Latest News – page 4

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.

The MoFi Electronics division of the American company Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab has introduced a more affordable version of its flagship MasterPhono phono stage. The new model is called the MoFi UltraPhono Pro and features a single input. This version also offers fewer additional functions and does without the VU meters that give the flagship a touch of vintage character.

British company Arcam has expanded the Radia family of audio products by unveiling a new range of loudspeakers at ISE 2026 in Barcelona. Until now the series consisted exclusively of amplifiers, but the manufacturer now aims to offer complete audio systems within the Radia lineup.

The British high-end audio manufacturer Audio Note (UK) has marked 35 years since the release of its Oto integrated amplifier by launching the Audio Note Oto SE 35th Anniversary Edition, which the company describes as the most significant modernization and improvement of the design in all those years. First introduced in 1991, the Audio Note Oto tube integrated amplifier holds a special place in the history of Audio Note (UK).

The Serbian company Soulines will present the Soulines tt23 vinyl turntable at the Bristol HiFi Show 2026. The dimensions and shape of the base of the Soulines tt23 have been optimized using the golden ratio and the Fibonacci sequence to provide uniform vibration damping and reduce the moment of inertia in all three planes relative to the center of gravity.

The Japanese brand Esoteric has introduced a new XE series of electronic components, including the Esoteric N-05XE network player, preamplifier and DAC, and the Esoteric S-05XE stereo power amplifier operating in pure Class A. The new products will go on sale in March 2026.

The well-known manufacturer of tube audio equipment, Audio Research, has introduced a new stereo power amplifier, the Audio Research D-80, in the Reference series, combining pentode operation, automatic bias adjustment and balanced signal transmission with an output power of 70 W per channel.

British company Leema Acoustics has expanded its Leema 100 electronics range with two integrated amplifiers – the Leema i85 and Leema iD85. The difference between the models is that the iD85 includes a DAC section and, accordingly, digital inputs. There are still only a few photos and technical details available, but the prices of the new models have already been announced.

The high-end audio manufacturer Audio Group Denmark has unveiled the reference-class Aavik M-880 monophonic power amplifier, designed and hand-assembled in Denmark. The amplifier was created to meet the demands of modern loudspeaker systems and occupies the top position in Aavik’s current power amplification lineup. The premiere took place at Audio Group Denmark’s headquarters in Aalborg. The amplifier was demonstrated with the one-million-euro Børresen M8 Gold Signature loudspeakers, which we covered earlier.

Australian loudspeaker manufacturer Richter Audio has introduced the new Series 7 Special Edition (S7SE) range, timed to coincide with the company’s upcoming 40th anniversary. In developing the Series 7 Special Edition, Richter Audio set out to solve a familiar challenge: to create loudspeakers owners would be just as proud to display in their interiors as they are of their sound quality. The result is a lineup that blends naturally into modern living spaces while preserving the power, precision, and emotional engagement the brand is known for.

The flagship Børresen M8 Gold Signature loudspeakers are the pinnacle of Michael Børresen's design. These speakers were developed using the cost-no-object principle to achieve the highest sound quality and eliminate all known issues of speaker-room interaction.

The well-known Slovak audio brand Canor Audio has introduced a new line of electronic components called Foundation, which includes the Virtus I4S integrated amplifier (which we have already covered) and the Verto D4S high-resolution external DAC. Both models feature fully discrete circuit design and a minimalist look with glass front panels plus convenient touch control. According to the manufacturer, they are aimed both at discerning newcomers and at “budget-minded” High End buyers.

Italian high-end audio manufacturer Riviera Audio Laboratories has presented a new generation of its flagship preamplifier and monoblock power amplifier models. The APL01SE preamplifier and AFM100SE monoblocks in Special Edition form are currently Riviera Audio’s top-tier models.

The Circle Labs has introduced the Circle Labs AS100 integrated amplifier. This solid-state model is positioned by its designers as a solution for the most precise and controlled sound: rather than expanding functionality, the focus is placed on sonic purity and neutrality, as well as stable power delivery.

Slovak audio equipment manufacturer Canor Audio has unveiled the stylish Foundation series of electronic components, with its first two representatives being the Virtus I4S integrated amplifier and the Verto D4S DAC. Both devices feature discrete circuitry and come with modern touch control and practical connection options for ambitious music lovers. The combination of glass, aluminum, and steel emphasizes the high ambitions of the new Foundation lineup while also providing a robust, resonance-free chassis construction.

Danish company Audio Group Denmark has introduced the Børresen BM3 (Bass Module 3) subwoofer, designed to work with the brand’s High End loudspeaker systems. The new model is engineered and handcrafted in Denmark; development was led by Michael Børresen and Flemming Erik Rasmussen.

British audio brand ONIX (a sub-brand of China’s Shanling) has unveiled the third and final component of the ONIX Zenith audio system – the ONIX Zenith XMT20 network transport. The new model joins the previously introduced components in the lineup: the Zenith XST20 SACD/CD transport and the Zenith XDA20 DAC. The ONIX Zenith XMT20 streamer is based on an in-house developed Linux networking platform.

American tube-audio manufacturer Audio Research has introduced the new Audio Research I/70 integrated amplifier. Four 6550 tubes deliver 70 watts per channel, which the company believes is sufficient even for low-sensitivity loudspeakers. The Audio Research I/70 can be expanded by installing two optional modules: a DAC and a phono preamplifier.