Highend Munich 2025 - exciting new products!

As every year, and yet for the last time, HighEnd Munich opened its doors in 2025, inviting visitors to the world's largest hi-fi trade fair. As always, we were there to check out the latest and most exciting products in the field of headphones and mobile hi-fi for you.

The HighEnd is moving

HighEnd took place for the last time – in Munich, to be precise. Personally, I'm a little sad, as I've grown very fond of the MOC as a venue and, above all, Munich: A charming city, charming people, lots of green space, great restaurants, and a good infrastructure. Munich offered everything you could wish for at a trade fair like this.

Unfortunately, the MOC site was purchased by BMW and will be demolished, leaving the organizers no choice but to find a new location: Starting in 2026, the new hi-fi mecca will be located in Vienna. We'll wait and see...

But enough of the sadness and let’s get started with new exciting products!

Cayin

Cayin once again offered one of the largest booths at the 2025 trade fair and showcased several new headphone products that will be available soon. While the "big" HA-300 MKIII headphone amplifier has been postponed until 2026, as has the hotly anticipated N8 MKIII DAP, two exciting tube devices will at least be coming in June/July:

RU9

The Cayin RU9 takes the USB audio dongle trend to the extreme and offers the same tubes as the top model Cayin C9ii, pairs them with 2 AKM DAC chips and packs the whole thing into a still compact and lightweight housing to offer smartphone users an on-the-go music experience that makes no compromises.

The RU9 magnetically attaches to a smartphone and connects with a short USB-C cable—and you're ready to go. Up to 1000mW of balanced output is available, allowing the RU9 to power even large headphones. The device also includes its own battery to conserve battery life.

A very clever solution for on the go, one that also sounds amazing. The bargain price of 499 CHF is the icing on the cake of this truly great offer. Oh yes, a protective case is also included, of course. Launching in June. Pre-orders for the Cayenne RU9 can already be submitted to us!

HA-6a MKII

The successor to the popular and very good HA-6a headphone amplifier will be available in August and, in addition to a separate power supply, offers a different tube configuration than the current HA-6a as well as various sound modes.

Instead of EL-34 tubes, Genalex KT88s are now standard. We were able to confirm for ourselves that the new HA-6a has taken another step forward in terms of sound. However, due to the more complex construction, the price will also increase: expect to pay CHF 500 more for the "new" model.

So it is worth considering ordering a HA-6a now while they are still available, because the current HA-6a can also be KT88 tubes be converted and also sounds very, very good.

Warwick Acoustics

We are very pleased to announce our cooperation with Warwick Acoustics to announce, because the headphone systems from Warwick are something very special: Reference sound and excellent workmanship make Bravura and Aperitif two of the absolute best headphones (systems) on the market, as confirmed by countless reviewers and satisfied owners.

If you are looking for a headphone solution for your home with reference sound, these two models offer the best of the best.

Bravura and (soon) the big Warwick Aperio can be tested extensively in our showroom.

Zähl

We have been trying for some time to win the coveted Zähl We finally managed to get the HM1 headphone amplifier in our shop! But that's not all.

H1

Michael Zähl listened carefully and developed a new version of his HM1, aimed primarily at audiophile headphone enthusiasts. While the studio-specific features of the HM1 have been omitted, the H1 otherwise sounds identical to the HM1.

The new Zähl H1 It's "reduced to the max" for home use, so to speak, and is therefore significantly more affordable. Interested parties can order both devices from us now. The manufacturer will inform us of the exact delivery time, as the devices are produced by hand in small quantities.

Lotoo

Lotoo know no bounds when it comes to developing new, exciting and, above all, excellent-sounding products. After the recently released and extremely versatile PAW D3 Audio Interface It continues with a new desktop DAP in the style of Mjölnir.

"Mjolnir Junior"

We don't know the exact name yet, so we'll call it "Mjölnir Junior" since it looks very similar to Mjölnir and has roughly the same dimensions (and workmanship!).

The "Junior" lacks a touchscreen and its own battery, so it requires a local power supply. The internal specifications also differ: It uses different DAC chips and output stages, resulting in a significantly different sound.

