Displaying items by tag: japan - StereoLife Magazine

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.

Michi is Rotel's luxury sub-brand, positioned from the outset as the more ambitious and more overtly audiophile branch of the company's catalogue. Its components have typically stood out for their carefully judged industrial design, high power output, refined internal architecture and a strong emphasis on build quality, so the arrival of the new Prestige Series feels like a logical next step in the brand's development. With this new range, Michi appears to be opening the door to a broader group of listeners. Two components join the portfolio at launch - the X430 integrated amplifier and the Q430 CD player. Both are presented as products that bring together the engineering discipline, visual sophistication and key technologies associated with more expensive Michi designs, but at a lower entry point. That sends a fairly clear message about where the brand wants to go next - preserving its high-end identity while creating a more realistic way in for listeners who may previously have admired the Michi catalogue from a distance rather than from a buying position.

Fostex is bringing the next generation of its flagship dynamic headphones in the form of the TH910 and TH919. These two models build on the legacy of the TH900 series, combining Japanese craftsmanship with a new version of the BioDyna driver and a revised, lighter mechanical structure. They are aimed at demanding music lovers and professional users who expect not only striking design, but also a carefully developed sound with a clear sense of the Japanese audio tradition still intact. The TH910 is the closed-back version, focused on isolation and a more intimate presentation, while the TH919 is an open-back design created to deliver a more natural and spacious sound field.

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.

Final Audio Design has introduced the ZE300, an ultra compact noise-cancelling true wireless earphone created for everyday listening in the smallest form factor the company has produced so far. Each earpiece weighs 4 g and the design draws on Final's Cotsubu series, coming in 20 percent smaller than the ZE3000 SV to offer a secure, barely there fit that is particularly suitable for smaller ears and extended wear. The ZE300 is aimed at users who want a light, discreet earphone for music, podcasts, video and day to day use, with an emphasis on comfort, clarity and versatility rather than showy styling.

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.

Final Audio Design has unveiled its next-generation flagship headphones, the D8000 DC and D8000 DC Pro, marking a new chapter in the Japanese manufacturer's fifty-year legacy of innovation. Known for its meticulous engineering and in-house technology, Final has redefined planar magnetic performance once again with a complete reworking of its pioneering Air Film Damping System (AFDS) and a renewed focus on acoustic precision. The 'DC' designation stands for 'Da Capo', meaning 'from the beginning' - a fitting name for headphones that represent a total reconstruction of Final's reference model. First introduced seven years ago, the original D8000 set a benchmark for planar magnetic design, introducing AFDS as a revolutionary solution to low-frequency distortion and limited diaphragm control. By using air pressure to regulate diaphragm movement, the system achieved deeper, more accurate bass and a broader soundstage. The new D8000 DC and DC Pro models take this principle further, with redesigned metal mesh structures, new airflow patterns, and an evolved acoustic chassis that unlocks even greater transparency and realism.

Denon announced the launch of its new DCD-3000NE, a high-end CD player that continues the company's tradition of precision audio engineering spanning more than a century. Designed for the purest digital playback, the DCD-3000NE combines advanced conversion technology, meticulous mechanical construction and proprietary digital processing to extract every nuance from both standard and high-resolution recordings. At the heart of the DCD-3000NE lies Denon's renowned Ultra AL32 Processing, which employs sophisticated interpolation algorithms to reconstruct digital waveforms with exceptional accuracy. Supporting input signals up to 384kHz/24-bit, this system performs upsampling and data refinement to produce smoother, more natural sound reproduction. The result is a playback character that captures fine detail, dynamic contrast and spatial realism across the entire frequency range.

Marantz, one of the most revered names in audio for over 70 years, introduced the new 10 Series Collection of three reference-quality stereo products. Comprising the Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier, the SACD 10 Reference SACD player and the Link 10n Reference Network Audio Player, the 10 Series Collection represents a new statement in high-end audio design and performance for Marantz, and is the first time the brand has released a new range reference high-end stereo components since 2016.

Developed over five years of extensive collaboration between all departments of the engineering team at the renowned Shirakawa Audio Works in Japan, the new 10 Series components embody unparalleled heritage, performance and contemporary luxury design. Built to the most demanding of standards, the design of each product is inspired by some of the most iconic hi-fi components in Marantz's storied history - yet at the same time, the engineering inside ensures that each component is both truly contemporary and ready to make the most of hi-fi's digital future.

The first product to be released from the new 10 Series Collection is the Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier, the most powerful one-box amplifier Marantz has ever made. Model 10 is built around a newly designed dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology and uses a completely new copper-plated, triple-layered chassis with a compartmentalized design structure designed to provide complete engineering separation of each critical internal function. Two internal compartments plus strategically placed shields isolate high and low power circuits from each other and prevent internal interference from limiting performance.

