JOIN GYULA FOR THE SECOND PART OF HIS SHANGHAI HiFi ADVENTURE
HiFi PiG’s Asia correspondent, Gyula Weeber, brings you his TAS Shanghai Top Audio Show 2025 Report Part 2.
Sorting through the vast trove of images and details for this report was no small feat, but now that we’ve covered the opening and grand spectacle of the third floor, in part 1 of my report, it’s time to continue the adventure upwards to the other 4 floors. These levels featured the most extreme contrasts, ranging from the quirkiest, smallest setups to the most massive, room-dominating systems of the entire show. You know, the type that requires you to build a house around it.
Over the course of three days, the show welcomed over 30,000 attendees, demonstrating the enduring and vibrant presence of high-end audio. Buckle up for the next round of HiFi discoveries!
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TAS SHANGHAI TOP AUDIO SHOW 2025 REPORT PART 2
ONIX, YBA, SHANLING
Behind the scenes, it’s a little-known fact that Shanling now steers the ship for both Onix and YBA, pulling three distinctly flavoured brands into a coordinated international expansion. I was treated to a special backroom tour where the team laid out their vision.
Onix positions itself as the high-end sibling to Shanling, targeting audiophiles who demand a significant step up in both build and performance. At the forefront of their latest offerings are two heavyweight contenders: the OC93 hybrid player and the OIA92 integrated amplifier—both substantial in size and substance, not your typical compact HiFi boxes.
The OC93 impresses with a 7-inch touchscreen running Android, dual mono AKM 4497 DAC chips, and a dedicated CD player featuring the Philips CDM4 drive. By choosing an actual CD pickup mechanism over the more common DVD heads, Onix aims for a purer, higher-fidelity playback—a nod to traditional quality in a modern package.
The OIA92 integrated amplifier is an absolute beast at 29kg of machined aluminium, exuding flagship confidence. Delivering 200W per channel into 8 ohms (and up to 500W in bridged mono mode), with the first 15W in pure Class A. Bluetooth and a built-in DAC for modern convenience.
They have a strong line of desktop and portable audio equipment. The standalone XST20 SACD transport offers i2s with reconfigurable pinout, so you can match different DAC standards. The XMT20 network bridge and flagship XDA20 DAC (dual ESS9039 chips) fill out the lineup, emphasising flexible, future-ready digital connectivity.
For portable heads, Onix has the Linux-based headphone player and the almost whimsical Onix Miracle—a PMP built around an Android platform, with a dockable, upgradeable headphone amplifier and external power supply. Serious, and modular option for the pickiest of head-fi enthusiasts.
At the YBA room (which aspires to be the flagship of the three-brand tier list), they emphasised that Yves Bernard André’s touch is still present, particularly on the Signature components—true to tradition, nothing leaves without his permission. They demonstrated the signature line of components, including the Genesis network player, with the help of an Elac bookshelf speaker. Sounded amazing.
On the side were the new design-orientated desktop-size series, the YT303 CD transport, the YD302 DAC/Preamplifier, and the YP302 Headphone amplifier.
Meanwhile, Shanling fills the role of “youngest sibling,” still innovative but now very much a bridge brand, offering approachable tech for a broad audiophile audience.
ANTHEM, PARADIGM
I was really looking forward to experiencing Anthem’s STR integrated amplifier paired with Paradigm’s Founder series speakers, but I will have to wait longer. Everything was relegated to static display—no live demos to get ears around.
T+A, PIEGA
T+A and Piega’s booth cleverly used moving walls to create two separate rooms when needed, showcasing a range of high-end components with minimal distraction. The space featured impressive Piega speakers, including the Master Line Source 3 and Coax 811 models, known for their transparency and spacious soundstage, perfectly paired with T+A’s crisp, powerful electronics. Central to my attention was the new T+A Symphonia integrated all-in-one, which was demonstrated with the compact yet punchy Talis speakers. Built around the PURIFI Eigentakt Class-D amplification with T+A’s proprietary power supply, dual true 1-bit DACs, integrated streaming, and eARC connectivity to fulfil the duties of a multimedia solution that so many modern audiophiles request.
