News

British hi-fi specialist has announced two new additions to its Alva turntable range - Alva TT V2 and Alva ST. Unveiled for the first time at CES 2022 in Las Vegas, the new Alva turntables build on the success of the highly acclaimed and innovative Alva TT - launched in 2019 as the world's first aptX HD Bluetooth turntable - and are backed by over 50 years of Cambridge Audio's expertise and experience in making great hi-fi for music lovers to enjoy.

Created for the dedicated music lover, the new integrated amplifier by Copland is designed to provide exceptional audio performance that belies its power rating and price. The CSA70 provides four digital inputs, three analog inputs, a line-out function, as well as a pre-out terminal, a front-facing 6.3mm headphone output, and a 70 Watts per channel power amplifier that will surprise users who thought their speakers were power-hungry. For the vinyl enthusiast, we have included an excellent phono preamplifier.

Astell&Kern has redefined the headphone amplifier with the introduction of the ACRO CA1000. Expertly combining high-performance amplifiers with digital audio player (DAP) capabilities in an incredibly compact desktop and carriable-friendly form, the powerful ACRO CA1000 delivers the optimal performance from any type of wired headphone. An array of digital/analog inputs and outputs also ensures the ACRO CA1000 can be at the heart of any hi-fi set-up and become the ultimate system for head-fi fans. This system represents Astell&Kern's fundamental philosophy of delivering as close to the original sound as possible and enriching the listening experience.

New generations of iconic Audio Physic loudspeakers become smaller but more technically advanced, and each design equipped with a certain number of drivers is replaced by a new one. Some speakers, such as the Tempo, have resisted this trend, while others are now significantly smaller than before - the Avanti floorstanders being a case in point. Fans of Audio Physic's compact loudspeakers couldn't wait for the next incarnation of the Spark model. For a long time, the manufacturer argued that this function is fulfilled by the Classic 8 and Classic 15 models. It seemed that we would never see the new Spark again, but the Germans surprised us, and doubly so. Firstly, they have just announced the introduction of the new Spark, and secondly, they have made significant changes in its design. Yes, the new one is a three-way monitor.

Gryphon Audio Designs announced its most advanced preamplifier available. Since Gryphon's founding nearly 40 years ago, our philosophy has remained constant - the relentless pursuit of sonic perfection without commercial compromises in design, construction, or cost. All Gryphon products have been conceived in this same perfectionist spirit: uncompromising engineering in the service of music, impeccable build quality complemented by our original, "Nordic Noir" aesthetic sensibility and simplicity of use. The culmination of Gryphon's four decades of philosophies, design goals, and engineering expertise are fully realized in Commander.

Now celebrating its 75th anniversary, Klipsch announces the release of the new Forte IV loudspeaker, one of its best-selling speakers of all time. The Forte IV is a member of the legendary Klipsch Heritage series and the loudspeaker cabinet is meticulously handcrafted in the USA. The original Forte is an American classic that made its debut in 1985 to much fanfare, but was out of production from 1996 until its third iteration was introduced in 2017. The new Klipsch Forte IV speakers feature updated cosmetics and the latest advancements in acoustic engineering, while maintaining the elegant design and powerful performance that have made them so popular.

Questyle Audio Engineering is proud to commemorate their achievement with the release of their evolution flagship product, the CMA Fifteen. Questyle's patented Current Mode Amplification uses current, instead of voltage, to amplify audio signals, leading to tremendous performance differences when compared to traditional audio amplifiers. The CMA Fifteen takes the already popular CMA Twelve to new heights, becoming the first Questyle headphone amp and DAC to feature the ESS SABER ES9038PRO, the world's highest performance 32-bit DAC available. Featuring unparalleled audio reproduction, brilliantly clear transparency, and massively open sound, the CMA Fifteen chases extreme performance to achieve system-level lossless purity.

Award-winning artist Jacob Collier and Shure have joined forces to launch the all-new Aonic Free True Wireless Sound Isolating Earphones in Crimson Chrome Red and Graphite Gray. Shure, a leading global audio electronics company with nearly 100 years of history-shaping audio, has been a go-to brand for Jacob since he received an SM58 vocal microphone for his 11th birthday. During live performances and in the studio, Jacob trusts Shure gear, including microphones, in-ear monitors, and digital wireless systems. This next evolution of Shure and Jacob's collaboration brings technology from the studio to the street, providing the same high-quality Shure audio for consumers that so many artists and creators, like Jacob, rely on to record and perform. Announced earlier this month in Graphite Gray, Aonic Free have earned editorial praise from prominent consumer technology and audio reviewers. And with the holidays around the corner, a great-sounding pair of sound-isolating earphones are at the top of many wish lists this year. The eye-catching Crimson Chrome Red and classic Graphite Gray Aonic Free fuses style with function.

Astell&Kern introduced the second generation model of its popular and award-winning entry-level player, the A&norma SR25 MKII. Every aspect admired about the original SR25 is retained with the new model improving on the audio performance, adding new features, such as a balanced 4.4mm headphone jack, and tweaking its already eye-catching and ultra-compact design. The A&norma SR25 MKII represents the perfect entry-point into Astell&Kern's unrivaled world of high-resolution music playback on the move. Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII feature upgrades include Replay Gain function to uniformly adjust volume playback from sound sources up to 24 bit/192 kHz, AK File Drop for easier wireless file transfers, BT Sink function for simpler connection of the SR25 MKII to an external Bluetooth device, and extra internal silver-plated shielding, first seen in the higher-end SP2000T, to protect from electromagnetic interference.

McIntosh announced the MC3500 Mk II vacuum tube amplifier. Originally used to power the sound system for Woodstock '69 amongst other formative music events, the iconic monoblock amp was recreated by McIntosh's expert team of engineers and designers to include modern upgrades that celebrate the brand's rich history of powering pivotal moments in music, while showcasing its commitment to technological innovations and acoustic advancements. The reimagined version can be used with a variety of preamplifiers, turntables, CD players, media streamers, speakers, etc. to form a complete home audio system.