Latest News – page 4

Estelon Forza Ultra - the new High-End loudspeakers drawing on technologies developed for Estelon’s flagship platform, the four-way design features all-new Accuton drivers, a redesigned crossover network, proprietary connector system and Stillpoints Ultra SS V2 isolation.

TIDAL has introduced the new TIDAL x BUGATTI MA1 flagship monaural power amplifier, part of the Royale Collection. Positioned as the successor to the Assoluta Monobloc, the new model combines extremely powerful circuitry with a massive mechanical construction. Particular attention has been paid to the power supply: inside are three 1,000 VA toroidal transformers with magnetic shielding and mechanical isolation, while the total capacitance of the power-supply filter reaches 800,000 µF.

Swiss company Wattson Audio has launched the Madison Phono, a phono stage designed for MM and MC cartridges as well as DS Audio optical cartridges. Unlike conventional models, the new unit employs a hybrid architecture: after initial analogue amplification, the signal is converted to digital at 32-bit/384kHz DXD resolution, with subsequent equalisation and filtering performed in the digital domain. According to the manufacturer, this approach reduces the number of analogue components in the signal path, improves parameter stability and lowers the noise floor.

Majority has expanded its home audio range in two directions at once. The British company has introduced the Fitzwilliam line of full-size Hi-Fi components, comprising three separate products, alongside the standalone Quadriga Maxi all-in-one system. The new models are aimed at users who want modern streaming features without giving up CDs, terrestrial radio or traditional wired connections.

Polish manufacturer Feliks Audio has revealed new details about its flagship Eos amplifier, a prototype of which was shown at High End Vienna 2026. The new model sits above the Envy series and is designed not only for dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, but also for driving loudspeakers. Electrostatic headphones, meanwhile, remain the domain of the dedicated Bliss amplifier.

Marantz has introduced the compact Marantz MCR 60n audio system, combining the functions of several Hi-Fi components in a single chassis. It incorporates a CD player, network streamer, amplifier, MM phono stage and an HDMI eARC interface for connection to a TV. The company describes the new model as the most versatile compact system in its lineup. A Marantz MCR 60n DAB version with digital radio support will also be available in Europe. The system will be offered in Matte Black and Champagne Gold finishes.

Shanling has launched the CD50, a compact CD player that opens the company’s new Shanling 50 series of audio components. Measuring 188 × 53 × 205 mm and weighing around 1.6 kg, the unit combines the functions of a CD transport, digital-to-analog converter, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier. The model supports CD, CD-R, and CD-RW playback and features a loading tray with an HD850 laser mechanism.

German manufacturer T+A has introduced the PS 3100 HV external power supply, designed for the PA 3100 HV integrated amplifier and the A 3100 HV stereo power amplifier. The unit has been developed as an optional upgrade for components in the 3100 HV series and is intended to reduce interaction between different amplifier sections by separating their power supplies.

Japan’s Technical Audio Devices Laboratories has introduced the TAD-A1000D integrated amplifier from its Evolution Series. The new model builds on the concept of the fully analog TAD-A1000, released in 2025, while adding a digital signal path with proprietary clocking, signal processing and digital-to-analog conversion technologies. The analog amplification section itself remains unchanged. The amplifier uses a balanced BTL bridge configuration, while the left and right channels are arranged in a highly symmetrical mirrored layout with separate power supply and grounding circuits.

Argon Audio has introduced the Aurora, the company’s first direct-drive turntable. The model is aimed both at users taking their first steps into vinyl playback and at more experienced listeners. Its design combines a substantial low-resonance chassis, a proprietary S-shaped tonearm and a pre-installed Ortofon Concorde Music Blue MM cartridge. A built-in switchable phono preamp allows the turntable to be connected directly to an amplifier or active speakers.

Spanish company Falcon Bravo has entered the loudspeaker market with The Dome, a two-way standmount speaker featuring an unconventional architecture and distinctly premium positioning. During development, the manufacturer placed particular emphasis on cabinet geometry, dispersion characteristics, and distortion reduction. The enclosure combines solid ash, Spanish walnut, and genuine leather, while the upper dome-shaped section features integrated lighting with adjustable color settings.

Magnetar has introduced its flagship Ultima media transport, designed to handle virtually all major types of physical and file-based media. The unit supports UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, CD, SACD and DVD-Audio, as well as playback from USB storage devices and over a network. It also supports DSD/DoP via AES/EBU, Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Built on Magnetar’s MKII platform, the Ultima is positioned as a universal reference source for high-end home cinema and audio systems.

British manufacturer Origin Live has introduced a new flagship analogue system built around the Voyager turntable and the Enterprise Mk5 tonearm. For demonstration purposes, the company has paired them with Lyra’s top-of-the-line Atlas λ Lambda MC cartridge, creating a system focused on extracting the maximum amount of information from a record groove. Rather than simply relying on high mass, the design philosophy is based on comprehensive control of vibration, resonance, and mechanical energy throughout the signal path.

Japan’s Esoteric has launched the N-01XE, a network player with the functionality of an external digital-to-analog converter, developed using technologies derived from the company’s flagship Grandioso series. The new model builds on the concepts introduced with the Esoteric N-01XD SE but features substantially redesigned digital and network sections. At its core are Esoteric’s proprietary Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 and Network Engine G4, both conceptually inherited from the flagship Grandioso N1. Esoteric has deliberately avoided off-the-shelf DAC chips from third-party manufacturers, implementing digital-to-analog conversion instead with an FPGA and carefully selected discrete components.

The Expert Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) has announced the winners of the annual EISA Awards 2026 - 2027. Marking their 44th year, the selection process was conducted by editors from over 50 specialized publications and websites across 27 European countries.

Michi has expanded its Prestige series with two new components – the P430 preamplifier and the S430 stereo power amplifier. The new models sit one step below the flagship Reference range, which continues to be headed by the P5 and S5, while retaining Michi’s characteristic engineering approach, substantial construction and extensive integration options for modern audio systems.

Nelson Pass’s First Watt offers two power amplifiers built around Static Induction Transistors (SIT): the stereo SIT-4 and the monaural SIT-5. Both models operate in pure Class A without global negative feedback and use industrial Tokin THF51 transistors rated for up to 600 V, 30 A, and 400 W of power dissipation. However, their circuit designs differ significantly, which makes them suitable for different types of loudspeakers.

Vincent Audio has updated its SA-32 hybrid preamplifier with a new version designated SA-32MK. The key addition is a Bluetooth module, allowing music to be streamed directly from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. However, the manufacturer has not expanded the digital section any further: unlike the anniversary SA-32 AE model, the SA-32MK offers no other digital interfaces.

Black Sabbath’s iconic rock albums "Black Sabbath" and "Paranoid" have been released in the ultimate audiophile format: 1/4-inch, two-track magnetic tape running at 15 ips (38 cm/s). The Rhino High Fidelity label produced these reel-to-reel (R2R) editions using fully analog transfers (1:1) from the original US analog master tapes, offering fans the definitive listening experience - a true "Holy Grail" for audiophiles.

British manufacturer Vertere Acoustics has introduced the Ruby One, its new flagship moving-coil cartridge positioned above the XtraX in the company’s lineup. Development took around five years, during which the engineers tested various generator, suspension and body designs, as well as cantilevers made from boron, diamond and ruby and several different stylus profiles.