As soon as you entered the Austria Center Vienna, it was clear that the venue, with its modern architecture and spacious rooms, was perfect for an event of this size. The huge LED display at the entrance announced the trade fair and the numerous exhibitors – a good start.
The Finest Audio Show Vienna took place for the second time on November 23 and 24, 2024 – once again with great success, once again with numerous exciting innovations. In fact, there was so much to marvel at that we decided to take you on a virtual tour of the trade fair via a captioned picture parade – a personal tour by our author Maximilian Merk.
The venue impressed not only with its modern architecture, but also with its spacious walkways and clever design. The spacious areas and dynamic lighting installations were almost reminiscent of an airport – a place that both makes orientation easy and heightens the anticipation of a great experience.
After a quick coffee, my first stop was one of the Music+ sales showrooms. Here, the high-quality workmanship of the Brodmann speakers on display was particularly striking. The elegant cabinets with glossy, multi-lacquered wood looked luxurious and internationally appealing. But it wasn’t just the looks that were impressive: the room was entirely dedicated to the world of analog hi-fi. The centerpiece was a record player by Rui Borges, which impressed with its quality craftsmanship. The set-up was complemented by tube technology from Lunae Mons, which impressed with its warm and detailed sound and offered vinyl lovers a real highlight.
We then moved on to the Dream Audio room. Here, uncompromising high-end technology is celebrated. With the largest loudspeakers from YG Acoustics, supported by subwoofers, as well as an impressive turntable from Kuzma with a sapphire tonearm tube, an audiophile experience in a class of its own was offered. The electronics from Tyco Audio and Pilium rounded off the setup, which is already priced in the seven-figure range. Whether such a spectacle is worth the price tag is up to you.
With these impressions, we moved on to the Sound by Hari room. The perfectly polished Zellaton loudspeakers immediately caught the eye, competing for attention with the Vertere turntable. The high-quality setup was rounded off with electronics from FM Acoustics, power conditioning from Faber’s Power and accessories from Schnerzinger – an impressive combination for lovers of fine hi-fi technology.
At ATR, the focus was primarily on the loudspeakers from ATC, which impressed with their striking, classic design and the usual good sound. The setup was supported by electronics from Mytek and PlixiR as well as a turntable from Vertere – a sight that actually evoked a sense of déjà vu. Nevertheless, the combination offered a solid performance and proved once again why ATR stands for high-quality hi-fi technology.
In a good mood from the great music at ATR, a real surprise followed at Revox: the B77 mk III tape recorder – a new edition of the legendary B77 mk II. As a lover of analog technology, this machine immediately aroused my interest. One piece of information we learned at the trade fair proved to be an extremely clever move by the developers: Revox is taking over the tape distributor Horch House, including managing director Volker Lange. In addition to the tape machine itself, this should also ensure the availability of sound media.
Right next door was the Sieveking Sound room, which boasted an impressive selection of high-quality hi-fi equipment. The visually and acoustically very successful speakers from Marten immediately caught the eye, supported by an extremely sophisticated turntable from TW Acustic. A phono preamplifier from Audia Flight provided the sonic cherry on top, while the amplification was handled by equipment from Riviera. This was a convincing set-up that met high technical and sonic standards.
Time and again, visitors to the large open spaces at FAS 2024 came across stands dedicated entirely to the sale of records and accessories – a paradise for music lovers. Not only vinyl treasures were on offer here, but also all kinds of accessories that make men’s hearts (or those of music enthusiasts) beat faster. The atmosphere was somewhat reminiscent of an outlet store summer sale – hustle and bustle, busy browsing and the irrepressible desire to get hold of the best bargains and rarities.
On the way to the next room, an extremely unusual subwoofer caught my eye. The design looked as if the spherical windows of a submarine had been recycled. This not only made for a spectacular sight, but also made sense: similar to the pressure hull of a submarine, the shape is intended to increase the resistance of the enclosure to the pressures acting on it from the inside. Unfortunately, the model was only on cold display and could not be heard in action, which made us even more curious about its sonic capabilities. The manufacturer of this unique subwoofer is Pro Performance, a name to remember.
