Displaying items by tag: balanced - StereoLife Magazine

Matrix Audio has introduced the NA-1, a flagship headphone amplifier from the company's new N Series, designed as the central element of ambitious desktop and stationary systems for demanding users of both dynamic and planar headphones. The unit is a fully analog design operating in pure Class A and built entirely from discrete components. According to the manufacturer, it combines high output power with low noise and precise signal control. The amplifier delivers up to 20 W in balanced mode, making it suitable not only for low-sensitivity planar headphones but also for highly sensitive in-ear monitors. As Cao Yang, CEO of Matrix Audio, explains, "NA-1 represents the culmination of our efforts to create the ideal amplifier. We focused on removing every barrier between the listener and the music. With its fully balanced Class A architecture and powerful power supply, NA-1 handles the most demanding loads with the ease and refinement expected by serious audiophiles."

Meze Audio is expanding its in-ear monitor range with the new Astru, a model positioned as the company's flagship single dynamic-driver IEM. It is aimed at listeners looking for the highest possible sound quality from a relatively simple driver architecture, without moving into the price territory of the most exclusive multi-driver high-end designs. The Romanian manufacturer emphasises that Astru is not intended to compete through driver count or catalogue complexity, but rather to develop a long-standing design philosophy built around the idea that a single carefully engineered driver can deliver high resolution, convincing layering and a spacious, coherent presentation.

FiiO is expanding its in-ear headphone range with the JH13, a hybrid model aimed at users who want to try a more advanced driver configuration without spending very much. According to the manufacturer, these IEMs are intended to combine technology associated with more expensive designs with straightforward usability and easy drivability from typical mobile sources. At the centre of the JH13 is a three-driver hybrid layout consisting of a 10mm dynamic driver for the low end and a pair of balanced armature drivers handling the upper registers. A specially designed crossover is meant to integrate both sections smoothly, avoiding the disjointed character that can sometimes affect entry-level hybrids and delivering a clearer, more layered presentation than a typical single dynamic driver design.

Pro-Ject Audio Systems is expanding its compact electronics portfolio with two new fully balanced headphone amplifiers that mark the beginning of a new generation of the brand's Box Design series. The Head Box S3 B and Head Box DS3 B arrive as modern successors to the original Micro and Mini components first launched in the early 2000s, bringing updated circuitry, more refinement and far more power while preserving the philosophy that made Pro-Ject's small-form-factor devices a reference for affordable high-end audio. Built in Europe and housed in full aluminium enclosures, the two amplifiers are designed for listeners who want serious clarity, true balanced architecture and well-controlled power in a footprint suited to desktop or small hi-fi systems.

Final Audio Design has expanded its DX Series of headphones with the introduction of the DX3000CL, a new closed-back model that brings the range's natural, balanced sound to a wider audience. Developed in Japan as the first closed-back design in the DX line, it follows the DX6000 and aims to deliver the same emphasis on precision, musical depth and tonal realism in a more accessible and versatile package. The DX3000CL is voiced for a smooth, natural balance, with a clear midrange, open treble and a rich but tightly controlled low end that reflects the sonic character listeners associate with the brand.

Pro-Ject Audio Systems is expanding its long-running Debut family with a new premium model designed to sit at the top of the range. The Debut Reference 10 is a manual belt-drive turntable that aims to bridge the gap between accessible hi-fi and fully fledged audiophile vinyl replay, combining a substantial acrylic platter, a new 10 inch hybrid carbon aluminium tonearm and a factory-fitted Pick it PRO Balanced moving magnet cartridge. With electronic speed switching, an upgraded motor system and the option of a fully balanced signal path, the deck is intended as a complete analogue front end for listeners who want to extract more detail and refinement from their record collection without moving to a much larger or more complex design.

Some years ago Hegel had to discontinue the highly capable Mohican CD player because key components were no longer being produced. Since then, the company has been working on a replacement that would be even better. The result is Viking - the best CD player Hegel has ever made. In a world full of options for downloading music, sound formats, compression methods, and streaming services, putting on some music can feel overwhelming. What should be easy and enjoyable, suddenly becomes complex and stressful. Playing a CD on the Viking is not. It is only joy. Viking is a true native 16/44.1 CD player developed from the ground up for optimal performance on standard (Redbook) CDs. It is designed to deliver the most faithful sound reproduction possible by optimizing its components to deliver a high-quality output that is true to the original recording.

Electrocompaniet is launching its new flagship power amplifier. Coinciding with their 50-year anniversary and the 25-year jubilee since the legendary AW600 Nemo was first launched, the new AW800M is set to have a big impact in the market. The AW800M is Electrocompaniet's brand new, from the ground up re-engineered flagship power amplifier - an 800 watt into 8 ohms monoblock, that can also be run in stereo mode, as well as a bi-amping mode with the flick of a switch at the back.

British hi-fi specialist has launched Uniti Atom Headphone Edition - a headphone-optimized version of its multiple-award-winning Uniti Atom music streaming system, designed to be the ultimate solo listening source. Unlike traditional headphone amplifiers and DACs, which require a separate computer or streaming device, Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a fully formed music-streaming system - just add headphones. Uniti Atom Headphone Edition features a completely new transformer design, dedicated to providing - in true Naim tradition - the very best power supply to the headphone amplification circuitry. The new discrete transistor circuit design enables Uniti Atom Headphone Edition to gain balanced headphone outputs, on both 4 pin XLR and Pentaconn, maximizing the performance of high-end headphones with those connections. The 6.3mm output is also there.

Born from the million-selling ATH-M50x professional studio monitoring headphones, the critically acclaimed ATH-MSR7 combined Hi-Res Audio compatibility with an ultra-comfortable design for studio-quality music-on-the-move. Audio-Technica is announcing the next generation model of this premium landmark headphone, the ATH-MSR7b, further enhancing the sonic performance and introducing a lighter, more portable design.