Déjà-vue
Whenever I enter the MOC, the Munich exhibition centre where the High End Show has been held since 2007, I have a strange feeling of déjà-vu. Indeed, at first glance, the same brands seem to me to be the in same place as always, with the same people showing the same products, or the MkII version, with the same music for the same people, only older. I don't even need a map because I know where I can find all the rooms in all the Atrium corridors and Hall streets. In some cases, I could use last year's photos, and no one would notice.
The reinvention of highend audio
But what makes the Munich High End Show so inescapable in the world of exotic high-end audio is its ability to reinvent itself every year. There is always something new in every price and size category. But of course, as in the world of music, it's the big stars that attract the crowds, eager to get an exclusive selfie with the creator and the creation, or both, to show everybody on social networks.
I was there!
Not even professionals can escape this trend, and neither can readers, so I thought it best to open the report with three heavyweights, all costing hundreds of thousands of euros and with performances to match. Neither I nor the readers can afford any of these speakers, but at least we can say, 'I was there'. Me personally, and the readers virtually, via Hificlube. Note: Send me a photo of yours (full-body standing), and I will place you next to the speakers of your choice for you to show to your friends.
Sonus faber Suprema: the party of the year at the Andaz Hotel Ballroom. Videos of the event will be published in Imacustica's exclusive report.
Sonus faber Suprema
First shown at CES2024, were the Suprema to be exhibited at the MOC, they would certainly be the talk of the show. But Sonus faber chose a different venue, a quiet hotel nearby, like last year at the Kempinski with the magnificent Stradivari G2.
A system with a price tag of over 1 million euros. The Suprema alone costs 750,000...
We were fortunate enough to receive an invitation from Livio Cucuzza himself to attend and share with our readers a demonstration of a speaker system that costs a staggering 750,000 euros per pair. Yes, you read that right, it's not a typo.
Initially, I thought the presentation was for a restricted group of professionals and journalists. However, to my surprise, when we arrived, we found that around a hundred people had attended, who were there to take photos and selfies next to the Suprema. It wasn't an audiophile preview, but rather a social event where the ballroom of the Andaz Hotel welcomed Suprema and McIntosh to liven up the party between drinks and canapés.
We joined the Ajasom team, consisting of Nuno Cristina and Jorge Mendes. Here's to the health of McIntosh's and Sonus faber!
Team Ajasom joined with Team Hificlube at the Suprema party. Left to right: Jorge Mendes, Nuno Cristina, Pedro Henriques.
40th Anniversary
According to Sonus faber, Suprema sets a new standard for sound quality and luxury to honour its 40th anniversary. And I thank Sonus faber for giving me the honour of listening to Suprema on my own 40th anniversary as a reviewer.
Suprema consists of a sophisticated four column system— two main columns two, subwoofers, and an external electronic crossover. The two main columns take the signature Sonus faber lute shape, originally introduced with Guarneri in 1993.
The Lady of the Camellias
The new Camelia midrange, responsible for the most important part of the acoustic spectrum, was developed to ensure maximum resolution while maintaining the signature Natural Sound of Sonus faber. The form of the new membrane is inspired by the camellia— a prized flower in the region of Tuscany. And in Sintra too.
The Sonus faber camellia, in the iteration used in the Sonetto VIII G2.
The two subwoofers, in contrast, take on Stradivari’s elliptical shape, which is most suitable for the reproduction of low frequencies. Each of the two main columns of Suprema is a 4.5 ways system, featuring 2 backfiring speakers in addition to 8 front-firing speakers— 4 dual drive woofers, 1 mid-woofer, 1 Camelia midrange, 1 mid-tweeter, 1 super tweeter.
Of course, you can customize the speakers and choose from a palette of premium wood finishes, metal types and colours, and various leather grains and hues.
Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida and Suprema
My son, Pedro Henriques, and I stood with our mouths open as we entered the ballroom. I almost asked him to pinch me. Was it real or a dream? Suprema, accompanied by McIntosh electronics, stood before us like a monument or a work of art. In fact, it transcends the realm of art, not only for its aesthetic appeal, but also for its ability to produce music at PA levels.
As a young man, I was captivated by the ethereal beauty and sensuality of Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida, as they graced the cinemascope wide screen, seeming almost beyond human reach. A similar sense of awe enveloped me as I sat listening to the Suprema - it was also beautiful and seemingly unreachable. Italia mia!
Sonus faber Sonetto G2
Now for the good news for us, mortals. Sonus faber just launched the very affordable Sonetto G2 collection, the first to incorporate acoustic technologies specifically developed for Sonus faber’s groundbreaking Suprema system: a cork chamber and the Camelia Midrange Speaker ‘left unpainted to ensure 100% sound purity and featuring an organic basket and a Phase Plug made of aluminium for smooth frequency response and clarity, both on and off-axis.
