Exclusive: Inside Vienna High-End 2026 — The Pinnacle Of Luxury Sound Unveiled
From flagship high-end audio debuts to artisan audiophile craftsmanship, this year's HIGH END 2026 Vienna hi-fi show sets a new benchmark for excellence in audio performance.
HIGH END 2026 Vienna Show Report By Jason Kennedy

VAC
The tube gurus at VAC showed the Sigma 172i iQ, enough with the i's already! This is an integrated amplifier running KT88 tubes and producing 85W per channel.

It can be fitted with an MM / MC (Moving Magnet and Moving Coil) phono module with loading options and is an all-tube design with auto bias. Price is $15,000 plus $2,000 for the phono preamplifier.

Dan D'Agostino
Dan D'Agostino unveiled a new 'entry level' range called Progression Neo at the Vienna show. This has a smaller form factor than the earlier Progression electronics and new styling, but remains very much luxury high-end. The Neo Stereo power amp ($25,000) is spec'ed to deliver 250W into 8 Ohms and doubles this twice up to 1000W into 2 Ohms.

It has a hybrid VU meter with an LCD back screen that can be used to monitor operation and may be offered with alternative colour options. An Ethernet connection allows online monitoring and updates. The Neo Mono ($40,000 per pair) derives from the Momentum Z and offers 400W into 8 Ohms with up to 1600W into 2 Ohms.

The Progression Neo Preamplifier ($25,000) incorporates Z tech and combines analog and digital inputs as well as streaming and HDMI connection for eARC and CEC, it comes with a remote but can also be controlled with the D'Agostino streaming app.

Ayon Audio
Ayon had the Iris vacuum tube network player on display at HIGH END 2026 Vienna; this is available in XS, Signature, and Ultimate variations and offers both digital and analog inputs with an onboard analog preamplifier. The tube complement consists of two 6H30s in a modular design.

The Iris contains a PCM to DSD converter and is priced between $7,995 and $14,995, depending on the version. All three are modular and have native Connect streaming, internet radio, and can be used with Roon or Audirvana software.

Nordost
In an effort to provide power distribution at the same level as their flagship cables, Nordost has created the QBASE Supreme Reference. This is the first distributor to offer Odin 2 internal wiring and 32A powerCON connectors for the likes of D'Agostino and Soulution amps, among others.

The unit is designed for high current handling and offers adjustable tuning for "the most dynamic, revealing and current hungry systems." Price will be $30,000 when the QBASE Supreme Reference is released in late June.

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