High-End Vienna 2026 – Highlights & New Products

High End 2026 is over, and we have returned home with many new impressions, information and photos. For the first time in more than 20 years, the show was no longer held at the MOC in Munich, but at the Austria Center Vienna (ACV) in Vienna.

The move meant a new city, a new venue and different infrastructure that visitors and exhibitors initially had to get used to. Vienna itself impressed us with its cultural offerings and unique atmosphere, so we thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the Austrian capital.

The Austria Center Vienna presented itself as a modern venue with extraordinary architecture. However, the layout of the buildings, the routing and the infrastructure initially caused some confusion. By comparison, the MOC in Munich remains the more practical trade show venue thanks to its clear layout, convenient location and excellent connections to public transport.

Over time, however, we also found our way around the ACV. Ultimately, at a high-end audio show, the products, innovations and people are what matter most. We would therefore now like to report on the exciting new products, interesting manufacturers and impressive demonstrations that we were able to discover, test and get to know at the show.

Good coffee, fascinating conversations

Before we turn to the many new products and technical highlights, I would first like to emphasize my own personal highlight of the show: the people.

As every year, it was something very special for me to meet the people behind the brands, manufacturers and distributors in person. Direct conversations, sharing a coffee or tea, and the many interesting discussions are an essential part of the trade show experience for me. Especially at a time when so much takes place digitally, these personal encounters are invaluable.

High End offers an ideal opportunity to maintain existing relationships, make new contacts and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. Because ultimately, it is not just the products that define our industry, but above all the people behind them.

What's new?

SAEQ & RAAL 1995

Alex from Raal also had a new product in his luggage: the Magna EVO.

At first, I thought the Magna EVO differed from the regular Magna only through its redesigned earpads. Apparently, I had misunderstood that.

As Alex explained to me, the Magna EVO is in fact a complete redesign of the original Magna, which is still available as well. In other words, Alex revised the drivers of the Magna EVO, creating a somewhat different sound profile and tonal balance.

While the original Magna is based on a reference tuning similar to the Immanis, the treble range of the Magna EVO is somewhat gentler and silkier without sacrificing detail, while the bass has been slightly boosted. This results in an incredibly relaxed, dynamic, and thoroughly convincing presentation.

I would also like to mention here that the Magna EVO and the SAEQ Perseus complement each other so perfectly that Dragan and Alex have decided to offer them as a bundle. And this bundle will of course soon be available in our shop as well.

It may not be easy to see in the photo, but the EVO has also been visually revised. The Magna EVO will now be available in a total of three or even four different color and material variants, including an all-black version. We will soon have corresponding samples available for viewing in our showroom.

Another headphone amplifier presented by SAEQ is the new Hyperion LT. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to test this device, but Alex and Dragan told me that the new Hyperion is supposed to sound similar to the new Perseus—perhaps even a touch more detailed, but equally silky and dynamic, with an absolutely incredible three-dimensional soundstage. 

Oh yes, more new models are already in the works at SAEQ, so Dragan and his team certainly won’t be bored anytime soon! 😅 It’s quite remarkable what such a small, specialized manufacturer as SAEQ can achieve with passion, creativity, and decades of know-how—hats off! 🙌😵

Cayin

The Cayin booth was, as always, well attended, and in addition to the new products already announced, there were actually a few surprises...

Since Cayin consistently maintains and updates its products, the “smallest” headphone amplifier, the HA-1A, was also on display in its latest MKIII iteration. Its sound has been revised, and its appearance has also been adapted to match its “big siblings.” An excellent entry-level device at a great price!

For several months now, various manufacturers have suddenly been adding portable CD players to their product ranges again, and Cayin is no exception. They also presented a corresponding device at High End, although we do not yet know its name, just as we do not yet know how much it will cost. 

Portable CD players have largely disappeared from the audio landscape for at least 20 years, but given the current retro wave, such a device probably makes sense. And I have to say, I am very curious to hear how it ultimately sounds.

