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A new sub-$1,000 contender wants to be more than a streamer—it wants to sit at the center of your entire system. The network streamer category is getting crowded—and more interesting by the month. Now Shanling is stepping into the fight with the Shanling SM90 , a feature-packed unit that blends traditional hi-fi architecture with a modern, lifestyle-driven twist. At roughly $900–$1,000 , the SM90 isn’t just competing—it’s trying to redefine what a streamer should actually do

A small speaker system with big ambitions—blurring the line between desktop audio, hi-fi, and soundbar alternatives. Edifier has unveiled the Edifier M90 , a compact active speaker system that quietly challenges what we expect from “desktop speakers.” On paper, it’s a small, powered stereo pair. In reality, it’s something more ambitious: a single system designed to handle your PC, TV, streaming, and everyday listening—without compromise. HDMI eARC changes everything Let’s sta

The budget hi-fi specialist enters the streaming era—and the S3 might be its most important product yet. Over the past few years, Fosi Audio has built a loyal following by doing one thing extremely well: delivering no-nonsense, affordable hi-fi gear  that punches above its price. Compact amps, DACs, and desktop-friendly components have been its bread and butter. But with the launch of the Fosi Audio S3 , the company is stepping into something much bigger. This isn’t just anot

A bold $849 all-in-one challenges the idea that true high-end digital audio needs complexity—or a four-figure budget. LAiV has unveiled the Crescendo VERSE , a compact desktop component that combines a discrete R2R DAC, headphone amplifier, and active preamp into a single chassis—targeting a price point that feels almost aggressive for what’s being promised. At $849 , this isn’t just another DAC/amp combo. It’s a direct statement: high-end sound doesn’t have to be expensive—o

The award winning streamer gets a subtle but meaningful upgrade, finally bridging the gap between traditional hi-fi and modern TV setups. Cambridge Audio has unveiled the CXN100 SE , a revised version of its highly regarded network streamer—and while the update might look minor on paper, it addresses one of the most frustrating limitations in modern hi-fi systems. The headline addition? HDMI eARC . Finally, your TV joins the hi-fi system At its core, the new Cambridge Audio C

A striking projector concept by a young French designer raises an uncomfortable question for the industry: why doesn’t high-end home cinema look this good already? Most concept designs come and go without consequence—visual exercises meant to spark conversation rather than shape real products. But the BeoLens Horizon , imagined by Baptiste Baumeister, feels different. It doesn’t just look good—it feels inevitable , like something Bang & Olufsen should already have in producti

Fresh finishes, slightly higher prices—and a clear message: style matters just as much as sound in today’s premium wireless market. Bowers & Wilkins has unveiled a new wave of colour options for two of its most popular wireless models—the flagship Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 and the highly regarded Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3. At first glance, this might seem like a minor refresh. But in reality, it says a lot about where the premium headphone market is heading—and where Bowers & Wilkin

When hi-fi heritage meets fashion culture, you get something like this—a limited-edition Technics deck that’s as much about identity as it is about sound. Legendary audio brand Technics  has teamed up with New York fashion label Aimé Leon Dore  to create the SL-1200M7ALD , a special-edition version of one of the most iconic turntables ever made. Finished in ALD’s signature mulberry green , this release blends audiophile engineering with lifestyle design —and it’s aimed just a

With the Lyr 5, Schiit blends tube warmth, solid-state precision, and something genuinely new—live Class A monitoring. American audio company Schiit Audio  has introduced the Lyr 5 , a desktop headphone amplifier that pushes beyond traditional hybrid designs by combining tube and solid-state operation with real-time performance feedback . At first glance, it’s another evolution of Schiit’s well-known Lyr series. In practice, it’s something more experimental—and arguably more

With the launch of the X430 amplifier and Q430 CD player, Rotel is bringing its premium Michi philosophy to a more approachable price point—without losing sight of performance. British hi-fi mainstay Rotel  has officially expanded its premium lineup with the new Michi Prestige Series , introducing two debut components: the Michi X430  and Michi Q430 . Originally relaunched in 2019, the Michi range has been positioned as Rotel’s no-compromise, high-end offering . With the Pres

