Latest News – page 2

Polish company Virtual HiFi has introduced the Supernova, a fully passive three-way floorstanding loudspeaker with an open-baffle dipole design. The model was developed by Grzegorz Rulka, who has previously worked on projects for Cube Audio and Qualio. Supernova is the latest addition to the young brand’s range, following the earlier Viper model.

ELAC has introduced the Tube 100 integrated tube amplifier, created to mark the German brand’s 100th anniversary. The model combines traditional tube amplification with modern connectivity options, including HDMI ARC and Bluetooth. According to the manufacturer, the Tube 100 could be one of the first fully tube-based integrated amplifiers to feature HDMI support.

Vinnie Rossi has expanded its CANTA family with the new CANTA Integrated Amplifier. The model builds on the ideas introduced with the debut CANTA Phono Preamplifier, including a dual-mono architecture, proprietary Belleson power regulation, and a substantial aluminum chassis. The amplifier uses a hybrid design, combining a tube preamplifier stage with a powerful solid-state output section.

Magico has introduced a new generation of its A3 floorstanding loudspeaker, scheduled to go on sale in 2027. Although the three-way, four-driver configuration has been retained, the model has effectively been redesigned from the ground up, with engineers revisiting the enclosure, driver complement and crossover network. Technologies originally used in the development of the flagship M9 were employed during the design process, including laser vibrometry and a robotic Near-Field Scanner for analysing cabinet behaviour and dispersion characteristics.

Nordost has expanded the top tier of its power product range with the QBASE Gold, a new flagship AC power distributor designed for ultimate high-end audio systems. The model was developed primarily as a companion to the Odin Gold cable series and, according to the manufacturer, is intended to provide a comparable level of transparency, coherence, and neutrality at the power delivery stage.

German manufacturer Voxativ has announced the Voxativ Streamer, a network audio player designed for high-resolution playback and modern streaming platforms. Developed and manufactured in Germany, the unit is built around two flagship ESS ES9038PRO DAC chips. Each channel is handled by its own converter and dedicated linear power supply, while femtosecond clocking is used for precise timing. After digital-to-analog conversion, the signal passes through a fully balanced analog stage.

Silent Pound has revealed details of its new flagship Parallax loudspeaker system, which will make its official debut at Audio Video Show 2026 in Warsaw from October 23 to 25. The model’s name refers to the parallax effect – the apparent change in an object’s position when viewed from a different perspective. The manufacturer uses this idea as a metaphor for a new approach to experiencing familiar music. Parallax is a passive 3.5-way loudspeaker that further develops the controlled-directivity concept previously used in Silent Pound’s Challenger and Bloom models.

LampizatOr has introduced the Horizon 2, an upgraded version of its flagship Horizon tube DAC. The new model builds on the existing platform while incorporating several engineering solutions developed for the company’s higher-end Aphrodite DAC. The key change is a completely redesigned analog stage, which, according to company founder Lukasz Fikus, took around four years to develop.

FiiO has introduced the CLASS A desktop headphone amplifier, part of the company’s Retro Desktop HiFi System series. The model features a fully analog design and can be used not only with headphones, but also as a preamplifier for active speakers or an external power amplifier thanks to its RCA and XLR line outputs.

Japanese manufacturer Hana has updated its affordable E Series MC cartridge range with the introduction of the Hana EL Mk II and Hana EH Mk II. The second-generation models retain an elliptical synthetic diamond stylus and aluminium cantilever, but feature a substantially redesigned body incorporating solutions derived from the brand’s higher-end cartridges.

Silent Angel has introduced the H1 Pure Music Hub, an all-in-one network audio component combining a streamer, DAC, and local music library management system. The new model is the company’s first device to feature a large front-panel display and also marks the debut of the Lifestyle Hub series. Housed in a compact aluminum chassis, the H1 is designed for both desktop audio systems and living-room setups.

Neumann has expanded its range of professional studio monitors with two active three-way models, the KH 310 II and KH 350. Both are built on a common technology platform featuring proprietary drivers, integrated amplification with a total output of 585 watts, and 32-bit DSP processing. The monitors are designed primarily for studio use, although their neutral tuning, low distortion, and advanced room-correction capabilities also make them suitable for high-end home audio systems.

German manufacturer AVM Audio has introduced two new phono preamplifiers in its Evolution series – the PH 3.3 and PH 5.3 – designed to work with a wide range of MM and MC cartridges. The main difference between the two models lies in the output stage: the PH 3.3 uses a low-noise transistor-based design, while the PH 5.3 features AVM’s proprietary tube output stage. According to the manufacturer, the tubes used in the flagship model are rated for a service life of several tens of thousands of hours.

British company REL has introduced two new subwoofers in its flagship Reference series – the No.35 and No.36. Their model numbers continue the brand’s anniversary tradition: the No.25 was originally launched to mark REL’s 25th anniversary, while the new models arrive as the company celebrates its 35th year. REL says the Reference series remains the fullest expression of its approach to low-frequency reproduction and is also designed for use in line arrays comprising multiple subwoofers.

FiiO has released the DP11 desktop CD player, designed to serve several roles at once – as a dedicated CD transport, a standalone source with a built-in DAC, or a component for direct connection to active speakers and power amplifiers. Its digital section is built around the Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC, while the connectivity options include both digital and analog outputs.

Amadana has introduced the Amadana CP10, a portable compact cassette player with a minimalist design. The device uses mechanical controls and is aimed at people who want the distinctive sound of cassette tapes without carrying bulky audio equipment.

Layer Audio Design has introduced the GEN-300B integrated amplifier, built around a single-ended Class A tube topology and designed for use with both headphones and high-sensitivity loudspeakers. Its fully discrete signal path employs two 6N8P driver tubes, a pair of directly heated 300B output triodes, and a 5AR4 rectifier tube. The rated output power is up to 10 watts per channel into an 8-ohm load, while separate 4- and 8-ohm speaker outputs are provided.

Clearaudio has launched the new Compact Phono preamplifier, designed for use with both MM and MC cartridges. The unit is housed in a compact metal enclosure measuring 115 × 26 × 80 mm and can be placed directly next to a turntable without taking up much space. It is available in black and silver finishes.

Danish company Davone has launched the second generation of its Solo loudspeaker, introducing the Solo-R to mark the tenth anniversary of the original model. Externally, the speakers remain largely unchanged and retain the distinctive design of their predecessor, while the internal construction has been extensively revised. The main focus was placed on new drivers and achieving a more even distribution of sound throughout the room.

British audio manufacturer iFi Audio has introduced the iCan Phantom 1.5, an enhanced version of its flagship headphone amplifier. While the new model retains the overall design and concept of the original Phantom, it features a revised gain structure, improved compatibility with sensitive in-ear monitors, a new display, and expanded remote-control options via the Nexis app.