I think the biggest surprise at the Cayin booth was their new streamer, called the ID6. The streamer immediately brings EverSolo devices to mind visually—the current market leader in this field. And I have to say, it is about time EverSolo had some competition.

EverSolo devices are distinguished not only by their excellent build quality, modern design, and outstanding value for money, but above all by their perfectly optimized software. EverSolo devices are extremely user-friendly, intuitive, and fluid to operate. That is precisely what sets their devices apart from the entire competition.

I have no doubt whatsoever that the Cayin ID6 is sonically on par with, and probably even superior to, the EverSolo devices. Cayin has had a decades-long reputation in this field.

A brief conversation with Cayin’s European importer revealed that the software is still being refined. And, honestly, I very much hope they take their time with it. Ultimately, the user experience, as with EverSolo, will determine the success of this device—not just its sound.

However, I am optimistic, as Hiby generally develops the software for Cayin, and Hiby already has extensive experience optimizing Android systems through its own DAPs and those from Cayin.

Lotoo

At Lotoo , essentially the same devices as last year were on display. The latest model is the Lotoo Gungnir, which we already have in our showroom and which is an absolutely superb integrated headphone amplifier.

There was one small, new—or not entirely new—exciting device after all: the 10th Anniversary Edition of the original Lotoo Paw Gold. It is equipped not with a touchscreen, but, quite traditionally, with physical controls. This version of the Lotoo Paw Gold has been slightly revised both sonically and visually, and is aimed at sound purists and lovers of classic hi-fi devices with buttons.

There was one more exciting announcement, however: Lotoo’s new dongle, the Lotoo Paw S3, is due to arrive soon. And it could be something special, because it is no longer as small or super-compact as its predecessor, the S2; instead, it is about the size of a palm and is intended to offer genuine competition to full-size DAPs.

I am certainly very curious to see what Lotoo will offer with the S3, because there is already quite a bit of competition on the market in the “larger” dongle segment. But knowing Lotoo, the S3 will be a well-rounded device—in other words, an offering that is sure to deliver an extremely powerful sound!

Spirit Torino

At the Spirit Torino booth, we met Andrea Ricci—the chief developer—who was explaining his products and sound philosophy to various visitors.

My personal highlight is the new, extensively revised Centauri planar headphone, which has finally reached its final form after several years. Presented here by Giordano, CEO of Spirit Torino. 

I believe no other headphone in Spirit Torino’s lineup has been revised as extensively as the Centauri. While the original version still had room for improvement two years ago, numerous detailed revisions have now been made with the aim of truly perfecting the product 100 percent.

The build quality is now what one expects from Italian craftsmanship, and I have to honestly say that I absolutely love the striking green leather headband contrasted with the beautiful, perfectly milled walnut ear cups.

Last but not least, it can be said that Spirit Torino headphones repeatedly stand out positively for me from the otherwise so dominant sea of black thanks to their bold use of materials and color. Italian passion, after all! 😊

Oh yes, before I forget: Spirit Torino’s in-ear monitor has also been revised. I was already able to admire a prototype, which will probably be released very soon. They have not only refined the sound, but also revised the ergonomic aspects, which I greatly appreciate.

Ferrum

Ferrum presented their new Broen streamer at this year’s High End. The device is still in the software optimization phase. That was also why I decided not to listen to it right away, but to wait until I had a final demo unit in the showroom.

However, their chief developer and CEO Marcel Hammerla explained the Broen’s special features to me, and this streamer really has a lot to offer. Here are the most important features:

BROEN is a powerful digital streaming transport developed for audiophile requirements. It combines intuitive operation with a highly sophisticated technical architecture.

Core functions and highlights:

• Volumio streaming ecosystem: Full support for all common services such as Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, UPnP/DLNA, AirPlay, web radio, and CD playback.

• Technical excellence: Equipped with the proprietary SERCE Digital-to-Digital module for precise signal processing, perfect channel separation, and isolation of the audio outputs.

• Optimized connectivity: A dedicated SFP port (for Ethernet or optical modules) minimizes interference when connecting external devices. The device also features an internal SSD slot.

