Vienna Hi-End 2026

[Pigmy Pony]

Even if I could afford those last two systems, I wouldn't buy them. They look absolutely hideous, and to have to navigate your way around all that hardware in order to put a record on the equally hideous-looking turntable would not be for me.

(Don't get me started on cables the size of hosepipes and the need for cable lifters! )

I'm with you on that Barry. Just too much stuff going on. If music stopped coming out of the speakers, or just sounded wrong, I wouldn't know where to start... and that turntable, it looks like someone's disassembled Robby the robot from Forbidden Planet, and thought "I wonder if I can make a turntable out of these bits?" Apparently they can, doesn't mean they should.

Plenty of other stuff at that show I could live with though, and it does look like an interesting way to spend a weekend. Better than Alton Towers and without all that queuing

[Jimbo]

Some amazing gear there Justin. Thanks for all your photos.

[Alex_UK]

Yes, great photos Justin, we appreciate you taking the time to share them.

I suspect if you could afford one of these really high end systems, you'd have a room/concert hall just for the hifi. Or else you'd build an extension, not just going to cram it into your spare bedroom, are you!?

Most of it is not to my taste, but I can appreciate it for what it is.

[Macca]

I'm with you on that Barry. Just too much stuff going on. If music stopped coming out of the speakers, or just sounded wrong, I wouldn't know where to start... and that turntable, it looks like someone's disassembled Robby the robot from Forbidden Planet, and thought "I wonder if I can make a turntable out of these bits?" Apparently they can, doesn't mean they should.
)

That reminded me of Robbie the Robot too. Or his arms, anyway.

[Barry]

I'm with you on that Barry. Just too much stuff going on. If music stopped coming out of the speakers, or just sounded wrong, I wouldn't know where to start... and that turntable, it looks like someone's disassembled Robby the robot from Forbidden Planet, and thought "I wonder if I can make a turntable out of these bits?" Apparently they can, doesn't mean they should.

Plenty of other stuff at that show I could live with though, and it does look like an interesting way to spend a weekend. Better than Alton Towers and without all that queuing

Oh I'm sure the record player made from recycled Robbie the robot parts can play a record, the trouble is the only record it can play is the theme tune to 'Forbidden Planet'.

[User211]

Clarisys Aria - fishnet stocking fetish I reckon.

I think most hifi systems look pretty questionable and they get more polarising the higher the price tag.

When you actually see that Aries Cerat stuff, though, the build quality is fabulous. As are many of the other items people feel look shite.

The point is the money goes somewhere.

Whenever I get back from Hi-End shows I realise how great my system is for the outlay, for me, at least.

That just comes from decades in the hobby, working out what I like.

[Macca]

Agree there's often a high standard of build and finish on the mega money stuff but a big chunk of the price is still just buying exclusivity alone.

Any of those speakers costing hundreds of thousands you could get the same sound (quality and presentation) for a lot less.

I like to get a listen to the crazy money stuff myself but even if I was that wealthy I wouldn't actually buy it.

[User211]

Zoning out without hallucinogens.

Before I took this shot they were all in intergalactic fully reclined zonked out stasis mode.

But the instructor summoned them back to reality.

Cruel.

[Barry]

Whenever I get back from Hi-End shows I realise how great my system is for the outlay, for me, at least.

That just comes from decades in the hobby, working out what I like.

Same here, agreed!

[Pete The Cat]

Excellent photos.

Apart from the price the other problem with this 'hi end' stuff is the weight of it - you couldn't be setting it up and tinkering with it if you have a bad back.