Ken Micallef

Jacky Lee, CEO of French manufacturer Revival Audio, presented a fine system that included an Electrocompaniet ECM 1 MKII high-end DAC and music streamer ($5800, all prices approximate when converted from Euros), an EMC 1 MKV Reference CD player ($7300), an EC 4.8 MKII Reference preamplifier ($5700), and Electrocompaniet's AW 800 M Reference stereo/monoblock amplifiers ($24,000 each).

At High End Munich, the shared booth of Prague-based Remton Audio and Fonolab inevitably caught my eye. Beautifully crafted phono gear always stands out, especially when it reflects deep analog passion.

After meeting Thuono Audio co-founder Eleonora Bonollo at the brand's static display in 2024, it was a pleasure to see the Italian entrepreneur demonstrating a full playback system at this year's High End Munich.

This system, largely composed of Viva Audio components—including three world premieres—was supported by a mix of modest and high-end source components.

This room featured multiple world premieres, including the TechDAS AF 4 turntable ($31,500, all prices approximate when converted from Euros), The Wand Dark-Light tonearm ($8200), and the Mutech RM Hayate MC cartridge (Corrected: $9000 after tariffs).

Dual sales manager Lothar Mertens presented the company’s full line of manual turntables, along with an intriguing prototype: the CS 718Q, a manual direct-drive 3-speed model.

TechDAS turntables appeared in several rooms. In Room F219, I was particularly taken with the Korf tonearm and the intricate latticework design of the Exquisite Vord Cartridge.