Vienna Hi-End 2026

[Pigmy Pony]

I thought all the systems demonstrated in the video sounded crap, but I put that down to the itsy bitsy teeny weeny speaker in my smartphone.

No doubt if I had been there I would have thought differently, but not by much. I would have loathed those large horn speakers that look as if they had come from a decommissioned cinema.

(When I have time, I might see if I can connect my laptop to my DAC using a USB cable, and give the video another go.)

What would be the purpose of doing that? Just asking, not trying to be a smartarse

I did skip through a few parts of that video, and tbf I quite liked some of the music used. As for Macca's chosen track, well, who doesn't like a good xylophone solo? Takes me back to my primary school days

[Barry]

What would be the purpose of doing that? Just asking, not trying to be a smartarse

So as to be able to play the video soundtrack through my system with its better speakers.

[Pigmy Pony]

So you would then be listening to your system with accompanying pictures of other kit

[Barry]

That was the whole point of the video. By relaying the audio through my system I would be improving the quality of the 'soundtrack' over that of my smartphone.

[Pigmy Pony]

Ah, so not to assess the quality of the systems being demo'd through your set up then I know that sounds like crazy talk, but no dafter than the countless videos people post to demonstrate the abilities of high end kit!

[Barry]

Well I guess the quality of the soundtrack is only as good as the microphone in his smartphone. So thinking about it, I may as well not bother.

Of course if I had been there I would have used a Nagra IV-S portable reel-to-reel recorder and a pair of Schoeps or Sennheiser microphones.

[Tim]

If you like classical it may not be as bad. But I actively dislike it.

I do Justin, kind of where I started in some ways - big symphonies though, not mad on noodling classical, don't dislike it though. But I'm with Martin, I really don't like audiophile music either.

I do like this thread though, been a brilliant read.

[Lawrence001]

Thanks for the photos and comments Justin you were a lot more organised than me I don't think I saw half of what you did. Small enough place to bump into you outside though!

[User211]

Thanks for the photos and comments Justin you were a lot more organised than me I don't think I saw half of what you did. Small enough place to bump into you outside though!

I wouldn't have gone to the Xclusive show if you hadn't mentioned it, so cheers for that.

Surprised you remembered me from Munich TBH.

I didn't only go for the show - it's just a good addition to a week's holiday which is how I always viewed Munich.

Odds say it never happens again, LOL. It did seem like a complete fluke.

[Barry]

Whatever, we all appreciate the effort you have gone to in describing the equipment and taking the excellent photos of the rooms you visited.

The only time I visited Munich it was for the Beer festival!