With up to 16 inputs, this preamp is not simple
Macintosh C2800
Website: www.mcintoshlabs.com
The C2800 is a valve preamplifier with three 12AX7A and one 12AT7 bile duct per channel. McIntosh claims that the application of new technology has reduced noise and distortion levels to a very low level, enabling a "listening experience that exceeds expectations." The preamp has 16 inputs, including 9 analog and 7 digital, and the analog part is divided into 3 balanced, 4 single-ended and 2 turntable inputs, the latter allowing the user to configure the MM or MC by themselves. The output section includes 3 sets of balanced and single-ended. Unlike in the past, where there was only one output in the preamplifier, they are allowed to be activated at the same time, and then combined with the post-amplifier to complete the Bi-Amp setting, etc., to ensure sufficient flexibility during use. McIntosh also "returned" the Processor Loop feature in this generation of preamps, allowing access to other devices such as the MQ112 8-band analog EQ and MEN2020 room processors. In the future, the C2800 is also expected to be connected to the Connect app for mobile terminal control.
MOS-FET Quadruple Parallel Push-Pull, Class A Output
Accuphase E-700
Website: www.accuphase.com
The Accuphase Class A integrated amplifier E-700 is considered a "simplified version" of the flagship E-800 for its 50th anniversary. The preamplifier is controlled by balanced AAVA (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) volume, which realizes a fully balanced structure for the entire path from input to output. For the power amplification part, MOS-FET quadruple parallel push-pull is selected, and the powerful power supply part is formed with high-power toroidal transformer and large-capacity filter capacitor to achieve linear output of 35W/8Ω, 70W/4Ω and 140W/2Ω in Class A working state. In addition, the component configuration, board pattern, and ground layout have been improved to improve electrical performance. In the I/V (current/voltage) conversion circuit, the unique ANCC (Accuphase Noise and distortion Cancelling Circuit) technology is used to achieve low distortion and low noise. The E-700 is W465×H191×D428mm, weighs 24.9kg, and can be equipped with optional DAC-60 digital/analog decoding and AD-60 MM/MC phono amp expansion card.
Hybrid digital amplification, there is more room for upgrading in the future
NAD C389
Website: nadelectronics.com
The output stage of the C389 is based on NAD's high-efficiency HybridDigital UcD design, with multiple UcD amplification modules in a balanced bridging configuration, and an innovative switching power supply that provides ample current reserve on demand. Each channel has 130W of continuous output power, ensuring that there is virtually no measurable distortion and noise across the entire band, and transient power can reach up to 350W. The digital part uses the same 384kHz/32bit ESS Sabre 9028 DAC as the NAD Masters M33, which has ultra-wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise/distortion, and near-zero clock jitter. The C389 is equipped with a second-generation MDC2 expansion slot that can be retrofitted with the MDC2 BluOS-D module, which supports BluOS high-resolution multi-room transmission and Dirac Live automatic soundstage correction. Connectivity, including optical, coaxial digital inputs, and multiple analog inputs (including Phone In), as well as an HDMI input with eARC support. In addition to the pre-amp Pre Out, there are also 2 subwoofer line outputs, and if you add an MDC module, you can use the BluOS App to set the crossover. In addition, it has Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone output.
13.4-channel decoding, 11-channel post-amp output
Denon AVC-X6800H
Website: www.denon.com.cn
The AVC-X6800H is equipped with an 11-channel amplifier with immersive surround sound decoding and support for 8K video transmission. Independent channel amplification circuit design, under JEITA standard, a single channel up to 250W. The preamp is more flexible with powerful decoding capabilities of up to 13.4 channels. The AVC-X6800H features Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D decoding, as well as Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, and Auro-Matic upmixers for immersive audio that optimizes traditional content. 7 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs support 8K image quality, with HLG, HDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dynamic HDR pass-through. In terms of multimedia connectivity and sharing, built-in HEOS technology supports access to streaming music services and sharing with HEOS-compatible speakers in other rooms to build a multi-room music system. The AVC-X6800H comes with Audyssey room correction technology, while users can also opt for Dirac Live as a separate fee.
