The 2024 Munich High End is a key spring event and an ideal opportunity for manufacturers to showcase their latest products. Among the many brands present in Germany this year, FiiO, Focal, Astell&Kern and Meze had some nice surprises in store for portable music fans.
FiiO, a very active manufacturer
Among all the hi-fi brands exhibiting their new devices at Munich, Chinese manufacturer FiiO seemed to stand out from the crowd, with many surprises at its booth.
FiiO unveiled a few exclusive audiophile releases: the Chinese manufacturer unveiled the M21, M23 and M27. While the M21 and M27 models will soon be on the market, the FiiO M23 is the only new DAP that is currently available. The successor to the FiiO M11 Plus II features a new AKM AK4191EQ DAC with AK4499EX chip. It is compatible with PCM streams up to 32-bit/768kHz, as well as DSD 512 and MQA files. THX amplification ensures low distortion and exemplary neutrality. The FiiO M23 DAP offers access to streaming services and supports Bluetooth aptX and AirPlay wireless streaming protocols.
The FiiO stand was packed with new creations. The Chinese brand took advantage of High End Munich 2024 to reveal its FA19 in-ear monitors. Each earphone features ten balanced-armature transducers (four Bass BA, two ED Mid BA and four SWFK Treble BA) designed by specialist Knowles. This exceptional model is the new symbol of the brand’s expertise. They will soon be available for €1099.
Focal presents the Hadenys and Azurys headphones
At the French manufacturer’s booth, all eyes were on the new Focal Hadenys and Focal Azurys headphones. The first is an open-back model equipped with 40mm aluminum-magnesium transducers, offering a rich, enveloping sound experience with a vast soundstage. The Focal Hadenys hi-fi headphones cover a frequency range from 25Hz to 22kHz, revealing every nuance of the track. With a high sensitivity of 100 dB for 1 mW and an impedance of 26 ohms, they are versatile, and can be powered by a headphone amp or a DAC.
The Focal Azurys model adopts a closed-back design and an elegant blue finish. It, too, adopts the 40mm aluminum-magnesium “M” dome transducers patented by the French manufacturer. The latter guarantee a warm, immersive audio experience. The Focal Azurys hi-fi headphones feature a frequency range from 15Hz to 22kHz to reveal every musical detail. With their sensitivity of 100 dB for 1 mW and 26-ohm impedance, they can be powered by a DAP or headphone amplifier.
Astell&Kern: exceptional new releases
High End Munich 2024 was also an opportunity to dream of owning some of the equipment on show. At the Astell&Kern booth, fans of portable music could check out the new A&K SP3000T DAP. This beautifully designed model incorporates triple amplification technology that will delight audiophiles everywhere. The SP3000T features tube amplification, digital amplification (more usual for this type of equipment) and a hybrid amplification system combining the two technologies. WiFi and Bluetooth aptX HD compatible, it also includes two AKM AK4191 DACs and two AK 4499EX DACs for music playback up to a very high resolution of 32-bit/768kHz and native decoding of DSD512 and MQA files. Last but not least, the A&K SP3000T DAP features a 14cm touchscreen and a 10-hour battery life. Already available, it is priced at €3,700.
Astell&Kern also showed its new Astell&Kern Novus in-ear monitors. This is a new collaboration with the prestigious Empire Ears brand. This limited edition follows on from the success of the Astell&Kern Odyssey earphones. Available from June at €5,990, they feature cutting-edge technologies and exceptional materials. Each earpiece features 13 transducers, a 24-carat gold-plated 6061-T6 aluminum shell and sapphire glass.
Meze, a summer of new arrivals
The huge Meze stand featured two new products: the Meze 105 AER headphones and Meze ALBA in-ear monitors. We had the opportunity to listen to the latest headphones from the Romanian manufacturer. They offer a warm, balanced sound. Priced at around €400, they should be available this summer. Like the Meze 105 AER headphones, the Meze ALBA in-ear monitors should be available between July and August.
Sennheiser was also present to unveil the exclusive Sennheiser HD 620S closed-back headphones. The Sennheiser HD 620S headphones feature 42mm slanted transducers combined with a 38mm diaphragm and an ultra-light aluminum voice coil for an ultra-wide soundstage, with balanced bass and sub-bass. During our listening session, we noted an accurate musical reproduction, capable of revealing an infinite number of nuances and details. These uncompromising headphones need to be given high-definition files in order to offer the very best performance.
A limited edition from Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica allowed visitors to enjoy analog listening sessions at the Listening Station. The same stand also featured the limited-edition ATH-WPLTD headphones. Aesthetically similar to the ATH-WP900 model, they feature wooden ear cups. Available soon in Europe, they will be priced at €1,799.
The Audio-Technica Kurogaki (ATH-AWKG) hi-fi headphones were also on display. Their name is inspired by the god of thunder in Japanese culture. Wooden ear cups, A2DC connector and ZMF Universe hybrid ear pads: these closed-back headphones are a true showcase of the manufacturer’s expertise.