After a friendly chat with the developer of this extraordinary subwoofer, we moved on to the RMS room. Here I was greeted by electronics in the classic Accuphase design, which were shown to their best advantage with Monitor Audio loudspeakers. The sound was supported by subwoofers from Velodyne, which provided a solid low-end. The combination of Accuphase and Monitor Audio worked excellently and showed that traditional designs can also be absolutely convincing in terms of sound.
Directly opposite was the IAD distribution room. Here Wilson Benesch loudspeakers were demonstrated, including the new subwoofer I had read about earlier. My expectations were by no means disappointed. The whole thing was powered by electronics from Soulnote and Luxman. The new ZV11x turntable from Zavfino served as an analog player. The whole setup was stylishly plated up on a Beaudioful Räck-R and appealed with a balanced sound that was not only impressive, but also fun to listen to.
Afterwards, an extremely beautiful record player from Horn Art & Tube caught my eye in an open area, which was exhibited together with a full range speaker in a backloaded horn. The unusual design of the loudspeaker immediately aroused my interest, but unfortunately the setup was not in operation. Too bad, because I would have really liked to experience the sound of this system.
Right next to it, Omega Audio Concept presented their extraordinary system, which absolutely needed to be heard and above all seen. This system had by far the most spectacular wiring of the entire trade fair – a real eye-catcher. In addition, there was an extremely abstract CD drive with a matching converter, which also triggered astonished looks. There was definitely something for the eye here, and the system also left nothing to be desired in terms of sound. The manufacturer explained to me that all components are made of solid aluminum wherever technically possible. This concept serves to minimize resonances and maximize the sound quality.
With these impressions, we moved on to an open-air area, which once again offered everything that makes the hearts of analog hi-fi enthusiasts beat faster. Here there were some exciting new products from Technics, including the ultimate classic SL 1200 in a special Lamborghini design – a real eye-catcher. Not far away, Clearaudio presented its highlights, including a record player in guitar design, which was released as an Al Di Meola Edition. For fans of the LP Friday Night in San Francisco, which is well-known among high-end listeners, there is now finally a suitable record player to enjoy this masterpiece in proper style.
Right next to it, the distributor 3-H presented the latest developments from Chord. Particularly eye-catching was a very compact yet promising integrated amplifier, which I hope will one day be used in my listening room. Right next door was a somewhat larger integrated amplifier from Chord, which was presented together with Elac loudspeakers and a Clearaudio drive. Obviously, several distributors are working together here, which I find extremely encouraging. After all, there are no real competitors in the hi-fi scene, but rather a common goal: to offer music lovers the best possible sound experience.
I then discovered the room of AVM, a manufacturer that never fails to impress with exciting components that also look good. Right at the entrance, an amplifier with a completely rusted housing caught my eye – presumably a humorous hint that this device could have been there for some time. In the listening room itself, AVM presented itself from its best side as usual. The combination of sound quality and design left little to be desired and provided the usual excellent listening experience.
In the next room there were electronics and electrostatic speakers from Halcro to marvel at. The combination of unusual design and the fascinating technology of the electrostats definitely had its appeal and left a lasting impression.
Moving on to the Kii room. The concept here was clear and minimalist: there were only speakers, without any additional electronics or tangled cables. Everything needed for operation is integrated directly into the speakers. The minimalist design not only looks good, but also works amazingly well. An impressive demonstration of how cutting-edge technology and minimalist aesthetics can go hand in hand. While the large Kii Three is already one of the established greats, you still need a little patience for the smaller Seven: The manufacturer still has to overcome a few hurdles in the certification process.
The inakustik room impressed with the new on-wall loudspeakers from Audiovector. The Trapeze Reimagined creatively combines retro design with modern elements. The result was not only visually appealing, but also convincing in terms of sound. The setup was powered by electronics from Primare and of course – what else could it be – with cables from in-akustik. A harmonious combination that brought out the full potential of the speakers.
