2023 was a very busy yr by way of introductions of recent hi-fi merchandise. It isn’t stunning that the iEar’ Present turned out to be a particular version this time. We’re not simply speaking concerning the estimated 7,000-plus guests who got here to see the handfuls of exhibitors and rooms unfold over a Saturday and Sunday. But additionally concerning the high quality. Guests (and press members) got here by for good cause, as a result of there was a pleasant mixture of demos of acquainted merchandise and displays of utterly new merchandise.
A superb instance of this? The distinction between the rooms of Dynaudio and Bowers & Wilkins, coincidentally positioned facet by facet. The Danes did have some firsts, however primarily from Auralic, who confirmed the brand new G2.1 and G3 generations on web site. Nonetheless, the audio system that had been within the highlight have been there for some time. It concerned two programs: one the place the Confidence 20 with sub shined and one which solely consisted of the energetic and streaming-equipped Focus 50. Each sounded superb. And it was placing proof that you would be able to get high-end efficiency by each going the normal hi-fi path and by choosing one thing very futuristic in idea.
The big rooms of Bowers & Wilkins and its sister manufacturers subsequent door utterly adopted the innovation card. One room was totally devoted to demonstrating the brand new flagships, the 801 D4 Signatures, powered by a Classé pre/energy mixture. Within the different room the star was the 703 S3 with Marantz amplification. You additionally noticed many different new or upcoming merchandise, akin to a wonderful high-end direct-drive turntable from Denon or the Stereo 70 AV receiver from Marantz.
A critical present (however you’ll be able to take pleasure in it)
We now choose two main manufacturers to point a placing distinction. Had been these the large highlights of this present? They had been actually highlights, however positively not the one ones. The opposite main manufacturers had additionally put lots of effort into adorning a number of rooms and offering good-sounding demos. It proves that the iEar’ Present is de facto vital for the hi-fi commerce and trade. That’s the reason KEF and Hegel importer GP Acoustics actually did all the pieces in three rooms to entice guests. Not solely by most likely transporting each KEF product within the in depth model portfolio to Tilburg. In addition they introduced alongside model ambassadors Johan Coorg and Anders Ertzeid, two figures who know very properly the best way to entertain an viewers. What was fascinating was the chance to style the perfect of Hegel by way of built-in (H600) and pre/energy amplification (P30A/H30A) with the KEF Blade METAs. There are merely followers of 1 factor and one other. Jan Douwe Kroeske was additionally referred to as upon to host a music quiz, a fantastic concept that introduced selection to the basic picture-playing story.
Naim and Focal (a part of the identical Vervent group and distributed by Latham Audio) additionally went all out on this present version. The principle act was a Naim Traditional 300 system with a formidable Focal Utopia Maestro EVO, a far cry from the very particular NAIT 50 tribute amplifier and Focal Thevas that performed at different instances. The Traditional 200 set with Focal Kanta N°2s was our precise favourite.
Quite a bit on just a few m2
Importer Dimex undoubtedly deserved the prize for many stuffed and different area. They carry many thrilling manufacturers, with Cambridge Audio (offered by Pete Dixon) being the perfect recognized title. Their Evo 150 just isn’t new, however it’s a very intelligent interpretation of the all-in-one idea. Particularly with the picket facet panels. Cardas, Melco (and Alan Anslie), Silent Angel, Scansonic, NuPrime, Kora, Dyptique… there was loads to consider.
Dune Blue additionally achieved a excessive merchandise per sq. meter ratio. However that is not stunning for them. They primarily distribute head-fi merchandise, together with from Meze Audio and HiFiman, with a small foray into ‘massive’ hi-fi. The Rockna Wavelight DACs and streamers, for instance, that are extremely regarded in numerous corners.
Loads to see additionally at Monitor Audio Netherlands. As all the time, the audio system from the nice British model take middle stage, however the remainder of the programs used within the two rooms are simply as fascinating. For instance, the importer introduced reinforcements from Pathos and so they performed analogue with Transrotor turntables. Anybody who seemed round noticed merchandise from Leema Acoustics, Opera Loudspeakers and Unison Analysis.
You would not discover lots of manufacturers on the massive Professional-Ject stand. Happily, the model itself has loads to point out. Heinz Lichtenegger’s firm strongly believes that extra merchandise are higher, which interprets to lots of turntables (together with the Metallica and Darkish Aspect of the Moon particular editions) in addition to lots of compact electronics. The brand new line of passive step-up transformers that mean you can join a file participant with an MC cartridge to an MM phono enter attracted many guests.
Ten present toppers
There was loads to see, expertise and, above all, hear on the iEar’ Present. Nonetheless, there are all the time a lot of merchandise that stay well-liked. A subjective checklist, however considered one of units that stood out in their very own means in Tilburg.
- Rotel RAS-5000 met Sonus faber
The Rotel Diamond Sequence made it clear in 2022 that the Japanese model actually has loads to supply. With the RAS-5000, Rotel proves that it will possibly marry conventional values with trendy expectations. This all-in-one amplification presents a sturdy amplification hatch and in depth streaming choices. The colour display on the entrance is the icing on the cake.
