What to expect at the autumn HIFI fair? Get the preview of the fair weekend here!

This autumn, the HIFI 2018 trade fair, which will be held from September 14 to 16, is even bigger, more impressive and more beautiful. At least if you believe the predictions. For there are indeed several unprecedented new products coming to the fair, even more spectacular ensembles, robust subwoofers, wall-mounted speaker systems, vinyl turntables, multi-room systems and even more precise image reproduction. And for the first time in Finland: the German MBL’s high-end equipment MBL X-Tremes worth 406,000 euros. There is therefore plenty to see and try!

Text: Teppo Hirvikunnas (in collaboration with HIFI 2018 and the exhibitors) Photos: Device manufacturers

The beloved child has had many names: Hifimessut, Highend Helsinki, Hifiexpo and now, succinctly, HIFI. It is, of course, the largest event in Finland dedicated to high-end audio and video reproduction equipment, the Hifi Fair, whose traditions date back decades.

The HIFI 2018 trade show will be held as usual from September 14 to 16, and the venue will once again be the Congress Wing of the Helsinki Exhibition Centre, which has served as the excellent venue for the trade shows for many years.

At the same time, Messukeskus also hosts the Habitare, Design, Furniture and Interior Design and Antiques fairs. All events can be accessed with the same ticket.

The largest in Finland

HIFI 2018 is Finland’s largest and most diverse event for high-quality sound and visual presentation. This year, the fair features even more space and, above all, several new listening rooms. Previously, the spaces on the side of the Messukeskus hotel were also replaced with additional rooms on the third floor of the main congress area. The new spaces are also more easily accessible upon entering the Messukeskus congress area. It is worth following the signs for the extensive fair area.

So what is there at the fairs?

So this is an exhibition event featuring sound and image reproduction, with a focus on high-quality products. So it’s pretty pointless to expect anything like a tinny 10-euro Bluetooth sound from the fair.

Instead, top-quality sound and visuals are on display, available for listening and watching. And not just for high-end devices costing a few hundred thousand yen, but for everyone on a budget. Of course, it must be noted right away that even that few hundred thousand yen is a small price compared to the top-of-the-line devices at the trade shows. There are a total of 25 exhibitors, nearly 40 stands, and over 70 brands at the trade shows.

We have gathered a few preliminary insights into the upcoming offerings at the trade shows here.

No parties without headphones

The popularity of headphones is only growing. And it’s no wonder, because the enjoyment of listening is in a class of its own with the top headphones. Of course, it’s different – much more intimate and detailed in its details than with speakers.

Dozens of brands and models are available at the trade shows, ranging from hundreds to thousands of euros. And of course, there are also headphones amplifiers. For example, the Elear, Clear and Utopia models from Focal. Also new models are the Focal Listen Pro and Clear Pro.
Department K 207: Crown Radio

Versatile AV amplifier and much more

The NAD T 758 v3 AV receiver amplifier is a novelty with great features and high-quality sound, as well as a built-in Bluesound streamer that also supports multi-room playback. You can expand its capabilities with separate add-on modules. The digital audio and video circuits are located on removable circuit boards, and thanks to the MDC architecture, you can expand the amplifier with all the future features, making it completely unique compared to competitors.

The T758 offers superb video capabilities and the latest digital technology, including Ultra HD resolutions up to 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. Other features include BluOs HiRes streaming built-in and mqa decoding, Dolby Atmos and Dirac Live room correction. Radio enthusiasts will appreciate the T758’s highly sensitive radio dial, 30 preset radio channels and RDS support. These and all of the NAD new models are on display at the trade show.

Department K 214 and A 38: AH-Hifisystems

Top new arrivals from France

French company Focal has risen to the top of the premium and high-end speaker market in just a few years. Now on display at the trade show are the Nordic premiere of the new N1, N2 and N3 models of the Focal Kanta series, as well as the flagship model and EISA winner Sopra N2.

And that's not all: the new EISA winners from Focal, the 300IWLCR6 in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, are also available for listening. Unbelievable sound that you have to hear!

Department K 207: Crown Radio

Yamaha high-end instruments with piano accompaniment

Yamaha Music, together with F-Music, presents the Yamaha Disklavier Enspire piano, which plays music automatically using a control app or functions as a normal piano. It also works as part of the Yamah MusicCast multi-room system. The Disklavier is connected to the Yamaha AS3000 preamp and NS5000 speakers. Yamaha has promised to introduce its high-end products to the market in the second half of 2018: a fully balanced C5000 preamp, a fully balanced M5000 preamp, a balanced output high-end turntable GT5000, and the high-end AV preamp CXA5200 and 11.2-channel main preamp MXA5200. The department also features a complete range of the latest MusicCast products: MusicCast20 and -50 network speakers, MusicCastSUB100 network subwoofer, MusicCastBAR40 soundbar, and the RXV85 and A80 series preamplifier units.

Department K 205: Yamaha

How realistic can a sound sound?

If you believe the importers, the fair features the most naturally-sounding loudspeakers in the world with an incredibly realistic center frequency! Harbeth’s new 40th anniversary loudspeakers are making their Finnish debut, and of course the entire range. Harbeth’s Managing Director Alan Shaw is presenting the loudspeakers. Together with Harbeth, the Exposure new 5010 flagship series is also on display, offering a very punchy and live-like rock sound. The lineup includes a preamp with built-in DAC and robust 200-watt mono amps. The entire lineup of Regan’s turntables is also on display and in action. And that’s not all: the whole package is crowned by Atlaks’ new Luxe high-end cables, which are being presented by an Atlaks representative.

