Displaying items by tag: analog - StereoLife Magazine

Pro-Ject Audio Systems is expanding its compact electronics portfolio with two new fully balanced headphone amplifiers that mark the beginning of a new generation of the brand's Box Design series. The Head Box S3 B and Head Box DS3 B arrive as modern successors to the original Micro and Mini components first launched in the early 2000s, bringing updated circuitry, more refinement and far more power while preserving the philosophy that made Pro-Ject's small-form-factor devices a reference for affordable high-end audio. Built in Europe and housed in full aluminium enclosures, the two amplifiers are designed for listeners who want serious clarity, true balanced architecture and well-controlled power in a footprint suited to desktop or small hi-fi systems.

More and more listeners are happy to stream music from a smartphone, laptop or games console, but do not necessarily want to accept a step down in quality compared with a full-sized hi-fi system. It is this group that Astell&Kern is targeting with the AK HC5, a compact USB digital to analogue converter that brings the flagship DAC architecture from the Korean brand's top portable players into a highly portable dongle format. The new device is intended as a natural companion for smartphones, notebooks and gaming hardware in situations where convenience matters as much as sound quality and where users would like to get closer to the performance associated with high end portable players.

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.

Pro-Ject Audio Systems has introduced the E1.2, a new-generation entry-level audiophile turntable designed to deliver exceptional sound quality in an accessible, ready-to-play package. Handmade in Europe, the E1.2 continues the brand's commitment to high-performance analogue engineering at realistic prices, combining precision craftsmanship with a series of upgrades over the original E1 model. The E1.2 retains Pro-Ject's Plug & Play philosophy, with factory-set tracking force and anti-skating to ensure perfect performance straight out of the box. Every unit is hand-assembled and fine-tuned by experienced technicians, so users can simply connect, drop the needle, and enjoy their records with minimal setup effort.

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 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.

The creation of this audio component is the result of years of design experience, in-depth knowledge of electronic tubes, and our passion and desire to make unique pieces of great value, in which traditional craftsmanship is combined and integrated with high electronic technology. The New Simply 845 ranks at the top of Unison Research's line of integrated tube amplifiers, second only to the historic Absolute 845. The Simply 845, like the Absolute 845, also employs the famous 845 direct-heated triodes, tubes well known for remarkable durability and extraordinary sonic qualities. The great advantage of integrated amplifiers is the incorporation in a single chassis of the preamplifier and the power amplifier. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for high-cost interconnect cables that are never truly neutral to sound reproduction. It should be noted that in the renewed production of the Simply 845 its size has been reduced by bringing all input and output connectors, strictly gold-plated and of a new type, to the rear of the amplifier.

Four decades after its original debut, the Sound Burger is back in our regular lineup! The new AT-SB727 portable turntable retains the classic, lightweight design of the 1980s model, while offering modern conveniences like Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a lithium-ion battery, and a USB-C charging cable. Perfect for parties, picnics, and compact living spaces, the updated Sound Burger plays 33 1/3 and 45 rpm records and comes in three color options - black, white and yellow.

Designers of hi-fi equipment will never cease to amaze me with ideas for the names of their products and brands. We have already seen gear lineups inspired by celestial bodies, mythological characters, precious stones, weather phenomena, and popular drinks. I remember when a friend working in one of the showrooms told me with some disbelief that he would now sell cables called, for example, "Root Beer" or "Vodka." At first, I thought he was screwing me, but it turned out that he was earnest, and now these cables can be found in Audioquest's catalog. Hendry Ramli, the founder of Vermouth Audio, went one step further.

The P30A preamplifier and the H30A power amplifier replace the P30 and H30 reference amplifiers that have been on the market since 2011. "For several years we have known that the P30 and H30 amplifiers were living on borrowed time because the extremely good transistors they used were being discontinued. This was a problem because they were so good that finding something that could even come close proved to be very hard. So, for years we have been looking for replacements that could not only match but also improve upon the performance of our amplifiers. We have been testing and listening and testing again, and finally, we are able to launch our new reference products." - the Norwegians say, commenting on their new flagship pre/power combo.