News

French company Octavio has created a compact network amplifier built for audiophiles and music lovers who appreciate modern solutions at an affordable price. The founders of the young manufactory say they wanted to democratize hi-fi and simplify the stereo system and the process of using it. The company was born in two student apartments in Lille. Its founders, David and Victor, owned vintage audio systems whose sound they greatly appreciated, but which were not compatible with new formats, digital sources, or streaming services. So they both faced the same problem - how to preserve the quality of their hi-fi setup while easily taking advantage of the latest innovations? The idea of parting with their existing system was unimaginable to them. What if the solution was simply to upgrade it rather than replace it? After months of designing and testing, they created a device that made their dream come true. After a successful crowdfunding campaign, Octavio was born.

Boasting a worldwide success, the Borea range now includes two new active and connected models in bookshelf format. The Borea Active speakers are genuine high-fidelity systems. Compact and all-in-one, they provide a rich audio and video experience - stream your music in high resolution with Bluetooth aptX, reproduce the warm sound of a vinyl turntable, link your TV, or create a fuller experience with the addition of a subwoofer. The Borea Active BR02 BT and Borea Active BR03 BT speakers create a compact and powerful all-in-one Hi-Fi system with multiple features. These active speakers have been designed for modern and versatile use.

Rotel announces the RA-6000 Integrated Amplifier and DT-6000 DAC Transport to celebrate 60 years as a Japanese family-owned and operated audio business. The "Diamond Series" models earn their distinction from the brand's 60-year legacy of unwavering commitment to quality and passion for audio performance, having been established in 1961 in Tokyo, Japan by founder Mr. Tomoki Tachikawa. The Diamond Series models feature industrial design engineered with modern, contemporary styling complimenting Rotel's current offerings while paying tribute to the brand's iconic heritage through generations of legacy models. The RA-6000 Integrated Amplifier delivers 350 watts of output power into 4-ohm speaker loads leveraging technical and performance designs from the brand's flagship Michi series models.

The P30A preamplifier and the H30A power amplifier replace the P30 and H30 reference amplifiers that have been on the market since 2011. "For several years we have known that the P30 and H30 amplifiers were living on borrowed time because the extremely good transistors they used were being discontinued. This was a problem because they were so good that finding something that could even come close proved to be very hard. So, for years we have been looking for replacements that could not only match but also improve upon the performance of our amplifiers. We have been testing and listening and testing again, and finally, we are able to launch our new reference products." - the Norwegians say, commenting on their new flagship pre/power combo.

Astell&Kern reveals the Kann Max portable digital audio player (DAP), the 4th model in its acclaimed Kann series. By applying advanced design and audio technology, this newfound power is also housed in a more compact and lightweight chassis. The result is an even wider variety of headphones, including sophisticated high impedance models, can be optimally driven without the need for additional amplification. Music fans can experience the original studio-quality sound without compromise - anywhere, anytime. As the power output increases, so does the noise level that adversely affects the audio performance. Through innovative integrated circuit design, Astell&Kern is able to achieve a low noise level while hitting the new 15Vrms 'Super' output setting.

Over 60 years KEF has worked tirelessly to hone their craft and revolutionise the landscape of audio speakers. To mark this momentous milestone KEF has combined all their key technologies to deliver superlative acoustic performance in a distinctive, stylish and modern floorstanding speaker. The LS60 Wireless is as powerful as it is attractive and its slim design makes room placement adaptable for everyone. The LS60 Wireless produces an impressively powerful, rich and full-bodied sound that evenly fills any space with high-fidelity audio.

For 50 Years Monitor Audio has been at the forefront of loudspeaker development with a philosophy of quality, precision, and near-maddening perfectionism which has earned the British manufacturer high stature amongst its connoisseurs. Founded in 1972 to celebrate our jubilee year, we are launching a strictly Limited-Edition version of the acclaimed and award-winning seventh generation Silver 100. Founded in 1972, Monitor Audio's mission is to make audio human. From the very first speaker, the iconic MA1, the brand developed, innovated, designed, and refined, with a pioneering approach that saw patent after patent filed. It is an ethos that has not changed at all. In fact, Monitor Audio is one of the very few high-end audio brands still developing new, innovative technologies today.

Bluesound, makers of the award-winning hi-res wireless multi-room line of audio players, announces the HUB, a game-changing network accessory that connects to a variety of analog and digital audio sources, bringing them into the Bluesound ecosystem for multi-room streaming. Streaming audio is more flexible than ever with the HUB. Easily add a Bluesound HUB to any non-BluOS enabled audio source and transmit music to one or many Bluesound players around the home. Audio sources like a turntable or CD player instantly become network-connected and are new sources from which your Bluesound system can play music. The HUB unlocks the problem of geography in letting users stream vinyl wirelessly for the first time.

Denon introduced the DHT-S517 soundbar and wireless subwoofer system, which delivers cinematic Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound. The DHT-S517 was precision-engineered and finely tuned by the Denon Sound Masters to deliver enhanced bass, crystal clear dialogue and enveloping sound from a sleek, 3.1.2 configuration. Built by the market leader in AV receivers, the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with Dolby Atmos transforms any TV into a home entertainment center.

Bowers & Wilkins has unveiled its all-new state-of-the art soundbar, the Panorama 3. Designed to get the most from the latest in immersive spatial audio, the elegant loudspeaker is an all-in-one solution offering outstanding, room-filling sound for films, TV shows, games, and your favourite music. For over 40 years, artists, composers and recording studios the world over have trusted Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers to help them create the movie soundtracks that have shaped a generation. From films as world-famous as Return Of The Jedi and Raiders Of The Lost Ark through to epics such as The Lord Of The Rings and The Avengers, Bowers & Wilkins speakers have played a crucial role in the creation of each iconic score. So, it's no surprise that with the same team of Bowers & Wilkins acoustic engineers defining the sound quality of the new Panorama 3, great sound is guaranteed. This truly is the bar, raised.