Small is small, and the function is incredible
Linkplay Technology WiiM Amp
Website: wiimhome.com
Linkplay Technology, a California-based manufacturer of streaming/multi-room speakers and smart bedside lamps, is the latest streaming amplifier to be introduced. For the amplification part, using TI's TPA3255, the Class D amplification has an output power of 60W (8Ω)/100W (4Ω) per channel. For the streaming part, it can be easily done via DLNA servers, AirPlay2, two-way Bluetooth 5.1, and Chromecast. Users can also control their devices with the WiiM Home App or Bluetooth remote, which also supports streaming apps such as Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz, and more. Interestingly, the app also has a rich set of built-in EQ features, including 4 band parameter settings, 10 band graphic EQ, and 24 sets of presets, allowing users to create independent EQ configurations for each input. Wired connectivity includes analog, optical, and USB ports, as well as HDMI for connecting to a TV with eARC capability, as well as a line output for subwoofer.
Born for 4K and above resolution laser projection
Screen Innovations Maestro 2
Website: www.screeninnovations.com
Screen Innovations introduces the second generation of Maestro Acoustic Curtains, which are optimized for high-resolution laser projection in 4K and beyond. According to the Austin-based company, Maestro 2 has three advantages over its predecessor: an ultra-smooth surface that ensures "every pixel is displayed with exceptional clarity and precision," a woven screen instead of perforated screen material, complete acoustic transparency that ensures sound (including quiet conversations) is transmitted through the screen without interfering with audio clarity and overall fidelity, and no more than ±2dB level variation, and 100% is color neutral, ensuring it is displayed accurately on the screen, whether playing a game or watching a movie in a darkroom. The Maestro 2 is available in 16:9 and 2:35:1 formats with a zero-edge bezel of SI 0.5" or a standard 2-inch bezel. There are a variety of screen sizes to choose from, including up to 220 inches in 16:9 format and 250 inches in 2.35:1 format. Specifications include 1.1 gain, 75% half-gain, 10% ALR (ambient light rejection), and more.
Built-in walls and ceilings are readily available, facing the high-end customization market
Definitive Technology MAX系列
Website: www.definitivetechnology.com
The Dymension CI MAX Series is Definitive Technology's latest custom-installed loudspeaker for the high-end market. The built-in design of the MAX series saves space and blends perfectly into the home environment. In terms of performance, the core strength lies in the use of superior dual woofers, a unique rotating tweeter and flush mounting, which ensure that the product blends seamlessly into the interior while delivering stunning sound quality. In addition, the left, middle and right channels of the series can be configured in portrait or landscape orientation, giving the user more installation options. The in-ceiling design of the MAX series features a technologically advanced woofer that delivers precise music and strives to find the perfect balance between acoustics and aesthetics. The MAX Series also includes the in-ceiling surround DC-80 MAX SUR, which can be paired with the Descend Series subwoofer to create a high-performance home theater or home entertainment system of all sizes and sizes.
Continuing the tradition and feelings, incorporating a new design concept
Wharfedale Super Denton
Website: www.wharfedale.co.uk
Super Denton is part of the Heritage family, which launched the Denton 85th Anniversary and the trendsetting Linton in 2014. Today, Wharfedale continues its tradition and feelings, and uses new design concepts to carry out a comprehensive upgrade. As a three-way loudspeaker, the Super Denton is only 20mm taller than the two-way Denton 85, so it requires more care in the driver array and acoustic treatment. Inside the cabinet, long fiber damping materials and support structures are used to reduce mutual interference, and the middle and high tweeters are equipped with independent rear cavities to eliminate the reflection interference of back waves. The 25mm bore soft dome tweeter features a ceramic magnet drive system and an acoustically damped rear chamber that reduces the resonant frequency below the crossover region to ensure a natural connection between the drivers. The 50mm soft hemispherical mantou midrange is derived from the EVO4 series, which has excellent horizontal dispersion, clarity and delicacy. The 165mm bass follows the Kevlar braided cone, and the low frequency extension can reach 40Hz. The Super Denton crossover points are 940Hz and 4600Hz, weighs 9.2kg/piece, and has a sensitivity of 87dB (2.83V, 1m).
