ImacShow25: 39 Years of High-End in Portugal

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IMACUSTICA is marking 39 years with the ImacShow25, where they’ll unveil a sound system clocking in at a cool 1.5 million euros!, alongside other super-systems—slightly more ‘down-to-earth’—all redefining High-End audio.

The event boasts the presence of Ricardo Franassovici, Dan D’Agostino, Raveen Bawa, David Steven, Bill Peugh, Michael Fremer, and Peter McGrath, Wilson Audio’s ambassador—international heavyweights already familiar to Portugal’s audiophile crowd from past gatherings (see below). But ImacShow25 isn’t just another post-pandemic victory lap; it’s a milestone that brings the cream of the global High-End audio crop to their Lisbon store.

Dan D'Agostino Relentless Preamplifier

Stealing the spotlight will be a system that raises the bar for sonic perfection: the now-legendary Dan D’Agostino Master Relentless 800 monoblocks, the three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier, and the Wilson Audio XVX Chronosonic speakers (gracing our cover).

Dan D'Agostino Relentless 800 monoblocks

Feeding this beast is the fabulous dCS Varèse digital system, valued at 400 grand, all wired up with Transparent Magnum Opus cables. This digital marvel is the pinnacle of engineering and aesthetics in the audio universe, promising to whisk listeners away to an experience that goes beyond sound and plunges straight into pure emotion. And here’s a confession: it’ll be my first time hearing it too, so I am anticipating the experience as much as you are.

dCS Varése full stack

Four Decades of High-End

For four decades, IMACUSTICA has been the beating heart of High-End in Portugal—a passion that kicked off in 1986 and has, year after year, pushed us to explore the outer limits of audio tech. As a dyed-in-the-wool audiophile and grizzled scribe, I’ve had the privilege of tagging along on this epic journey—from the unforgettable early events up north in Porto (and Póvoa de Varzim, no less!) to the demos that carved their names into the annals of Portuguese audio history on Avenida do Brasil in Lisbon.

And now, in 2025, IMACUSTICA is gearing up to celebrate its 39th birthday with an event that promises to stick in the memory: ImacShow25, set for April 4th and 5th.

High-End Titans Return to Portugal

Making this bash even more special, as I’ve already let slip, are Peter McGrath, Wilson Audio’s ambassador, and Dan D’Agostino—both living legends in the High-End audio world.

Peter McGrath, Wilson Audio's Ambassador

Peter’s a wizard known for his reference-grade recordings and his knack for coaxing the soul of music through Wilson speakers

Peter’s a wizard known for his reference-grade recordings and his knack for coaxing the soul of music through Wilson speakers; Dan, meanwhile, is a master of electronics who spins his know-how like a love story worth hearing (check out the Memory Album at the end).

Dan D'Agostino presenting the Momentum Integrated to Portuguese audiophiles, in Lisbon (2014)

Dan, meanwhile, is a master of electronics who spins his know-how like a love story worth hearing (check out the Memory Album at the end).

Wilson Audio WAMM Master Chronosonic at IMACUSTICA - Lisbon (2019). Left to right: JVH, Manuel Dias, Peter McGrath e Ricardo Franassovici

A Legacy of Unforgettable Moments

Over the years, I’ve shared with readers some downright unforgettable moments at IMACUSTICA—like the European debut of the mind-blowing WAMM Master Chronosonic, Dave Wilson’s posthumous masterpiece. The Wilson Audio XVX Chronosonic is the commercial spin-off cooked up by his son Daryl Wilson, built on the same tech and design principles.

Each of these events was a love letter to music and technology, featuring presentations by Ricardo Franassovici (Absolute Sounds) and our host Manuel Dias, who’s been the wind beneath the wings of these unforgettable experiences.

Ricardo Franassovici talking to a group of Portuguese audiophiles Imacustica - Lisbon (2017)

This year, ImacShow25 vows to keep that tradition alive, bringing the cutting edge of High-End to the Portuguese public. On April 4th and 5th, visitors will get to hear this stunning system—making its absolute debut in Portugal—in an acoustically treated space that teases out every detail and nuance, as if we’re stepping right into Peter McGrath’s original recordings.

The lineup will also feature demos of other top-tier systems, including pairings like:

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AR330M silver front side2

EAT Fortissimo grey+black leather 1

Magico S5 2024 Front

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• Magico S5 2024 speakers
• Sonus Faber Stradivari G2 speakers
• Audio Research 330M amplifier
• Devialet Astra amplifier/streamer
• EAT Fortissimo turntable
• Constellation Revelation 2 amplifier
• Antipodes Oladra server

And, of course, there’ll be those laid-back hangout moments that make Imacustica more than just a shop—it’s a proper safe harbour for audio junkies.

Manuel Dias e Preces Diniz, those laid-back hangout moments that make Imacustica more than just a shop (Lisbon, 2017)

To give you a taste of what’s in store, I’ve tacked on some visual and sonic memories at the end of this piece, captured over the years in IMACUSTICA’s auditoriums, where the magic between systems and people turned private listening sessions into full-blown public concerts. These snapshots are just a nibble of what ImacShow25 has up its sleeve.

IMACUSTICA - PORTO: Left to right: Ricardo Polónia, Manuel Dias, JVH, Pedro Henriques e Miguel Azevedo (Photo courtesy of Carolina Teixeira)

High-End audio isn’t just about the gear—it’s about the emotions and personal connections that only music can spark.

Celebrating the Future in the Present

So, this 39-year celebration isn’t just about reliving past glories in the here and now; it’s already a sneak peek into IMACUSTICA’s future. On April 4th and 5th, brace yourself for an experience that’ll etch itself into your memory forever and set the stage for the 40th anniversary blowout with a proper shindig in Porto, christening the new auditoriums at their Santos Pousada store. Manuel Dias, IMACUSTICA’s CEO, is already hyping up an event that’ll kick off a new era for the company and Porto’s audiophiles:

“In Lisbon, we’re rolling out a 1.5-million-euro system. I haven’t a clue how we’ll top that in Porto in 2026—it’s hush-hush for now. But the answer isn’t in the brands; it’s in IMACUSTICA’s best asset: the people. The hospitality and warmth of the whole ‘IMACUSTICA family,’ plus the passion of our community of clients and enthusiasts, are the real stars of this four-decade saga.”

In 2026, we’ll be there in Porto for another unforgettable bash. Until then, keep tabs on all the news at HIFICLUBE.NET as IMACUSTICA drops more juicy details about this mustn’t-miss event.

Seating at ImacShow25 is limited, and time slots are filling up fast, so I strongly suggest contacting IMACUSTICA to check availability—otherwise, you might miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime shot. Book your spot now through IMACUSTICA ’s official website, or contact the team directly for more info.

Note: Scroll down (click the blue titles) to revisit full reports and videos from past events, some also featuring Ricardo Franassovici, Dan D’Agostino and Peter McGrath.

Memories Album