I moved on to the next room, where electronics from Electrocompaniet were combined with horn loudspeakers from Aretai. The speakers boasted an impressive presence and an assertive sound that attracted full attention. However (perhaps due to the room acoustics), prolonged listening revealed that this dominance also presented a certain challenge for the ears – a setup that is probably best suited to shorter, intensive listening experiences.
HiFi distributor Smartaudio presented Dali speakers combined with amplifiers from Octave and streaming technology from Bluesound. The setup made a solid impression and showed a good synergy between the components. Although the presentation seemed a little reserved in some moments, it certainly offered its qualities for fans of relaxed music playback.
Musical Fidelity presented a refreshingly minimalist setup with standmount loudspeakers from Rogers. Given their small size, the sound performance was quite impressive. Of particular note was Musical Fidelity’s turntable, which was convincing in its functionality, even if the design did not show any radically new approaches. The Class A integrated amplifier A1 was able to demonstrate its proven quality – a device whose reputation has long preceded it. A real curiosity and a first for me was the grounded record brush, which I saw here for the first time in my life … you never stop learning.
Completely new to me was the ADM Audio brand, a manufacturer that comes from the IT industry and builds its components as a hybrid of analog and digital technology. The sound of the Pylon compacts placed to the side was more than convincing and I am curious to see how the brand will develop.
Just next door, there were electrostats from MP&S, a manufacturer previously unknown to me. However, the demonstration showed that the manufacturer rates the sound of its speakers so highly that everything else becomes a minor matter: Without any decoration, the electronics were enthroned on a table that must have come from the exhibition center. Let’s agree on the term “no frills”.
An impressive setup then awaited me in the Audio Group Denmark room. As usual, the Danes gave an excellent demonstration and presented the exclusive M series of their Børresen loudspeakers. These were powered by the Aavik I-880 behemoth and the matching SD-880 streamer. Of course, Ansuz cabling was also used, which completed the exceedingly impressive Danish high-end setup.
Somewhat concealed in a small side aisle, Canton presented the models from its Reference series. With their characteristic blend of solid workmanship, appealing design and convincing sound, the demonstration was very pleasing. I was particularly impressed by the power with which the “big little one” Reference 2 blew bass bursts into the room: despite a tolerable level, the exhibition wall set up behind it seemed to flutter gently with every impulse. A truly impressive powerhouse …
The last exhibitor I visited on the ground floor was Audio Reference. The exhibitor presented two chains in alternating operation: In the right half of the room, the new Wilson Audio Watt/Puppy was playing, amplified by VTL tube amplifiers and digitally driven by dCS as well as analog by a VPI turntable. This setup impressed with its powerful yet finely tuned performance. On the other side were Perlisten’s S7T Special Edition, amplified by Krell and also digitally driven by dCS. This set-up demonstrated a dynamic and precise sound reproduction. For fans of a more minimalist solution, Audio Reference presented the new DSP 9 loudspeakers from Meridian. The active speakers have everything you need on board and thus offer a pure plug’n’play high-end experience.
And anyone who thinks we’re through now is mistaken. Because there were more interesting manufacturers waiting to be discovered on the upper floor. First, I entered a room from the manufacturer Potar, where omnidirectional sound transducers took center stage. “Center” can be taken literally here, as the audience could sit on both sides of the system: The DSP-controlled speakers have the ability to distribute the sound evenly throughout the room. No matter where you sat, the stage was present and easy to follow – an extraordinary sound experience that clearly stood out from the other concepts.
The route then led to the IDC Klaassen room with the Fink Team, Canor and Epos brands. In the atmospheric exhibition room, they presented an excellently coordinated system that filled the room with sound. However, I found another presentation particularly interesting: on the side of the room was a typical, average living room set-up. With the familiar Ikea shelves and a cozy atmosphere, this area offered a realistic setting that certainly felt familiar to many visitors. This concept impressively conveyed how high-end components can also be perfectly integrated into everyday life.
