HiFi Audio News | Page 3 | audiophil(e)-online

Esoteric K-05XD SACD/CD Player

2023-01-232023-01-23 press release

Tokyo, Japan | 2022 – Esoteric K-05XD: Uncompromising quality refined with flagship technology.Beautiful styling. High-quality sound worthy of the term “high-end”. The Ultimate Five The core model of ESOTERIC Super Audio CD players, the K-05, is finally available in an XD edition. The design platform is completely revamped and now features VRDS-ATLAS and Master Sound Discrete DAC / Clock circuitry.This is an arrival of a completely new Super Audio CD player. The first K-05 model was introduced in 2011, evolved into the K-05X in 2015, and K-05Xs in 2018.…

Totaldac d1-unity DAC

2023-01-162023-01-16 press release

Saint-Ouen-des-Alleux, France | 2023 – The d1-unity benefits from the new Totaldac “unity” DAC architecture, with about 150 components upgraded or added to the electronic boards.The “unity” architecture allows a better clock distribution, a lower jitter, a lower R2R power supply rail impedance and a lower noise in the digital section. The R2R ladder resistors are still the famous naked Vishay foil.The output stage is also fully new, in terms of components and in terms of schematics, and using discrete components exclusively.This new output stage produced a 3.5V unbalanced signal…

Peak Sonora

2023-01-092023-01-09 press release

Middelfart, Denmark | 2023 – The Sonora is entry level into the world of Peak. With Sonora you will experience music as it was recorded! Sonora is a two-way floor standing speaker with a passive radiator design. It has the same footprint as a bookshelf speaker on a stand. Due to its perfectly build cabinet together with the passive radiator design, it offers a much deeper and more precise bass response accompanied by remarkable bass dynamics. The crossover is 100% separated acoustically to avoid any unwanted microphonic effects. Many audiophiles find…

Nagra Reference MC Cartridge

2023-01-022023-01-02 press release

Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland | 2023 – The Nagra Reference MC cartridge is the product of a number of years of intense R&D supplemented by extensive listening tests. This moving coil cartridge is available in 4 and 6 Ohm variants. Designed in parallel with the Nagra 70th Anniversary Reference turntable/tonearm system, it is an ideal companion component to complete the ultimate LP playback platform. The Reference MC cartridge features a number of significant and unique elements. While traditional moving coil transducers utilize a single layer coil body, the Nagra Reference MC cartridge…

Accuphase A-300 Mono Power Amplifier

2022-12-272022-12-27 press release

Yokohama, Japan | 2022 – Accuphase’s 50th Anniversary model embodies power amplifier perfection. Created to mark our 50th anniversary, the A-300 redefines the ideal for Class A power amplifiers. 20-parallel push-pull power MOS-FETs in the output stage improves performance by 25% over conventional models with outputs of 125 W into 8 ohms, 250 W into 4 ohms, 500 W into 2 ohms, and 1,000 W into 1 ohm that set the stage for enviable constant-voltage drive. The fully discrete balanced input amplifier achieves a level of quietness that will make…

Magico S3 Loudspeakers

2022-12-192022-12-19 press release

Hayward, CA, USA | 2022 – The S3 Mk II nestles in between the S1 Mk II and S5 Mk II and features all of the advanced design elements of the S-Series Mk II models, including a new 9-inch bass driver with the lowest measured distortion born from the design and engineering theories applied to the limited-edition, 10th Anniversary M-Project. Superlative high frequencies are provided by a 1-inch Magico diamond-coated beryllium-diaphragm tweeter that offers matching sensitivity, wide dispersion, and increased power handling over its predecessor. A new aluminum housing…

