Displaying items by tag: hometheater - StereoLife Magazine

Wharfedale expanded its Heritage Series with the introduction of the Heritage Centre, a dedicated centre-channel loudspeaker designed to integrate seamlessly with models such as the Linton, Super Linton, Super Denton, Dovedale and Aston in multichannel home cinema systems. Developed in response to growing demand from users building AV setups around Wharfedale's retro-inspired stereo speakers, the new model brings the tonal character and driver architecture of the Heritage range into the crucial dialogue channel position at the front of a surround system.

Denon unveiled the AVR-S980H, a new 7.2-channel AV receiver designed as a central hub for contemporary home entertainment systems combining surround sound, streaming, and gaming functionality in a single chassis. Positioned as a step-up solution for users moving beyond soundbars and entry-level audio setups, the new model is intended to deliver a more immersive listening experience while remaining approachable in everyday installation and operation. According to Denon, the receiver reflects a broader shift toward flexible systems that adapt to modern households where television viewing, music streaming, and gaming increasingly share the same platform.

SVS has expanded its compact subwoofer lineup with the introduction of the SVS 3000 Micro R|Evolution, a new sealed-cabinet model designed to deliver reference-grade low-frequency performance from an enclosure measuring just 11 inches across. Positioned as a successor to the earlier 3000 Micro, the new version brings updated drivers, a more powerful amplifier platform, and significantly increased DSP capability while maintaining the lifestyle-friendly form factor that made the original model popular in space-constrained listening rooms.

Denon is expanding its wireless Denon Home family with three new speakers - the Home 200, Home 400 and Home 600. The company presents them as the next step in its premium home multi-room system, combining wireless operation, HEOS integration and a more refined approach to industrial design. The Denon Home line has become one of the more important pillars of the brand's current portfolio, and the new models are intended to broaden it both in terms of scale and functionality. As Denon explains, the project began not only with questions about power, drivers and connectivity, but also with a more practical one - how a speaker should function in a real living space. That is why the new models use seamless fabrics, anodised aluminium, smooth finishes, soft silicone elements and simple geometric forms designed to blend more naturally into modern interiors.

Audio Pro, the award-winning Scandinavian audio brand known for redefining what compact speakers can do, is opening a new chapter in wireless sound for the US and international markets. Following the rollout of its W-Generation speaker range, the company is now introducing W-Generation versions of its most powerful models, Drumfire II W and Drumfire D-2 W, completing a family that refreshes almost every aspect of the Audio Pro experience, from the control app and streaming platform to the core sound signature and industrial design. Positioned as a complete evolution rather than a minor refresh, the W-Generation is designed to offer a smarter, more robust multiroom platform, a more powerful and refined acoustic performance and a cleaner, more unified aesthetic across the line.

Marantz is expanding its portfolio of reference class home theatre components with two new models aimed at demanding users who build their systems around separate AV electronics. The AV 30 is an 11.4 channel AV preamplifier and the AMP 30 is a 6 channel power amplifier that can be tailored to a wide variety of loudspeaker layouts, from compact media rooms to substantial dedicated home theatres. The new units slot in beneath the flagship AV 10/AMP 10 and AV 20/AMP 20 combinations and support a modular approach in which customers can grow their systems over time without abandoning existing components. As with the higher tier models, all key elements of the audio path have been tuned by the Marantz Sound Master and both products are designed and manufactured at the Shirakawa Audio Works facility in Japan.

DALI has unveiled Sonik, a new loudspeaker series created to redefine what accessible hi-fi can offer in living rooms and home cinemas. Positioned as the most significant evolution of the brand's mid-priced offerings since the award-winning Oberon range of 2018, Sonik is intended to bring high performance sound, contemporary design and broad usability to music and movie fans who want serious loudspeakers that still fit comfortably into everyday homes. The line is aimed at both seasoned audiophiles looking for strong value and design-focused newcomers taking their first step into higher fidelity systems, carrying forward the role Oberon has played in DALI's catalogue for almost a decade.

Perlisten entered the hi-fi market in a way that surprised many - suddenly, yet with clear ambition. Its debut was far from accidental, led by seasoned engineers and managers with decades of experience in transducers, measurement systems, and loudspeaker design. Co-founder and president Dan Roemer brings over 25 years of industry expertise, including work with the NHT research group, MITek Corporation, and projects in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Lars Johansen, with more than 30 years in audio, has contributed to brands like JBL, Harman Kardon, Klipsch, and Jamo, and later served as partner and president of Miller & Kreisel, supplying solutions for recording studios and premium home theatres. Since its formal launch in 2016, Perlisten has aimed to deliver top-tier products, reflected in its pricing. The introduction of the more accessible A-Series marked a shift, opening the brand to a wider audience. Interest continues to grow, yet many enthusiasts remain unaware of the company's origins, the people behind it, and its long-term objectives. This is why I decided to speak with someone who has been with Perlisten from the start and understands every stage of its development - from early concepts and factory selection to launches and subsequent product lines. Erik Wiederholtz, Perlisten's Technical Director, is an acoustics specialist with experience in transducer modelling, dynamic speakers, MEMS digital microphones, hearing aids, headphones, and small speakers. Our conversation, I believe, will shed light on the company's foundations and help readers understand what Perlisten represents.