StereoNET Hi-Fi & AV Show 2025 – Melbourne: A Weekend of Sound and Innovation
Authors: Jim Kotsakidis / Stavros Abougelis
Melbourne, 29–31 August 2025 — The StereoNET Hi-Fi & AV Show returned to the Pullman Mercure Albert Park, and this year’s edition easily ranked among the finest yet. With over 250 brands and 60+ demonstration rooms spread across four levels, the 2025 show marked another step forward for Australia’s hi-fi scene—bringing together enthusiasts, designers, and distributors in a weekend celebrating pure sound.
A Bigger, Better Show
From the moment doors opened, it was clear this year’s event had evolved. Improved room acoustics, a refined layout, and a clearer distinction between two-channel and home-theatre zones helped visitors focus on what really mattered—the music. Crowds were steady all weekend, and despite Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, attendance remained strong.
Highlights Across the Floors
Several rooms drew particular attention, including Aries Cerat /Alsyvox’s breath-taking planar ribbons. Rhe system delivered a wide, stable image with depth and clarity; separation between instruments was strong, and timbre was preserved even during complex passages. The room also reportedly featured Aries Cerat’s Aether preamplifier in their Legend Series alongside the Alsyvox Tintoretto speakers. To us, the Cerat/Alsyvox room set a benchmark. It reminded us of what’s possible when every component—from speaker design, amplification, room tuning, and cabling—is executed with uncompromising integrity.
The YG Acoustics/Vitus setup noted for its precision and control, and the Absolute Hi-End presentation that balanced power and finesse beautifully. Across the board, exhibitors displayed a higher level of preparation than in years past—many rooms delivering sound quality far beyond typical “hotel show” expectations.
DACMAN Audio at StereoNET 2025
For us at DACMAN Audio, this year’s show was especially memorable. We were proud to showcase a complete digital-first system built around precision, synergy, and musical transparency—culminating in our award for:
> 🏆 Best Digital Front-End System Under $30,000
As voted by the Aussie Audiophile community
This recognition means a great deal to our team and partners, who continue to push for reference-level performance at real-world price points.
Our Show System
Network Front-End
- LHY-FMC Fibre Media Converter
- LHY-SW6 Network Switch
Digital Chain
- Denafrips Arcas Streamer
- Denafrips Gaia DDC
- Denafrips Terra Master Clock
DAC Comparison (demonstrated individually for side-by-side comparison)
Amplification
- Denafrips Athena 12th Pre-Amplifier
- SPL Audio Performer s1200 Stereo Power Amplifier
Speakers
- Hulgich Audio Duke MkII Loudspeakers
Isolation & Vibration Control
- DiamondAudioWorks Speaker Footers – 3-Stage Vibration Control System
Cabling
- Shi-Tone E3 Ethernet Cables
- Shi-Tone X2 XLR Interconnects
- Shi-Tone Ultimate Speaker Cables
Engineering for System Synergy and Sonic Refinement
For this year’s show, DACMAN Audio partnered with DiamondAudioWorks to develop specialty-built cables precisely tuned to the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the components used in our demonstration system. This collaborative approach ensured perfect signal matching and maximum coherence across the chain, resulting in a sound that was clean, dynamic, and musically engaging.
Equally important was the contribution of the DiamondAudioWorks 3-Stage Vibration Control Footers, which effectively decoupled the loudspeakers from the floor. This design allowed for improved isolation and energy dispersion, giving instruments a more natural sense of decay and realism. The result was a presentation with enhanced texture, spatial depth, and tonal balance — attributes that many listeners commented on during our demonstrations.
Looking Ahead
The StereoNET 2025 show confirmed that Australian hi-fi continues to evolve in both innovation and community spirit. For DACMAN Audio, the event was more than just an exhibition—it was a platform to demonstrate the results of continuous refinement and collaboration with world-class partners such as Denafrips, DiamondAudioWorks, Shi-Tone, and Hulgich Audio.
Winning the Best Digital Front-End System (under $30k) award is both an honour and a motivation to push even further. We’d like to thank everyone who visited our room, shared their feedback, and took the time to experience our system in person. For any help with the products mentioned above please reach out to us. We are always happy to help.
🎧 Watch highlights from the show here: YouTube – StereoNET Hi-Fi Show 2025 Coverage