Hi End Munich, the world's most important trade fair for hi-fi sound
The High End Munich is the world's leading event in the field of high-fidelity audio. Founded in 1982, it has evolved into a global reference for manufacturers, distributors and enthusiasts of high-end audio. Originally held in Frankfurt, it moved to the MOC Event Center in Munich in 2004, where it has remained ever since.
Organised by the HIGH END Society, the fair attracts more than 500 exhibitors from over 40 countries each year, presenting the latest innovations in sound reproduction technologies. It is a key meeting point for hi-fi equipment manufacturers, speaker designers, and world-class amplifiers, as well as offering a dedicated space for lovers of high-end headphones through the parallel event World of Headphones.
The products on display range from analogue turntables to advanced digital audio systems, always with the aim of offering the highest sound quality. The fair is also known for its audio demonstrations in controlled environments, allowing visitors to experience the latest technologies under optimal conditions.
In addition, HIGH END Munich is not only a technological showcase, but also an educational platform, with lectures and panels where industry experts share knowledge and future trends.
The fair features both industry giants and innovative smaller companies.
Notable brands regularly present include:
- Accuphase, known for its high-end amplifiers.
- McIntosh, famous for its luxury sound systems with its characteristic blue meters.
- Focal, a French manufacturer of high-fidelity speakers.
- KEF, which excels with innovative speaker technologies.
- Bowers & Wilkins, renowned for excellence in loudspeakers.
- Esoteric and Luxman, present audio equipment with a blend of traditional craftsmanship and advanced technology.
High End Munich highlights
Over the years, High End Munich has been the stage for high-profile launches of industry-leading hi-fi products. Regarded as the world's leading audio exhibition, this annual event has seen introductions from leading brands such as Naim, Yamaha, Sonus Faber and Burmester, who use the platform to showcase their most advanced innovations.
Recent notable products include Chord Electronics' Ultima integrated amplifier, renowned for its cutting-edge design and exceptional sonic accuracy, and PMC's new Prodigy Series loudspeakers, which bring studio quality to a more accessible format. Brands such as JBL have reintroduced upgraded versions of classics, such as the L100 Classic MkII series, with significant internal improvements to deliver superior sound over previous models.
Other major launches have included Quad’s Platina line, known for its sleek design and high-end performance, and HiFi Rose’s RS130 streamer, considered one of the most advanced on the market.
HI END to move from Munich to Vienna
In 2026, the trade fair will be moving from Munich to Vienna. The Austria Center Vienna (ACV) will be moving to Vienna in May. This first-class event location in the heart of the Austrian capital has undergone extensive refurbishment in recent years and is equipped with the latest digital technology.
The venue offers a variety of modern rooms in different sizes for exhibitors to better showcase their products and technologies. Additional rooms and spacious halls are available for exhibitors to set up their individual stands.
The ACV has a total of 26,000 square meters of exhibition space on several levels of the main building as well as in the adjoining halls, allowing exhibitors to find the optimal conditions for their diverse needs. Companies participating in FINEST AUDIO SHOW Vienna in November 2023 received a first impression of this. The consistently positive feedback and current registration figures for this year's FAS Vienna only underline the fact that the CAV is an excellent choice for the new home of HI END.
