Hi-fi

Back in July, McIntosh Labs debuted a new generation of high resolution DAC in its C53 preamplifier. Next, the company installed it in the C2700 preamp, and now the DA2 Module is being made available as an upgrade kit for other McIntosh audio gear.

With multiple editor's choice awards under its belt, V-Moda clearly makes decent headphones. But the models released so far also come with a signature sound. The M-200 headphones, though, have been specifically tuned for producers and musicians.

The first audio component ever to wear the term Hi-Fi was released by Yamaha in 1954 – the HiFi Player. The company is building on this legacy with the release of the 5000 series that's "designed for the most discerning and passionate audiophiles."

Bryston has announced a new Digital-to-Analog-Converter. And it's much more than just a DAC, it's an entertainment hub.

​Just last month, the new DA2 Digital Audio Module from New York's McIntosh Labs made its debut in the C53 preamplifier. Now the company has partnered digital with analog for the C2700 two-channel tube preamplifier.​

Naim Audio caused something of a ripple on the home audio scene in 2014 with the release of the mighty Mu-so. This was followed two years later by a more compact flavor called the Qb. Now, following the launch of the Mu-so 2 a few months back, a second generation Qb has been announced.​

​Despite many of his designs being long ​discontinued, audio gear made by British engineer Rupert Neve is still highly sought after in the recording industry. Now home Hi-Fi enthusiasts can tap into Neve's classic sound with the introduction of the Fidelice Precision range.​

New York's McIntosh Labs has announced a new addition to its high end audio catalog in the shape of the C53 preamplifier, which is the first product to feature the company's new DA2 Digital Audio Module and the first capable of connecting to HDMI (ARC)-compatible TVs.

Though the UK's Cambridge Audio always has its ears tuned on top quality audio, as with the recently-announced Alva TT, the company is also mindful that budget music lovers appreciate good sound too. And so it is with the new AX series of a wallet-friendly hi-fi gear.

​Spin back to around this time in 2014, and you may remember the release of a gorgeous all-in-one wireless music system from British hi-fi veteran Naim Audio. The award-winning and pundit-pleasing Mu-so has now streamed into its second generation.​

Bang & Olufsen has upgraded its wireless Beoplay A9 speaker (again), retaining the tried and true form, but building significantly upon the technology, including adding Google Assistant integration and Adaptive Room Compensation. Oh, and the power cable is now fabric coated.

When it comes to music consumption, streaming continues to be the music industry's biggest earner. Sales of physical formats like CD are declining. High-end audio brand Pro-Ject is clearly hoping that the Compact Disc will enjoy an upturn in fortunes, as it releases the CD Box RS 2 T transport.