Latest News – page 10

CH Precision C10 has officially received Roon certification – so the reference digital-to-analog converter from the renowned Swiss company now allows for more flexible integration into the Roon ecosystem. Let's recall the main points that distinguish the CH Precision C10 DAC from other High-End DACs.

Swedish company Atonemo has introduced an affordable network streamer Atonemo Streamplayer – adding streaming broadcasting to almost any audio system. The model supports an extensive list of streaming options - Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Google Cast, Tidal Connect and Auracast, there is also compatibility with smart home systems Apple Homekit and Google Home (so, multi-room integration is also within the system’s power).

The French company Métronome has introduced a new compact disc transport, the Métronome DST CD Transport. The model is housed in an elegant aluminum and steel case. The precision transport mechanism provides the highest sound quality.

Scansonic HD has released a bookshelf and a pair of floorstanding loudspeakers (M15.2, M20.2 and M30.2) – all models use a scheme with passive radiators on the rear panels of the cabinets and offer an impressive bass response.

The Norwegian company Sigberg Audio has released new active three-way acoustic systems Sigberg Audio Saranna – sales will begin in August 2025. Sigberg Audio Saranna are capable of operating in the range of 20 Hz in-room – which is a very impressive indicator given the dimensions of the speakers. The speakers are also equipped with built-in digital-to-analog converters, so a streamer alone is not enough for a complete system.

Audiolab has introduced a new generation of the 6000A integrated amplifier, operating in class AB and equipped with a toroidal transformer – the model is called Audiolab 6000A MkII. In addition to the new version of the built-in digital-to-analog converter, an HDMI port for connecting to a TV has appeared on board.

In honor of the company's 45th anniversary, Clearaudio released the Clearaudio Diamond Jubilee MC cartridge – the model will go on sale for 25,000 euros (at the same time becoming the most expensive branded cartridge), and only 45 cartridges will be realised.

For the first time in its 60-year history, Rotel has released a headphone amplifier – the model is called Rotel DX-3 and will be available at the end of March 2025 for $1,499 / €1,499. The amplifier can operate with a wired connection of headphones, both in analog and digital versions (there is an unbalanced 6.35 mm jack on board, as well as a Pentaconn 4.4 mm for a balanced connection).

The Atoll Electronique ST300 Signature is presented – a network streamer supporting signals up to PCM up to 24 bit / 192 kHz and DSD up to DSD128. Of course, the device is Roon certified and has built-in Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify and Deezer clients.

Bang & Olufsen and Saint Laurent have unveiled a super-exclusive version of the Beogram 4000c turntable – a Bang & Olufsen factory-restored iconic turntable reimagined by the fashion house. Each Beogram 4000c Series Saint Laurent Rive Droit Edition will be sold exclusively at Saint Laurent Rive Droite stores in Paris and Los Angeles, as well as on the YSL and Bang & Olufsen websites, and only 10 units will be produced (the device will likely soon become a museum artifact).

Matrix Audio has introduced two new network streamers with transport functionality – devoid of a digital-to-analog converter and designed for use with external DACs. Both models are designed in a recognizable futuristic aesthetic and are equipped with large touch screens on the front panel. The streamers are also Roon certified.

SMSL presented the SMSL PL200T CD transport – the highlight of the model was the proprietary SMSL PASS Servo system, which ensures very accurate reading of information from optical media. The SMSL PL200T also has the ability to play MQA-CDs and a very interesting function of working as a digital transport - the device can be used as a digital interface with a USB-C input, supporting digital streams in PCM format with a resolution of up to 32 bit/768 kHz and in DSD format up to DSD512.

Børresen has announced significant changes to its range of loudspeakers - the new Børresen T series of loudspeakers, consisting of three models of different sizes (T1, T3 and T5) and three upgraded SSE (Silver Supreme Edition) versions, will replace the Børresen 0 series in the company's product range.

The current feedback amplification topology and powerful power supply of the new Accuphase A-48S amplifier provides a large reserve and stable output in pure Class A. For a load with an impedance of 8 ohms, 50 watts are available, and halving the load impedance doubles the output power. With a short-term drop in load impedance to 1 ohm, the amplifier is capable of delivering a power of 400 watts.

The Czech audio equipment manufacturer Remton Audio has introduced a tube (4 x JJ ECC81) phono preamplifier with Remton audio 481 MK2 Limited edition – this approach is explained by the use of NOS Tesla resistors with a deviation of only 0.25 dB in the range from 20 Hz to 50 kHz. These resistors are quite rare, so the circulation of both the first and second versions of the phono preamplifier is limited.

French company TOTALDAC has released the d1-CD CD transport, the “ultimate solution” for High End disc-based systems. The TOTALDAC d1-CD transport is based on the top-loading CD-PRO8 drive, and also features separate clock generators for the drive and audio outputs, as well as an intelligent ground distribution system.

French company Pier Audio presented the integrated amplifier Pier Audio MS 1000 SE. The model uses a large-sized 800 VA power transformer wound in the old style with high quality copper and weighs 23 kg. Up to a power of 2 x 20 W per channel, Pier Audio MS 1000 SE operates in class A, then switches to class AB, developing up to 2 x 150 W at 8 Ohm load and doubling the power to 2 x 300 W at 4 Ohm speakers.

The German company HECO celebrated its anniversary by releasing a new version of the acoustics — HECO Direkt Premium 75th Anniversary Edition. The loudspeakers are decorated in a retro design and take us back to the atmosphere of the 1970s.

FiiO has unveiled the flagship FiiO FT7 planar headphones, which will be available at retail in late 2025. The model marks the culmination of the development of the famous FT1, FT3 and FT5 headphones.

The SMSL company has released a new N100 streamer – the model, housed in a very impressive aluminum case, was created in collaboration with the Italian company VOLUMIO.