T+A, the hi-end specialist audio experts, announced three additions to its flagship HV Series. Two new reference-class D/A Converters - SD 3100 HV DAC/streamer and SDV 3100 HV DAC, streamer and analog volume control - along with a range-topping CD/SACD transport - PDT 3100 HV.
Marantz announced the M-CR612 compact network CD receiver. The feature-rich mini system is ideal for passionate listeners looking for a simple solution without sacrificing the beautiful soundstage and imaging typical of Marantz components. The M-CR612 offers streaming capabilities with HEOS, Airplay 2 and Bluetooth alongside a built-in CD player for exceptional reproduction of any audio collection. Powerful enough to drive two pairs of loudspeakers with independent volume control or a single pair with double the output power, the M-CR612 encapsulates 65 years of Hi-Fi expertise in a superbly crafted, easy-to-enjoy package.
The sleek lines, low profile and stylish blend of metalwork and high-gloss acrylic in the exterior design of the Gryphon Ethos CD player can only begin to hint at the sophisticated technology concealed within as Gryphon Audio Designs again takes up the challenge of creating the definitive combination of CD transport and digital-to-analog converter.
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.
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.
Subwoofers are very specific products. It might seem that the market was dominated by speakers manufactures, but this is not entirely true. Specialized companies often offer much more interesting, more powerful subwoofers than those which can be found in catalogues with common speakers. What do we want when choosing a subwoofer? Obviously - it has to be big, powerful and able to bring out frequencies which will significantly extend the capabilities of our stereo or home cinema system. And that's what XTZ SUB 12.17 is.
Mission, B&W, KEF, Castle, Celestion, Rogers, NAD, Acoustic Energy, Naim, Spendor, Harbeth or ProAc are only a few companies whose names all audiophiles should associate with what might be called the British school of sound. Absolutely, this does not mean that the products of all these brands sound the same. You can distinguish here, at least, a couple of trends, but there is no denying that in this part of the world a lot of audiophile legends were created. Recently, another British company reminded us about itself. So far Chord Electronics were mainly engaged in hi-end gear for home use, but thanks to a small, functional headphone DAC everyone heard about it. This DAC was of course the Hugo. Hugo TT is its bigger brother - a typical desktop model, with an expanded functionality. Since we didn't have a chance to review any of them, we took both and decided to compare them.
The name Lumin should be familiar for audiophiles and music lovers. While the company started its business not so long ago (the first product was launched in 2012), it quickly gained the worldwide brand recognition. The beginnings of Lumin were controversial because the first streamer was very similar to another product in this category, manufactured by Linn. However, it soon became clear that despite some external similarities, Lumin is a completely different device in terms of sound and its possibilities. From the very beginning Lumin's streamer had the ability to play DSD files and music from USB drives connected directly to it. These options weren't offered by the competition.