Department K 206: Music studio

50 years, and no fuss

At the trade shows, the Edgelippulaivasarja, presented in honor of Cambridge Audio’s 50th anniversary, is being showcased. It includes an integrated Edge A amplifier, an Edge NQ network amplifier, and an Edge W power amplifier. The company says it has put its best effort into developing the devices with regard to sound quality. Three years have been spent on the development work. For example, the W terminal has only 14 components. It operates in the xa category, which is promised to offer the sound quality of a-class amplifiers with less power consumption. The power is promised for both the A and W models at 100 watts with an eight-ohm load. The power transformers have been redesigned so that they cancel the resulting electromagnetic interference. The capacitors have been replaced with active circuits. The NQ has an updated version of the StreamMagic platform, which includes Bluetooth with aptx HD, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast. Both the NQ network player and the integrated A amplifier feature coaxial and optical digital connections with 24-bit and 96 kHz quality, as well as USB 32-bit and 384 kHz quality and dsd256 support.

Department K 215: Audio store

Stylish vinyl set

Hifiklinikka brings to the fair the magnificent Crescendo Bianco by Transrotor, a renowned record player manufacturer, featuring, among other things, TMD magnetic bearings. The audio amplifier is the SME TR5009 and the audio driver is the Transrotor Figaro MC. The auxiliary equipment includes the stylish Fezz Audio Mira Ceti integrated tube amplifier with a power output of 2 x 8 watts and the Pylon Audio Diamond Monitor speakers. It is worth visiting here to listen to high-quality vinyl sound and to marvel at how it is possible that only a 2 x 8-watt amplifier is enough.

Department K 301: Hifi Clinic

Now they are available again

Who wouldn’t remember the Ortofon Concorde vinyl records that are 100 years old? Well, no one but at least someone with some interest in hi-fi and aged over 45–50 or who has worked with DJing. After all, it’s been a long time since the last time Ortofon Concorde vinyl records were available in hi-fi stores. Now the legendary model is back in the hi-fi market. For a long time, the Concorde series was only a product for the DJ side, but now there are again hi-fi turntables on the market with a turntable arm designed specifically for the Concorde. The Concorde Century model is a limited edition of 1,000 units, and in Finland it will be available in a recommended price of 599 euros. And what about the model name Concorde? Could it be derived from the high-speed aircraft that started its flight in 1976?

Department K 214 and A 38: AH-Hifisystems

From professional studios to home screens

Highly regarded in the professional audio field, Audio Technica also produces high-quality headphones for home use. At the trade shows, a wide range of models can be heard, including the acclaimed ATH-ADX 5000 from the world-renowned Japanese manufacturer, the latest flagship model in a wide range of headphones crowned by the award-winning brand. They are described as being extremely comfortable thanks to their ultra-light construction and large comfortable cushions. These handmade headphones, manufactured in Japan, feature patented Core Mount technology and a large 58-millimeter driver unit and magnesium chassis. The recommended retail price is 2,390 euros.

Department A 39: Bergsala Handic

All headphones are wireless!

The pocket-sized HiRes headphones amplifiers from Ampion transform any headphones into wireless speakers in relation to the audio source. The lineup is impressive: The model meets the Hi-Res standards of the Japan Audio Society and supports SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC codecs, with up to 384kHz/32-bit sampling frequency thanks to the advanced SRC/Sample Rate converter. The frequency range is stated as 15–100,000 Hertz, and it includes four audio inputs including spdif, USB, 3.5mm line input and Bluetooth, as well as two audio outputs including spdif and 3.5mm line output. The device has a built-in li-polymer battery that provides 10 hours of playback time.

Department A 39: Bergsala Handic

Record sales

Vinylmusic.fi and Realgames will bring a generous selection of 30,000 vinyl records to the trade shows. 1600 vinyl records and over 1000 CDs. New and old.

And that's not all. There is also a genuine Wurlitzer One More Time CD on display. Water jets and rotating color lights on the sides. Made in Germany in 1988 and in mint condition. These genuine Wurlitzer Bubbler jukeboxes are only a few in Finland - probably this CD model is the only one in Finland. Vinylmusic.fi and Realgames are located in Lauttasaari, where in a store of over 200m2 they offer over 30,000 vinyl records, jukeboxes, flip-flops, game consoles, etc.
Department A 27: Vinylmusic.fi

The new Finnish high-end speaker!

Knif Rauman Nº1 is a new Finnish high-end speaker. It is characterized by uncompromising electroacoustic design, materials and craftsmanship. Knif Rauman Nº1 is a semi-active three-way speaker equipped with a symmetrical element arrangement, featuring a special version of RAAL’s best ribbon tweeter as the tweeter. It is mounted on a cast metal waveguide together with SEAS’ magnesium cone tweeters. The strongly rounded front surface of the cabinet ensures exceptionally low diffraction and controlled directional response. The bass drivers are driven by passive elements. Behind the mid-range drivers are inverted horns that attenuate rear radiation. Thanks to the generous internal damping, the cabinet is vibration-free. The unfavorable vertical direction of the ribbon element is flattened by acoustic lenses. The complete system includes a separate active crossover. The crossover has bass level control and a two-band parametric bass correction. The connection is made using discrete Class-A operational amplifiers and Elma rotary switches. It is based on the same topology as the Eksa master distortion control found in Knif Audio circuits.

Department K 218: Sound Factor