McIntosh Mc451 Dual Mono Power Amplifier

2022-12-122022-12-12 press release

Binghamton, NY, USA | 2022 – The MC901’s Little Brother Continues the Brand’s Hybrid Drive Technology. McIntosh is proud to announce the MC451 Dual Mono Power Amplifier, a unique combination of a vacuum tube and solid-state amplifier that uses McIntosh’s Hybrid Drive™ technology. The MC451 follows the success of McIntosh’s MC901 model. A more compact product, the MC451 is strategically built so that it is easier to place within an audio system, offering 150 Watts of power from the vacuum tube section and 300 Watts from the solid-state section. The…

RT Audio R2R Multibit DAC Orpheus

2022-12-052022-12-05 press release

Sofia, Bulgaria | 2022 – Our company created new conceptual R2R DAC based on legendary chip AD 1865. This DAC, like all our products, is built on the basis of our philosophy: Perfection is in simplicity. In the electronic architecture, we use short signal path, no capacitors in signal path, output transformers in dac analog output. This DAC works in NOS mode without digital filter, due to which the sound is more natural and analog. When the DAC works in NOS mode, the phase and time distortions are reduced to…

Accuphase E-4000 integrated Amplifier

2022-11-282022-11-28 press release

Yokohama, Japan | 2022 – An integrated amplifier crafted from separate amplifier technologies: Accuphase E-4000. The E-4000 integrated amplifier has emerged from separate amplifier technologies. The preamplifier section features AAVA using ANCC to allow for volume adjustments that maintain high levels of vibrancy. The power amp section employs balanced transmission utilizing the instrumentation amplifier principle to drive noise suppression to its limit. The E-4000 is equipped with a four-fold parallel push-pull configuration of power transistors driven in Class AB in the output stage to extract every last ounce of…

BAT REX 500 Power Amplifier

2022-11-212022-11-21 press release

BAT_REX_500_Amplifier_for featured image l nt 2

Wilmington, USA | 2022 – BAT REX 500 Power Amplifier: Massive Power Output, Simplified! Balanced Audio Technology’s flagship solid-state power amplifier, REX 500, represents the culmination of the company’s decades-long pursuit of sonic and engineering excellence. Victor Khomenko, BAT’s chief designer, observes that the unit’s massive power output is largely academic. “BAT has never designed for power alone, and I am most proud of the elegant simplicity in how the REX 500 delivers that power,” he says. For those who demand numbers, the stereo REX 500 produces 500 watts/channel…

csport LFTM2 turntable system

2022-11-142022-11-14 press release

Toyama-city, Japan | 2022 – A flagship model heavy turntable. The weight of the granite base, the brass platter, and the air floating create the ultimate rotation. The platter material has been changed from stainless steel to brass, following the previous model’s housing design of granite base, air float, and servo-less. With this change, even open-circuit type cartridges (*) using air-core coils are not affected by magnetic flux leakage, creating a quiet and expressive sound. (*) Due to the open magnetic circuit and the powerful neodymium magnet used to secure…

McIntosh MI 502 digital Amplifier

2022-11-072022-11-07 press release

Binghamton, NY, USA | 2022 – McIntosh is proud to announce the addition of the new MI502 2- Channel Digital Amplifier to its comprehensive line of CI products. The MI502 will be a welcome addition to a custom installed home audio or home theater system. The new amplifier offers world renowned McIntosh sound quality using innovative closed loop digital switching technology with resilient power supplies to produce groundbreaking performance levels for custom install audio. The MI502 boasts a variety of home entertainment uses including driving home theater speakers, in-wall subwoofers,…

iFi Neo Stream

2022-10-312022-10-31 press release

Southport, United Kingdom | 2022 – Sweet streams… The NEO Stream is built to deliver optimal versatility and sonic performance. It combines the latest version of our network streaming engine with our award-winning DAC stage to deliver a level of audio previously unattainable without spending much more than its £1,299 price tag. Just add your choice of amp and speakers. Adds streaming capability to your cherished system Sonically upgrades your existing streamer The only streamer you will ever need Distinctly different. Digitally disruptive. Our use of proprietary tech makes the NEO Stream distinctly different.…

