A good first HiFi system does not need to fill a room with boxes. Audioengine’s A2 Plus Gen 3 is a compact pair of powered speakers designed to sit on a desk, shelf or small table, with the amplifier and digital-to-analogue converter already built in. The latest version keeps the familiar small-speaker format but adds […]
Wireless headphones can support better Bluetooth formats than the phone or computer sending the music. The iFi UP Play Max is a tiny USB-C transmitter designed to close that gap by adding a wider range of codecs to a compatible source device. It costs £89 and works with more than music. Low-latency audio, a built-in […]
Touchscreens are convenient until a phone is locked, a music player is across the room or you simply want to change the volume without looking down. The ACTIVO BR01 is a pocket-sized Bluetooth remote that brings physical buttons and a proper rotary volume wheel back to digital listening. It can control compatible music players, phones, […]
FiiO has launched the FT15, a pair of open-back planar magnetic headphones with large 101mm drivers, natural walnut earcups and a price of £499, €499.99 or $499.99. The FT15 sits at the more ambitious end of Starting Out, but its 24-ohm impedance and relatively high sensitivity mean it is designed to work with portable players […]
FiiO has introduced the DP11, a compact desktop CD player and transport with an internal DAC, analogue and digital outputs, and a current price of $169.99 in the US. It is aimed at listeners who want to bring a CD collection into a modern HiFi system without buying a full-width player. The DP11 can connect […]
A DAC converts the digital data from a computer, streamer or CD transport into an analogue signal that an amplifier or pair of active speakers can use. Most modern DACs rely on highly integrated converter chips. The R100 instead uses two Analog Devices AD1861-J chips in an R2R, or resistor-ladder, arrangement. In simple terms, a […]
Yamaha’s B200A is a compact, all-in-one soundbar for a bedroom TV, gaming screen or small living space, with Dolby Atmos processing and a built-in subwoofer. Quick Reference Product: Yamaha B200A compact soundbar Price: $249.95 in the United States Availability: Due in November 2026 Connections: HDMI eARC/ARC, optical digital, 3.5mm analogue and Bluetooth 5.3 Best For: […]
FiiO has announced the DM11, an affordable portable CD player with wired and Bluetooth listening, USB-C audio and batteries that owners can replace. The new circular player is due to join FiiO’s existing DM13 and DM15 models as the least expensive option in the range. It is aimed at listeners who want to use a […]
Shanling has introduced a compact £299.99 CD player with its own DAC, two headphone outputs and connections for adding it to a larger HiFi system. The CD50 is the first model in Shanling’s new 50 Line. It concentrates on physical discs rather than trying to combine CD playback, Bluetooth and music streaming in one box. […]
The iFi GO cable connects compatible in-ear monitors directly to USB-C devices while adding its own digital-to-analogue converter, headphone amplifier, controls and microphone. Instead of plugging a separate portable DAC into a phone and then connecting an ordinary earphone cable, the £79 GO cable puts the electronics into the lead itself. It is made specifically […]
At the upper end of the price range that we like to cover at Starting Out, Cayin has added the Jazz 70 to its integrated amplifier range, combining a traditional EL34 valve output stage with Bluetooth for listeners who want classic amplifier design without giving up easy wireless playback. An integrated amplifier combines source selection, […]
LG has confirmed UK availability and pricing for four speakers in its latest xboom range, covering everything from a £40 pocket-sized model to a 220-watt party speaker with karaoke features. The xboom Mini, Rock, Blast and Stage 501 are available now. All four were developed as part of LG’s collaboration with will.i.am and include sound […]
Schiit Audio has announced the Bifrost 3, a modular digital-to-analogue converter that costs $100 less than the model it replaces while adding remote system control and a new conversion design. A DAC converts digital music from a computer, streamer or disc transport into the analogue signal needed by an amplifier or a pair of active […]
Edifier has shown the MW6T, a compact powered subwoofer with 210W RMS output and room compensation. It is designed to add deeper bass to a desktop, television or small stereo system. Quick Reference Extra Bass Without A Separate Amplifier Edifier has presented the MW6T compact powered subwoofer at IFA in Berlin. A subwoofer is a […]
Yoto has rebuilt its full-size Player and portable Mini for a fourth generation. The child-friendly audio players gain faster hardware, 64GB of storage and a Green Button that starts favourite audio without needing a Yoto Card. Quick Reference Audio Without A Conventional Screen Yoto has launched fourth-generation versions of the Yoto Player and Yoto Mini. […]
Sony has announced three wireless headphone models covering entry-level, mid-range and premium prices. The new range starts with the £50 WH-CH530 and adds the noise-cancelling WH-CH730N and WH-1000XM4C. Quick Reference Three Wireless Models At Different Prices Sony has refreshed its wireless headphone range with three models aimed at different budgets. The line begins with the […]