• Future-proof: Thanks to Over-the-Air (OTA) firmware updates and a plugin-capable platform, the system remains up to date in the long term.

Integration and synergies:

• WANDLA & ERCO integration: Thanks to Ferrum Streaming Control Technology (FSCT), BROEN can be seamlessly connected to the flagship DACs (WANDLA/ERCO). Artist and track information is displayed directly on the DAC’s screen and can be conveniently controlled there.

• Performance boost with HYPSOS: Combined with the HYPSOS power supply (via proprietary Ferrum Power Link / FPL with 4TSD voltage sensing), the system’s sonic performance is raised to an absolute maximum.

BROEN can be controlled flexibly via smartphone, tablet, or computer. It is a technically well-engineered solution that fully reveals its potential, particularly when used with Ferrum components.

As you can clearly see in the pictures, Ferrum wisely still uses the same chassis as for all its other devices, meaning that the new streamer can also be used to create a visually uniform audio stack. 

In addition to their excellent sound quality and striking yet understated visual design, Ferrum devices stand out for their wonderful compactness. This means they can be integrated effortlessly into a living room, while also fitting comfortably in office environments or even in the bedroom.

Last but not least, I would like to mention that all Ferrum devices also offer excellent value for money. Their products generally perform far above their price class. I am very much looking forward to their new streamer and cannot wait to finally test it in the showroom and report on it.

Noble Audio

As always, it was also a particular pleasure to meet Kai and Jim Moulton from Noble Audio in person. Noble Audio is a very special brand close to our hearts: Its creations are characterized by uncompromising quality, genuine innovation, and a unique design—and I make no secret of the fact that I am a huge fan of their work myself.

Noble Audio is also the perfect example of how a small family business can create something truly great and significant through pure passion, inventiveness, craftsmanship, and simply hard work. Their worldwide success proves them absolutely right, and I can wholeheartedly recommend every single one of their products to our customers!

And so, of course, Noble Audio also presented its latest creations at the show in Vienna. The new FoKus Apollo Pro is a thoroughly and comprehensively redesigned version of the already excellent Apollo Wireless headphones. In addition to its sonic and ergonomic enhancements, the Apollo Pro is now also available in two wonderful color variants: “Burgundy” (a refined wine red) and “Peacock” (a deep, elegant peacock blue).

Also officially announced and available from us now is their latest—and most attractive—entry into the world of wireless high-end audio: the FoKus Osprey.

As Noble Audio’s most affordable true-wireless in-ear in the range, the Osprey impresses with the brand’s signature excellent build quality and a visually highly appealing design featuring the characteristic curved, marbled faceplates.

Technically, it uses a clever hybrid system consisting of a powerful 10 mm dynamic driver and a custom-tuned balanced-armature driver. Together with the high-resolution LDAC codec, the Osprey delivers sound quality that is absolutely outstanding for this price range—balanced, detailed, and with captivating dynamics. A true value-for-money champion!

Noble Audio’s latest high-end over-ear headphone has also been officially announced: the FoKus Artemis.

Like the outstanding Apollo, the Artemis is also a wireless headphone, but unlike its smaller sibling, it relies on an absolutely revolutionary driver configuration: Noble has installed a genuine tribrid system consisting of a dynamic driver (for the bass), a balanced-armature driver (for extremely precise mids and vocals), and a planar driver (for the sensational speed and level of detail in the highs). A three-way combination like this had previously been reserved almost exclusively for exorbitantly expensive in-ear monitors!

The Artemis also stands out for its exceptional longevity: both the internal battery and the magnetically attached earpads can be easily replaced by the customer without any tools. In today’s age of disposable devices, the Artemis becomes a truly sustainable high-end product that will accompany its owners for many years to come.

The new FoKus Artemis can now be pre-ordered from our shop and is expected to be shipped toward the end of July. Both the Apollo Pro and the Osprey can now be ordered directly from our shop.

New Manufacturers & Products

Now that I have largely covered the new products from our existing manufacturers, I have reached what may be the most exciting part of this blog: in the future, Audio Essence will also be adding a few new manufacturers and, accordingly, new products to the shop. And when I say “in the future,” I mean: starting now! 

