Marcus Carlsen is an avid audiophile with a deep passion for hi-fi systems, high-end headphones, and premium speakers. Marcus constantly explores the latest audio technologies and equipment, from precision-engineered speakers to the finest headphones.
Baby Audio has introduced a new synthesizer, Atoms, based on physical sound modeling. It is noted that the plugin uses a software network of springs and masses that determine the behavior of the tool. The synthesizer relies on a virtual network of objects of different masses, connected by springs with different degrees of tension. The […] More
The Rotel CD11MKII continues Rotel’s more than 30-year history of providing sophisticated, high-quality, value-packed CD players. The player’s massive steel body houses Rotel’s proprietary disc drive mechanism, designed exclusively for CD playback. The Rotel CD11MKII’s smooth tray-loading mechanism, precise laser sensor and silent motor controller ensure smooth playback of your disc collection. Digital-to-analog conversion is accomplished using […] More
The Quad Artera Solus combines a CD transport, DAC, preamp and power amplifier into one package. The ESS9018 Sabre32 chip is responsible for digital signal processing, thanks to which the device can work with data in PCM format up to 32 bit/384 kHz and DSD64/128/256. A slot drive is provided for the disks, and the data is […] More
Even if your amplifier or AV receiver isn’t network-enabled or isn’t MusicCast, connecting it to the Yamaha WXC-50 gives you network connectivity and MusicCast multi-room functionality. Yamaha WXC-50 is a device of a new concept that goes beyond the usual ideas about an audio system. MusicCast mobile apps for your smartphone let you stream music from […] More
Questyle has introduced the all-new M15i , a high-performance portable USB DAC/AMP designed for everyday use . The M15i boasts impressive audio performance thanks to the high-end ES9281AC DAC chipset developed in conjunction with ESS Saber Technologies. It uses two independent, patented CMA (Current Mode Amplification) SiP modules to provide powerful and clear output suitable for both sensitive and demanding […] More
The Tube Line of the German brand Vincent has received an update: the company has developed a new digital-to-analog converter, the DAC-7, putting considerable effort into achieving optimal digital signal conversion results. Two optical and two coaxial inputs, as well as USB and AES/EBU inputs are available for connecting digital signal sources. The signals are […] More
TRN BT20 Pro are new earhooks that turn wired MMCX or 2-pin headphones into something like TWS headphones. They support Bluetooth 5.3, and only AAC and SBC among codecs. Operating time is 13 hours on a single charge, with a case up to 50 hours. Instant Headphone Swap Capability The TRN BT20 Pro allows for instant […] More
Since 1975, Luxman has produced the C-1000 preamplifier, which they called a control amplifier. Decades later, engineers decided to update it – and released the CL-1000 model. The main difference is that the model has become more modern. The sound is now controlled by the LECUTA system, which stands for Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Transformer […] More
The Stax SR-009 headphone model can be called the material embodiment of the idea of absolutely accurate natural sound. These electrostatic headphones were Stax’s next step towards excellence, displacing the previous hit SR-007MK2 from its pedestal. The changes affected the electrostatic film membrane, the thickness of which is now only 2 microns and which is […] More
The Vincent CD-S7 DAC CD player has a durable, massive chassis with a steel shielding casing, a thick anodized aluminum front panel and solid support legs. The signature feature of the Vincent designers is the porthole, behind the glass of which an electronic lamp glows. This backlight is artificial, using a line of orange LEDs; its brightness […] More
The Chinese brand QUESTYLE has launched two new portable USB DAC/headphone amplifiers showcased at CES 2024 – the M15i and M12i. These second-generation devices replace the M15 and M12 models. Featuring a digital-to-analog converter built on the ESS ES9281AC chip, the amplifiers are equipped with proprietary patented CMA (Current Mode Amplification) modules, and the control […] More
The front panel of the Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus is rich in indicator LEDs, however, thanks to their literally pinpoint sizes, they do not disturb the feeling of noble minimalism. If you look at the device from the rear, then due to the large number of small inscriptions and different-sized connectors, including XLR, the box […] More