Equipped with a 2-inch display, up to four subwoofers can be connected at a time
Monitor Audio Anthra系列
Website: www.monitoraudio.com
Monitor Audio's positioning of the Anthra series is to focus on both musicality and control. There are 3 products in the whole series, namely W15, W12 and W10, which are equipped with 15 inches/1500W (Class D, the same below), 12 inches/1000W and 10 inches/500W respectively. In terms of driver technology, they are equipped with two of Monitor Audio's signature technologies: RST II (second-generation rigid surface technology), which arranges hexagonal depressions on the diaphragm to improve strength and suppress resonance to reduce coloration, and C-CAM technology, which uses the original extremely rigid aluminum-magnesium alloy diaphragm as the base material, and then uses micro-arc electrical discharge machining to form a ceramic layer on its surface to further increase the hardness. The cabinet is designed to be enclosed, made of 1.4-inch thick MDF boards, and the interior is supported by 0.75-inch MDF plates. At the same time, all three subwoofers have built-in DSP processing circuitry, which can be set via the Maestro Unite App, including crossover points, output levels, and even frequency equalization. They can connect up to 4 subwoofers of the same series to work together, and in addition to mobile phone control, each subwoofer also comes with a 2-inch display for direct control.
以乡村音乐之都Nashville命名
Klipsch Nashville
Website: www.klipsch.com
Klipsch's newly named Music City series of Bluetooth speakers consists of three products, named after three famous music cities: Austin, the city of live music, Detroit, the capital of techno, and Nashville, the capital of country music. Nashville is the model in the middle, measuring 78×178×81mm and weighing around 970g. Inside, there are 2.25-inch full-range drivers that fire forward and backward to achieve a 360-degree omnidirectional sound effect, and two 3.78×2.5-inch oval passive radiators further enhance the low frequencies. The built-in power amplifier is 10W×2, and the frequency response is 50Hz~20kHz (±3dB). Since it is a new product, the natural Bluetooth version is also very high, reaching 5.3, the theoretical transmission distance can be extended to12m, and it can also be paired between multiple Bluetooth speakers, and the built-in microphone can also realize voice calls. In addition to its own long battery life of 24 hours, it can also charge devices such as mobile phones in reverse. The protection level is IP67, which can be completely dustproof and waterproof for 30 minutes of immersion in water depth of 1m.
It supports Bluetooth transmission and has a built-in phono equalization circuit
Q Acoustics M40
Website: www.qacoustics.co.uk
Why is the M40 called a "Bluetooth speaker" instead of an "active speaker"? Because in addition to the built-in power amplifier, it also supports Bluetooth 5.0 transmission, is compatible with aptX HD and aptX Low Latency, and can transmit 48kHz/24bit high-resolution music from mobile terminals. If you choose the USB input, you can increase the resolution to 192kHz/24bit. Elsewhere, it supports RCA and 3.5mm analog inputs, as well as optical inputs, as well as a subwoofer line output to enhance the system's low-frequency performance with external subwoofer. The 2-way, 3-driver floor case features two 5-inch C3 Continuous Curved Cone mid-basses, derived from the award-winning 5000 Series that reduce distortion through a continuous curved face design, and two drivers in a "one active and one passive" format to reduce amplifier load. The cabinet is built on Q Acoustics' patented HPE technology with a P2P point-to-point reinforced beam structure to reduce standing waves and increase rigidity. In addition to the built-in 50W/channel Class D amplifier, there is also a DAC and phono equalization circuitry.
The first portable DAC to use the K2 HD
iFi Audio Go Bar Kensei剑圣版
Website: ifi-audio.com
iFi Audio, a UK-based manufacturer of peripherals/accessories, has launched the new Go Bar Kensei Edition portable DAC/amp. The original factory claims that it is "the world's first ultra-portable DAC with K2 HD technology", and as for K2 HD, it is essentially a protocol developed to improve sound performance (digital upscaling) with the aim of "restoring music to the same quality as the original mastering and repairing the rich, natural harmonies lost in the process through digitization". Based on this, iFi Audio believes that it will ensure that "every note resonates with depth and clarity". As for the name "Kensei", it is taken from the honorary title that the legendary Japanese samurai could have received who were known for their swordsmanship skills in battle. Go Bar Kensei supports up to 384kHz/24bit PCM, DSD256 and MQA decoding, and the built-in iEMatch technology automatically matches the output level of the headphones. It also supports 4.4 and 3.5mm headphone inputs and has a USB-C port for charging. In addition to two types of analog processing, it also provides 4 sets of digital filtering, including Bit Perfect, Standard, Minimum Phase and GTO.