Audma

The first new manufacturer—or rather, its products—was warmly recommended to me by Kai Moulton of Noble Audio. In my conversation with Kai, he pointed me toward a very special, small, portable headphone amplifier that I absolutely had to hear. So I went straight to Audma’s booth with him.

Amusingly, Audma presented its Brioso PHPA1 portable headphone amplifier with Noble Audio’s current flagship, the Kronos—amusing because I had brought the Kronos to the show myself as a reference IEM. Kai enthused that their flagship would sound better with no other headphone amplifier, and I was indeed able to convince myself of this right there on site.

The Noble Audio Kronos is already a very spacious-sounding IEM in its own right. With the Brioso, however, I experienced a sense of spaciousness and airiness that I otherwise know only from large headphones.

Interestingly, Audma is probably the only manufacturer whose products offer the ability to change the radiation angle as well as the size and width of the soundstage. 

And what can I say? After this experience, I already want to describe the Audma Brioso PHPA1 as possibly the best current portable headphone amplifier on the market. Of course, I was only able to listen briefly, but those few minutes left a lasting impression on me, and I am already looking forward to a demo of the Brioso arriving here with us.

Despite all its technical features and outstanding sound, the Brioso is a truly very handy, compact, and lightweight device.

Besides the Brioso, Audma actually offers only one other product, its Maestro HPA1 reference headphone amplifier. The Maestro offers adjustment options similar to those of the Brioso, but because of its full-size desktop format, it is naturally intended primarily for large headphones.

But in-ear fans were not forgotten either: The Maestro has a 4.4 mm Pentaconn output. Since I had only just tested the Kronos with the Brioso and was still wearing them, I connected them directly to the Maestro for fun. Absolute overkill, you might think—but what now came out of the Kronos had little left in common with an IEM and sounded like a full-size high-end headphone! 

Now it was time for my absolute favorite and presumably the best headphone in the world, the RAAL 1995 Immanis. Here too, the Audma Maestro proved its abilities and certainly lived up to its name. The sound that flowed into my ears could only be described as the highest level possible.

The Maestro’s tuning is clearly reference-grade. Nothing is exaggerated here; it simply extracts everything possible from the music. Thus, the Audma Maestro and the RAAL Immanis make a truly stunning combination for enjoying music at the highest level.

Audma’s products will soon be available from Audio Essence, but they can already be pre-ordered by email or phone.

Questyle

But let’s move on to the next manufacturer and its products: Questyle. Questyle has been on the market for quite some time and is by no means unknown—quite the contrary.

Since 2012, they have been producing technically sophisticated, beautifully designed, first-class products with excellent build quality and outstanding sound at very fair prices. And the many awards they have received since then prove them right.

I am all the more pleased that Audio Essence is now the official Questyle dealer in Switzerland—and even throughout Europe!

The products from Questyle are now available to order.

Questyle offers a broad product range for IEM and headphone enthusiasts, from the smallest USB audio dongle and Bluetooth transmitter to the compact desktop headphone amplifier. 

With this exceptional range of products, Questyle offers every in-ear and headphone enthusiast the right product for virtually any application. We already have some of their products as demos in the showroom, and more will follow.

AT-B (ArcTec Berlin)

Last but not least, I would also like to introduce a new company from Germany that is something truly special. Special because its founder is Klaus Heinz.

Klaus Heinz is simply a legend, as he is one of the most influential German developers in the field of professional audio technology and studio monitors. His life’s work spans five decades, during which he had a major influence on the high-end loudspeaker market. He dedicated his life to the goal of reproducing music as naturally, faithfully, and precisely as possible—free from tonal embellishment.

And this deserves a brief digression at this point:

• The AMT pioneer: His greatest achievement was the further development of the Air Motion Transformer (Oskar Heil’s tweeter principle). Heinz made folded-diaphragm technology compact, durable, and suitable for mass production in the music industry through the use of modern materials.

