Impressively full-range sound was the hallmark of a fine system dominated by Aequo Audio's new three-driver Ensium speakers with active, room-corrected bass ($44,900/pair, or approx. $40,000/pair in the passive version). Connected by AudioQuest cabling (approx. $100,000), with Aequo's own Ferroguard power cables ($4100) for the woofers, the Dutch company's speakers absolutely sang. As I discovered from playing musical chairs, the sound was at its best in the front row; there, on Yello's "Till Tomorrow," colors were the most saturated and involving.

This massive system—anchored by the world premiere Avalon Acoustics SAGA Signature loudspeakers, amplification from Nick Doshi, and Acustica Applicata's Volcano Modular Variable Resonator—produced deeply involving sound.

Ortofon's Louis Dorio was demoing the brand's new cartridge lineup, featuring the MC X10 with elliptical stylus ($299), MC X20 with nude elliptical stylus ($499), MC X30 with nude fine-line stylus ($699), and MC X40 with nude Shibata stylus on a boron cantilever ($999).

Jacky Lee, CEO of French manufacturer Revival Audio, presented a fine system that included an Electrocompaniet ECM 1 MKII high-end DAC and music streamer ($5800, all prices approximate when converted from Euros), an EMC 1 MKV Reference CD player ($7300), an EC 4.8 MKII Reference preamplifier ($5700), and Electrocompaniet's AW 800 M Reference stereo/monoblock amplifiers ($24,000 each).

At High End Munich, the shared booth of Prague-based Remton Audio and Fonolab inevitably caught my eye. Beautifully crafted phono gear always stands out, especially when it reflects deep analog passion.

After meeting Thuono Audio co-founder Eleonora Bonollo at the brand's static display in 2024, it was a pleasure to see the Italian entrepreneur demonstrating a full playback system at this year's High End Munich.

Lansche Audio just celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking the occasion by unveiling a carefully curated system at the Munich show. The setup integrated new products from two renowned analog companies: Klaudio of Japan and Reed of Lithuania.

This system, largely composed of Viva Audio components—including three world premieres—was supported by a mix of modest and high-end source components.

This room featured multiple world premieres, including the TechDAS AF 4 turntable ($31,500, all prices approximate when converted from Euros), The Wand Dark-Light tonearm ($8200), and the Mutech RM Hayate MC cartridge (Corrected: $9000 after tariffs).

What more delightful way to end the third day of High End Munich than having a cup of tea and a short chat with Jean-Christophe Calmettes, owner of Jadis Electronics? He had some interesting news to share about the French company's two forthcoming integrated amplifiers, the Aria class-AB ($5200, all prices approximate when converted from Euros) and the Ode 30W pure class-A (available fourth quarter 2025, price TBD).