iFi Audio has launched the iDSD GR2 MT, a Master Tuned version of its portable DAC and headphone amplifier. The new edition was developed with British record producer Steve Levine and adds upgraded internal parts plus two digital filters created for PCM and DSD music. This is not the cheapest way to improve headphone listening. […]
Bose is testing a free software update that adds Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast to the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). The beta gives compatible phones and computers a newer way to send audio and allows the headphones to receive shared Auracast broadcasts. This is a feature update rather than a new pair of headphones. […]
Andover Audio has introduced the Andover-One DD, a component turntable designed to make the move beyond an all-in-one record player less intimidating. It arrives with a cartridge already fitted, plays three record speeds and adds automatic start and end-of-record stopping without taking away the hands-on part of playing vinyl. At $999, this is a serious […]
A first HiFi amplifier usually puts volume control and speaker power in one box. The Schiit Freya 2 is different: it is a preamplifier for someone building a separates system and it still needs a power amplifier and speakers before it can make music. That makes its $999 price a step-up purchase rather than the […]
Cassettes are not the cleanest or most convenient way to hear music, and that is part of their appeal. They turn listening into something physical: choose a tape, press a button and let the album run instead of skipping through a screen. We Are Rewind has teamed up with synthwave duo The Midnight for a […]
A separate amplifier, speakers and music player can make a flexible system, but not everyone wants to choose every box individually. Panasonic’s new SC-PMX112 and SC-PM302 micro systems put the electronics, speakers and remote control together as complete packages. Both systems play CDs, receive DAB+ and FM radio and stream from a phone over Bluetooth. […]
Building a first proper stereo system can feel more complicated than it needs to be. Yamaha’s new R200A aims to make the amplifier part straightforward, with enough power for normal passive speakers and connections for vinyl, radio, Bluetooth and other sources. At $299.95, it replaces the long-running R-S202 as Yamaha’s entry-level stereo receiver in the […]
DAVIS ACOUSTICS COURBET 3 S2 LOUDSPEAKERS REVIEW Davis Acoustics Courbet 3 S2 Loudspeakers are a €2250/pair bookshelf/standmount loudspeaker from a French manufacturer that has been in the speaker-making business since 1986. Stuart Smith takes a listen for HiFi PiG. I always think it’s a good idea to give a bit of information about a company […]
A HiFi show can look intimidating from the outside, especially if you are new to the hobby. In reality, the right show is one of the easiest ways to hear a huge range of equipment, discover what matters to you and meet the people behind it – without having to buy a thing. If most […]
Most over-ear headphones ask one driver in each earcup to handle everything from bass to treble. Nothing’s new Headphone (1) Pro gives those jobs to three separate drivers, while keeping both Bluetooth and wired listening options. At £349, these are an ambitious first serious pair rather than a cheap everyday replacement. Their practical appeal is […]
Cambridge Audio has announced the Melomania A100 SE, a new version of its true wireless earbuds. The update adds Dolby Audio processing while keeping the HiFi-focused amplification, noise cancelling and high-quality Bluetooth options of the original Melomania A100. At £129, the A100 SE sits within reach of someone buying a first serious pair of wireless […]
Most portable speakers are made to play a playlist. Marshall’s new Bromley 150 can also take a microphone or instrument, giving a group a simple way to sing or play along without assembling a separate sound system. It costs £400 and weighs 6.3kg, so “portable” means carrying it by its built-in handle rather than slipping […]
A laptop and a good pair of headphones can form a first listening system, but some headphones need more power and control than a computer output provides. FiiO has released the CLASS A, a desktop headphone amplifier that also works as a volume-controlled preamplifier for active speakers. At £379.99, it is an upgrade for somebody […]
Technics has introduced a new flagship pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones called the EAH-A1000. Their unusual feature is a 40mm driver that uses magnetic fluid around the voice coil to control movement and reduce unwanted vibration. At £399, these are not an entry-level impulse purchase. They sit within the expanded Starting Out budget for somebody […]
Not every first HiFi system needs separate components. Roberts has introduced three Revere models that combine speakers, radio and everyday connections in one cabinet, with the larger versions adding CD playback and internet streaming. The range starts at £249.99 and is designed for listeners who want something straightforward enough for a kitchen, bedroom or study […]
A first proper stereo system can seem complicated when speakers, amplifiers and cables all need to be chosen separately. Lumio’s Aura 5 puts the amplifier inside a pair of bookshelf speakers, so a phone, computer, television or music player can become the source without another large box. The Indian audio brand has aimed the Aura […]