Designing and building audio equipment can be so contagious that entire families get involved. Children raised in the spirit of musical passion often inherit the talent of their parents and relatives. One such case is the Serblin family. When audiophiles hear this name, the first association comes immediately - Franco, the legendary speaker designer. He was the son of a Croatian navy soldier who emigrated with his wife from Istria to Italy. His first recognisable work was so original that it simply had to attract the attention of music lovers. We are, of course, talking about the device known as the Snail Project, consisting of a subwoofer and satellite speakers protruding from it like the eyes of a snail. Three years later, Franco founded Sonus Faber - and here we could write a separate article. After years of creating speakers that became icons of Italian audio, he returned to even more boutique craftsmanship, creating equipment bearing his own name. The second thread of the family history leads to the Serblin & Son brand. And here's a surprise - it's not Franco's son behind it, but his nephew, Fabio. He was already familiar with electronics in the 1980s - he co-created, among other things, the Sonus Faber Quid integrated amplifier, and then went his own way, establishing a company called Fase Evoluzione Audio, making amplifiers, separate systems, and CD players. At some point, the trail goes cold, and Fase Evoluzione Audio disappears from the market for many years. Fabio Serblin returned to building amplifiers in 2019, founding Serblin & Son. Its first product was the Frankie amplifier, named in tribute to his uncle. And so the mystery is solved - the Serblin name continues to lead us towards sound, only this time it tells the story through electronics.

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.

British audio specialist, Q Acoustics, introduces its new trio of high-performance active subwoofers, Q SUB series. Whether as part of a Q Acoustics home cinema set-up, adding effortless bass extension to your existing 7.2, 5.1, or 2.1 system, or intensifying the low end on your powered and active speakers, these new models will deliver the drama to movies and music. Whatever the size of your home cinema room or the power of your system, Q Acoustics has the right-sized model to fill your space with powerful, impactful, but nuanced and controlled bass. The new subwoofer family consists of the 8-inch Q SUB80, the 10-inch Q SUB100, and a 12-inch model, Q SUB120. On board Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology ensures easy but comprehensive system and room integration and setting optimisation for a class-leading, distortion-free performance.

The official history of Audiomica Laboratory brand began in 2005, but its founder, Łukasz Mika, had planned this step several years earlier. As someone who always loved music and was fascinated by the equipment used to reproduce it, he eventually decided to explore the topic of cabling and its impact on the sound of his stereo system. What initially seemed like a harmless curiosity completely captivated him. The differences were clear, and observing them brought Łukasz immense joy. However, what intrigued him even more was the question of why this happened - what factors and design aspects made one cable produce phenomenal sound while another lacked that magic?

Monitor Audio announced the new Gold Series 6G. The all-new, totally redesigned series leaves no detail unrevealed, as Monitor Audio Group delivers the finest, most exhilarating loudspeaker range yet to carry the Gold Series name. A comprehensive, highly flexible and user-friendly range, Gold Series 6G comprises six distinctive loudspeakers. Each model addresses a clearly defined user requirement, adds innovative acoustic technologies, and is crafted to celebrate and exude the distinctiveness and quality customers expect from the Gold Series. Building on over three decades of heritage, Gold Series 6G represents the start of an epic new chapter - a new way to experience the joy of sensational sound.

Bluesound, the original wireless hi-res multi-room music brand, proudly announces that its highly anticipated flagship wireless music streamer, the Node ICON, is now available worldwide. Starting at $899, the Node Icon is the pinnacle of Bluesound's innovation in high-resolution streaming and a new benchmark for the brand's acclaimed line of wireless multi-room music streamers. The new Node Icon delivers an unparalleled listening experience by combining cutting-edge engineering, exceptional sound quality, and a sleek ultramodern design. With its revolutionary Dual-Mono DAC architecture, featuring two ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DACs, the Node Icon offers precise audio playback with ultra-low distortion. It also features a high-quality aluminium chassis, 5" full-colour display, and a beautiful matte black finish that integrates into any home stereo setup, while its wide array of digital/analog connectivity make it versatile enough for any high-end audio system.

Unison Research is celebrating with a special edition of our most successful products - Simply Italy, Triode 25 and S6. The Black Edition boasts advanced technical and sonic performance, featuring a new cosmetic design with a piano black wood front panel, black gun metal finish, and updated lettering graphics. Marconi-Osram later known as M&O Valve Company was founded in 1919 by the joining of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co. and The Edison General Electric Co. (Osram). Since the 1950's, only the very best M&O Valve Company audio valves have been labeled Genalex Gold Lion. To be labeled Genalex Gold Lion, a valve had to endure and pass the toughest testing the industry offered. This insured that all Genalex Gold Lion valves could be relied on for the most demanding audio equipment making them the premier audiophile valves. Today's new production Genalex Gold Lion vacuum valves continues with the same commitment to quality and reliability. Still the first choice for audiophiles, the excellent performance of these new production Genalex Gold Lion valves faithfully pays homage to those M&O Valve Company beginnings. Valve audio never sounded better. Unison selected Genalex Gold Lion ECC83 and ECC82 signal valves for their ability to produce a large, detailed soundstage, which is highly sought after by discerning audiophiles who demand the highest quality sound. These valves are known for their superb linearity, balanced sections, and gold plated pins. 

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.

The H400 replaces the H390 as Hegel's newest high-value proposition for the customer who wants to drive any speaker, connect any source, and stream any way, without compromising on quality. Hegel's goal has been to create an all-in-one solution that doesn't break the bank and still meets our highest aspirations for audio performance and user friendliness. In our maybe not-so-humble opinion, Norwegians believe they have managed just that. With 250 watts of power, a high-end DAC, and a very advanced streaming section, the H400 only needs a good set of speakers to be a complete audiophile system. Oh, and for the first time ever, we have a Hegel Control App.

The Audiomica 4-all-in-1 cable set is a unique proposition for a comprehensive connection solution for all-in-one audio systems (integrated amplifiers with network streamers). The dedicated set is a response to the growing popularity of such equipment and the demand of customers who recognize the need to optimize and improve their listening experiences. The cables have been constructed based on high-quality materials, refined details, and the use of proven company processes and technologies. Their conducting base is made of high-purity, oxygen-free tinned copper.