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R2R (resistor-ladder) conversion in modern DACs is experiencing a renaissance. At the dawn of the digital era, the technology dominated the market (TDA1541A from Philips, Burr-Brown PCM63 and PCM1704 in implementations by Sony, Wadia, and Mark Levinson), but was subsequently supplanted by delta-sigma architecture. Since 2015, an R2R renaissance has begun – modern SMD resistors with 0.01% tolerance have become available, FPGAs have become powerful enough to replace ASIC architecture within the chip, and a clear demand has emerged from audiophiles for analog sound over digital, a field in which R2R has been and remains very strong. In this article, we'll explore the optimal, affordable solutions and mid-range DACs using R2R technology these are available on the market today.

Danish company Raidho has expanded its X Series with the new X2.8 floorstanding loudspeaker. The model appeared shortly after the introduction of the compact Raidho X1.6 Reference, which was designed to deliver unexpectedly large-scale sound from a relatively small enclosure. With the X2.8, the manufacturer develops the same concept, but in a larger floorstanding format.

Japanese company TechDAS has shown its new Air Force 20 vinyl record player, a High End model that brings together the brand’s key engineering solutions. For now, the device has been presented as a prototype, but the manufacturer has already shared its main design features and preliminary technical specifications.

The Hifiverse team continues its research into the largest audio exhibition event, HIGH END Vienna 2026. A detailed video report on the event is here; now you can experience the sound of the season's main High-End installations. And, of course, examine the equipment in detail.

The ARTA is a passion project years in the making, born from the desire to push the limits of conventional headphone sound and design. It combines a bold, naturally flowing design with a level of sound realism and immersion that is better experienced rather than explained. Born from a years-long collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics, the ARTA pairs a genuinely groundbreaking driver with a design philosophy rooted in sculpture, acoustic architecture, and longevity.

American company MSB Technology has expanded its line of digital sources with the new The Palisade DAC digital-to-analog converter. The unit was presented at High End Vienna 2026 and takes its place below the flagship Cascade DAC, inheriting a number of key engineering solutions from the senior model. At the same time, the Palisade DAC is conceived as a more compact and less expensive alternative to the flagship model.

Spanish Ultra High End audio brand WADAX presented its new WADAX Studio DAC Collection at High End Vienna 2026, expanding the Studio line with a modular digital playback system built around separate DAC and digital transport components. The new components complement the Studio series, which already includes the complete WADAX Studio Player, Studio Clock, Studio PSU and Akasa DC cables.

Italian company Gold Note has released the Gold Note DS-5.2 network player. The device combines the functions of a streamer, digital source and digital-to-analogue converter. The new model joins the compact Series 5.2 component range and, according to the manufacturer, uses a number of engineering solutions familiar from the higher-end DS-10 EVO.

Vietnamese company ThivanLabs prepared two notable new products for High End Vienna 2026. At the event in Vienna, the brand showed for the first time the Ultimate 300 Preamp tube preamplifier, as well as the new passive GrandHorn Gamma horn loudspeakers. In addition, components from the related Mavis Lab brand were presented at the ThivanLabs stand.

The final part of our extensive photo report from the world's largest audio exhibition, HIGH END Vienna 2026, puts the finishing touches on the portrait of the modern industry of outstanding sound.

To fully understand the capabilities of the modern high-end audio industry, it's best to attend the HIGH END Vienna 2026 exhibition. Hifiverse editorial team offers a detailed report from the show.

Once again, we're at the audio exhibition, HIGH END Vienna 2026, photographing, evaluating, exploring, and simply enjoying exquisite sound. The show was a great success.

Genuine brilliance, benchmark dynamics, resolution, and soundstage construction—that's high-end sound. And the best time to discover the latest products on the market is at the leading audio exhibition, HIGH END Vienna 2026.

HIGH END Vienna 2026 is the highlight of the season if you're interested in great sound. Hifiverse experts have thoroughly researched the show and are bringing you right to the heart of the action.

The HIGH END Vienna 2026 exhibition was highly anticipated for a whole year, and for good reason: over 500 companies showcased their extraordinary developments in precision sound reproduction. Our gigantic photo report is just as shocking – part 17 is here.