With a larger cabinet, new drivers and a redesigned crossover, Buchardt’s latest S400 aims to deliver bigger sound and deeper bass in one of hi-fi’s most competitive speaker categories. Danish loudspeaker specialist Buchardt Audio  has officially unveiled the Buchardt Audio S400 MK3 , the newest generation of its popular standmount loudspeaker platform. The S400 series has been one of Buchardt’s defining products since its first prototype appeared in 2016. Known for producing

Emotiva’s updated BasX TA2+ integrated amplifier combines serious power, modern connectivity, and flexible system integration — all at a price designed for real-world audiophiles. American hi-fi manufacturer Emotiva has announced the release of the BasX TA2+ , a new version of its popular integrated amplifier that aims to deliver high-performance two-channel audio without the high-end price tag . Priced at $1,299 , the new amplifier is designed to act as the central hub of a

Belgian technology giant Barco is acquiring the parent company behind two of hi-fi’s most respected brands in a €135 million deal aimed at creating fully integrated audiovisual systems. Two iconic names in high-end audio — Focal  and Naim Audio  — are about to change ownership. Their parent company VerVent Audio Holding  has reached an agreement to be acquired by Barco , a global leader in professional visualisation, cinema projection and collaboration technology. The deal, v

First seen at CanJam NYC, Sendy’s KYLIN desktop DAC/amp combines ESS Sabre decoding, Class A amplification and premium components in a sleek all-in-one design. High-end headphone specialist Sendy Audio  has officially launched the Sendy Audio KYLIN , a new high-resolution desktop DAC and headphone amplifier aimed at listeners who want clean, transparent and natural sound  in a single compact system. Originally previewed at the renowned headphone event CanJam NYC 2025 , the KY

The new models replace Bluetooth as the primary wireless link with direct WiFi streaming — while integrating R2R DAC technology directly inside the earcups. High-end headphone specialist HiFiMAN  has introduced two of the most unconventional wireless headphones in recent memory: the HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi  and the HiFiMAN Arya WiFi . Unlike most wireless headphones that rely primarily on Bluetooth, these new models use direct WiFi audio transmission , allowing listeners to strea

The Brooklyn audio specialist expands its premium Signature lineup with a new open-back model designed for effortless, fatigue-free listening. American headphone maker Grado Labs  has unveiled the Grado Signature S550 , the newest addition to its high-end Signature Series. Positioned as a more relaxed-sounding alternative within the lineup, the S550 aims to deliver warmth, openness and clarity  while maintaining the speed and detail that have long defined the brand’s signatur

With redesigned bass control, tube-inspired tonality and expanded spatial processing, Ferrum’s latest WANDLA update puts unprecedented sound customization into the hands of audiophiles. High-end audio specialist Ferrum Audio  has unveiled the Ferrum WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 , the latest evolution of its acclaimed DAC/preamplifier platform. Building on the success of the award-winning WANDLA — recognized by the EISA  — the new GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 introduces major

With walnut cabinetry, cutting-edge DAC tech and modern streaming support, Leak’s first-ever network player blends vintage charm with ultra-resolution digital performance. The legendary British hi-fi brand Leak  has officially stepped into the world of modern streaming with the launch of its first dedicated network player: the Leak TruStream . Combining state-of-the-art digital audio technology  with the brand’s unmistakable mid-century aesthetic, the TruStream aims to bridge

From a pure Class A amplifier to a next-gen R2R flagship and even a gaming-focused amp, FiiO’s 2026 desktop lineup reveals a brand balancing nostalgia, engineering reality and market expansion. In the latest update from company founder James, FiiO  outlined its 2026 plans for desktop DACs and headphone amplifiers — and started with a surprisingly candid discussion about product lifecycles. Why Audio Gear Can’t Stay the Same Forever Users often complain about rapid product upd

With K2HD processing, upgraded power stages and next-gen streaming, iFi’s latest trio aims to modernize legacy systems without sacrificing musicality. British audio specialist iFi Audio  has unveiled three new components designed to push its NEO and ZEN ranges forward: iFi NEO iDSD 3 iFi NEO Stream 3 iFi ZEN Stream 3 Together, they’re positioned as a way to bring ultra-resolution streaming and modern digital refinement into both new and existing hi-fi systems — especially old