Hi-fi

Many of us will serve up our favorite tunes using a smartphone, but may be left wanting for sound quality. That's where a portable headphone amp/DAC can help, and the latest model from Fiio promises to satisfy with desktop-level power and performance.

Though many of us carry our digital music library or streaming player around with us in the shape of our smartphones, enjoying high quality audio can be problematic. Fiio's KA15 DAC not only levels up the sound but also looks retro cool while doing so.

The vast majority of today's consumed music is served up by streaming platforms, leaving traditional hi-fi setups struggling to stay relevant. Cambridge Audio has launched a multi-driver all-in-one music streamer that can also play nice with legacy gear.

The Harman Luxury Audio Group has added a new family member to JBL's Classic Series, in the shape of a retro-stylish all-in-one music system named the L42ms that puts out 200 watts and features adjustable bass response.

Following an international debut at the High End audio show in Munich last year, UK hi-fi brand Chord Electronics has now announced global availability of its "class-leading" 125-watt Ultima Integrated amplifier.

Though the majority of music listening today is served up via streaming, formats like vinyl records and CDs are still holding on for dear life. MoonDrop is catering to fans of plastic discs with a portable spinner that also plays digital audio files.

When it comes to loudspeaker design, looks are much less important than how they sound. There are exceptions that please both eye and ear of course, and the rather pricey Jetstream system from Ferguson Hill is a gorgeous example of that thinking.

China's Fiio – which recently announced a mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC – has launched a new flagship desktop media streamer and headphone amp/DAC combo that's dominated by a slick smartphone-like user interface.

Home audio brand Victrola snuggled up with Sonos back in 2022 with a streaming turntable designed to feed groovy tunes direct to Sonos speakers over a wireless connection. Now the company has expanded to Roon and beyond with the Stream Sapphire.

Generally speaking, the audio output of your mobile device or laptop probably isn't particularly good, which means that many music lovers will look to external gear to improve the groove. Periodic Audio has launched a tiny DAC designed to do just that.

High-end hi-fi brand Leema Acoustics has unveiled its first new audiophile offerings for more than a decade, with the Quantum range essentially repackaging the company's flagship Constellation series for more affordability – relatively speaking.

Linkplay Technology's audio brand Wiim has followed the "audiophile-grade" Pro Plus streaming box with its first streaming amplifier, allowing music lovers to cable the device direct to passive speakers, a home-theater setup or an old vinyl spinner.