Latest News – page 2

With the launch of the Audio Research LS-3, the American company is addressing audiophiles who want a no-compromise line-level preamplifier without vacuum tubes, yet with a truly high-end level of performance. The new model continues the philosophy of the brand’s classic preamplifiers, but places its emphasis on a modern fully balanced solid-state platform designed for precision, transparency, and dynamic freedom of sound.

In developing the DX4000CL full-size headphones, Japanese company Final focused on combining good sound isolation, precision, and a more open presentation than one would normally expect from closed-back models. The new model is aimed at demanding listeners who need a serious tool for thoughtful music listening.

The new EX700 moving-coil (MC) cartridge from Japanese company Analog Relax is, according to the manufacturer, inspired by some of the most iconic and expensive classical musical instruments. The cartridge body is carved from spruce sourced in the South Tyrol region in northern Italy. It is the same type of wood that the great Antonio Stradivari used for his violins. The manufacturer promises a sound that “sings like the finest stringed instruments.”

The legendary British audio brand Leak has introduced its first music streamer, the Leak TruStream. Following the brand’s return to the audio world in 2020 with models such as the Leak Stereo 130 integrated amplifier and the Leak CDT CD transport, the company has now turned its attention to modern music streaming, without which virtually no contemporary stereo system can do today.

American company Audio Research has introduced the Audio Research LS-2 preamplifier. Its fully tube-based design, operating in pure Class A, eliminates semiconductors from the signal path and is aimed at maximum sonic authenticity. At the same time, the classic circuit concept is complemented by modern features such as a touchscreen display and optional modular expansion.

Acoustic Signature has introduced the Tango Apex NEO phono stage, designed for use with top-class vinyl record players and now heading the company’s range of phono stages. The new model is aimed at High End audio systems and is built with a fully balanced circuit topology featuring a “dual mono” architecture, where the left and right channels have separate amplification stages and independent power supplies.

Meze Audio has released the top-of-the-line Meze Audio ASTRU in-ear headphones. The model is based on a single dynamic driver, delivering premium sound, comparable to headphone designs with multiple drivers.

The German loudspeaker manufacturer Canton has introduced a special version of its popular compact bookshelf monitors, the Canton Reference 9 GS Edition, developed under the guidance of company founder Günther Seitz. The new model combines selected components from the flagship Canton Reference Alpha line with the compact concept of the Reference 9. The speakers are offered in four exclusive finishes.

The French company Jadis Electronics has announced a replacement in its lineup for the popular integrated amplifier I35. Its place will be taken by the Jadis Óde model. The output stages of the new amplifier operate in pure Class A and are built around KT88 beam tetrodes, hand-selected by Jadis. The amplifier can also use KT120 tubes.

Audio Technology Switzerland, the company behind the Nagra brand, introduced the Nagra Compact Streamer network transport in December 2025. Now the Swiss manufacturer has announced a similar device, but this time with a built-in DAC section – the Nagra Compact Player. At the same time, the company has removed the digital outputs. According to the developers, the Nagra Compact Player is a complete High End digital source that combines advanced streaming functionality with a high-quality DAC and an analog output stage built in a dual-mono configuration. The new network player supports PCM playback up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD up to DSD256, and was developed with special attention to clock architecture, power supply design, and the implementation of the analog stage.

Magico has introduced the Magico S7 2026 loudspeaker, which now leads the popular S Series lineup. The new model features a five-driver, three-way configuration and weighs 174 kg. The S Series began its renewal in 2023 with the debut of the revolutionary S3, which set a new benchmark for performance in its price segment. The following year saw the introduction of the larger and more ambitious S5, pushing the series even further. In late 2024, Magico unveiled the compact S2, delivering impressive power and resolution in a smaller form factor. Now it is the turn of the flagship S7 – bold, uncompromising, and definitive.

British audio manufacturer Rega Research has introduced the new Rega AOS MC phono stage, specifically designed for moving coil cartridges (MC – Moving Coil). According to the developers, the new model is based on the flagship Aura.

British loudspeaker manufacturer ProAc unveiled the two-way monitor loudspeaker ProAc Response DB1R at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2026. The “R” in the model name stands for ribbon, referring to the ribbon tweeter. The new model builds upon the concept of the compact two-way ProAc Response DB1, which is equipped with a soft-dome tweeter.

The British loudspeaker manufacturer ATC unveiled the active three-way loudspeaker system ATC EL50 Anniversary at the Bristol HiFi Show 2026. The model will be released in a limited edition. According to ATC, the ATC EL50 Anniversary is based on the company’s legendary 50 platform. The new model continues the brand’s discrete active multi-amplified concept, tracing back to models such as the SCM50 Anniversary and the SE series. The industrial design references the ATC EL150 with its elliptical enclosure, originally developed by company founder Bill Woodman.

The Italian company Gold Note has introduced the new Gold Note PH-5.2 phono stage, capable of working with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. The new model is an evolution of the previous PH-5 and embodies the concept that Gold Note has promoted for many years in the world of analog audio: high fidelity is not a matter of taste or sonic character, but a responsibility toward the original recording.

Norwegian company Arendal Sound has unveiled the 1610 loudspeaker series, bringing design cues inspired by the brand’s flagship models and a three-way architecture into a more accessible price segment – without compromising sound quality. Building on its flagship 1528 loudspeaker lineup, Arendal Sound returns with the new 1610 range: a deliberately “downsized” version aimed at serious performance, but without the flagship price tag.

Italian company Gold Note continues to expand its 5.2 series of electronic components with the introduction of the Gold Note CD-5.2 CD player, an evolutionary development of the popular Gold Note CD-5 model. The new unit features an updated chassis design, improved power supply, and a modern user interface. Among the new features is volume control, allowing the component to be connected directly to power amplifiers or active loudspeakers.

The Japanese company Luxman has turned one hundred years old. To mark the occasion, the firm has introduced two new flagship models created as a modern reference pair, combining a century of analog and digital engineering experience. The new Luxman D-100c (SA)CD player and Luxman L-100c integrated amplifier form the foundation of the Luxman 100 Centennial Series, which celebrates the brand’s origins in 1925 while also reaffirming its long-standing pursuit of perfection rather than a chase for novelty.

The Italian audio manufacturer Unison Research has introduced a new amplifier set from the Unico V2 series, consisting of the Unico Pre V2 preamplifier and the Unico DM V2 power amplifier. Both components are built on a hybrid design and implemented in a “dual mono” concept.

The American tube audio manufacturer Audio Research has introduced the integrated amplifier Audio Research I/55, which combines proven engineering solutions with modern functionality. The new model borrows key design elements from the flagship Audio Research I/70 and adapts them to a more compact chassis. As a result, the Audio Research I/55 integrated amplifier is aimed at listeners who value the characteristic tube sound but do not want to compromise on flexible connectivity and ease of use. As the successor to the Audio Research I/50, the new model incorporates important technical improvements from the larger Audio Research I/70 and brings them into a format suitable for compact High End systems.