News

Technics announces two new additions to its Reference Class Audio line-up. Technics SP-10R and Technics SL-1000R continue the legacy of outstanding vinyl performance. Renowned for its direct drive technology and superior performance, the Technics range has extended its Reference Class line-up of audio components with its newest direct drive turntable and turntable system, the SP10-R, and SL-1000R.

Chord Electronics has launched their most advanced compact DAC called the Qutest. A highly accomplished standalone device, the new Qutest is based on the latest proprietary Rob Watts' FPGA technology developed for the class-leading Hugo 2 DAC/headphone amp. Qutest uses an all-new precision-machined aluminium chassis and includes several new features, including fascia controls.

Luxman just released a new flagship class AB integrated amplifier, the L-509X offering the performance of separate amplifiers/pre-amplifier housed in a single chassis. The L-509X is perfect for the discerning audiophile who seeks a high quality, high power multifunctional but simple system. The unit features a newly designed highly specialized chassis. The L-509X delivers not only in terms of extraordinary sonic characteristics but also with top-tier design and second-to-none build quality.

Sennheiser is redefining the limits of audiophile sound - with the new HD 820 which will first be showcased at CES. The closed-back dynamic stereo headphones deliver astonishingly transparent sound, thanks to a unique glass transducer cover that minimizes resonances - an innovation that ensures an incredibly realistic and natural sound field.

Harman International is showcasing the Mark Levinson the No 585.5 Integrated Amplifier with Pure Phono module. The No 585.5 is the second integrated amplifier in the Mark Levinson 500 series range - an upgrade to the award-winning No 585 which adds the brand's Pure Phono capability and other new features while retaining the existing Precision Link DAC and analog inputs. In addition to the Pure Phono module, the No 585.5 also includes an upgraded remote control and new three-piece extruded, machined, and anodized aluminum top cover which replaces the current single-piece top cover of the original No 585 and matches the appearance of all other Mark Levinson 500 Series products.

Dynaudio has announced Music - a family of four intelligent wireless speakers. Dynaudio Music provides one-touch simplicity. It adapts seamlessly (and automatically) to any room or position, and to surrounding noise levels - so music always sounds its best. It even gives personalized playlists featuring only the music its users love with Music Now. All at the touch of a button.

Marantz introduced a home theater pre-amplifier with 13.2 channel processing and full 4K Ultra HD. The AV8805 supports virtually any high-resolution multichannel audio format, including the latest surround formats from Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. Current feedback HDAMs enhance music for a superior listening experience, plus whole-home audio and voice-control make the AV8805 a must-have for serious cinephiles.

Leema Acoustics' new Pulse IV amplifier is the ideal hub for contemporary music-listening with its turntable connectivity, Bluetooth playback and seven digital inputs enabling a huge range of devices to connect. The Pulse IV is a highly versatile and powerful integrated amplifier that enables a world of music to be enjoyed with Leema Acoustics' sound quality thanks to a huge connectivity suite bringing together music playback in all its forms, whether on vinyl, streamed from smartphones and tablets via aptX Bluetooth, or stored on computers, laptops and more.

Bryston has announced the introduction of their Active Loudspeaker lineup, featuring three speaker models of different sizes (Model T Active, Middle T Active and Mini T Active) mated to a sophisticated DSP-enabled active crossover (BAX-1) and Cubed Series Bryston amplifiers. Two new amplifier models, the 3-channel 21B3 and 6-channel 24B3 have been created especially for the Bryston Active systems.

Astell&Kern introduces a new sub-brand of desktop audio products called ACRO. Astell&Kern has taken their expertise in designing best-selling, world-class portable audio devices and put that knowledge into the first desktop audio product, the ACRO L1000 - the first desktop headphone amplifier from Astell&Kern.