WILSON BENESCH, VITUS, INNUOS, AVANTGARDE
Stepping into this room was like walking into a Freemason’s lodge—sumptuous, exclusive, and not quite of the everyday world. The sculpted Wilson Benesch Eminence speakers, with their gold-plated isobaric drive system, immediately commanded attention—not just visually, but for their precise, dynamic sound that filled the space with effortless authority. Powering these beauties was a quartet of Vitus monoblock amplifiers, delivering lush, detailed amplification that perfectly complemented the speakers’ refined clarity and punch. The digital side was no slouch either, anchored by Innuos’ Zen next-gen streaming server feeding into a Vitus DAC.
Then came the pièce de résistance—the rare Wilson Benesch GMT One turntable. This analogue marvel didn’t just spin records; it genuinely felt like invoking a rite. Its presence was so regal it practically demanded a dinner jacket and an oath of silence. I half expected to see a white-gloved butler materialise if anyone even thought about queuing up “Money for Nothing.”
The few records I heard sounded immaculate—yet there was this sneaking feeling I’d wandered into the VIP lounge by mistake, and any minute now, someone would clock my trainers under the table.
TRIODE, V/COUSTIC, KLIPSCH
This room was a delightful blend of tradition and nostalgia, pairing Klipsch’s handcrafted Ojas KO-R1 multicell horn speakers—powerful, dynamic, and loaded with heritage—with the warm, refined glow of Japanese Triode tube amplification from the Evolution Musashi KT150 and a matching Triode CD player. Analogue fans were treated to the hefty, precision-engineered Pro-Ject Signature 12.2 turntable delivering records with authority.
ROCKPORT, SOULUTION, AUDIA FLIGHT, PATHOS
This spacious room showcased two distinct setups, each commanding attention in its own right. The smaller system paired the elegant Rockport Avior II speakers with Soulution’s 360 D/A converter and network player and 331 integrated amplifier.
Stealing the show, however, was the headline setup anchored by the mythical Kronos Sparta 0.5 turntable—an analogue masterpiece that alone commands reverence, paired with the precise Soulution 757 phono stage. Complementing an exquisite chain: Audia Flight’s FLS20 SACD player for digital sources and the striking Strumento No. 1 Evo preamp with Strumento N8 mono power amplifiers. This pairing drove the Rockport Orion speakers with ease.
FYNE AUDIO, ACCUPHASE, TAOC, SAEC, ULTRA ART RECORD
Fyne Audio and Accuphase delivered a real treat for audiophiles, setting the stage for a rare encounter with the founders of Ultra Art Record—a legendary recording label famed for its uncompromising approach to capturing pure, natural sound. It was fascinating to hear their story and then put that philosophy into practice with a comparison listening session of both their CD and vinyl pressings.
The system was well-suited for such listening, with Fyne Audio F1-8 and Vintage Fifteen speakers creating a rich, detailed soundscape that was animated by the robust mono Accuphase A-300 power amplifiers and the elegant C-2850 preamplifier. The digital chain included Accuphase’s flagship DC-1000 DAC and DP-1000 SACD transport, while the analogue side was beautifully anchored by the refined C-57 phonostage and the exquisitely crafted Acoustic Signature Tornado Neo turntable.
To my ears, the vinyl pressing stole the show, providing more depth, warmth, and a palpable sense of presence that made listening feel more like a live session than a replayed recording. But as much as I revelled in that tactile, human magic of analogue, this setup was a timely reminder: getting vinyl to truly sing on this level takes serious curation, care, and more than a touch of patience. By the way, the albums are highly recommended!
