2024 has been an interesting year for the high-end audio category with the introduction of some of the most expensive components and loudspeakers that we have ever seen from a rather wide range of manufacturers.
The high cost of living has certainly had an impact on consumer spending, but music listeners with deeper pockets have demonstrated a surprising degree of interest in cost-no-object systems and that is certainly welcome news for the top end of the market.
If a state-of-the-art system with some of the best products currently available is something that you are serious about — we have some rather solid suggestions.
EOS 5 – Limitless Performance Distilled
For nearly 40 years, Gryphon has been world-renowned for State-of-the-Art HiFi creations that redefine the limits of performance…and size. In the realm of loudspeakers, the Kodo and Trident II systems deliver limitless sonic capabilities without regard for commercial constraints. By contrast, the new Gryphon EOS 5 approaches the potential of the Major Statement offerings in a compact, room-friendly package engineered to excel in virtually any domestic environment. Those audio connoisseurs whose quest for the best is tempered by space considerations have found their icon: EOS 5 by Gryphon.
Warwick Acoustics APERIO
Warwick Acoustics designs and manufactures high-end headphone systems in the UK. Their flagship model, deemed by many audiophiles to be the best headphone system available, is the APERIO.
APERIO comes from Latin, meaning to uncover, open, reveal which is exactly what this system does, delivering the highest level of audio reproduction achievable.
- $35,000 (Silver) at Crutchfield
- $40,000 (Black Edition) at Crutchfield
- $50,000 (Gold Edition) Find a store
Kaleidescape Strato V Movie Player
Introducing Strato V, the next generation of movie player technology. Providing stunning 4K Dolby Vision playback with lossless audio decode, Strato V works on its own or as part of a larger Kaleidescape system. Kaleidescape is the only digital provider of movies with lossless audio and full reference video quality.
DALI EPIKORE-11
Some gear simply isn’t meant to be hidden, but to be flaunted. The new DALI EPIKORE-11 is both acoustically and visually stunning and should be proudly displayed as the focal point of any system. Revolutionary, patented technologies inherited from the flagship KORE including distortion eliminating SMC magnet systems, unique wood fiber drivers, and signature soft dome/ribbon Hybrid Tweeter Module are all housed in a luxurious, sculpted cabinet that is both elegant and awe inspiring. EPIKORE-11 is a world class visual and audible experience, setting the standard to which all others will be compared.
Perlisten S7t Limited Edition
Proudly developed in the USA, Perlisten speakers embody the pinnacle of American ingenuity and craftsmanship. Each product is a testament to our dedication to precision engineering and superior sound quality. The core of any Perlisten speaker is the DPC-Array which has just been granted the official US Patent and we now hold more than 2 acoustic patents as well as 7 designs patents, all incorporated in our exclusive S7t Limited Edition.
Final Electrostatics
These sensibly priced high end ultra high-performance speakers for discerning audiophiles have just launched in the US with a full lineup of Stereo and Dolby Atmos panels & hybrids elegantly crafted in an easy to move ultra light ultra-thin Dutch design, combining cutting edge innovations with great reliability, stunning beauty and exquisite high-resolution sound.
Finals offer next generation electrostatic technology innovations with lowest mass diaphragms for lowest distortion, highest fidelity, outstanding realism and a spellbinding ability to convey music with emotion across all genres of music. Listeners will be thrilled with the micro detail, clarity, dynamics, imaging, sound staging, room filling power, tuneful ultra quick bass and a wide frequency response extending to ultrasonics.
The flagship Model 35 at 81 inches tall is only 66 lbs., the lightest full range planar speaker in the world! Finals are offered in a wide range of wall mount & floor standing models with customizable transparent panels and frame colors to match your interior décor — maximizing the critical spouse acceptance factor!
HiFiMAN Susvara Unveiled
The HiFiMAN Susvara Unveiled elevates the iconic Susvara with groundbreaking innovation, featuring a fully open-back design that’s unique in the headphone industry. This enhancement, combined with refined Stealth Magnet’s technology, offers an unmatched audio experience, making it the ultimate luxury gift for discerning audiophiles.
Grimani Systems
Grimani Systems, founded by Anthony Grimani (Dolby Labs, Lucasfilm THX) and Manny LaCarrubba (Chief Engineer, The Plant), offers premium sound systems for Media Lounges and Home Cinemas. With ensembles from $28K to $280K, their products feature patented waveguide technologies and DSP amplifiers for an immersive, audiophile-grade performance fit for even the most discerning of film directors and award-winning sound designers.
Ayon Audio Orthos EVO Mono Amps – 300+300 Watts RMS in Pure Class A Pentode/Triode – NO Ultra linear
Ayon Audio – Austria, awarded the “Bugatti of Audio” by The Absolute Sound. 40 Years in the making, manufacturing Class A vacuum tube gear.
A Symphony of Emotion in Extreme High-Performance Audio. Streamers, Pre-amplifiers, DAC’s, CD Players, Integrated Amps, Stereo Amps, Mono Amps, Phono & Loudspeakers. Globally recognized – Prestigious Best of Show Awards & Accolades.
$35,280 $29,995 at Ayon Audio
BDI Align 7479 Media Cabinet
Sleek and streamlined, the versatile Align Media + Storage collection offers multiple cabinet sizes and base options, providing the versatility to serve as full-featured media cabinets or impressive storage credenzas. The cabinet’s louvered doors provide concealed storage while allowing sound, air, and remote signals to pass through easily, ensuring you have IR access to components, heat ventilation and great sound dispersion, even with the doors closed.
Lyngdorf Cue-100
The Cue-100 from Lyngdorf Audio is the first high-end audio loudspeaker merging modern Danish design with the latest Purifi driver technology. The unique cabinet design is customizable with solid oak elements and fabric covers from Gabriel making the Cue-100 the perfect loudspeaker for audiophile enthusiasts as well as design-conscious music lovers. When using the Cue-100 together with Lyngdorf’s own flagship integrated amplifier, TDAI-3400, the RoomPerfect™ technology will calibrate the speakers acoustically to the room, always achieving the best possible sound performance with every speaker placement and in every home.
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Disclosure: The products listed above are approved by our Editors, but may be requested by our sponsors. When links to buy are provided, we’ll direct you to the lowest price at time of publication. In doing so, eCoustics may earn a small commission from the associated retailer if purchased.
