Portable Audio

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.

Those crazy soundsmiths over at Soundboks in Denmark have launched the fourth generation of the company's stupid loud Bluetooth speaker, which promises improved sonics and a longer battery life at full whack.

Teenage Engineering has added another member to its field portable audio range. The retro-futuristic TP-7 field recorder puts the power to capture quality audio in the hands of journalists, lawyers, medical professionals, and of course musicians.

Astell&Kern has announced an upgrade to 2021's "mass premium" A&norma SR25 MkII digital audio player. The SR35 comes with new amplifier technology, four DACs, a 20-hour battery life and a fresh new user interface.

There's often quite a price premium for folks who opt for hi-res portable audio. Indeed, the company who kicked off personal groove machines has been known to charge a small fortune – which makes the latest Walkman something of a pleasant surprise.

Astell&Kern has launched a combined a digital audio player and desktop headphone amplifier that's built around a dual-tube Triple Amp System and is the first product to feature the latest flagship DAC from ESS.

Last year, Audio Technica released an updated version of a quirky 1980s-era portable turntable to celebrate its 60th anniversary. That limited edition Sound Burger sold out in days, prompting the company to announce another batch for 2023.

Many mobile devices either rock a poor quality audio jack or don't have one at all, so if you want to plug in your favorite legacy ear candy you'll need a USB DAC. Luxury audio brand Astell&Kern's cable DAC has just entered its third generation.

For the last 4 years, high-end audio brand Devialet has been working to make the kind of impressive sound delivery found in its extraordinary Phantom speakers portable. The fruit of that labor is now available as the room-adapting 360-degree Mania.

Folks who are serious about their mobile music will already be familiar with Astell&Kern, which consistently aims high and is always pushing envelopes. And so it is for the launch of its newest flagship portable music player, the A&ultima SP3000.

Denmark's Audiocase has launched a pair of super-loud portable Bluetooth speakers on Kickstarter that can also serve as a battery powered PA, guitar or vocal amp, daisy chained sound system or party karaoke machine.

Back in 2019, Nashville-based smart instrument creators Artiphon launched a Kickstarter to fund the production of a portable music machine with a gaming controller vibe and sliced orange dimensions. Now the second-generation Orba has been revealed.