Displaying items by tag: uk - StereoLife Magazine

NAD Electronics, the highly regarded manufacturer of high-performance audio-video components, today announced the NAD CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer, a compact, minimalist design that makes it easy to add streaming capability to any music system. Employing audiophile-grade components, the NAD CS1 can play high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. It features Bluetooth, Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi and supports the most popular streaming and casting protocols, including Apple AirPlay 2, GoogleCast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Roon. Certification for network sharing via DNLA/UPnP protocols expected to be complete with retail available of CS1 in March 2023. That means listeners don't have to install a dedicated app to use the CS1; they can control playback with the music apps they use every day.

Naim Audio launched in 1973 with a simple aim - to experience music replayed in its truest and purest possible form. That meant pushing the boundaries of what is viable, applying an obsessive attention to detail in the pursuit of musical authenticity. Half a century on, its end goal still starts with the music that moves us; an unwavering line from the first Naim products to the creation of the New Classic range: the NSC 222 streaming pre-amplifier; an allnew iteration of the iconic NAP 250 power amplifier; the NPX 300 power supply upgrade. Each boasts more features - including balanced connections - without sacrificing sound quality. Designed and engineered by specialists in England, the New Classic range is handcrafted with care and built to last. Sophisticated yet simple to use, these timeless products aim to bring you years of listening pleasure. There are also a range of ways to integrate these new products with existing Naim models.

Internationally acclaimed, high-end audio brand Cyrus Audio announces the most intelligent power supply it has ever designed; the long-awaited PSU-XR. The PSU-XR is the first power supply from Cyrus to have its own built-in microprocessor, enabling it to talk to the product it is connected to, providing the best configuration of power sources demanded by the host product. "The PSU-XR is our best performing power supply, capable of providing up to 60% more power than the award-winning PSX-R2 and, due to its revolutionary design, is up to 50% more efficient." - says Ceri Williamson, Head of R&D at Cyrus Audio.

Bowers & Wilkins has long convinced audiophiles that the only way to achieve total listening satisfaction is chasing the original - the sound recorded in the studio. This leads to the obvious conclusion that our home stereo system should be the last element of the chain, which starts with the microphone, and that gaining more at the end means losing less during the whole process. It's hard to argue with that. And while it's a bit pointless to compare home electronics with professional equipment, I appreciate any manufacturer who stays true to this straightforward philosophy. While the idea can be explained in a single sentence, putting it into practice is quite complicated. Transport the sound from the recording studio to the home? But, wait a minute, isn't that what almost all the people involved in this subject have been trying to achieve for 145 years (that's exactly how long it's been since the invention of the phonograph)? Yes, but no one can deny that we have made tremendous progress in this field and are still moving forward.

Bowers & Wilkins continues to partner with Volvo Cars with the announcement of a new top-tier audio system, named High Fidelity Sound by Bowers & Wilkins, in the new all-electric Volvo EX90 SUV. The system features iconic and proven loudspeaker technologies, perfectly integrated within Volvo's newest all electric car to give a brand-new audio experience underpinned by more than 50 years of home, studio and automotive audio expertise.

Audiolab has enjoyed an enviable reputation for amplifier excellence ever since the original 8000A arrived in 1982, establishing itself as the classic step-up model from the 'budget' integrated hi-fi amps of the time. This reputation has remained constant through successive product generations, right up to the 6000A and 8300A, both of which have delighted music lovers at their respective price points in recent years. As we approach the end of 2022 - 40 years after the launch of the 8000A - it's time to reveal the next generation of Audiolab amplification. The 9000A is the first component in Audiolab's new flagship range, the 9000 Series. It is also the best integrated amplifier Audiolab has ever made. The 9000A introduces a smart new aesthetic, as befits a new flagship range. Built for sonic excellence, the 9000 Series CD transport - the 9000CDT - is the perfect CD-playing companion to Audiolab's flagship 9000A integrated amplifier.

Neat Acoustics has been designing and manufacturing loudspeakers since 1989. The company was founded by Bob Surgeoner, who has devoted most of his life to music, playing primarily blues, rock, jazz, folk, country, and bluegrass. The company's other key employees also work as musicians, which is virtually unheard of in the audio industry. In 2006, Bob was joined by Paul Ryder, who plays guitar in several bands in northern England. Since Paul is also an experienced sound engineer, the company set up its own recording studio. The professional approach to recordings is also intended to be a benchmark for the sound of the loudspeakers. A variety of musical instruments are on hand at the Neat Acoustics factory, including piano, string organ, harp, double bass, synthesizers, and a wide range of electric and acoustic guitars and other stringed instruments. High-resolution recordings can be played back instantly in the listening room. Bob and his team let music rule the tuning and sound of its speakers to the exclusion of almost all other criteria. All aspects of the design are evaluated empirically. This time-consuming, iterative process can take months before a design is considered finished.

Bowers & Wilkins launches a new 700 Series 3 speaker range, with technologies passed down from the 800 Series Diamond. The new Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series is empowered with many of the same technologies found in the brand's flagship range, the 800 Series Diamond, as trusted by many of the world's most famous recording studios. The new 700 Series brings studio sound home, with elegant, high-performance models that will suit every décor and preference.

Bowers & Wilkins has launched its new flagship wireless headphone, the Px8. The new model sets a new reference standard for sound, build and finish in the active noise cancelling wireless headphone category. The heart of the Px8 is the same active noise cancelling wireless platform found in the Px7 S2, already one of the best-sounding headphones in its class. In Px8, that stellar performance is taken to even greater heights of detail, resolution and spaciousness thanks to all-new bespoke 40mm Carbon Cone drive units.

Audiophiles interested in unconventional loudspeakers often turn their attention to Neat Acoustics - a company founded in 1989 by Bob Surgeoner, who has spent most of his life playing music in a variety of styles, such as blues, rock, jazz, folk, country, and bluegrass. Neat Acoustics has its own recording studio because the professional approach is also the benchmark for the sound of loudspeakers. Music lovers talk a lot about achieving the sound as close as possible to the original, but few equipment manufacturers can actually hear it when designing their gear. Meanwhile, a variety of musical instruments are on hand at the Neat Acoustics factory, including piano, string organ, harp, double bass, synthesizers, and a wide range of electric and acoustic guitars. High-resolution recordings can be played back instantly in the listening room. The speakers themselves are also quite remarkable. They feature various unusual technical solutions, such as speakers working in an isobaric system, cabinets made of glued birch plywood, or supertweeters mounted on the top panel to improve the surround experience.