Another new discovery was Auer Acoustics. This relatively new loudspeaker manufacturer shows that it really means business. The trade fair set-up was probably one of the most elaborate of the entire event: the walls of the room were completely sound-optimized – with custom-made slatted wooden elements and diffusers. This attention to detail is also reflected in the loudspeakers. They are made entirely from Panzerholz, a material with an impressive density. The workmanship is outstanding and the sonic results leave no doubt as to the seriousness and competence of this manufacturer.
I was then surprised by the distributor Audio Artisans. Here I had another opportunity to listen to Odeon speakers. Compared to previous experiences, this time they impressed with a gentle high frequency range that seemed less demanding. Normally, Odeon speakers are characterized by a rather aggressive high-frequency presence, but this set-up was pleasantly restrained. The electronics from Core Audio and NAT Audio supported the reproduction in a harmonious way, while an elegant turntable from Rui Borges added a special touch as an analog player. A successful demonstration that proved that Odeon loudspeakers can also inspire with softer sounds.
After this room, I continued with a touch of old English style, paired with a breeze of Mediterranean hi-fi charm. I found myself in the rooms of the TAD distributor, where an interesting combination of different manufacturers was presented. Electronics from Cyrus, record players from Rega and tube technology from Unison Research were skillfully staged and presented in an appropriate manner. The combination appeared harmonious and offered an exciting mix of British precision and Italian warmth.
Right next door were the rooms of Diora, a loudspeaker manufacturer with a penchant for extravagant design. Particularly striking was the selection of models using either ribbon or horn tweeters – each with their own unique sonic characteristics. In order to exploit the full potential of the speakers, a lot of work was done here with room calibration and DSP. This careful tuning made it possible to adapt the speakers perfectly to the room acoustics and present an impressive sound stage.
I then moved on to the room of LEN HiFi Vertrieb, which has always had a special knack for unusual exotic products. Record players from Muarah and Sikora were presented here, which were both visually and technically impressive. These were paired with speakers from Soundspace Systems, which were powered by tube electronics from Circle Labs Audio. The interplay of these components left an all-round positive impression and showed how harmoniously even lesser-known brands can work together.
Input Audio showed how well the cult brands Harbeth and Manley harmonize with each other. The long-established manufacturers impressively proved that they still have every right to exist today. The demonstration combined the classic Harbeth loudspeakers with tube electronics, all of which came from Manley. The result was a wonderfully harmonious sound that delighted both lovers of traditional hi-fi concepts and modern music lovers.
If you were looking for properly impressive speakers, Admiravox was the right place for you: just looking at these imposing speakers was enough to make you think of back pain – but fortunately there was no cause for earache. Quite the opposite: the sound was extremely balanced and well-judged. The large, external crossover was particularly noticeable, indicating precision and fine workmanship. Added to this was the uncompromising cabling, which rounded off the picture of a well thought-out and consistently implemented setup.
I then returned to the first floor. In one of the Austria Center’s concert halls, you could marvel at an impressive selection of beautiful record players from Transrotor and E.A.T.. There were also some of the finest electronics from various manufacturers, but unfortunately they were only on cold display. In one corner, there was also the opportunity to test headphones from HiFiMan – a welcome opportunity for anyone who wanted to experience the sound directly on their ears.
That was the end of my tour of the fair. Perhaps you’re wondering why I didn’t go into too much detail about the sound of the individual systems? That’s because of my experience with trade fairs: Even with the best systems, it is often difficult to conjure up a perfect sound image in such rooms. Problematic room acoustics, contaminated electricity or other disruptive factors can play a role here – not to mention brand-new components that have not yet been run in. Overall, however, I think the exhibition building has a very good basic character. Designed as a conference center, the rooms and halls are acoustically treated and have a pleasant tonal character and short reverberation times across the board.
If this has whetted your appetite to visit the Austrian capital yourself, there is a slight downer: as the Austria Center will become the new venue for the high-end trade fair in 18 months’ time, the FINEST AUDIO SHOW will probably no longer take place next fall. The organizer is currently looking for a suitable alternative venue. So for Vienna it’s probably: The FAS is dead, long live the High End!