ATC, PASS LAB, ORACLE AUDIO, TORUS, PLAYBACK
Ever the traditionalist, ATC struck a strong chord with the local community, consistently drawing one of the busiest crowds at the show. Every time I dropped by, the seats were full, with a queue at the back and a subtle, collective foot-tap echoing through the room. What made it work? The distributor clearly paid attention to the right details, presenting a neat, purposeful setup that allowed the music to speak for itself. The system centred around ATC’s signature speakers, powered by Pass Labs electronics and complemented by Playback Designs on the digital front, while Oracle Audio’s beautifully crafted CD player added a touch of elegance. It was a masterclass in how careful curation and genuine focus on musicality can fill a room with joy and attention.
DALI, LYNGDORF, SIMAUDIO, ARGON AUDIO
The DALI Epikore speaker line was showcased in the room, with its signature Scandinavian blend of refined design and open, dynamic sound. The Epikore 9 paired with the commanding Simaudio 861 power amplifier and the versatile Simaudio 791 network player, the setup delivered a smooth, detailed, and engaging performance that effortlessly filled the space. The addition of the Lyngdorf CD player rounded out the sources with clean, precise playback, allowing the Epikore’s lively yet natural tonal balance to shine through.
AUDIO BASTION
One of my standout discoveries at the show was the Audio Bastion booth, showcasing a range of ingenious accessories that really caught my eye. Their modular X-Rack system offers brilliantly flexible and sturdy stands to keep your gear organised and vibration-free. Complementing that was their clever new cable management solution, crafted from a special material designed to reduce interference and neatly separate different cables—best of all, it works seamlessly with any existing setup, making it a genuinely intriguing way to tame that tangled jungle behind your audio system. Vinyl enthusiasts got a treat too, with the launch of the Oblitz ATOM vacuum cleaner—compact but powerful, its innovative CapilNylon™ cleaning line and whisper-quiet operation promise an ultra-deep clean without any risk to delicate grooves, drying records in under two minutes.
7TH FLOOR GRAND HALL
The grand hall on the 7th floor was buzzing with energy thanks to United Audio, one of China’s premier distributors, showcasing an impressive lineup of brands. The showstopper was undoubtedly the system featuring Canton Reference Alpha 1 speakers paired with a dazzling collection of AVM electronics. If you thought your mirror at home was shiny, wait until you see this chromed AVM gear—so reflective it practically doubled as a selfie station! They also presented a couple of other well-known brands, like the Triangle speakers alongside the SVS Audio gear, or the monsters from Ascendo. Standing next to their 50 SUB Pro subwoofer, I couldn’t help but spiral into existential contemplation about my place in the universe…
WAVERSA
Some rooms at audio shows don’t demand your attention; they just feel right from the moment you walk in. This was one of those spaces, created by the quietly clever combination of Waversa’s WMiniHPAmk2, its small MiniPSU power supply, and the SmartHub 3.0. The backbone is the always-dependable PMC twenty5.22i active bookshelf speakers, which are ready to reveal every fine musical detail. In a hall full of statement pieces, this little Waversa-PMC combo demonstrated that sometimes the true hallmark of high fidelity is a room that allows you to forget about the gear and simply listen.
RUARK
Ruark Audio showcased nearly their entire product line, with the stylish R610 Music Console and matching Sabre-R bookshelf speakers standing out as a compact, retro-modern pairing that delivers great sound and style. Off to the side, the stylish R810 Radiogram brought vintage-inspired glamour, along with the full range of all-in-one R series speakers on display.
PATHOS, ROCKPORT
The thing about well-designed audio rooms is that they can evoke a wide range of emotions—rooms that immediately make you feel at home, rooms that make you feel like an audiophile dream has come true, and so on. This room felt different, too! It was a whole other flavour: bold, passionate, and bursting with personality. Forget quiet elegance or humble restraint—here, it was all about big attitude. This system didn’t just play music; it threw the afterparty and didn’t bother apologising to the neighbours.
