AU SHOW: Minidisc Brings Head-Fi Heavyweights to the Headzone

Founded in 2002, the Sydney retailer has grown into Australia’s go-to destination for personal audio. It combines a broad range of headphones, DAC/amps, and digital audio players with a reputation for hands-on service. Whether you visit its Chatswood store or shop online with nationwide delivery, Minidisc has built its name on making the headphone hobby more accessible. At the 2025 Melbourne Hi-Fi Show, they bring that spirit to the show floor.

First Stop: In-Ears and Ear Scans

Things start with 64 Audio, whose brand-new Aspire range of universal stage monitors is ready for demo. Designed with working musicians in mind, the four-model line-up promises a fit for everyone from singers to drummers.

Right next door, Auricle Digital is setting up shop for 3D ear scans. This isn’t just a gimmick — visitors can audition custom IEMs from 64 Audio, Bellos Audio, and Ultimate Ears, then walk away with a proper scan for ordering custom-fitted monitors. Exclusive show deals sweeten the deal, making this a rare chance to step into the world of CIEMs.

Planars, Tubes, and Tweakable Bass

If over-ears are more your flavour, Minidisc is rolling out heavy-hitters. Dan Clark Audio’s new Noire X (closed) and Noire XO (open) headphones show why the Californian brand has become synonymous with planar magnetic innovation: punchy, detailed, and featherweight in comfort.

Cayin takes things in a different direction with the HA-6A MKII. This Class A tube amplifier now features a dedicated external power supply and preamp outputs — a nod to serious head-fi systems. Portable fans aren’t left out either, with the RU9 offering both tube and solid-state outputs in a device that slips into your pocket.

For those who crave something a little more artisanal, ZMF is unveiling the Ori 3.0. It borrows trickle-down tech from the flagship Caldera and sports an adjustable bass vent, letting you dial in just how much of that signature ZMF warmth you want.

Global Guest Stars and Flagship Firepower

Effect Audio and FATfreq, flying in from Singapore, will bring an international flavour. Their Grand Maestro Anniversary IEM is a 350-piece limited edition that blends FATfreq’s tuning flair with Effect Audio’s cable craft. Both brands will showcase their broader ranges alongside it — a rare opportunity to hear them first-hand in Australia.

Empire Ears is also bringing its new ODIN MKII flagship. With 11 drivers spanning dynamic, balanced armature, electrostatic, and bone conduction, it’s a technical tour de force aimed squarely at the summit-fi crowd.

Wireless Refinements and Fresh Designs

Focal’s Bathys MG builds on the runaway success of the original Bathys wireless headphone, this time with a tuning that leans more towards musicality and refinement. It’s already in high demand, and Minidisc will have it ready to try.

Romania’s Meze Audio is also sending something fresh: the 105 SILVA. Based on the hugely popular 105 AER, it adds more detail and dresses things up with a tasteful wood-and-metal finish. A bundled USB-C DAC makes it a plug-and-play option for those who don’t want to fuss with extra gear.

Classics Reimagined and Digital Front Ends

Electrostatic fans will be drawn straight to STAX. The legendary SR-007 has long been considered one of the smoothest ear-speakers around, and the new SR-007S follow-up has been years in the making. This will be one of the first chances to hear it in Australia.

Finally, digital audio player enthusiasts can get hands-on with Hiby’s refreshed R6 PRO II 2025. Now sporting dual flagship-grade Cirrus Logic CS4308P DACs and upgraded internals, it’s a confident update to a player already loved for its balance of performance and portability.

From flagship electrostatics to limited-run IEMs, the Headzone is shaping to be more than just a demo room — it’s a deep dive into where personal audio is headed next. Minidisc has always believed that headphones need to be heard to be understood, and at the 2025 Melbourne Hi-Fi Show, they’ll be proving that point in style.

The StereoNET Hi-Fi & AV Show takes place August 29-31 at the Pullman Melbourne Albert Park. Full show details and tickets are available via the link below.

Get Your Tickets Here