The new Sonus faber Sonetto G2 Collection.
The midwoofers and woofers surround feature a unique floral pattern that adds a visual touch of elegance and helps reduce interference and increase linear range.’ The high-quality wood cabinet keeps the iconic lute shape, of course. The prices range from €1,999.00 for the Sonetto I to €7,499.00 for the top-of-line Sonetto VIII. Now we are talking business, not just impossible dreams!
Vivid Moya M1 at the MOC.
Vivid Audio Moya
According to Vivid Audio, and I quote from the press-release:
For over 20 years, Vivid Audio has developed ground-breaking loudspeakers to consistent critical acclaim. As with any high-end audio company, we constantly seek ways to push the envelope further. Like many great ideas, the Vivid Audio Moya M1 started as a sketch. Quarantined in a hotel room during the pandemic, designer Laurence Dickie had the time to dream about a speaker that could do it all. The culmination of a lifetime in pursuit of acoustic design perfection. A loudspeaker so imbued with power and authority that it would handle all types of music with effortless grace.
Kronos turntable system.
The first thing that strikes one on viewing the M1 is the imposing stack of bass drivers – eight legendary C225-100H drivers, each one capable of handling 800W, arranged in a new high-shove configuration consisting of four extensively braced bass enclosures, each using two C225 bass drivers in reaction-cancelling modes with aerodynamically-optimised bass ports. Each pair of drivers is arranged in a horizontally opposed configuration on either side of the bass module, with magnets united by a substantial steel rod to eliminate reaction forces and the need for a heavy enclosure.
These are complemented by two C175 mid bass drivers, one C100 mid-range, one D50 upper mid-range and one D26 tweeter. The speaker makes use of a passive, five-way, fourth order Linkwitz-Riley crossover in three parts, where the mid & high sections are placed well away from bass sections.
But nothing prepares you for what you are about to see and listen to in association with Mola Mola Electronics, Kronos turntables, and Kubala Sosna Cabling. In a 45-square-meter dedicated listening booth, we were left speechless by the sheer power, dynamics, and extreme clarity of the Moya system. And by the asking price too: half a million euros!
Smaller but not belittled things: Chord Electronics Suzi
Fortunately, we also saw on our first day at the MOC smaller and more affordable products. Like the lovely Suzi system from Chord Electronics.
Chord Suzi amp with Hugo and Go2 integrated.
Chord Suzi
The new Suzi concept comprises the new Suzi Pre preamplifier, plus the Suzi power amplifier which also allows the direct integration of the Hugo 2 or Hugo 2 and 2go.
Chord Suzi preamp.
Designed by John Franks, the Suzi concept includes a new preamp, plus an innovative ULTIMA-tech modular power amplifier that can be used to form a conventional pre/power, or used separately with the Hugo 2 DAC or the Hugo 2/2go streamer/player to create a DAC/amplifier or a streaming amplifier.
Badly kept secrets
A secret is something a few people believe they are the only ones who know.
The Sonus faber Suprema was not the only one to be shown hors-concours, I mean outside the MOC. A few brands chose the MotorWorld venue on the other side of the street, which is for cars what the MOC is for high-end audio. Kii Audio was there to demonstrate the new Kii Seven all-in-one speaker. And we went along to hear it too, to make up for writing about things that are impossible to own. Maybe one day...
Kii Seven
Unlike the Kii Three, this compact design and lifestyle system combines high-end audio with cutting-edge ‘smart’ technology.
The Kii Seven uses state-of-the-art digital signal processing (DSP) and cardioid dispersion to adapt to any acoustic environment. It offers wired and wireless connectivity.
The Kii Seven can be used as a single unit or a stereo pair in up to twelve zones or rooms and configured as an immersive Dolby Atmos system.
Each Kii Seven uses four speakers: two 6.5-inch woofers, a 5-inch midrange for powering up, clarity and natural tonal balance. Cardioid dispersion significantly reduces room interference and directs the music straight to the listener. and a 1-inch dome tweeter mounted on a custom waveguide to control directivity, increase efficiency and reduce distortion.
Each unit has 600 watts of amplification, ensuring ample headroom, clarity, and natural tonal balance. Cardioid dispersion significantly reduces room interference and directs the music straight to the listener.
Hidden treasure
During our visit to MotorWorld, we stumbled upon what I believed to be the first-ever Prima Luna turntable. Interestingly, it was concealed in the trunk of a Jaguar. However, it wasn't a poorly kept secret. Herman van den Dungen himself clarified the matter for me. He explained that the turntable was actually an Audiomeca, as he had acquired the company from Pièrre Lurné, who was the creator of the Goldmund Reference turntable.
Por favor siga a nossa reportagem integral aqui/Please find the links to our complete report below:
New: Slideshow nr.1