In search of the perfect sound

Music purists are a demanding bunch, and their desire to achieve pristine musical reproduction has helped create an exclusive global industry in high-end audio equipment. That's been augmented in recent years by the growth in serious visual reproduction technology for home use, meaning that now (for a price), film and music lovers can experience their favourite material at home at levels of quality never before available.

The 2005 Hong Kong High End Audio Visual Show, organised by Audiotechnique Magazine and held at the HKCEC from 5-7 August, brought together some of the world's top designers and manufacturers of audiovisual gear to showcase the latest technologies and developments in this specialised industry. The show was also held at the HKCEC last year, but this year it grew by a whopping 20% in terms of visitors and exhibitors as more and more people realised this was one of the best opportunities in Asia to see high-end equipment up close and on a large scale. And perhaps more importantly, they could hear it too: the organiser built a specially-constructed sound room in Hall 5 to provide a serious listening and demonstration option for visitors. Besides drawing over 200 famous high-end audiovisual equipment brands from around the world, the show also brought together many of the latest accessories and software products, creating a happy hunting ground for anyone enthusiastic about sound and vision.

Note: the Hong Kong High-End Audio-Visual Show is returning to the HKCEC from 11 to 13 August 2006