Triangle Magellan Duetto 40th

2022-10-242022-10-24 press release

Soissons, France | 2022 – Liveliness and dynamics are trademarks of TRIANGLE’s sound, and they are packed into this gem, the Duetto, a compact 2-way bookshelf speaker. Superb piece of engineering, its horn-loaded tweeter TZ2900 is equipped with a next generation dome in magnesium alloy. This transducer highlights the finest details of your recordings and brings out the subtlety of the upper harmonics. Its full-range 16 cm midrange/bass driver produces rich bass details. It features a new paper cone that reproduces any vocal register with great neutrality without the slightest…

Electrocompaniet AW 800 M Monoblock Amp

2022-10-172022-10-17 press release

Tau, Norway | 2022 – The AW 800 M is Electrocompaniet’s brand-new flagship power amplifier. It replaces the legendary AW 600 NEMO as our most powerful monoblock power amplifier. The amplifier showcases an updated, yet unmistakable and distinctive Electrocompaniet design that is a perfect match for all current and legacy Electrocompaniet products. A Unique Sound Signature The amazing sonic performance of Electrocompaniet is significantly improved in the AW 800 M. The AW 800 M accomplishes this whilst at the same time manages to keep the unique design philosophy and signature sound,…

Ballfinger M 002 P Open Reel Tape Deck

2022-10-102022-10-10 press release

Krefeld, Germany | 2022 – The M 002 P is a pure playback machine and provides a high-end solution. The compact and modern design blends in with the demands of modern interior design. It can also be easily integrated into existing high-end systems. The tape deck can be operated horizontally and vertically. The cable connections are located in a special connection terminal on the bottom of the machine. The base for the compact Ballfinger M 002 P comprises the new, super compact tape transport system at just 55 mm high.…

B. audio B. amp

2022-10-032022-09-30 press release

Saint Hippolyte, France | 2022 – B. amp Mono/Stereo Power Amplifier. A power amplifier designed to deliver first-class performance both in mono and stereo. Free of high-frequency digital disturbances thanks to its class AB operation, it stands out by a distortion rate below the measurement threshold. Its ability to preserve the signal from any alteration results in a subtle and dynamic reproduction, giving the music emotions the best possible chance to express themselves. The B.amp also features an oversized current reserve, which enables it to fit any type of loudspeaker,…

Vertere DG-1S Dynamic Groove Record Player

2022-09-262022-09-26 press release

London, United Kingdom | 2022 – Our award-winning DG-1 just got better. The new DG-1S delivers higher resolution replay, greater dynamic contrasts and improved stereo separation with greater precision while at the same time keeping the musicality the DG-1 is known for. Improved platter bearing The precision machining and polishing operations have a higher tolerance with the variation halved statistically. The super smooth finish bore with the precision Tungsten Carbide interference fit ball delivers lower noise, lower rumble, a lower effort for the motor and less rotational variability. Groove Runner…

McIntosh XCS1.5K Center Channel Speaker

2022-09-192022-09-19 press release

Binghamton, NY, USA | 2022 – McIntosh is proud to announce the XCS1.5K Center Channel Loudspeaker, a critical component to perfect any home theater system, complementing the brand’s iconic XRT2.1K or XRT1.1K Floor- Standing Loudspeakers, and voiced to match them to ensure impeccable sonic imagery with clear, high-quality sound. The center channel speaker is a critical component within a home theater due to the vast amount of dialog that emanates from it, and it must work seamlessly with the front left and right speakers to create a cohesive soundstage as…

Vitus Audio MP-T201 MK.II CD Transport

2022-09-122022-09-12 press release

Herning, Denmark | 2022 – Vitus Audio MP-T201 MK.II CD Transport – The quest for precision! Improving on the quality of the transport used in our SCD-025 Mk.II proved to be a difficult task. A dramatic new approach was required to define a new reference standard for CD transports. We use the same modified Philips CD Pro 2 LF as found in the SCD-025 Mk.II, but for the Masterpiece Series we go a step further with even more detailed mechanical and electrical modifications resulting in a highly precise drive. This,…