The Rockport Atria—an engineering marvel from the United States that more than justifies its increased customs tax—anchored the experience. Three REL S/510s per side pumped up the bass, adding a “bucket of nuance” to the room. The electronics added an Italian flair, with the Pathos being “InControl” (pun intended), and the instantly recognisable red caps, while visually fun, delivered serious authority. The beautiful Audia Flight FLS20 CD player took care of spinning duties. The music didn’t always match the setup’s full potential, but in this room, you couldn’t help but feel the boogie.
REVIVAL AUDIO, AUDIA FLIGHT
If the last room was all swagger and afterparty energy, this one felt like settling into the kind of Parisian café where the espresso is strong, the lighting is just right, and nobody minds if you linger over an entire album. The Revival Audio Atalante 7 Evo speakers brought French design elegance and musical warmth, perfectly paired with the refined Italian engineering of the Audia Flight FLS10 MK2 integrated amplifier and FL CD3S CD player.
Sound that was genuinely delightful—full-bodied, inviting, and refreshingly easy to live with. Everything felt effortlessly poised: sweet treble, open, natural mids, and a foundation of balanced, tuneful bass. After the theatre and drama of the previous room, this setup was a gentle reminder—sometimes, all it takes is a seat, a favourite record, and a moment to simply enjoy the music—a little slice of La Vie en Rose, seasoned with a touch of La Dolce Vita.
SUCA
Suca Audio is a Chinese brand delivering compact, budget-friendly gear designed for desktop use. With playful designs and great sound, it proves you don’t need a big setup to enjoy quality music.
AUDIOENGINE
Seeing the Audioengine room immediately made me feel nostalgic. Moving to Asia, I got my first taste of “real” HiFi from a pair of Audioengine active speakers. I’ll never forget the moment I queued up Caro Emerald’s acoustic “Paris” for the first time: instant goosebumps. That unmistakable, intimate sonic magic moment shaped my palette of audio enjoyment.
That’s the magic of Audioengine. Their gear is designed to make quality sound accessible, whether you’re in a dorm room, a home office, or hopping between apartments. Watching the HD6 sing from a tiny portable player at the show was a perfect reminder: fun, affordable, and irresistibly inviting. For many (myself included), Audioengine represents the gateway drug to a lifetime of HiFi listening—proving that great musical experiences don’t need to wait for a big room, a big system, or a big budget.
POCKETKING
The Pocketking room was easily the most bewildering pit stop of the show—a nearfield, stereo-connected Bluetooth speaker with a boldly Chinese design, plonked squarely in the middle of a tiny space. The real spectacle, though, was the welcome: whisked inside with the enthusiasm of a street hawker reeling in passers-by, I found myself suddenly outnumbered by phone cameras, feeling less like an audio journalist and more like a CEO caught on a kiss cam.
LZE AUDIO, ATLANTIS LAB
The main system from LZE showcased their SR30 KT88 tube amplifier, SR1 digital source, and the impressive-looking AtlantisLab AT31 speakers—a lineup that amply demonstrated their dedication to craftsmanship. The speakers in particular caught my eye, with a build quality and finish that wouldn’t look out of place in far pricier setups. But while the gear itself left a strong impression, the room felt a touch overcrowded; there was simply so much kit packed in that the equipment struggled to truly shine. It was clear the intention was to showcase the range and value—especially with those tempting full-system discounts on offer—but I couldn’t help but wish for a little more breathing room so each piece could show what it’s really capable of.
RANKO ACOUSTICS
Ranko Acoustics were introducing their cables and accessories alongside music played on LuKang Spoey speakers and powered by Keces amplification.
AUDIOVECTOR, ACOUSTIC ARTS
In this room, Audiovector’s reimagined Trapeze speakers took centre stage, showing off their sleek Scandinavian design and musical agility. Adding warm, vintage soul to the mix, the Acoustic Arts Tube Preamp V and Mono VI monoblocks delivered serious authority. The source was covered by the refined Acoustic Arts Player IV CD alongside the versatile Innuos ZENith NG streamer, connecting to the mighty Vitus RD-101 Mk2 DAC. It was a blend of old-school warmth and modern punch.
