Displaying items by tag: stereo - StereoLife Magazine

Piega has unveiled the Premium 801, a new floorstanding loudspeaker that takes its long running Premium Series into fresh territory between the existing Premium 701 and the Coax 611. Conceived as a reference model for the range, it is intended to combine Swiss precision engineering, meticulous craftsmanship and a more ambitious acoustic architecture in a slim, elegant enclosure that still integrates easily into domestic living spaces. The aim is to offer a speaker that raises performance standards in its category while remaining recognisably part of the Premium family in both sound and appearance.

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.

Krix has introduced a new design focused evolution of two of its most successful Hi-Fi models with the launch of the Evara range, a compact loudspeaker line created for modern living spaces where sound quality needs to coexist with décor, limited space and everyday use. The Evara family debuts with the Equinox Evara bookshelf speaker and the Seismix 1 Evara subwoofer, combining the established acoustic performance of their predecessors with a more contemporary visual identity intended to make it easier to integrate a serious stereo or TV system into apartments, shared homes and lifestyle oriented listening areas.

Noble Audio introduced a new flagship addition to its true wireless line with the FoKus Prestige Encore, a model that refines rather than reinvents the original Prestige concept. The new earphones are positioned as Noble's most advanced true wireless design to date, with greater detail, longer battery life, improved ergonomics and smarter personalisation, while preserving the lively, engaging character that made their predecessor popular with demanding listeners. The FoKus Prestige Encore is intended to bridge Noble's high-end in-ear know-how with the flexibility expected from modern wireless listening.

Triangle Electroacoustique is introducing a new generation of its premium wireless loudspeaker system with the launch of Capella 2, a pair of active bookshelf speakers designed and manufactured in France and supplied with a dedicated network hub. Building on the versatility and musicality of the original Capella concept, the new system aims to offer a more intuitive user experience and a higher level of performance, combining the brand's acoustic know how with modern streaming technologies and fully wireless communication between speakers. The idea is to provide a complete all in one solution that can handle television sound, vinyl and high resolution streaming with equal ease, while remaining compact enough to integrate discreetly into a wide range of living spaces.

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.

FiiO is expanding its line-up of advanced portable players with a new flagship model, the M27. The device has been designed as a portable-desktop crossover, combining the freedom of listening on the move with the performance and flexibility of a full-size desktop component. In practice the M27 can work both as a standalone player with a powerful headphone amplifier and as a high-quality digital source in an elaborate stereo system, which according to the manufacturer is intended to set a new benchmark in the high-end portable player segment.

When Fezz Audio, then a small, unknown domestic manufacturer, unveiled its first amplifier ten years ago, very few people believed it stood a chance. Yes, the company was connected to a respected producer of transformers used by prestigious audio brands, but as its own label it simply did not exist in the consciousness of audiophiles. At launch, Fezz brought only a single product to market. It was not a compact digital-to-analog converter, not a lavishly equipped solid-state integrated, but a modest tube integrated that, from the customer's perspective, distinguished itself mainly with its reasonable price and a handful of available color finishes. How was this oddity ever supposed to shake up the tightly sealed hi-fi world? And yet, within just a few months, Silver Luna was on everyone's lips. Reviewers and music lovers quickly took to it, drawn by its honest, fully tube-based sound and its raw, minimalist, slightly industrial styling. It was a straightforward, sensible piece of gear with no gimmicks, no cosmetic frills, no wooden ornaments - just engineering focused on doing one job well. It turned out you really could build tube amplifiers in Europe that didn't cost as much as a new car.

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.

Ten years after the debut of one of its most recognisable models, Meze Audio announces the return of the 99 Classics in a refined and upgraded form. The headphones that won worldwide acclaim for their natural sound and timeless aesthetics are making a comeback, preserving their signature character while introducing a range of subtle yet meaningful improvements. According to the manufacturer, the new 99 Classics continue the brand's philosophy of combining craftsmanship with modern acoustic engineering. The changes introduced in the second generation are evolutionary in nature, focusing on enhancing comfort and refining the overall sound performance. The headphones feature redesigned earpads, optimised cup volume and sealing, as well as a re-engineered acoustic partition. Meze Audio has also fine-tuned the driver matching process, resulting in a more balanced sound signature with deeper bass, smoother highs and a clear, expressive midrange.