i-fidelity.net:   Mr. Gessler, do you still consider it opportune to launch such a high-quality phono preamplifier like the Audionet PAM G2?
 
Thomas Gessler:   It’s beyond debate that the record has still a great many friends. But for Audionet the PAM G2 is not a commercial project in the first place. Instead we were asking ourselves how far we could get with the good old record if we systematically put our state-of-the-art technology and know-how in the balance for this. Apart from the remote controllability via EPC, I’m sure that we will bring quite a few record lovers a soundful aha experience and a great pleasure.
 

i-fidelity.net:   You still stand by Bochum as your production location. Is your idealism still that strong or can’t you (don’t you want to) have it any other way?

Thomas Gessler:   Our ambition is to generate ultimate quality. This can only be realised in cooperation with a team of highly qualified and motivated partners. I’d like to give you an example: we have the aluminium for our front panels custom-made for us by a small company – according to our own formula and in consistently optimal quality. The blanks are then processed in Bochum by precision mechanics using CNC drilling and milling machines. For surface treatment they use grinding machines which were custom-made for us. The front panels are then lavishly anodised in Witten by means of special-designed titan exposures and finally accurately printed at a small printers’ shop. Each work step was outlined by proficient experts and is carefully carried out with utmost technical competence. Not only for our front panels do we make such great efforts, but of course all the more for the development and construction of our electronics and devices. This can only be done here, hand in hand. Furthermore, each of us also lives and works in a certain tradition and mentality. Here in the Ruhr district things were never done by halves and they will never be. What counts here is honest work, authenticity and the ambition to create big things. So for Audionet an alternate production site is beyond debate; we are and we will stay »Made in Germany«!
 

i-fidelity.net:   It’s obviously part of the zeitgeist that we are more and more often concerned with superficial distractions like Facebook or Twitter. How can one, or more precisely, how can you still create a time window these days where you can peacefully listen to music?
 
Thomas Gessler:   To me, music is both relaxing and inspiring at the same time and this to a considerable extent. I simply take a timeout for such experiences. It’s all a matter of priorities. People who can’t turn off their smartphones any more or who need several dozens of Traverse channels for entertainment, will hardly reach that inner rest which is undoubtedly needed to grasp music in its full emotional scope. By the way, Facebook or Twitter are great for cultivating friendships, for instance. As always in life it’s a matter of proportionality.
 
 
i-fidelity.net:   Audionet is known for perfect digital sources like the ART G3 and VIP G3. In which context does an analogue phono stage appear in your product range then? Or in other words: will the people not rather expect network products from a hightech company like Audionet?
 
Thomas Gessler:   We at Audionet have been dealing with high-carat record reproduction form the very beginning. Already in the forerunners PAM und PAM V2, which were also rated as exceptional phono stages, we had implemented new designs and technologies. However, this really intense part of our work was outshined by successes in the home cinema sector and therefore – as opposed to abroad – not fully appreciated by our German stereo prospects.
 
 
i-fidelity.net:   After years of abstinence you’re announcing Audionet as exhibitor for the High End 2011 in Munich. Can you tell i-fidelity.net something about your idea behind it?
 
Thomas Gessler:   This year is simply right for us, because the visitors can look forward to meeting new and exciting Audionet components. Of course, we’re planning to go clear at the top of the ever increasing number of performances which, to put it mildly, could qualify as mediocre. During the past few months we have received numerous European and international awards, and I would like to comment on this quite presumptuously that, in addition to the test wins, it’s particularly the »reference titles« which fill our hearts with pride. Therefore we feel obliged to give the Munich audience top-class demonstrations.