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A new CD player Luxman D-03R has been announced – the model will replace the previous version D-03X. Luxman D-03R can work both as a disc player and as an external digital-to-analog converter – the heart of the device is High-End ROHM DB34352EKV chips in a dual mono configuration.

Magnat has introduced a new line of Signature acoustics, the series includes three models: two floorstanding ones – Signature 809 and 607, as well as a bookshelf Signature 603. The manufacturer assures that each model is ideally combined with the Signature Center Pro, Atmos ATM 202 acoustics and the Omega CS12 subwoofer, which allows using the speakers both in stereo mode and in the format of multi-channel installations for home theater.

Serbian company Soulines has unveiled the Soulines tt9 turntable, which borrows its technical solutions from the flagship Soulines tt42 model. Vibration control was a priority during development, and as a result, the design was calculated using the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio. As a result, the company promises minimal resonance and an open, natural sound.

FiiO has introduced a spectacular portable HD music player FiiO SnowSky Echo Mini – the design of which is inspired by the iconic Sony Walkman cassette players. Moreover, even the control logic and control buttons here coincide with the ancestor. And the color 1.99" IPS display and a resolution of 170 x 320 pixels displays the animation of the playing cassette during playback of digital files.

The British company Origin Live has announced the fifth generation of tonearms for vinyl record turntables Origin Live Mk5. The Origin Live Mk5 tonearm series implements technologies borrowed from more expensive lines, such as a multi-layer counterweight.

The wood-veneered cabinets of the new Wharfedale ASTON bookshelf loudspeakers immediately catch the eye – but “on board” such a strict classic solution is a whole bunch of innovations. The model is equipped with a 6" (150 mm) brand-new Mid/Bass driver with a diffuser made of Carbon Fibre. The driver is mounted in a rigid, cast chassis, which eliminates unwanted resonances as much as possible.

The segment of relatively affordable bookshelf loudspeakers is currently developing the fastest - with new acoustics hitting the market almost every week. We have carefully studied the state of affairs and selected for you ten of the most impressive loudspeakers that fall into the Hi-Fi and Top Hi-Fi segments. This means that you can assemble a system with impressive sound without the expense of the "audio equipment for the price of a car" series - this is exactly what a buyer's guide in this market sector looks like at the beginning of 2025.

TEAC has introduced the compact TEAC AP-507 two-channel power amplifier, which implements the latest Hypex NCOREx Class D technology. Compared to its predecessor AP-505, the TEAC AP-507 is equipped with an updated amplifier module with higher output power and low distortion. In addition, the TEAC AP-507 amplifier supports bridge mode for use as a powerful monoblock.

Pro-Ject has released the Pro-Ject DAC Box RS Final Edition digital-to-analog converter – the new product features a pair of audiophile Diamond ECC88 tubes. All circuit elements of the Pro-Ject Audio DAC Box RS Final Edition have undergone a special selection, and the internal wiring has also been upgraded. The DAC output stage is implemented in a balanced circuit, while the tube circuit can be either connected or disconnected using a button on the front panel.

The American manufacturer of High-End audio equipment, Boulder, has introduced a new stereo power amplifier, the Boulder 1162. The model offers 2 x 300 watts of power into 8 ohm speakers and a staggering 2 x 900 watts into 4 ohm load.

McIntosh has unveiled the McIntosh DS200 network streamer – a high-end device that combines high-quality digital-to-analog conversion and ergonomic streaming. The model offers Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect options along with Apple AirPlay, Roon Ready, Bluetooth 5.0 (AAC, and Qualcomm aptX HD), and Google Cast (Google Assistant compatible for voice control is also on board) – so you won’t need any additional apps to control the device.

Japanese company Phasemation has released the hybrid preamplifier Phasemation CM-1500. The device is equipped with a patented “Hybrid Passive Attenuator” volume control and offers high input impedance and low output impedance – which guarantees perfect matching with other components of the signal path.

Many music lovers and audiophiles are wondering what the future holds for the high-quality audio market? Will the trend for analog formats continue, what transformation will streaming undergo, what will happen to loudspeakers, amplifiers and sources? Well, our editorial forecast for the development of the Hi-Fi and High-End industry for the coming year is as follows - the ten points outlined below can significantly influence the market and change the balance of power in it.

Chord has expanded its GroundARAY and PowerARAY anti-noise systems ranges with the PhonoARAY, a filtering solution that allows virtual grounding of turntables to the phonopreamp or to the Phono input of an integrated amplifier.

Esoteric has unveiled the Grandioso N1T – the first streamer (network transport) in the company’s flagship series. The Esoteric Grandioso N1T is a perfect match for the flagship Grandioso D1X SE monoblock DACs and the Grandioso K1X SE Super Audio CD player. Sales of the new product will begin in March 2025.

The Arcam ST25 network streamer, announced in 2024, has gone on sale. The Arcam ST25 will be the perfect companion to the Arcam A5, A15 and A25 integrated amplifiers, which lack network functionality. The streamer is based on the Hyperstream iV platform and is assembled on a 6-layer electronic board with a continuous ground bus to protect sensitive components from interference and noise.

The South Korean company Hifi Rose has updated the RS150 network audio streamer, which was presented more than four years ago. The new version is called HiFi Rose RS151 – the streamer has several significant improvements compared to the previous one.

Børresen, a brand of Audio Group Denmark, has announced the expansion of its floor-standing loudspeaker line – the Børresen C2 and Børresen C3. The new acoustics are equipped with redesigned drivers, improved crossovers and an anti-resonance cabinet design.

The manufacturer itself calls the universal disc player Kalista Dreamplay XC a combination of all the best digital capabilities. In addition to playing CDs and SACDs, the device can work with a network stream (full functionality of a streamer), has a luxurious digital-to-analog converter and even provides preamplifier functions (although, also in digital form). The French company tried to make Kalista Dreamplay XC impressive in every sense - both in terms of characteristics, and in terms of ultimate sound quality, and in appearance. So, we are testing Kalista Dreamplay XC.

Moondrop has unveiled its flagship Moondrop Psyche in-ear headphones, a very expensive new product with handcrafted faceplates featuring the MITSUKIYUKI character. The Moondrop Psyche headphones are equipped with a hybrid assembly of ten drivers and emitters, including two dynamic 10-mm drivers, four balanced armature emitters, and four planar magnetic emitters!