The exposition was located on the third floor of the hotel. In the "Bagration" hall, personal audio was demonstrated — from headphones to amplifiers. Despite the concept of a "quiet space," the area turned out to be one of the most lively.
Key new products and business highlights of the participants
- Audeze (in the Digital Fruits exposition) showed the closed-back LCD‑S20 headphone model with deep bass and precise microdynamics. The presentation emphasized the growing demand for premium magnetoplanar solutions in the portable segment.
- Kennerton emphasized original design and natural materials — such solutions are especially appreciated by audiophiles. The brand confirmed interest in niche products with high added value.
- Flatvox presented a development with an active membrane and a passive radiator. The technology forms a sound field through wave processes and standing waves on the membrane, demonstrating new approaches to creating solid-state headphones.
- Lisk Audio presented the internal two-channel PCIe sound card Lisa Pro for studio-quality playback and recording. The solution is aimed at the professional segment and content creators.
- Radiotehnika showed full-size headphones in two halls, including the new TD17C model, and retro-style solutions, as well as acoustic systems in the "Raevsky" hall. The demonstration reflects the brand's strategy to expand its presence in the high‑end and retro audio segment.
- Barnsly Sound Org. demonstrated Kanto active acoustics — compact speakers with detailed sound. The focus on compact solutions for home and office reflects the trend towards the universalization of audio equipment.
- Focal Professional presented studio solutions: from the initial Alpha line to the Shape series and the Solo6 monitor. The brand expanded its presence in the B2B segment, targeting studios and professionals.
- Matrix Audio showed a setup based on components of the N series for the first time in Russia — a comprehensive solution with digital transport, DAC, and headphone amplifier. The presentation reflects the growing demand for integrated high‑end solutions.
In the "Tuchkov" hall, Espace Bureau combined Focal headphones with the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition amplifier, and also showed wireless models of the brand. Next Hi‑Fi demonstrated the balanced operation of devices in a single system: Phonon headphones, Lehmann Audio amplification, HiFi Rose source, and cable harness from Chord Company. Such demonstrations illustrate the growing demand for comprehensive audio solutions and cross-brand integrations.
The vinyl market in the hall on the third floor with new and rare editions emphasized the connection between equipment and content as a market driver: the growing interest in analog media stimulates demand for high-quality playback.
Business program in the "Ermolov" hall
The business program focused on key business trends in the industry.
- Multi-driver systems, the availability of magnetoplanar headphones, and R2R architectures. Andrey Ushakov (Patefon), Denis Khrapunov (SoundProLab), and Evgeny Genis (Digital Fruits) spoke at the round table moderated by Mikhail Kucherenko. According to Ushakov, magnetoplanar headphones have become high-quality and affordable, and in-ear models have reached the high‑end level, allowing complex compositions, including symphony orchestras, to be reproduced with high quality in a compact format. The discussion revealed increased competition in the mid-range and premium segments.
- Physiology of sound perception and construction of personal audio systems. Mikhail Kucherenko's lecture highlighted the issues of developing products taking into account user experience — an important aspect for manufacturers of portable equipment.
- Solid-state headphones as a new technology. Dmitry Petrenko (Flatvox) presented a development based on the formation of a sound field through wave processes. Innovation can form a new market segment and attract investment in R&D.
- Building a desktop audio system. Denis Khrapunov (SoundProLab) analyzed the key components of the system. The expert noted that the DAC affects the detail and balance of the sound, and the choice between open and closed headphones determines the nature of the sound: the former gives naturalness, the latter — isolation and emphasis on low frequencies. The recommendations are useful for integrators and retailers when advising clients.
- Criteria for choosing sound cards and DAC‑amplifiers. Maxim Lyadov (ProSound) systematized the parameters for choosing equipment, including setting up Windows to improve sound quality. Practical tips help new players navigate the audio equipment market.
- Portable high‑end: from lifestyle devices to audio players. Pavel Savosin (Pult.ru) analyzed the evolution of portable solutions. The speaker emphasized that the transition from Bluetooth to a wired path improves quality, and among the trends are R2R matrices and tube portable amplifiers. The analysis revealed key development directions that manufacturers take into account when planning product lines.
- Cassette portable. Mikhail Borzenkov, journalist and musician, considered a niche segment of audio equipment. The steady demand for retro technologies shows that the audience appreciates not only innovation but also the continuity of formats.
The two-day exhibition ended with quizzes. Pult.ru raffled off the MEG SDA100BL acoustic system, and the quiz from the organizers pleased the participants with a series of prizes: Radiotehnika TD02C monitor headphones, a Kennerton Equilibrium headphone stand, Mikhail Kucherenko's book "Stereopravda. Unpolitically Correct History of High End Audio 2.0" and branded merch from Focal.
Organizer: MIDEXPO.
Partner: Focal.
Strategic information partner: IXBT.com.