PS Audio BHK Mono 600 Power Amplifier

2022-09-052022-09-05 press release

Boulder, Colorado, USA | 2022 – BHK Mono 600 Power Amplifier: Our ultimate expression on the art of audio amplification. Designed by the late Bascom H. King, the BHK600 represents the culmination of a lifetime of dedication and design in a single breathtaking expression of pure audio amplification. Built like no other power amplifier in history, the BHK600 will stand the test of time as one of the finest power amplifiers ever crafted. From the pure brute force of its massive 1.6kva power supply smoothed by 336,000 microfarads of capacitance to…

Tidal Audio Piano G3

2022-08-292022-08-29 press release

Hürth, Germany | 2022 – The all new TIDAL Piano G3 – Absolute Entry. Improving classic designs, does not mean changing it. Rather, it means improving details while strictly continuing and following the unique concepts of the original. After building the TIDAL Piano for over two decades, the third generation of our worldwide praised Piano models – the Piano G3 remains a classic.Continuing TIDAL loudspeaker par excellence, the Piano G3 has all the core elements of our philosophy, and embodies even more than what TIDAL stands for: ultimate masterpieces with…

AMG Giro MKII

2022-08-222022-08-22 press release

Deining, Germany | 2022 – Further development of AMG‘s entry-level model with improvements made to all critical performance elements. The Giro MK II‘s superb dynamic performance and spatial depth are significantly refined compared to its well-regarded predecessor. The platter mass, which has been increased to 5.6 kg, together with the newly developed platter-subplater interface, ensure significantly improved speed stability resulting in a more realistic and engaging musical presentation. The belt drive system has been optimized, contributing to these sonic improvements. The ultra-quiet Swiss drive motor now runs in…

Lumin T3 Streamer DAC

2022-08-152022-08-15 press release

Hongkong, China | 2022 – Lumin T3 The performance sweet spot! The first LUMIN with a DAC to feature our all-new processing system. Providing increased capacity and resampling flexibility. WHY LUMIN T3 LUMIN T3 combines our new-for-2022 processing system, solid CNC-panel construction and X1 technology to deliver maximum price/performance. Main features Features our all-new processing system Increased capacity for future updates Faster processor provides greater resampling flexibility New surface finish taken from the high-end P1 Dual ES9028Pro SABRE DAC featuring dual-mono operation Upsampling and downsampling to every supported format up to…

Musical Fidelity M6x DAC

2022-08-082022-08-08 press release

Vienna, Austria | 2022 – General Description: Our M6x DAC is a new milestone in the history of Musical Fidelity DACs. Its predecessor, the M6s DAC was one of the first to use the critically acclaimed ESS 32-bit HyperStream II DAC architecture. With the M6sR DAC, we continued to improve the firmware and added a few other qualities of life improvements. DSD was now easier to use, we had full Roon Support and in- & outputs were updated to keep up with the fast moving digital audio landscape. And the…

Spec RMP-DAC3EX

2022-08-012022-08-01 press release

Tokyo, Japan | 2022 – For music lovers craving “real music”, not just good sound. Spec presents the digital analog converter for “REAL-SOUND”, real-life sound: RMP-DAC3EX.To reproduce realistic sound, an amplifier with excellent drive capability and a source device that reproduces tone color information without omission are required. RMP-DAC3EX reproduces a timbre signal full of musicality. The sound concept of RMP-DAC3EX “Realistic audio is the most beautiful”.This is why we strive for the most musicality in our audio equipment. One of the most important factors for achieving realistic audio reproduction is…

PS Audio Aspen FR30

2022-07-252022-07-25 press release

Boulder, Colorado, USA | 2022 – PS Audio Aspen FR30 – 50 years in the making. There has never been a loudspeaker like the FR30. Our goals for the FR30 were to design and build a state-of-the-art full-range loudspeaker with extraordinarily low distortion, effortless reproduction, seamless tonality, and exquisite beauty. Our highest expectations have been exceeded. The aspen FR30 represents the culmination of 50 years of industry experience; learning in intimate detail what works and what does not; what it takes for a loudspeaker to disappear and leave only the…