- HiFi Rose RA180 met RS150B
The least you can say concerning the RA280 amplifier that HiFi Rose offered final yr? That it was controversial, because of a novel look that was each retro and trendy. The brand new RA180 builds on this, however is simplified and cheaper. However nonetheless one thing very distinctive. On the iEar’ Present, an RS150 streamer with a huge touchscreen was parked on it. Speak about a contradiction.
- Professional-Ject X8 Particular Version
The X8 from Professional-Ject just isn’t the best mannequin from the Austrian file participant producer. It’s a high-end participant with a mass loaded philosophy that on this Particular Version is provided with an Ortofon 2M Black, a cartridge that prices 600 euros individually. This model can also be extra engaging because of a brushed aluminum entrance.
- Yamaha True X-soundbar
At a present stuffed to the brim with hi-fi tools, it takes braveness to show with a soundbar. And never even a really costly one. But Yamaha managed to perform a feat with the well-performing True X soundbar. Unbelievable how these little wi-fi audio system on the again performed.
- Naim Audio NSC 222 and NAP 250
The wedding of this streaming preamplifier and the two x 100 Watt output stage ends in one thing very particular. Naim’s glorious streaming platform and app makes it straightforward to seek out music and play it in prime quality. The brand new design, together with white lighting (!), additionally seems to be very refined.
- Meze Audio Empyrean II
Inbuilt Romania with very particular magnetostatic drivers from simply throughout the border in Ukraine. That may solely be headphones from Meze Audio, a model that has conquered the hearts of many headphone lovers out of nowhere. The Empyrean II provides lots of tweaks, together with new ear cushions. They continue to be one of the stunning and stylish headphones you should buy.
- Arcam Radia A25
This prime mannequin of the brand new Radia household just isn’t actually costly. Because of its class G reinforcement, it presents efficiency that begins at school A. The brand new Radia design with yellow accents matches it completely. Together with the ST5 streamer you get a compact system that sounds glorious with the precise audio system. Even within the room crammed with good-looking Esoteric, Halcro and Vivid Audio gear, it stood out.
- Monitor Audio Platinum 100
The smallest fashions from Monitor Audio’s highest line (if we ignore the Hyphen for a second, that speaker is within the hors class) carry out excellently each time we hear them. They give the impression of being a bit extra mainstream than their predecessors, however technically they’re extra good than ever. That Anthra subwoofer can also be spectacular.
- NAD M66
If there’s one factor NAD all the time manages to do: shock you with a preamplifier that redefines what you’ll be able to count on from such a tool. That’s actually the case with the M66. M23 house owners have been anticipating this machine for a very long time. BluOS, Dirac and a minimum of 4 subwoofer outputs. This factor has all of it.
- Marantz Stereo 70
It’s fairly complicated that Marantz releases each the Cinema 70 and the Stereo 70. Each are slim AV receivers with a handful of HDMI inputs and price 999 euros, however one is a multi-channel receiver whereas the Stereo 70 is a strong music maker for stereo sound lovers. Complicated sure, but additionally very good that you’ve got a selection.
Viewers favorites
We will hardly declare that there have been stands that weren’t visited. It was busy in all places. However in some locations it appeared like extra of a queue. The room through which GoldenEar offered their model new T66 towers with Primare amplification and you can additionally look at the AudioQuest Legendary Creatures cables, for instance. The brand new PowerQuest 303, 505 and 707 had been additionally offered right here. Elsewhere on the present, AudioQuest’s energy options had been favorably supplied; the Niagaras offered like sizzling desserts.
Talking of Primare: the Swedish model was represented by its CEO Siemen Algra. He and importer PAI had organized one thing particular for guests: a encompass setup with Audio Physic audio system. To not set up a Mission Unimaginable film evening, however to point out a playlist of musical YouTube movies. Subsequent to it, System Audio confirmed what you can do with wi-fi WiSA audio system. And that is quite a bit.
Many constructive reactions additionally for the Rega system with a Planar 3 Anniversary turntable that performed on Totem audio system. It appeared ‘primary’ however was the most effective sounding units on the present. The setup with Rotel Michi amplifier and McIntosh MT5 file participant was additionally very good, which performed stunning music by means of Sonus faber Guarneri bookshelf audio system. Probably not a posh or massive set, however nobody actually had something to complain concerning the audio efficiency.
Music2 is in some ways a musical outsider on the iEar’ Present. Not each exhibitor is displaying off new applied sciences, slim audio system and streaming, however many are. The Music2 room is totally completely different. To show the Van der Hul cabling – Aalt Jouk van den Hul was additionally there – huge Blumenhofer Gioia reproducers are arrange. Trafomatic tube amplification and turntables from Dr. Feickert and Auris Audio accomplished the set. This room has received the perfect Sound of the Present award a number of instances prior to now, however not this time as a result of others also needs to get an opportunity. However by way of dynamics and expertise it was once more a winner.
And maybe that’s the biggest benefit of this iEar’ Present version. Lots of people got here by and typically we needed to sit right here or there. However guests appeared fairly completely satisfied to find a lot in a single afternoon. A constructive vibe and good music, that is all there must be. Organizer Freek van Ham and his iEar staff actually closed the present with a smile. Subsequent yr? That can change into extra and even higher, it says.
