Portable Audio

Buyers looking for gadgets that deliver high fidelity audio might keep an eye out for the THX logo as a visual guide to quality assurance, and now the company behind the standard has launched its first consumer device, the Onyx USB DAC/amp.

Many smartphone makers have recently turned their backs on the humble audio jack, meaning that your favorite earphones and headphones may need some help to get you plugged in. Luxury audio brand Astell&Kern has responded with a portable USB-C DAC.

IK Multimedia has given a helping hand to content creators looking to give their recorded or streamed visuals a pro-level audio boost with the iRig Pre 2, a battery powered pre-amp that connects XLR microphones to mobile devices or digital cameras.

Bang & Olufsen has added a stylish new wireless speaker to its Beosound range. The Level puts out over 100 watts of sonic power, has a built-in battery for portability and can automatically change its sound profile depending on how it's positioned.

Back in 2016, Chris Prendergast launched a Kickstarter project for the JamStack portable guitar amplifier that snapped onto a strap peg and blasted out tones generated by a smartphone. Now the bigger and better second generation has launched.

When the Phantom wireless speaker dropped in 2015, it looked like nothing on the market and sounded as good as it looked. Devialet's Gemini true wireless earphones have a similar look and promise a "truly unmatched on-the-go listening experience."

If you've got cash to burn and you like your digital audio players to be chunky, angular and capable, Astell&Kern is probably already on your radar. The new Kann Alpha ticks all of those boxes and more.

The HapsBox portable music system has the look of a toy spaceship, but it's a powerful mobile music-making machine that's newbie-friendly while also being attractive to pros.

Zoom has revealed a new app-driven portable audio recorder. Whether you're out in the field, capturing the latest groove at band practice or producing your latest podcast, the H8 is like an all you can eat buffet for audio recording.

The Zound Industries/Marshall Amps collaboration has made a teeny addition to its Bluetooth speaker line. The Emberton is water-resistant, offers over 20 hours of playback and promises to throw out 360-degree sound "that only Marshall can deliver."

Luxury portable music gear brand Astell&Kern has announced the second product in its premium A&futura range, the SE200, which is claimed to be the first in the world to sport a multi-DAC design.

Everyone knows that LPs have experienced a resurgence, but it seems that the analog cassette tape may also be due for a comeback. With that in mind, a French entrepreneur is now offering a portable cassette player that's designed for modern times.