ATC, PASS LABS
This room delivered a treat across two visits, each with its own personality. On my first stop—right at the tail end of day one—the owner had brought in a pair of active ATC SCM20ASL LE speakers, paired with a KR Audio P135 preamp and a Playback CD player. The vibe was casual yet reverent: a handful of us quietly soaking up some great rocking grooves, not a word needed—just the shared joy of pure music and good company.
Come day two, the atmosphere shifted. The Focal speakers were driven by the elegant Pass Labs XA60.8 amp alongside the familiar KR preamp. The sound remained superb but with a different personality—a change of mood that illustrated brilliantly how gear swaps can alter not just the music but the whole listening experience. Two sessions, two vibes, both equally fun in their own inviting way.
LINN
Room 540 featured a neat LINN setup that, under better circumstances, might have offered a compelling listen. Unfortunately, the experience was seriously compromised by persistent cigarette smoke inside the room—a frustrating contradiction to the strict no-smoking notices posted throughout the show.
ELAC, WIIM
Wiim is probably the most successful new brand in home audio, and in this room, they demonstrated their capable Wiim Ultra Amp paired with the excellent Elac Solano speakers, demonstrating that, despite its small size, it is very capable of driving highly regarded speakers.
JINGSHI
A truly fascinating room, Jingshi showcased a newly patented amplifier design built around GaAs (Gallium Arsenide) transistors. Unlike virtually all other audio amplifiers, this one borrows semiconductor technology originally developed for satellites, radar systems, and 5G communications—boasting chips that operate at an impressive 14GHz. Why is that important? Simply put, GaAs offers much higher electron mobility and speed than silicon, resulting in ultra-low distortion (with exceptionally low THD+N), an extremely wide frequency response and clarity, lower power consumption for a given performance level, and high linearity with ultra-low noise—key ingredients for detailed, accurate sound reproduction. Operating efficiently at such high frequencies also means cleaner transients and a more transparent, lifelike audio presentation
The amplifier’s oriental-inspired design was beautifully executed, adding a refined touch of artistry and authenticity to the rack. Rather than pairing their amp with a flashy, high-end speaker, Jingshi chose a classic Wharfedale, allowing listeners to assess the amplifier’s qualities on a familiar, neutral stage.
The sound itself was compelling, and I’d love to hear the system again—ideally with music more aligned to my personal tastes to fully uncover its potential.
GOLDEN MINE, DIAMOND HILL
The Golden Mine room featured JinBao Palace amplifiers and an impressive TEAC reel-to-reel deck, emphasising its seriousness. The highlight was their G168 speaker, which had a subtle nod to Wilson Audio in terms of design.
In their second room they showed the Diamond Hill series of speakers.
AUDIOONES
AudioOnes, a boutique Chinese HiFi brand known for its minimalist, essence-first approach, unveiled the new Symphony No. 7 streamer and DAC pair—a refined, technically ambitious unit focused on pure, uncoloured sound. Paired with Danish Dynaudio speakers and German Acoustic Arts amplification, the system delivered a clean, revealing, yet effortless performance that invited listeners to forget the gear and simply immerse themselves in the music. AudioOnes is a premium brand with corresponding pricing. The Symphony No. 7 is their flagship model, priced around EUR 18000 in the local market.
SOUND MACHINE
Sound Machine might be a young upstart from Singapore, but judging by the scale of their loudspeakers, they’ve skipped “cautious debut” and leapt straight to “go big or go home.” The small hotel room seemed to catch them by surprise, as their setup barely fit the small room. They provide a selection of active speakers with external power amplifiers (I know, it sounds strange), with each driver having its own power amp and a custom analogue crossover design—no DSP in sight! Despite the challenging room, the sound was great. This was the last room I visited on Sunday morning, just before leaving for the airport, to listen to a couple of tracks from Hans Zimmer’s concert album with the company’s founders.
