Latest News – page 8

The external Le DAC 3 marks a new stage in the evolution of Métronome components. Remaining faithful to the brand’s timeless aesthetic, it combines key technological advances that elevate sound quality and musicality to an even higher level.

Hi-Fi brand Starke Sound has expanded its Beta loudspeaker series with the introduction of the most compact model, the Starke Sound Beta5. The new speaker is positioned as an entry-level model in the company’s lineup and is designed for use in stereo systems, multichannel configurations, and versatile home audio setups.

Senna Sound has introduced the Sunstone headphone amplifier (€3,600), which the company classifies as reference level. The newcomer features a fully discrete circuit topology operating in pure Class A. The Sunstone delivers up to 4.5 W per channel into 50 Ohms - sufficient to effortlessly drive virtually any headphones. The Sunstone suits both planar magnetic and high-impedance dynamic headphones.

Shanling has introduced the SCD3.3 ($3,899), a top-loading SACD player with discrete R2R DAC and tube output stage. The patented top-loading optical disc transport with HD850 laser system targets not only exceptionally stable CD, SACD, and MQA-CD playback but also mechanically quiet operation that reduces digital jitter.

Schiit Audio has introduced the third generation of its popular headphone amplifier, predictably named Jotunheim 3. The completely redesigned amplifier circuit debuts the Prime topology and Continuity A output stage, delivering 6 W into 32 Ohms headphones and 20 V RMS for high-impedance models. Noise levels are virtually non-existent - even with sensitive IEMs.

At CES 2026, which has opened in Las Vegas, the British brand Cambridge Audio unveiled a new series of active loudspeaker systems, Cambridge Audio L/R, combining amplification, streaming and the company’s proprietary acoustic technologies. A pair of these speakers forms a fully self-contained audio system that requires neither an external source nor an amplifier. The lineup currently includes three models: Cambridge Audio L/R X, Cambridge Audio L/R M, and Cambridge Audio L/R S. Different models in the series are designed for different use cases and room sizes – from compact desktop listening to filling large living spaces with sound.

British audio company Rega Research introduced the Mercury preamplifier and Solis power amplifier at Munich's High End show - back in 2024. Now, at last, these newcomers are available.

The Taiwanese company Keces Audio has introduced the Keces Ewave Audio Network Switch, designed specifically for audio applications. During development, special attention was paid to minimizing noise and interference, and the new model also features a highly precise synchronization system.

Volumio has introduced the Primo Plus (€1,199), a DAC with network streaming functionality. This newcomer evolves from the popular Volumio Primo, offering numerous improvements and greater versatility.

Morel has introduced the Morel Sopran 622 bookshelf loudspeakers, which are the most compact model in the Sopran lineup. The new speakers are built using advanced materials, including carbon-fiber composite diaphragms, enlarged titanium voice coils, and neodymium magnets. This is a two-way bookshelf speaker system designed for music lovers who want reference-level sound quality without filling the room with large floorstanding speakers.

Wattson Audio has introduced the Madison Power S (€2,499) linear power supply, specifically designed for Wattson Madison streamers. Placing the power supply outside the streamer chassis keeps transformer vibrations and electromagnetic interference away from sensitive digital audio circuits.

Backert Labs has unveiled the Optik Phono 1.1 phono preamplifier, designed specifically for use with optical cartridges from the Japanese company DS Audio. The manufacturer emphasizes that the new model is distinguished by maximum flexibility and a no-compromise design. Built around two 12AU7 vacuum tubes, the phono preamplifier features two independent inputs for optical cartridges – a solution implemented for the first time in components of this type.

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.