When this edition of The Audio Voice reaches inboxes all over the world, we will already be in Munich surrounded by $200,000 amps and speakers, $100,000 turntables and $20,000 oxygen-free cables. As we previously reported, the 2015 High End Show in Munich, now in its 34th edition, will be the largest ever.

Since 2004, the ultra-modern architecture and infrastructure of the Munich Order Center (MOC) in the north of Munich offers a unique exhibition space. The modular design concept of the spacious exhibition and event halls, 140 conference rooms, and the light-filled atriums create a perfect setting for such an event - quite distinct from the regular hotel rooms, which are the tradition in the US.

This year the Munich High End Show fills an expanded area of four halls with more than 500 exhibitors and the High End Society confirmed an impressive array of performances, talks, presentations, and industry events.

Previews for this type of show are not typical as with other industry shows (and certainly in pro audio), so it was difficult to exactly anticipate what will be available. We just know there are many new companies showing new and innovative active speakers and headphones, targeting realistic prices, in line with current consumer trends. Meridian's Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) audio technology will be featured in a special presentation and we are looking forward for the opportunity to finally being able to judge TIDAL and other streaming services in MQA. There are also plenty of proposals in new DACs, with the new audiophile D/A converter, NADAC, from Swiss manufacturer Merging Technologies deserving special attention. Native playback of DSD, DXD, or PCM high-resolution audio files will certainly be one of the main topics at the show. And of course, there are plenty of new headphones to discover, from new electrostatics to new magnetic planar models.

For those who are unable to travel to Munich, there's also no shortage of consumer high-end shows in the US. Following Axpona/AudioCon and Lone Star Audio Fest, at the end of the month we will have The Home Entertainment (T.H.E.) Show Newport Beach, at The Hotel Irvine in Irvine, CA, from May 29-31, 2015.

Visitors to T.H.E. Show Newport Beach can also visit the Headphonium exhibitors, the Marketplace, vinyl, CD, and accessories vendors all in one location - a giant 15,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom in the center of The Hotel Irvine. Returning to the event in 2015 will be the gourmet food trucks, a giant high-end auto show, live entertainment day and night, wine tastings, and many more popular educational seminars orchestrated by the Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society (LAOCAS).