Latest News – page 20

FiiO presented a new DAC with a built-in streamer and headphone amplifier FiiO K17 at CES 2025. The device's arsenal includes a parametric 31-band equalizer inherited from the K19 model and a precision digital-to-analog converter based on an assembly of AKM AK4191 + AK4499EX x 2 chips.

The second generation of the HiFiMAN Serenade digital-to-analog converter with headphone amplifier has become $200 cheaper and received a Wi-Fi module. The new HiFiMAN Serenade DAC is based on the proprietary Hymalaya Pro Ladder engine, which is an updated version of the first generation Hymalaya DAC, originally released in 2021.

The second generation of the Eversolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 network audio streamer offers the user a built-in digital-to-analog converter on two audiophile ES9038Q2M DAC chips from ESS Technologies, a proprietary EOS audio engine that further optimizes sound quality and expanded HDMI commutation capabilities (ARC support and multi-channel audio streaming, including DSD Native).

The Japanese brand Onkyo presented a new series stereo equipment at the CES 2025 exhibition - the Onkyo Icon P-80 network preamplifier, the Onkyo Icon M-80 power amplifier and the Onkyo Icon A-50 streaming integrated amplifier.

High-end headphone manufacturer Noble Audio has introduced a relatively affordable (retail - $289 / €309) model of in-ear wired headphones Noble Audio Knight. The new product is dressed in an aluminum cases with a 3D acrylic front panel, made in shades of dark purple and blue.

APL HIFI DSD-GR is a new Pure DSD, “Galactic Reference” DAC, using a transformer-coupled tube differential Class-A output stage. The device is built on a fully balanced scheme and offers a proprietary asynchronous USB input module.

Pink Faun Scion is a new music server and streamer from a well-known High End manufacturer. When making this more affordable model, the company did not use the developments of the 2.16 Ultra server, but designed the system from scratch.

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic Japanese brand Technics, the Technics EAH-AZ100 TWS headphones were presented, equipped with 10 mm proprietary drivers with magnetic fluid, providing, according to the company, crystal clear sound with high resolution.

The German company BETONart Audio uses concrete in the production of enclosures for its acoustics – and the new BETONart Audio Tonale Pro loudspeakers are no exception. The fully active speakers operate with a built-in amplification of 2.6 kW and weigh 280 kg each.

The updated version of the Atoll CD200 Signature CD-player offers both design changes relative to the previous version and improved sound quality.

Polish company MOREaudio has introduced a new integrated amplifier CS100, which, according to the manufacturer, “features an innovative topology inspired by the legendary Single-Ended designs” - in this case, we are talking about a system where abandoned the global feedback loop in favor of local feedback at each stage.

Wharfedale Aura 3 accumulates the developments of the senior branded Elysian series of High End class, but at the same time they are available at a more affordable price. The Wharfedale Aura 3 acoustic systems are made in a three-way scheme, which provides not only a powerful bass, but also detailed midrange frequencies.

The Lyritech Magic 10 Gaelano Plus loudspeakers are designed to provide outstanding sound quality, conveying to the listener the essence of sound events with remarkable accuracy and realism. The Lyritech Magic 10 Galeano Plus floorstanding speakers are based on the company's full-range divers with 10” diffusers - hence the ten in the model name.

SMSL has introduced the SMSL PA200 stereo power amplifier – offering both volume control and switching to bridge mode. Thus, with one signal source, the owner can save on preamplifiers, and in the case of creating a multi-component installation, easily switch the system to monoblock amplification mode.

TOPPING has introduced the new Centaurus digital-to-analog converter, which uses R2R architecture and is implemented in a fully balanced architecture, which includes eight resistor board (developed jointly with HOLO Audio).

Thieaudio has introduced the new Valhalla in-ear headphones with 19 drivers per ear – according to the developers, the development of the model took more than two years.

Greek company Lab12 has released the Lab12 Mighty tube power amplifier, operating in class A and providing an output power of 2 x 10 W. The model is compatible with both the Lab12 Hpa and True branded preamplifiers, as well as with a wide range of preamplifiers from other manufacturers.

Moondrop has introduced the Moondrop Meteor in-ear hybrid headphones, which are based on a hybrid assembly of seven drivers (a 13-mm dynamic driver with N52 neodymium magnets and a composite dome diaphragm, two composite armature and four planar ones). Moondrop Meteor implements XTM technology, and the headphones are tuned according to the VDSF curve.

AdmiraVox AV 170 – High End speakers, designed in a closed case with an external crossover unit. Depending on the buyer's choice, the model can be designed in blue, light brown, green and gray shades of cases.

Aune has introduced a new headphone amplifier, the Aune S17 Pro EVO. The model is suitable for headphones with a nominal impedance of 32 to 600 Ohms and is equipped with balanced outputs.