We were able to confirm for ourselves that the "Junior" has a tuning that deviates from the Mjölnir reference sound, leaning more toward "warmer, fuller, and more emotional." Just imagine two flavors: both exquisite but also different. Of course, the "Junior" can be connected to all kinds of sources (smartphone, tablet, PC, Mac, etc.) via a USB-C cable, but also wirelessly using Lotoo's LTTP dongle.

A very flexible, great-sounding solution for all IEMs and even large headphones. Oh yes, the "Mjölnir Junior" will be significantly cheaper than the Mjölnir! Rumor has it that the price range of current flagship DAPs (like the Lotoo GT2), which in our opinion makes it very attractive, and it can also be integrated into existing audio systems.

SAEQ

Astraeus

Dragan Domanovic, mastermind and founder of SAEQ presented us in the quiet little room (a hotel room in the Maritott Hotel) as part of the Hifi-Deluxe his latest masterpiece and the crowning achievement of decades of work: the SAEQ Astraeus headphone amplifier.

The Astraeus is a masterpiece of a hybrid headphone amplifier with a tube preamp and germanium transistors in the output stage. We had the opportunity to test it extensively with our favorite RAAL 1995 Immanis and discuss it with Dragan.

The conclusion was clear: Although there were several competing amplifiers running on-site that cost many times more than the Astraeus, the Astraeus blew us away! I'll just say that I got immediate goosebumps the entire time I listened.

While the previous flagship Armageddon is rather neutral and scores with brute force and precision, the Astraeus focuses on finesse.

And a more refined, sophisticated sound than that of the SAEQ Astraeus We've rarely heard this. Pairing the Astraeus with suitable headphones, you get a sound experience that's otherwise only achievable with stereo systems costing at least six figures. I'm not exaggerating here, as other "testers" present also fully agreed that they've never heard sound of this quality from headphones before.

RAAL 1995

Alexander Radisavljevic, CEO and “Head Chef”. RAAL 1995 was also represented at the Hifi-Deluxe (and HighEnd) with its headphones and accessories.

There's a new optional interface with modified internals, which represents an upgrade to the standard interface. Pure silver is now used for both the internal wiring and the toroidal transformer, resulting in improved sound quality: the performance is "airier," with more spatiality and sensitivity. The differences aren't dramatic, but they're clearly audible.

In addition, they offer Immanis and Magna are offering a new version of their Star-8 silver cable, the Star-12, which has significantly more material and is therefore thicker.

The differences in sound with the new interface and cable aren't dramatic, but they're still very audible. Anyone who wants to get the last bit of sound quality out of their Immanis can only do so with the new accessories.

Last but not least, Alex has given his Immanis a new 24 carat gold-plated headband on the occasion of RAAL’s 30th anniversary, which all RAAL Immanis Customers can now receive it free of charge as a standard hanger for a limited time.

Since the new accessories are not yet listed, you can order them from us via email or telephone.

Spirit Torino

Spirit Torino have rejuvenated no less than their entire range of headphones and are now offering all models in a revised version (and z.T. customized design). Optimizations were made to the drivers, ear cups, ventilation, and ear pads.

The Planar Centauri headphones also feature significantly improved workmanship and a new mechanism for adjusting the headband.

The flagships pulsar and Valkyria no longer have two identical drivers per side working in tandem, but 2 different drivers that further improve the frequency response, but also lead to a new, optimized sound signature.

The new models will be available soon and will be updated accordingly in our shop.

Solaja Audio

Vortex

Solaja Vortex is the successor to the popular and highly acclaimed RAAL requisite VM-1a tube headphone amplifier. The Vortex can drive all RAAL requisite/RAAL 1995 headphones directly without an interface and, of course, also has an output for all other headphones and even connections for speakers. A true all-rounder that sounds incredibly detailed, sensitive, and delicate.

The Vortex is handcrafted to customer order at Solaja Audio, is available from Audio Essence, and can be tested in our showroom.

EverSolo

EverSolo pumps out products like no other manufacturer and several new models are already in the starting blocks.

Play/Play CD

The Eversolo Play/Play CD Edition is a small, compact All-in-one system with or without CD drive, equipped with high-quality components and with the option of connecting speakers directly. Both devices will be available from June and can be purchased from us immediately. pre-ordered become.

