Latest News – page 4

Excalibur has expanded its cartridge lineup with the Midnight Blue (€1,899), engineered using cutting-edge materials. A boron cantilever, Microridge diamond stylus, and low-resonance Delrin body should, according to developers, provide exceptionally precise and detailed groove reading.

OLLO Audio has introduced the R1 full-size headphones, positioned as a universal solution for various applications. The model suits not only music listening but also professional monitoring during recording, podcasting, and streaming.

Wharfedale has updated its speaker series, introducing the Diamond 12i generation. Wharfedale claims manufacturing modernization since 2020 has enabled improved sound quality across the range. Engineers focused on bass-reflex port tuning and internal airflow, utilizing modern development methods including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and laser interferometry.

French company Focal launches the Omada series - Omada N°1 (bookshelf), Omada N°3 (floorstanding), Omada N°4 (floorstanding), and Omada Center (center channel).

Musical Fidelity has introduced the Nu-Vista Vinyl S phonostage within its Nu-Vista electronics series. This newcomer brings the exceptional performance of the flagship Nu-Vista Vinyl 2 to a more accessible price point while retaining the signature Nuvistor tube technology that defines the Nu-Vista series.

Denon has introduced the compact Home 150 NV wireless speaker. The "NV" designation apparently stands for "No Voice" - no microphones or voice assistant support. For those who don't want to talk to their equipment, the Home 150 NV may be ideal. Yet it sacrifices nothing in sound quality, maintaining hi-res audio support up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM and DSD 2.8 MHz.

Piega has introduced the Premium 801 floorstanding speakers - the flagship of the Premium line. Designed to bridge the gap between the Premium 701 Gen2 and Coax 611, the Premium 801 combines Piega's signature solutions with an innovative approach to high-frequency reproduction: an SSD ribbon tweeter installed in a horn.

The Volumio Rivo Plus is a network transport that deliberately forgoes an internal DAC, focusing entirely on maximally pure digital signal processing. The Special Edition maintains this technical foundation while adding leather finishing crafted in collaboration with Florence's Apelle Lab.

The Cinnamon Cassia loudspeakers offer high sensitivity and easy amplifier drive combined with true full-range performance. Furthermore, "full-range" immediately raises challenges: how to ensure correct bass reproduction in complex rooms?

Audio Analogue has released the Audio Analogue ABsolute PA Mono, a Class AB mono power amplifier. This model offers to 500 watts when driving 8 ohm loudspeakers. Weighing in at 50 kilograms, the ABsolute PA Mono amplifier is a robust design.

Binary Acoustics has introduced the EP321 ($309.99) in-ear monitors, notable for implementing Direct Drive MEMS driver technology. Unlike conventional MEMS drivers that require external amplification, the EP321's Direct Drive MEMS operates from an integrated power source, functioning without a dedicated amplifier.

Rega has unveiled its flagship moving-magnet cartridge, the Nd9 (€899). The newcomer features a boron cantilever with a Fine Line stylus inherited from the reference MC cartridge Aphelion 2. Boron delivers exceptional rigidity with low mass, providing ultra-fast response and superior groove tracking accuracy. The Nd9 is available as a factory option for the Rega Planar 8 turntable.

Pantheone Audio has introduced the Pantheone I, a wireless speaker system with high-quality streaming, multi-room capability, and voice control. Modern interiors increasingly demand audio systems that don't look like traditional Hi-Fi components but integrate harmoniously into refined environments. The Pantheone I follows this logic, combining an elegant enclosure with an acoustic concept designed for uniform 360-degree radiation.

Chord Electronics has updated its beloved portable DAC and headphone amplifier Mojo, now designated Mojo 2 (£395). The update introduces a 4.4 mm Pentaconn balanced output and USB-C charging. One of the two 3.5 mm outputs from the original has been replaced with the Pentaconn connector, opening the Mojo 2 to a much wider spectrum of headphones while retaining the standard single-ended 3.5 mm output. Both headphone outputs feature independent volume memory, allowing precise level adjustment for different headphones.

Master & Dynamic has partnered with Guy Berryman's fashion brand Applied Art Forms to release a limited edition of the popular MH40 wireless headphones that looks as though it leaped from a WWII bomber and landed straight into 2025. The collaboration directly references classic American flight jacket aesthetics: olive twill, sheepskin leather, rugged hardware, and enough character that you might wonder if a parachute and emergency kit should be included.

FiiO has introduced the JH13 hybrid in-ear monitors. One dynamic low-frequency driver and two balanced armature drivers work with a precisely calculated crossover, complemented by an effective asymmetric magnetic structure. Combined with an ergonomic shell featuring zebrawood exterior panels and a quality OFC cable, the JH13 presents an intriguing proposition in the affordable segment.

Keces Audio has unveiled the Ephono+, a new phono preamplifier offering extensive adjustment capabilities, an external power supply, and support for MM, MC, and DS Audio optical cartridges - making it a truly universal phono stage.

The Imersiv D-1 HDR-A DAC from Millennia Music & Media Systems promises a revolution in digital-to-analog conversion. According to the developers, the signal-to-noise ratio and distortion levels are up to 100 times better than the finest contemporary DACs. The technology, called HDR-A - High Dynamic Range Audio, opens a new horizon in audio reproduction.

Arylic has unveiled the LP100, a compact audio streamer designed to bring modern network functionality to your existing stereo system. The newcomer offers both wired and wireless network integration and can seamlessly integrate into existing setups or drive active speakers directly for minimalist configurations. At $399 USD, the Arylic LP100 doesn't compete in the heavyweight category.

Goldmund has unveiled the Eidos Excellence SACD, a new CD/SACD player in a two-box configuration with an external power supply. The Eidos Excellence SACD redefines physical audio player capabilities.