Rega Saturn MK3 CD-DAC Player

2022-07-182022-07-18 press release

Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom | 2022 – The new Saturn MK3 is re-housed in our very latest case designed to match the rest of the Rega range. The Saturn MK3 CD-DAC player offers complete flexibility and integration into any audio system. Essentially two products in one, the Saturn MK3 houses an independent DAC circuit and a high specification CD transport. Both sections are fully remote controllable via the supplied Solaris remote handset. Digital mastered You will find plenty of connectivity options, up to and including 24bit-192 kHz. The Saturn…

Luxman M-10X Power Amplifier

2022-07-112022-07-11 press release

Shinyokohama, Japan | 2022 – Open your mind and experience the true depth of sound. An industry defining debut for our M-10X flagship amplifier. Looking ahead to the 100th anniversary of our founding in 2025,we have returned to the fundamentals of music playback and have finally achieved a LUXMAN milestone, while still looking toward the future, we present our new generation flagship stereo power amplifier, the M-10X.The most important innovation is the realization of our new amplification feedback engine “LIFES”, which has been developed and refined through the skillful attention…

Audio Technica AT-ART20 Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge

2022-07-042022-07-04 press release

Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan | 2022 – Audio Technica AT-ART20 Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge – A new realm of analog sound! Audio-Technica is pleased to introduce the AT-ART20, the latest cartridge in our ART Series that will allow you to experience a new world of sound. As with previous magnetic core cartridges in our high-end lineup, we had two main goals in developing the AT-ART20: provide superlative analog sound reproduction and optimize the performance and benefits of a magnetic core cartridge. Based on cartridge technologies and know-how cultivated over our…

Lab12 integre4 MK2 Integrated Amplifier

2022-06-272022-06-27 press release

Athens, Greece | 2022 – Lab12 integre MK2 audiophile integrated Amplifier! Description The new, upgraded integre4 MK2 is here to bring your audio experience one step higher by taking advantage of all new powerful KT-170 power tubes. With an exceptional build quality, separate power supply for each channel, higher Signal to Noise level, integre4 MK2 can be the ideal driver even for the most demanding speakers out there. Our innovative bias built-in system thru a powerful processor and the vivid OLED display are here to give you the pleasure of…

McIntosh Introduces MR89 AM/FM Tuner

2022-06-202022-06-20 press release

Binghamton, NY – June 15, 2022 – McIntosh is proud to announce the MR89 AM/FM Tuner. The high-end audio company worked diligently on a multitude of advancements to maximize radio listening, including adjustments to sensitivity, signal to noise ratio, harmonic distortion, channel selectivity, and stereo separation. The MR89’s advanced signal quality monitor can display detailed signal, multipath, and noise levels of the incoming radio signals to help fine-tune optimal placement of the AM or FM antenna (their RAA2 AM antenna is included). Additionally included are a pair of balanced…

Accuphase P-7500 Stereo Power Amplifier

2022-06-132022-06-14 press release

Yokohama, Japan | 2022 – High output stereo power amplifier bursting with musical expression! The P-7500 is our flagship model Class AB stereo power amplifier that provides supreme driving performance. The power amplification stage uses a 10-parallel push-pull power transistor architecture, providing a rated output power of 300 W / 8 ohms that vastly exceeds that of conventional models. Boasting an impressive signal-to-noise ratio of 130 dB and a damping factor of 1,000, it can effortlessly drive massive speakers and create musical recreations overflowing with energy. The P-7500 brings out…

