanced RCS output, a balanced XLR output, a Toslink S/PDIF optical output and a coaxial S/PDIF output. With its ESS SABRE 9023 P DAC, it provides a sampling rate of up to 16-bit/44.1kHz. Finally, the Elipson Performance A300 power amp completes the range. It delivers 2 x 150 watts into 8 ohms or 2 x 250 watts into 4 ohms. In bridge mode, it can even deliver 500 watts RMS.
The new Atoll Evolution range
Still among the French brands, Atoll’s stand featured two new products in the Evolution range. First, the Atoll IN400 Evolution amplifier. The latter benefits from a redesigned amplification stage to deliver a more stable signal. Its polarization system also means that it is unaffected by variations in the mains plug, guaranteeing better signal linearity. More modular, it can be fitted with a digital card. This Class A amplifier with its brushed aluminum front panel features dual XLR outputs. The Atoll IN400 Evolution amp is due to go on sale in September at around €5,400.
Next, the Atoll PR300 Evolution preamplifier. While its aesthetics are the same as the previous generation, this model features some significant changes, starting with the integration of an XLR balanced input and output. The manufacturer promises a 6 dB gain in dynamics and signal-to-noise ratio. The Atoll PR300 Evolution preamplifier should also be available in September, priced at around €2,000.
FiiO has many new releases
FiiO is one of today’s most active manufacturers. The Chinese brand’s booth was packed with new products! The ultra-versatile FiiO R9 network player was obviously one of the stand’s main attractions. Handy to have on your desk, this all-in-one model doubles as a USB DAC, network player, headphone amp and preamplifier. It really impressed us during our review for the blog, and it also seemed to work its magic with visitors to High End 2024.
Alongside the FiiO R9 was the FiiO K19, which also piqued the curiosity of audiophiles. This desktop unit is a hybrid model, combining the features of a DAC and a headphone amplifier. Equipped with two ES9039MSPRO DAC chips and AAA-788+ THX modules, it supports high-resolution PCM streams at up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. The FiiO K19 offers a maximum output power of 8000 mW per channel into 32 ohms. Bluetooth compatible, it is equipped with a bi-directional chip for use as a receiver or transmitter. It supports SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC codecs.
NAD C 379
The main new release at NAD’s booth was the NAD C376 connected amplifier. This latest addition to the Classic NAD range is capable of delivering 2 x 80 watts into 8 ohms. Combined with the NAD C268 power amp, it can even deliver up to 300 watts in bridge mode. The versatile NAD C376 amplifier features an MM phono input, two line-level RCA inputs and five digital inputs, including an HDMI eARC port. Two subwoofer outputs are also included.
This new amplifier from the Canadian manufacturer adopts a modular design (MDC). Audiophiles can therefore regularly upgrade their equipment to include BluOS network streaming or Dirac automatic calibration, for example. For its part, the digital circuit benefits from the qualities of the ESS SABRE ES9028 DAC. This 32-bit digital-to-analog converter guarantees ultra-low distortion.
The WiiM Ultra streamer
Building on the success of its first two network players, the WiiM Pro and WiiM Pro +, the manufacturer is expanding its range with the WiiM Ultra model. It features a wide range of connectors, including an HDMI ARC input, phono input, RCA stereo input and output, USB-A port, subwoofer output and coaxial output. There’s also a headphone output on the front panel. This means it can be easily combined with either analog or digital sources. Benefiting from a WiFi connection, it also features an RJ45 Ethernet port.
This streamer is compatible with most wireless technologies on the market. The WiiM Ultra network player integrates AirPlay 2 and Chromecast protocols, and offers simplified access to Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect services. Last but not least, it features a 9cm touchscreen. It will be available in July.
WiiM also showcased the new WiiM CI MOD A80 network player, which completes the WiiM CI series. Designed for professional use and rack installation, it is a hybrid solution: both network player and amplifier. It incorporates an amplification system capable of delivering up to 110 W into 4 ohms. The WiiM CI MOD A80 features an HDMI ARC port for easy connection to the TV. It also features an optical input and a subwoofer output. This model should also be available during the summer.
