Munich High-End 2016: sights & sounds

The biggest and baddest audio trade show in the world is undoubtedly Munich High-End. It’s where manufacturers from across the globe come to show off their wares, meet the press and entertain distributors.

For four days in May, the Munich Order Centre (M.O.C) sees its gargantuan internals turned over to some of the best audio products in the world.

Downstairs, red carpets line the floors of four ‘Halles’, themselves subdivided into pairs by an outdoor beer ‘n bratwurst garden. The Halles are mostly for static displays but are occasionally punctuated by blink-and-you’ll-miss-em prefabricated listening rooms. Above Halles 3 and 4, a pair of high-ceiling’d, U-shaped Atriums almost dwarf the show’s listening rooms proper that line their outer perimeter.

The Dynaudio loudspeaker built from 26,450 Lego pieces is impossible to miss. It’s sure to feature in almost every publication’s show report.

Despite once being a German-centric event, Munich High-End has slowly evolved into the number one event on the audio trade show calendar for coverage by the international press. With over 500+ exhibitors in one location we are exposed to eye-bulging amount of audio gear. And people. For context, the bigger Stateside trade shows pull in around 200 exhibitors each year whilst Australia rarely pulls in more than 30 exhibitors per show.

This is my third year covering Munich High-End but I don’t think it’s only the show’s size that sets it apart from the rest. Judging attendees on appearances, the Munich events attracts a more socially normalised individual; the scene seems less dominated by oddballs and eccentrics. (And I mean that affectionately).

Take a look for yourself though. The following video compiles snippets from the first two days of the Munich event. Pay attention to what people wear. Despite being 25C outside, jackets and jeans is the prevailing trend. Sock and sandals are very few and far between.

Listen carefully too and you’ll hear numerous languages being spoken above the din of the background noise. The vibe is genuinely international.

Rumours abound that 2016 will be High-End show’s last turn at the M.O.C. as the building’s control reverts to BMW. However, I have it on good authority from a German distributor that arrangements have been made for it to continue in its current location. Long may it run.

Further information: Munich High-End

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