This photo of the vast Munich venue, taken near closing time on the last day of the 2025 audio show, wraps up Stereophile's coverage.
Despite the impact of the Trump tariffs, Munich attendance figures were again impressive. With 323,000 square feet of exhibition space—that's seven and a half acres!—High End Munich '25 welcomed 10,562 trade visitors from 87 countries; 11,675 consumer attendees from 63 countries; and 581 media representatives from 43 countries. While the Munich event may not be audio's most popular—depending on how you count attendees, the Hong Kong, Warsaw, and AXPONA shows may attract more unique visitors—it is unquestionably the meeting place for consumers and distributors.
Next year's show promises more of the same—plus a logistical curveball. The world's most important audio show is moving to Vienna, with the next installment slated for May 28–31 at the Austria Center Vienna. No problem, except that the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, also scheduled for May, may be held in Vienna as well. [Correction: Due to the conflict, the High End show has now been delayed by a week, to June 4–7.] As a result, hotel rates for that month have already skyrocketed. Although the Eurovision event will end on May 23 at the latest, knock‑on effects are expected, and the High End Society recommends postponing hotel bookings for now. This could be a costly show for all involved; if you're planning to go, keep your eyes and ears open . . . just like your options.
Next year's show promises more of the same—plus a logistical curveball. The world's most important audio show is moving to Vienna, with the next installment 