FIIO HOME AUDIO LINE
I entered the room with keen anticipation, having heard from Lin that Fiio would be unveiling their new full-size in-home audio gear. The first thing that caught my eye was the prototype SV13 speakers, featuring bright horn tweeters inspired by JBL’s heritage. While still in development, they showed promising potential—definitely worth revisiting. The amplifier was a pleasant surprise: a Class A single-ended triode (SET) design built around EL34 power tubes, delivering a warm 28 watts per channel, complete with glowing analogue VU meters adding that classic tube charm. At the heart of the system sat the S15 Preamp, DAC, and Streamer—a compact powerhouse blending flagship AKM DACs (AK4191 + AK4499EX), a Snapdragon 660 processor, and a sharp 7.84-inch automotive-grade touchscreen, all running on an open Android 12 platform for versatile, smooth streaming. With ultra-low phase noise clocks, a fully balanced analogue stage, and even an HDMI eARC input, Fiio’s entry into full-sized home audio is both intriguing and ambitious.
SOUNDAWARE
Stepping into the Soundaware room is a bit like peeking into an engineer’s private passion project—except here, the passion is for music AND circuit diagrams. The team was keen to share with me the significant amount of effort and late nights they invested in designing their custom motherboards, with the goal of eradicating digital glitches and achieving flawless audio quality from the very beginning. It’s not just about bolting off-the-shelf parts together; every detail, from clock circuitry to PCB layout, is purpose-built for sonic performance.
At the heart of their demo was the D1x Digital Audio Transport, a streamer and server built on their unique FPGA-based platform. It supports ultra-high-res formats like DSD and PCM, features robust USB and network clocking, and embraces the audiophile’s favourite Diretta protocol for ultra-low-latency streaming. Running on their custom Saw OS 3.0, the D1x sets a new standard for digital transparency and control in modern HiFi.
They are very passionate, and their introduction had my head spinning. But I was more than convinced that their commitment and implementation are at the pinnacle of digital audio.
AVID, KERR ACOUSTICS, INCRECABLE AUDIO
At first glance, the room looked a touch chaotic—gear everywhere, shelves crowded, and a definite sense of “maximum tweakage” at play thanks to a liberal scattering of Increcable accessories. The cosy space perfectly accommodated bookshelf speakers from Kerr Acoustics and Avid.
The flagship Increcable TPA-120M monoblocks and TPC-1HP preamplifier handled driving duties. Analogue fans would have found plenty to smile about with the Avid Volvere SP turntable paired to the Pellar phonostage.
FRANCO SERBLIN, PRIMALUNA, SHANLING
This setup combined the PrimaLuna EVO 300 integrated amp, EVO 100 DAC, and Shanling SCD1.3 digital player to great effect. Known for lush valve warmth and refined clarity, the chain powered the stunning Franco Serblin Accordo Goldberg speakers, delivering open, rhythmic sound with transparency and musical flow. A stylish, engaging mix of European craftsmanship and audio finesse.
ACUSTIK LABOR
Acustik Labor impressed with a setup that combined traditional design and acoustic science. The system delivered natural, balanced sound thanks to the smooth Acustik Labor Artemis amplifier and bookshelf speakers designed by Mr. Lin, a well-known Taiwanese sound engineer who has worked on several concert halls. The room’s unique acoustic tuning, combined with the flagship Silent Angel streaming setup and the M2Tech Joplin DAC, resulted in an immersive, clear, and enjoyable listening experience.
LALS, LINEAR ACOUSTIC, MAHOUT
I’ve always felt a unique affinity to LALS speakers, which are handcrafted in Taipei and constantly impressive in terms of quality and sound. At the exhibition, LALS proudly anchored an all-local system with other Taipei neighbours: the refined Linear Acoustics LA V120 integrated amplifier and the Mahout LQ805 Classic integrated amplifier took turns controlling the show, while a Mahout CD player and Matrix streamer rounded out the digital side. The sound was instantly warm, inviting, and musically smooth, demonstrating that local talent can compete with the greatest.
