IFA 2008 - World's Most Expensive HiFi System Costs €780,000

If you have a record player that weighs 400 kg, think long and hard about where you want to set it up. Once you have, it’s about as easy to move as an ATM. However, the Clearaudio Statement needs to be this heavy to ensure that its pendulum-supported turntable is optimally aligned to the center of the Earth.

In the 110-seat auditorium, we were able to witness what happens when German trade journal AUDIO presents what aficionados have come to call the "WMEHS" - the world’s most expensive HiFi system. Visitors wanting to see a presentation should be prepared to wait in line - an hour or so is the norm. Enthusiasts should try secure seats in rows 5 to 7. According to the sound engineers, this is where you’ll be able to enjoy the sound to the fullest. Nonetheless, our expectation was once again confirmed - components designed for a 25m² living room have a hard time showing off their advantages in a 210m² expo studio.

Click on any picture to launch the image gallery.

This year, the KEF Muon speakers are the real eye-catchers - they look like an sculpture of a female body. The curves aren’t only for show, though - they are meant to prevent interference from internal sound reflections. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that they’re quite nice to look at as well...

In the following table you will find a selection of the impressive components AUDIO has chosen for this year’s system.

By the way, at "only" €630,000, last year’s system was almost a bargain by comparison.