BLOG - High End Vienna 2026 - Run and Won!
Updated: Jul 7
Wow! As it turns out, Vienna beats Munich!
The show itself is almost completely different. Enormous open areas, spectacular spacious displays, improved air conditioning! From videos of the space, you could be mislead into thinking the turn-out was less than Munich. in fact, it was the design of the building with its large open spaces that made it look and feel uncluttered even while thousands upon thousands of people were in the building.
Vienna itself is both similar and quite different to Munich as a city. Both have amazing history, stunning architecture and friendly people. The differences - In my experience there is quite a bit more English spoken and not just in the tourist areas. The locals feel more friendly and tolerant than Munich and the public transport is even better thanks to the trams. The weather has been both outrageously beautiful and a little bit dreadful in exactly equal amounts.
The Austria Centre - This venue has clearly been designed by someone who loved an alcove, an open space and takes pleasure in disorienting visitors with a complete lack of similarity between floors. Stairs, escalators and lifts are seemingly placed randomly, and there was a consistent expression of confusion on many faces over the four days of the Show. However, it did mean that sometimes you accidentally happened across a display that you otherwise may not have scheduled. On the public days when the building was absolutely full of people having a wonderful time, it was very comfortable and kind of calming in a way I'm not quite sure how to explain.
Sound? The rooms themselves vary in size but all seem to be rather good acoustically. Those exhibitors who took some time with acoustic treatments in the room, created very good listening environments. The standard of displays was utterly first class with very few exceptions. Colour and movement everywhere, new products, excellent sound, a delight for the eye and ear. Those who say you can't get good sound at a HiFi show are just plain wrong!
The downside? Aside from the slight confusion and challenge of navigating this much larger venue compared to the M.O.C in Munich, there is nothing else. A few smaller rooms became somewhat warm with around 20 people packed into the area but that's not exclusive to HiFi shows. Europe in (nearly) summer can tend to get warm.
We loved it! We did not speak to an exhibitor who didn't agree that Vienna was a step up from Munich. The locals came out on Saturday in unprecedented crowds and the vibe was electric. It seemed that everyone was having a great time and really enjoying the enormous amount of equipment on display. Very much looking forward to 2027!
The roundup episode with a special guest host will dish the details on the good, bad and otherwise of High End Vienna. Day One and Day Two videos are up with all the big brands and original audio so you can hear what we hear. Of course we have many more videos, including exclusive "fast" on-camera chats with many big brands in an upcoming video soon.
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