T8

The new Eversolo T8 is a dedicated streaming transport that will be launched in Q4 2025 and is designed to meet the highest audiophile standards. The T8 can be upgraded with up to two M.2 SSDs and so-called SFP fiber network modules.

Unfortunately, not much is known about the device at the moment, so we'll probably have to wait a bit longer. You can find some specifications in the image below.

Z10 DAC

The new Eversolo Z10 DAC is a true flagship DAC, which will also be launched in Q4 2025. It is equipped with 2x AK4192 + 2x AK4499 DAC chips and a high-quality linear power supply.

Not much is known about the Z10 yet, but you can find some specifications in the picture below.

Astell&Kern

SP4000

The new Astell&Kern Flagship A&Ultima SP4000 was also shown at HighEnd Munich and offers the following highlights compared to its predecessor:

• Improved signal processing with Octa-Audio circuit design
• High-drive mode for first-class sound quality
• Proprietary Enhanced Signal Alignment (ESA) technology minimizes group delays
• Ultra-low noise LDO regulator for first-class noise reduction
• Advanced Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology
• Full support for Android operating system
• New 4.5 generation user interface
  

The AK SP4000 is expected to be available at the end of June - of course also at Audio Essence.

Final Audio

Final Audio showed its new flagship headphones at the HighEnd D8000 DC and D8000 DC Pro, which are already available and can be ordered from Audio Essence.

The predecessors Final D8000 and D8000 Pro are currently available at a special price while stocks last.

"DC" stands for "Da Capo" – back to the beginning. This is precisely Final's approach: going back to the roots to redefine sound.

A10000

With the new A10000 Single Dynamic Driver IEMs, Final is venturing into true flagship IEM territory—both in terms of sound and price. The new A10000s are equipped with a single dynamic driver featuring a sophisticated diamond diaphragm, enabling the highest level of detail and a highly spatial soundstage.

We can convince ourselves of the qualities of the A10000 on site.Definitely one of the best single DD IEMs on the market! The A10000 will soon be available in a regular silver edition and a gold "Collectors Edition."

Ferrum Audio

While Ferrum Audio currently working on their own streamer, which is expected to be released in autumn 2025, they are preparing the DAC flagship Wandla (HP) already available for streaming use.

Wandla (HP)

WANDLA's latest firmware update 2.0.0 includes a groundbreaking feature called Ferrum Streaming Control Technology (FSCT). This firmware update brings all WANDLA models (Wandla Original, Wandla Golden Sound Edition and WANDLA HP) to a new level.

In addition to the other new features the update offers WANDLA users, FSCT brings something completely new and unique: It not only displays your streamer's information, but also allows you to control your streamer via the WANDLA touchscreen and remote control. A feature that no other DAC currently offers.

The firmware update WANDLA 2.0.0 will be available on the Ferrum website on June 17th and is completely free. The update will work with many streamers on the market, and Ferrum will continuously improve compatibility.

Feliks Audio

Next to Feliks Audios new headphone amplifier for electrostatics they also showed their new small Echo Vibe.

Echo Vibe

In addition to the regular Echo Vibe with brown wooden side panels, there was also an experimental version that came in all black and featured the company logo instead of the pattern. We think it's an extremely stylish version, and hopefully one that will be available soon.

Our conclusion

HighEnd Munich 2025 was truly impressive, and we've never seen so many exciting products or so many visitors before. We've only been able to showcase a small selection in our blog—primarily products that are also available for purchase from us.

A clear trend has become apparent over the years: headphones, IEMs and everything related to personal hi-fi are gaining in importance among audiophiles and manufacturers alike.

There is clearly a need to be able to enjoy music at the highest level in a simple way without complex room optimization, six-figure prices and generally enormous effort as with classic stereo systems.

Headphone products sound equally good in any room or on the go, have evolved enormously, and in our opinion have caught up with, if not surpassed, many classic hi-fi systems in terms of sound quality - and are downright affordable in direct comparison.

We are certainly excited to see where the journey takes us (next year definitely to Vienna 😅) and will continue to do everything we can to offer our customers the best products with the best service!