The company will be launching two new mid-level designs to replace its original DP140 and DP160 models. Gone is the minimalist, proto-Japanese styling, ousted by a heavy injection of technology and materials from the Reference model. With their Reference-style framework and baffles, the Mk2 speakers now look just like baby versions of the flagship, featuring larger tweeters and revised crossovers to smooth integration of the two-way designs. Available from Q3 of this year, prices will be €14,000 for the DP140 Mk2 and €22,000 for the DP160 Mk2, which makes them very interesting indeed.
One of the things that was so impressive about the reference speakers last year was the modest system being employed to drive them. The DAC in that system came from French company B.audio and this year they will again be providing electronics, hopefully including their interesting mono-bloc amplifiers. France has always been at the forefront of digital audio development and the B-audio products offer a fascinating and extremely cost-effective solution, with DAC options that allow users to purchase the facilities they require, from a simple DAC through to a complete Digital/Analogue, Streaming DAC/Pre-amp. It will be interesting to see if these two French companies can build on the performance and success of last year.
Stenheim – Atrium 4.1, F113
Stenheim will be showing their new Alumine 2.5, which looks like being a key product for the brand. A slim floorstander, it arguably owes more to the stand-mounted Alumine 2 than the next model up, the Alumine 3. Whereas in the A3 the emphasis seems to be on delivering maximum bandwidth from its compact enclosure – at the expense of sensitivity and the ease of drive that characterises the other Stenheim speaker designs – the A2.5 is less about the numbers and all about delivering an engaging, lively and dynamic performance. Whether you want to dub it a grown up A2, or a pint-sized A5, a combination of easy drive and expressive performance could place the new Stenheim on the end of a lot of more affordable or lower-powered amplifier options. If the Alumine 2.5 hits its musical goals it could be a very interesting speaker indeed, bringing Stenheim’s signature virtues to both lower cost and lower powered systems.
Magico – Atrium 4.1, F115
If rumours are to be believed then Magico will be bringing what is arguably their most ambitious speaker ever to the show. Before the horn fans get excited , let’s just be clear: the Ultimate really doesn’t count – being charitable let’s describe it as a learning curve as opposed to a product. The M9 on the other hand is altogether more serious. Sophisticated active bass, high-tech composite cabinet and Magico’s latest drivers promise a serious assault on the upper reaches of high-end performance. With a Wadax front end there will be nowhere to hide, so musical delivery will be everything. Big Magicos have underwhelmed in the past, while their more affordable S and A series speakers have impressed. But when it comes to actually performing at a show, the M9 certainly ticks all the boxes. This is one room that will be on my list for multiple visits – assuming that I can get in the door…
Thorens – Hall 3, M06
Turntable manufacturers don’t come with a much longer history than Thorens. The TD-150 was a product of real significance, while the TD-124 has a cult following amongst aficionados of retro-fi everywhere. Meanwhile, the mighty Thorens Reference is an unsung and under-rated product, well-respected by those few with any real experience of it. Which makes the arrival of the ambitious Thorens New Reference turntable – marking the company’s 140th anniversary (no less!) – a particularly interesting prospect. The massive ‘table incorporates an active piezo-electric isolation and levelling system. A three-phase synchronous motor with three independent driving amplifiers powers the belt-driven platter, but an active damping system (developed in the conjunction with the same company responsible for the active isolation) controls speed accuracy and (the company claims) all but eliminates wow. The deck will accommodate three tonearms of up to 12” in length, although pricing and package details have not been released. It also really looks the part – which never hurts…
Avantgarde Acoustic – Atrium 4.1, E123/124
In one sense, Avantgarde’s room in Munich is one of the most predictable: even if they are showing new products, you can expect to see big and often brightly coloured trumpets dominating events. But the ‘floral’ display often obscures fascinatingly different products and solutions elsewhere in the room. The excellent and affordable XA amplifiers are a case in point, as is the Zero ‘slab’ loudspeaker system. Last year, the Duo GT quietly debuted in the Company’s second, smaller room and this year, while the active Duo plays centre-stage, that smaller space(E124) will house something rather different and possibly quite entertaining…
