Portable Audio

If the term "entry level" brings to mind basic no-frills functionality and wallet-friendly pricing, high-end gear maker Astell&Kern has a few surprises in store with the second generation of its A&norma SR25 digital audio player.

Portable Bluetooth speakers powerful enough to get you on your feet at a beach party are pretty common, but the shapely Enkl Speaker will blow up a storm. Enkl Sound also promises ease of use, long battery life and multi-user access.

Early last year, Brit audio specialist iFi launched a pocket DAC called the hip-dac, which the company claimed would treat listeners to a "sound as flavorsome and richly detailed as a delicious single malt." Now the hip-dac2 has arrived.

Last year, Astell&Kern launched the first DAP to incorporate three digital-to-analog converters, in the shape of the SE200. Now the company has gone one better with the upcoming A&ultima SP2000T, while also debuting a triple amp design.

Beijing-based Mobvoi has launched a digital dictation machine called the AI Recorder that taps into artificial intelligence to automatically transcribe audio, making it a useful addition to the travel bag of journalists, students and business folk.

A new version of Roland's hugely popular portable combo amp first introduced in 2007 has been announced. The Cube Street II now wears a Boss logo on the grille, comes with twice the output oomph and has had a few pounds shaved off its weight.

Bang & Olufsen has unveiled a new outdoorsy member of its portable speaker range called the Beosound Explore, which rocks an aluminum shell for durability and IP67 waterproofing for all-weather adventuring accompanied by B&O's signature sound.

High-end audio brand Astell&Kern has added a new music player to its A&futura line, which slots in just below last year's SE200 model. The stand-out feature on the SE180 is the ability to pop out the existing sound module and swap it for another.

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.