The real surprise was off to the side: what may have been one of the show’s best deals of the year. The LALS Classical One speakers are paired with the Mahout ME100 Classic amplifier and CD5s in a package priced around €1,800. Anyone looking for honest musicality without breaking the bank should give this arrangement a careful listen. Sometimes the best finds are right in your own backyard.
KECES, TIEN AUDIO, LU KANG
Another room celebrating the rich audio heritage of Taiwan, this setup brought together a strong lineup. At its heart was Tien Audio’s 10th Anniversary turntable, paired with the elegant DS Audio 003 cartridge—a union of meticulous analogue design made for joyous, nuanced vinyl playback. Complementing the vinyl front end was the French Metronome CD player, adding a refined digital touch.
Powering the chain was the formidable Keces electronics collection: the IQRP3600 power conditioner ensuring clean, steady power; the solid S300+ power amplifier; the sophisticated S4 preamplifier with external PSU; and the sleek Ebravo streamer powered by the P6 supply.
Rounding out this distinctly Formosan flavour were the Lu Kang Spoey 230 speakers, known for their precise imaging and lively, natural sound—perfect for showcasing the system’s detail and flow without fatigue. The result was a coherent, inviting room that felt both artisan-crafted and effortlessly musical, a strong statement for Taiwanese audio innovation.
LEGACY, EAM, AUDIOBYTE
This lovely-sounding room brought together a globe-trotting lineup of gear that just seemed to click. The Legacy Signature SE speakers from Springfield delivered their signature warm, natural tonal balance with that kind of midrange clarity that invites you to just sit back and forget you’re even listening to HiFi. Holding the fort was the Milano-based EAM Classic 202i integrated amplifier, a smooth operator blending power and charm like a vintage sports car—effortlessly confident but with plenty of style.
On the digital front, the Audiobyte Super Hub + Vox duo—designed by the same clever engineers behind Rockna—kept jitter meticulously in check, ensuring the music flowed like a well-rehearsed symphony rather than a toddler’s first drum solo. Bringing a touch of analogue warmth to the mix was the Muarak MT3 turntable from Poland, paired with the elegant MU2 tonearm and PSC cartridge, spinning grooves with the kind of pristine retrieval that’s almost unfair to vinyl. Finally, the elegant French Atoll DR200 CD player completed this international jam session, rounding out a setup that balanced vintage soul with modern polish—in other words, the HiFi equivalent of a perfectly brewed cup of tea with just the right splash of whisky.
AUDCOM
PENAUDIO, AUDIUM, ATOLL
This space seemed refreshingly straightforward: Penaudio Serenade and Audium speakers provided clean, honest sound with just the right amount of Scandinavian restraint. The French Atoll 400 series, including the newly released IN400 Evo integrated, CD400 SE, and ST300 network player, provided the power and drive. Great ingredients create a well-thought-out solution.
SONUS FABER, MCINTOSH, HANOWA
The Sonus Faber/McIntosh setup boldly redefined “home audio” as a bona fide “municipal infrastructure project,” leaving you wondering if you’d need not only planning permission but also a special approval from your energy supplier before hitting play. The Suprema speakers stood majestically, commanding the room like sonic royalty, while behind them gleamed a veritable phalanx of McIntosh gear, glowing with that signature green and blue envy-inducing aura. This powerhouse rig packed an eye-watering 3.35 kW of total amplification—two MC 2.1 kW and a pair of MC 1.25 kW quad-balanced monoblocks, all orchestrated by the colossal C12000 preamplifier and complemented by the equally imposing MCD12000 SACD player. Subtlety and understatement took the day off here, replaced by unapologetic grandeur and an engineering ego the size of the speakers themselves.
