Latest News – page 13

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.

The Clearaudio Unity reference tonearm combines single-point bearing and newly developed magnetic stabilization design. The possibility of stepless micrometer height adjustment during operation, and precise azimuth adjustment provide ideal adjustment for any type of cartridge and ultra-precise reproduction.

Atoll Electronique has introduced the Atoll Electronique DR400 top-loading CD transport, which is based on the CD400 EVO player. The model uses a solid aluminum platter, high-speed LVDS (Differential Line Driver) circuit, and an anti-vibration system.

We already wrote that the Norwegian company Ø Audio announced the new floor-standing acoustics Ø Audio Icon 12. The new product is based on the Icon model, which was first released eight years ago. Now the specs of the new product have become available.

The Romanian company Divaldi has introduced a new model of headphone amplifier Divaldi AMP-05 SE Gold. The device is built in the concept of "dual mono" with independent power supplies for each channel. The headphone amplifier Divaldi AMP-05 SE Gold operates in class A.

British company Michell Engineering presented the Michell Engineering Apollo phono preamplifier, which functions in tandem with an external power supply Muse. The circuitry of the phono preamplifier is configured to work with direct current, provides Muse. Both devices are enclosed in compact milled cases and connected by a specially designed cable. Michell Engineering engineers paid special attention to noise reduction, therefore, the separation of components was used