After two years without High End Munich, the internationally acclaimed annual audio expo has not disappointed us, and if you're looking for the best possible audiophile headphones, there's no better place to start your search.
So what did we see and what did we like, at least at first glance? Without further ado, we'd love for you to join us on a virtual tour of the best High End Munich hats. Then, if you're feeling inspired, keep your eyes peeled for a local dealer to try out your favorite pair. Feeling super adventurous? You can always check flights to Munich for next year. We'll meet there...
1. Campfire Audio Super Moon
(*two*)
(Image credit: future)Supermoon was a timely release from Campfire Audio, releasing days before the actual lunar event on May 16. Audiophile', offering a shallow sealing depth, or a classic 'Artist' setting, but this is the Portland, Oregon-based company's inaugural planar magnetic driver design.
Supermoon features a single full-range planar magnetic driver in each earcup, which is surrounded by a patent-pending solid body using the latest 3D printing technology. Delicacy, expansive soundscapes, and detail across all frequencies are the name of the game here, and they're yours for $1500 (about $1200 or AU$2124).
2. InEar ProMission X Wired In-Ear Headphones
If you don't already know about this lovely family business, let us introduce you: InEar was launched in 2000 and Marius Schmitt, showing us the flagship of this dedicated headphone maker's offering, proudly tells us that his father, Andreas Schmitt, is the founder. of the company.
The ProMission X setup includes no fewer than 10 (yes, ten) controllers in a four-way system. The cases are made of jet-black wood in your choice of finishes (our favorite is definitely the glossy sky blue pearlescent acrylic), and while a smaller size is available, Schmitt is confident the universal fit will fit: the base of the Universal In-Ear Case. The designs were created by digitally "layering" hundreds of different ear molds.
At the end of development, a universal in-ear monitor was created that, according to the company, "conforms almost perfectly to the anatomy of the ear." And we can tell you that they certainly fit even our little ears when we tried them on.
Interested in prices? Good product. ProMission X retails for $2100, which is around $2225, $1780, or AU$3145.
3. T+AT Solitaire
German premium hi-fi brand T+A Elektroakustik's latest wireless reference headphones are called Solitaire T and aren't available to buy yet - they'll launch in July for €1,600 (£1,200, roughly AU$2,120) in your choice of white or black finishes.
That's the ultimate claim: sound that's just as detailed and pleasing when listening wirelessly with active noise cancellation implemented as it is with the supplied wired connection.
To achieve this, the Solitaire T features special cellulose transducers and 42mm drivers, as well as an optimized bass system. To better match the performance level of wired headphones, but using a Bluetooth connection, these 326g / 0.7lb cans also include support for the latest Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC and aptX HD, using a Qualcomm QCC 5127 chip and Esstech ES9218 Saber. SCOUNDREL.
The Solitaire T's active noise cancellation circuitry can be turned on as desired. Given that they were presented to us in a case, we still can't vouch for these wireless musical abilities, but we're definitely intrigued.
4. D8000 Pro Ultimate Edition
Even a cursory glance at the machined aluminum and magnesium alloy casings of these premium on-ear headphones leaves no doubt that we've entered high-end territory.
The D8000 Pro Edition is heralded as the on-ear to finally marry the responsive high ranges of planar magnet designs and the open volume and low registers of dynamic models. Final explains that low range amplitude is always the challenge with conventional planar magnet designs, and since the diaphragm here is in contact with magnets, the engineers have raised the frequency of the low tones to a level that the drive unit can handle. play. Final has also implemented a unique new AFDS (Air Film Damping System) and the inside of the ear cushions has been hermetically sealed, with the front of the diaphragm now a closed space. Why? It's the same idea as small headphones with sealed ear cups: they have to reproduce low frequencies despite their jewel-like nature.
Compared to dynamic competitor models of the same diameter, the D8000's diaphragm is also a third lighter, as the super-thin aluminum coil was etched onto the extremely light film diaphragm and as such is adhesive-free. (which could have a detrimental effect). effect on sound quality) was necessary.
Final's D8000 Pro Edition over-ear headphones are priced at €3999 (around £3395, £4238, AU$5995) and while we can't fully vouch for these sound claims, we've found something to enjoy first. . …
5. Campfire Audio Trifecta
Another entry for the dedicated helmet artisans of Portland Oregon, but they deserve it; this is a very different proposition, and not just because they'd look as glorious presented in a black velvet jewelry box as they do next to our phone.
Trifecta's clear nylon casing provides a window to the three 10mm dynamic drivers housed within, each topped with gold-plated chronograph casings, but these vented drivers face each other in a unique triangular configuration. This creates a remarkably comfortable shape in our ear, aided by the high-purity silver-plated flat copper cable that wraps nicely around it. This is premium kit, though: when Campfire Audio's Trifecta in-ear monitors become available to buy on July 30, 2022, they'll cost $3,375, or around $2,710 or AU$4,800. …