CH Precision C1.2 Digital to Analog Controller

2022-06-062022-06-06 press release

Préverenges, Switzerland | 2022 – Sometimes, what you want is exactly what you get. Take the C1.2 DAC/Controller as an example: You want a world-class DAC with leading edge digital design and cutting edge musical performance? You’ve got it. You want a control unit to switch multiple digital inputs and control level? You’ve got it. You want to accept and switch analog inputs? You can do that too. You want a product that‘s future proof in terms of price AND performance? The C1.2 ticks that box as well! In…

Epos ES14N

2022-05-302022-05-30 press release

Essen, Germany | 2022 – Epos ES14N – Back to the future: A classic Speaker returns to the future. Concept Restarting EPOS could only mean re-creating the most famous model, the ES-14. This was a 2-way speaker in a fairly big cabinet and classic looking cabinet, to be used on a dedicated stand. The design should be classic, not lifestyle, only doing things that help with the sound and as straight forward as possible. Analyzing the old construction was interesting. It used a 7“ woofer with Polypropylene cone and an…

High End Munich 2022 international trade fair

2022-05-242022-05-27 press release

Munich, Germany | 2022 – In May 2022, it was finally going to be that time again! With 550 exhibitors presenting 1500 brands from 40 countries, the High End at MOC Munich attracted around 21,000 visitors from all over the world. Our editorial staff member Thomas Huendgen took a look around. Angstrom Audiolab from Italy presented its high-quality D/A converter ZDA71. The Analog Manufaktur Germany short AMG presented their new creation the AMG Giro MKII. Triode from Japan proved with its Junone Class A tube integrated amplifier with…

Esoteric Grandioso T1 Turntable

2022-05-232022-05-23 press release

Tokyo, Japan | 2022 – Grandioso T1 – A new undertaking to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Esoteric legacy; it’s the first-ever turntable in our history. Revolution Begins. In the dead silence of the “Esoteric MagneDrive System” you will hear the sounds of a revolution taking place,making history for vinyl playback. Esoteric MagneDrive System A new undertaking to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Esoteric legacy; it’s the first-ever turntable in our history, the Grandioso T1. Accommodating a patent-registered unique contact-free drive mechanism, the “Esoteric MagneDrive…

McIntosh MCD12000 SACD/CD-Player & DAC

2022-05-162022-05-16 press release

Binghamton, NY, USA | 2022 – McIntosh is thrilled to introduce the MCD12000 SACD/CD Player. While classified as a CD player, the MCD12000 serves as a reference level digital-to-analog convertor (DAC) that includes reference level SACD/CD playback capabilities. Music played through MCD12000’s digital inputs or compact discs is processed by professional grade 8-channel DACs, designed for premium audiophile performance. The MCD12000 offers both balanced and unbalanced fixed analog outputs in both solid-state and vacuum tube configurations. This abundance of output options offers flexibility based on music selection, the configuration of…

Chord Ultima Pre 3

2022-05-092022-05-09 press release

Maidstone, United Kingdom | 2022 – Chord ULTIMA PRE 3 – Five input pre-amplifier! The ULTIMA PRE 3 is an all-new ground-up-design preamplifier containing the very latest proprietary power supply technology and the latest circuit design. Built from the ground up, the UTLIMA PRE 3 takes advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies. These advanced devices offer exceptionally low noise and outstanding amplifier operation. Coupled with our latest design developments, the PRE 3 offers new levels of preamplifier performance. The UTLIMA PRE 3 is equipped with…

Vinnie Rossi Brama Integrated Amplifier

2022-05-022022-05-02 press release

Worcester, MA, USA | 2022 – In a class of its own! With 350 Watts RMS of power per channel into 4-ohms (2-ohm stable), Brama Integrated Amplifier’s high-current, class AB lateral MOSFET output stage drives the most demanding loudspeakers with absolute conviction. What truly makes listening with Brama such a highly involving experience is not only its quantity of power, but its exceptional quality. Unraveling the finest nuances in your recordings in such a pure and effortless manner requires wide bandwidth design, advanced PCB layout and grounding, and careful…