The HIGH END international audio exhibition kicked off today (May 15–18, 2025) at Munich’s MOC Event Center, showcasing around 500 exhibitors and over 800 high-fidelity brands from more than 40 countries. Norwegian singer-songwriter Anette Askvik inaugurated the fair as brand ambassador, opening with an immersive live performance of her album Liberty in a spatial audio format powered by Kii Audio. Her ethereal voice and cinematic arrangements set the tone for a show where music, innovation and emotion walk hand in hand.
The newly relocated Press Center in Atrium 2 proved to be a welcoming space for journalists and content creators alike—flooded with natural light, equipped with fast Wi-Fi, comfortable workstations, and quiet zones for interviews. A true upgrade that reflects the growing importance of media coverage in the audiophile world.
United Photo Press was present on the ground and documented the opening day in an unedited 30-minute film, offering a raw and immersive glimpse into the first hours of the event. Accompanied by a laid-back jazz soundtrack, the footage is now available for viewing here: UNITED PHOTO PRESS presents HIGH END 2025 (1)
The exhibition floor buzzed with excitement, offering continuous demos across all audio domains—from cutting-edge digital streamers and DACs to boutique tube amplifiers and handcrafted turntables. Over 70 headphone brands converged in the dedicated “World of Headphones” hall, where visitors could sit and compare models in optimized listening conditions. Every square meter of the venue pulsed with audio: from studio-grade monitors delivering ultra-precise imaging to compact wireless speakers that blend lifestyle with fidelity.
For lovers of analog sound, vinyl rigs were everywhere. Classic turntables paired with high-current modern amplifiers gave life to lush, resonant soundscapes. Many rooms showcased side-by-side setups that bridged retro aesthetics and contemporary engineering, giving a clear nod to the fair’s unofficial theme: where tradition meets innovation. Younger attendees were equally engaged—gravitating to systems with sleek form factors and DSP-tuned drivers that deliver immersive audio without cables or complications.
Anette Askvik’s role as brand ambassador wasn’t limited to the stage. Her presence reminded visitors of the emotional core behind high-end audio. Her immersive live set, presented through a multichannel spatial system by Kii Audio, gave a breathtaking demonstration of how technology can preserve, and even enhance, the soul of music. Special panels and roundtables also added intellectual weight to the fair. One in particular, focused on sustainability in vinyl production, featured artists and audio professionals discussing how tradition can evolve responsibly.
Back in the Press Center, daily conferences started at 11 AM sharp, offering direct access to product managers, designers, and even performing artists. The facilities were perfectly suited for fast turnarounds—many journalists were seen filing live updates and interviews in real-time, reflecting the energy of the show itself.
United Photo Press’s visual documentary captures it all: the first awe-struck faces stepping into demo rooms, the quiet focus of critical listening, impromptu technical explanations, and even candid moments in corridors where the real networking happens. Set against the smooth flow of jazz, the video is both a time capsule and an invitation to those who couldn't attend.
HIGH END Munich 2025 runs through Sunday, May 18. But even before the final note has played, the echoes of innovation, artistry, and passion will be felt long after. In 2026, the exhibition relocates to Vienna—a new city, a new chapter, but undoubtedly the same uncompromising dedication to the art of sound.
Carlos Alves de Sousa
Carlos Alves de Sousa
United Photo Press
