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The eternal audiophile question: which amplification topology is better, tube or solid-state? The short answer is simple. If your loudspeakers hold a stable impedance no lower than 6 ohms and a sensitivity above 90 dB, a tube amplifier is worth considering. If your speakers show impedance dips below 3 ohms, that approach will only harm the system. Like it or not, tube and solid-state designs differ first of all in their nonlinear distortion spectrum and their output impedance, and every other parameter turns out to be a derivative of those two figures.

Singapore-based LAiV has opened pre-orders for the second version of its acclaimed LAiV Harmony DAC. The Harmony DAC 2 is scheduled for release in September 2026, priced at $3,994 or €4,495. The unit employs a fully balanced R2R conversion circuit and now features a Class A output buffer, a 10 MHz master clock input, and a sample rate converter.

Goldmund has unveiled the Telos 9800, its new flagship monoblock amplifier and the most powerful unit in the company's history. The Goldmund Telos 9800 delivers 1,560 watts of continuous power into an 8-ohm load; the price for a single monoblock is 400,000 Swiss francs (or 430,000 euros).

The listening room accounts for more than half of what your system sounds like. Optimising the sound of a room you already live in is far harder than getting things right in a new one from the start, so we have put together a full guide and checklist for choosing a listening room. It will help if you are house-hunting: follow it, and even entry-level Hi-Fi will take an audible step up in quality.

KEF has released the impressive KEF LS Luxe speakers; within the company's lineup, they sit between the compact LS50 Wireless II and the floor-standing LS60. Measuring 298 x 223 x 336 mm and weighing 20 kg per pair, they are priced at €4,000.

Merason has introduced the Mountain - a new top-tier DAC. The component supports music steams up to PCM 24-bit/192 kHz and DSD up to DSD128. The Merason Mountain is designed to complement the company's existing product lineup, pairing seamlessly with the Mountain Pre preamplifier and Mountain Power amplifier (and, of course, other equipment).

Kanto Audio has released an updated version of its popular turntable, the Kanto Audio Obi3 Gen 2. The model is available in five color options and is priced at $249.99. The slight price increase reflects several quality improvements to the design.

The new Atoll IN800 Evolution integrated amplifier combines a pair of AM400 Evolution monoblocks and a PR400 Evolution preamplifier within a single chassis. It delivers 2 x 350 W into 8 ohms and up to 2 x 550 W into 4 ohms. Each channel utilizes sixteen matched MOSFETs, while the driver stages employ Darlington transistors; the design features a symmetrical topology with low global negative feedback.

The Accuphase DP-470 CD player has been unveiled, representing an evolutionary upgrade to the respected Japanese company's product lineup. True to tradition, the DP-470 employs a drive mechanism with a low center of gravity; a rubber damper is positioned between the laser pickup transport mechanism and the disc loader to suppress lens actuator resonance. An eight-pole neodymium magnet ensures secure disc clamping.

Vinnie Rossi is launching a new, more accessible equipment line called Canta, with the Canta Phono Preamplifier being the first device in the series. In the autumn of 2026, the lineup will expand to include the Canta Integrated Amplifier, Canta Preamplifier, and Canta Stereo Power Amplifier.

The latest Merason DAC 2 utilizes a pair of Burr-Brown PCM1794A chips in a true dual-mono configuration. According to the manufacturer, this setup increases dynamic range by 5 dB and results in a wider soundstage.

The opening day of the Hong Kong High-End Audio Visual Show 2026 was a resounding success, and we invite you to view our exclusive photo report from this major event. As the region's largest international exhibition for premium audio, the show is taking place at the HKCEC and features over 130 renowned audio brands.

The subwoofer in a two-channel system is a perennial talking point that has seen many a lance broken. While the debate rages on, the market for these devices keeps growing - and a consensus is gradually taking hold that the modest low end of bookshelf or slim floorstanding speakers can well be extended with a dedicated bass module. Modern subwoofers integrate into a system beautifully and guarantee seamless sound with far greater scale and sense of air. We have prepared a ranking of the best music subwoofers as of August 2026. As usual, the article starts with the affordable models and ends with the flagships - so you can pick a unit for any taste and budget.

Japanese company Luxman has introduced the flagship B-100 CENTENNIAL power amplifier, created to mark the brand’s 100th anniversary. The monoblock model sits at the top of the Centennial anniversary series and is designed to drive demanding loudspeakers, including models with low or unstable impedance. Sales through Luxman’s authorised dealer network are scheduled to begin in September 2026.

Danish manufacturer Vitus Audio has expanded its Signature series with the new SM-025 monoblock power amplifiers. The model replaces the SM-011, which remained in production for more than a decade, and retains the brand’s distinctive visual design while featuring an almost completely redesigned internal architecture.