ESTELON, AUDIO RESEARCH, INNUOS
This room offered a straightforward yet compelling setup with its tasteful restraint. The stunning Estelon XB Diamond MKII speakers formed the centrepiece; driving them was a classic chain of Audio Research components: the newly released LS-3 preamplifier, the DAC9 D/A converter, and the warm, powerful, and also recently released D80 tube amplifier. Digital sourcing came courtesy of the versatile Innuos Stream 3, keeping things simple but highly effective.
EVERSOLO
BEN PAN ACOUSTIC
Ben Pan Acoustic is a newcomer to the high-end audio scene, standing out not only for its sonic credentials but also for its stunning design philosophy. Their gear resembled those futuristic car models carved from clay for the Geneva Motor Show. Founded and led by designer Ben Pan himself, the brand aims for the top tier, blending uncompromising performance with show-stopping aesthetics.
The striking Harmonicone mono amps (800W into 8 ohms) and Pipe Organ preamp showed off not just sculpted, otherworldly CNC-milled cases but also serious high-end ambition. When combined with Dynaudio Evidence Temptation speakers, the system delivered clean, muscular sound with perfect timing and all of the flair promised by its dramatic design. In a hall of black boxes, Ben Pan’s creations turned heads. Lovely listening session; can not wait to hear more from Ben!
SYNÄSTEC AUDIO, EINSTEIN, ENGSTRÖM, ZINGALI, FALKENOHR
This room felt like finding the audiophile equivalent of a secret speakeasy—stacked with gear you rarely get to hear in the wild. Taking centre stage were the striking Italian Zingali Client Evo horn speakers, paired with a formidable German lineup featuring the Einstein Aerolith turntable, The Preamp, and the Einstein power amplifier doing the heavy lifting during my visit. Adding to the high-end intrigue, Synästec’s Igniculus phono stage and Origo II SACD player provided reference-grade analogue and digital finesse, all elegantly perched atop FalkenOhr stands. This setup was a showcase of rare, precision-engineered kit, blending Italian flair with German ingenuity—a true treat for anyone eager to break out of the HiFi mainstream. Oh, and that Metaxas & Sins Papillon tape recorder looked uber space age!
OCEAN WAY AUDIO
Ocean Way Audio showcased their flagship HRM-X loudspeaker system at the event. The HRM-X is a large, three-way, active floorstanding studio monitor designed and hand-built in the USA by Ocean Way, a brand known for its expertise in recording studio monitors and professional loudspeaker systems. The HRM-X uses proprietary horn-loaded technology to achieve wide sound dispersion and high output, aiming to deliver precise, room-filling dynamics and minimal distortion.
MELODY AUDIO
Melody Audio, founded in Australia in 1993 and opening a factory in Shenzhen in 1999, specialises in meticulously hand-built middle- to high-end tube amplifiers. The founder, a former patent officer with the government, dedicated his life to tube amplification design. Known for models like the 60W M88 Mk3 with WE407 tubes, the compact 28W SP3, and the Everest series of amplifiers. The standout in Melody Audio’s lineup was the Everest 211 MKII amplifier, featuring the prized T211 tubes that perfectly embody the brand’s passion for Western Electric tube heritage. Combining solid engineering and musical warmth, Melody amps deliver audiophile-grade reliability and tonal richness.
TAS SHANGHAI TOP AUDIO SHOW 2025 REPORT WRAP-UP
A huge shout-out to the organisers of Shanghai HiFi 2025 for pulling off such an ambitious, vibrant, and endlessly fascinating show—your hard work truly paid off in spades. Marcus and Michelle, thank you both!
I’m already counting the days until next year’s edition, eager to dive back into this wonderful world of sound, innovation, and passionate craftsmanship. Until then, keep your ears open and your turntables spinning!
If you missed it, read Gyula’s TAS Shanghai 2025 report part 1 here
Please note, all content and photos are the copyright of HiFi PiG Magazine/Big Pig Media LLP and must not be copied or reproduced in any way without the prior, written consent of the editor.
Gyula Weeber