The Model 10 powerplant is newly engineered. In partnership with Purifi, Marantz developed a new amplifier, two of which are used to achieve dual-mono operation. It operates as a fully balanced amplifier from input to output, with individual power supplies for each amplifier channel and all line-level input circuitry powered by a separate linear power supply unit. Distortion is astonishingly low - 0.05% THD across the entire audio band at full power and an order of magnitude better at half-rated power - while up to 30A of peak current means exceptional dynamic range, plus frequency response that is immune to load impedance.

Driving the novel amplifier section is an all-new preamplifier design based around the latest generation of Marantz's HDAM analogue circuitry. Designed to deliver the optimum combination of speed of response and transparency of signal, HDAM is a proprietary Marantz technology first introduced in the PM-99SE amplifier of 1992. The latest incarnation is the highest performing yet, ensuring the Model 10 has all the musicality for which Marantz amplifiers are rightly renowned.

Of course, as a reference-class integrated amplifier, Model 10 has a commensurately substantial power output, with 250W into 8 ohm speaker loads, rising to 500W with 4 ohm designs. If even more power is required, owners can opt to add a second Model 10 to create a superlative biamplified stereo system using Marantz's proprietary F.C.B.S (Floating Control Bus System) to link and control two amplifiers seamlessly. Up to four Model 10s can be connected together if needed.

Even the smallest details of Model 10's design have been engineered with the utmost care and attention. Its porthole-style OLED display screen references the form of classic Marantz products of the past yet its thoroughly contemporary specification can switch from displaying volume level to selected input to a VU Meter mode, if desired. Brightness and display timeout options can also be adjusted. For those that prefer tactile interaction with their hi-fi, the Model 10 features CNC machined spun-finished aluminum control knobs for volume and input selection, each with individual bearings for a smooth feel. Even the remote handset is unique to Model 10, featuring a teal-colored aluminum top surface for added heft and premium feel.

Internal detailing is every bit as quality-focused. Model 10's exquisite design features a unique mesh-covered grille section rippled with Marantz's iconic rhythmic design pattern and illuminated from within. The result is an amplifier like no other, one ready to invite the listener in with the warmth of both its design and its musical sound. The end result, in terms of attention to detail and clarity of layout, is every bit as exquisite as it sounds.

This distinct top section is complemented by lavish componentry elsewhere in the construction of Model 10. Its solid aluminum side panels are almost 16mm thick, providing an ultra-low-resonance structure. At the front of the amplifier, the special hairline finish on the extruded aluminum control surface is perfectly complemented by discreet LED lighting embedded around the assembly complete with 20 steps of adjustment over its levels of illumination.

Model 10 includes an extensive array of analogue inputs, including two XLR balanced ins, three RCA analogue ins and a high-quality phono stage, complete with both MM and three impedance options for broad MC compatibility. Preamplifier outputs are also provided, again in both XLR and RCA. Uniquely, Model 10 can also be configured to run solely as a power amplifier, bypassing its internal preamplifier, when partnered with its sibling in the new 10 Series Collection, the Link 10n Reference Network Audio Player. Naturally, selectable speaker A/B outputs are also included, alongside a very high-quality headphone output.

Shortly after Model 10 launches, it will be joined by first the SACD 10, a statement-quality SACD player built to the same exacting standards as its amplifier sibling, and then the Link 10n Reference Network Audio Player. At the heart of Link 10n is HEOS - a powerful and versatile digital audio engine that equips this reference model with an unusually comprehensive feature complement. Discerning listeners can stream high resolution from Tidal at up to the highest provided resolution of 192 kHz/24 bit. Music stored locally on USB or network servers can be played back at up to 384 kHz/32 bit and DSD 4X bit-perfect with no down sampling or conversion. An ever-growing list of other services and technologies are supported as well including AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Bluetooth, TuneIn, Deezer, Pandora and more meaning HEOS makes it simple to find what you love to listen to. Further, Link 10n can play with up to 32 other HEOS Built-In devices including home theater and stereo electronics, powered speakers, and sound bars in a home to create a diverse and entertaining whole-home audio system in which devices can be grouped to stream your favorite playlist in sync, or played separately. Introducing the first product in the new 10 Series Collection, the Model 10 integrated amplifier will be available soon from selected retailers at $15,000. Info and photos by Marantz.

Audio-Technica announces the latest turntable to join its world-renowned home audio portfolio, the AT-LP70xBT. Acting as a sophisticated gateway for audiophiles taking their first steps into the world of vinyl, the AT-LP70xBT Fully Automatic Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable combines the tactility and warmth of analogue audio with the convenience of Bluetooth technology to deliver a seamless listening experience for any setup. Designed to provide a user-friendly experience with every spin, the AT-LP70xBT plays both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records at the touch of a button. Offering a simple wireless connection to powered speakers and headphones, the turntable is compatible with the Qualcomm aptX Adaptive audio codec for high-quality music playback - no cables necessary.