• Legendary serial founder: He shaped the Hi-Fi and studio world by founding renowned audio brands:

  • ARCUS & A.R.E.S. (70s/80s): Early Hi-Fi pioneering work.

  • ADAM Audio (1999): As chief developer, he turned the monitors with their yellow X-ART tweeters into a worldwide studio standard.

  • HEDD Audio (2015): Founded at the age of 68 together with his son.

• Later innovations (HEDD):

  • HEDDphone®: First successful application of the AMT principle to a full-range headphone (covering the entire audible frequency spectrum).

  • Lineariser: Integration of DSP systems into studio monitors for perfect phase linearity.

So when Klaus Heinz introduces a new product, it’s worth taking a close look—or listen!

With the ArcTec AB92 planar headphone, Klaus Heinz introduces his latest headphone creation. The AB92 is manufactured entirely in Germany to the highest standards, offering absolutely phenomenal build quality from the outset.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to test the product extensively on site. But since a corresponding demo unit will be arriving with us very soon, I’ll take sufficient time to do so.

What makes the AB92 so special technically?

• The pure-silver diaphragm: Instead of the usual copper traces, ArcTec uses an ultra-thin high-tech PET material onto which pure silver is electroplated. Silver has the highest conductivity of all metals while offering an optimal force-to-weight ratio. The result is a diaphragm less than 1.5 µm thick (a human hair is approximately 50 µm thick), ensuring extremely fast, precise impulse response.

• The “AirBorne” principle: The housing is designed to be completely open. The solid, acoustically inert rings and yokes are precision-milled from aluminum, glass-bead blasted, and black anodized. Thanks to the completely open design, sound can escape absolutely unhindered to the rear, eliminating sound-distorting reflections back onto the diaphragm. This is what creates its enormous, speaker-like three-dimensionality.

Here are some initial impressions from several reviewers:

LowBeats

“A fantastic old-school over-ear with a balanced, bass-rich, lively sound signature and a level of refinement rarely heard.” – Holger Biermann, LowBeats

Headfonia

“The completely open design creates a room-filling, three-dimensional stereo image that feels less like headphones and more like a personal concert hall.” – Headfonia Review

HiFi Philosophy

“Klaus Heinz demonstrates genuine innovative strength with the pure-silver traces on the ultra-thin diaphragm—the transient response and clarity with complex music are phenomenal.” – HiFi Philosophy

Stereo (92 out of 100 points)

"If you compare these headphones, which cost €2,400, with the room-filling
sound columns that often cost five-figure sums, one can say,
that they are very affordable and offer a truly exhilarating listening experience."
- Michael Lang

But Klaus Heinz would not be Klaus Heinz if he were satisfied with what he had achieved. A matching headphone amplifier with an integrated DAC is also in development, which is expected to be priced very conservatively while delivering exceptionally powerful sound. This headphone amplifier will likewise allow users to perfectly adjust the sound directly on the device to suit their own needs or listening preferences—and entirely without any loss of quality.

Background information: The fact that Klaus Heinz is once again relying on analog filter options or sound adjustments directly on the device is typical of his brilliant studio heritage. He already perfected this with ADAM and HEDD monitors, optimizing the sound without the dreaded phase shifts caused by digital equalizers.

The device shown here is merely a prototype. Although it has been largely finalized technically, its appearance is still being revised.

And with that, we have reached the end of our High-End Vienna blog. Phew, that was quite a lot—and significantly more than I originally planned! But as you can see, there is indeed a whole range of exciting news worth reporting on.

And so there will soon be plenty of new products in the Audio Essence Shop once again, offering extraordinary listening experiences beyond the usual uniformity.

We at Audio Essence are just as passionate about this hobby as you are as customers. That is why we also feel obliged to keep finding new products that are extraordinary, developed and manufactured with care, and backed by a genuine story.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and that it sparked your curiosity! As always, I would like to mention at the end that most products can be tested in our showroom or even in the comfort of your own home—completely free of charge and without obligation. Naturally, we always take the time to advise you personally and individually as a customer.

Yours, Tom from Audio Essence