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Tag Archives: Company & Product Launches

Product Launch: New Products from Topping, Tanchjim and SMSL!

A new wave of product launches just in time for the holiday season. This is a big one so you’ll want to make space in your stocking!

Starting off with the SMSL D300, this is a new $399 USD DAC packed with bells and whistles. It sports the rare BD34301EKV flagship DAC from Rohm, a new Kyoto-based entrant into the DAC chip market. The DAC supports PCM 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 when paired with XMOS’ XU208 decoder chip. The DAC supports BT5.0 and has a newly designed remote control.

Topping follows up with a pair of new products. The first is the HS01, a USB audio isolator designed to prevent ground loop noise between the source and DAC. It is low latency and compatible with high-res audio transmission while keeping the price low at $69.

The U90 is a new USB audio bridge with a similar design language to the company’s popular D90/A90. It has four IIS controller switches allowing the user to choose pin definitions for IIS phase, MCLK, DSD flag and IIS DSDR, permitting greater control over IIS inputs. With an in-built audio isolator, it eliminates ground loop noise on top. The U90 just went live for $599 USD.

Finally, Tanchjim joins the TWS race with their new Echo. This is a TWS IEM with Qualcomm’s QC3040 chip, wireless charging support and IPX4 water/dustproof rating. Its 10mm Be-plated dome flexible suspended diaphragm DD promises a balanced sound. At just $99 USD, the Echo looks to be another valuable addition to the audio-focused TWS space.

The post Product Launch: New Products from Topping, Tanchjim and SMSL! first appeared on The Headphone List.

Product Launch: Grado Brings their X-Drivers to the RS1 and RS2!

Grado recently refreshed their legendary line of SR headphones with their new 4th generation X-drivers. These re-tuned models were more balanced, more resolving and overall, listeners found them to be more pleasing than past models. Grado is delighted to present the new RS1x and RS2x which combines authentic wood cups with their 4th generation driver design for a new level of Grado performance.

Like the SR-series, these headphones receive a new 8-conductor cable and a new white-stitched leather headband. The RS2x sports their signature 44mm driver that has been specifically re-voiced to suit its hemp wood housing. Meanwhile, the flagship RS1x sports a larger 50mm driver alongside unique housings with 3 species of wood – a maple sleeve, hemp core and cocobolo outer ring. Grado is promising a warm and natural tonality from these headphones and a sizable upgrade from their previous E-series releases.

The RS2x and RS1x just launched at $749 and $999 AUD respectively. They will be available in late November exclusively via BusiSoft AV and its authorised dealers.

The post Product Launch: Grado Brings their X-Drivers to the RS1 and RS2! first appeared on The Headphone List.

Product Launch: xDuoo Releases a New Range of Products!

Just in time for the holiday season, xDuoo has released a range of products to suit many buyers. Starting with the XQ-100, this is a 24-bit Bluetooth audio receiver with balanced outputs and dual ESS Sabre DAC chips. With Qualcomm’s CSR8675 Bluetooth chip, it supports BT5.0 alongside a slew of high-resolution codecs. An OLED display ensures streamlined usability.

The MU-601 is xDuoo’s take on an affordable high-res DAC featuring ESS’ ES9018K2M DAC chip alongside XMOS’ capable XU208 USB receiver. Dual high-precision active crystal oscillators ensure low jitter. An independent power supply provides clean power and a sand-blasted aluminium chassis looks right in line with the company’s other devices.

Following up on this release is the MU-603. This is a Bluetooth pre-amp with 12AU7 tube imbuing a warm and sweet sound. Using Qualcomm’s QC3034 Bluetooth 5.1 chip, it offers a fast, stable connection alongside high-res codec support. Finally, the preamplifier offers ESS ES9018K2M DAC chip and an aluminium chassis in-line with their other devices.

The XQ-100 retails for $389 USD, the MU-601 retails for $129 and the MU-603 retails for $119. Please see our affiliate links on Apos Audio for the most updated pricing and availability.

The post Product Launch: xDuoo Releases a New Range of Products! first appeared on The Headphone List.

Product Launch: Astell & Kern ACRO BE100 Bluetooth Speaker!

Astell & Kern has a legendary reputation in the audio world for their ultra-premium DAPs and several IEM releases too. However, the company has now set their sights on other markets with the release of the new ACRO BE100 Bluetooth speaker. The company targetted a room-filling, hi-fi calibre stereo sound in a compact form factor. It boasts a dedicated 320bit DAC and supports the latest 24-bit hi-res quality wireless streaming codecs.

In order to realise this, the speaker implements a custom 4″ kevlar woofer and dual stereo 1.5″ silk dome tweeters. An onboard Class-D amplifier with 55W of power drives this setup. Adjustable bass and treble allows for room compensation and tuning to listener preference. DRC (dynamic range control) prevents clipping and protects the speakers at maximum output. They’ve also added a 50ps clock to minimise jitter over a BT connection.

As the company is known for, the ACRO sports a stylish, premium design that sports a unique play on light and shadow similar to their DAPs. The speaker sports a wood cabinet with a premium faux leather wrap and metal grill mesh upfront. It is available in both white and black to suit a variety of setups.

The ACRO BE100 just launched for $549 AUD/$629 NZD. It will be available from late November exclusively via BusiSoftAV and its dealers.

The post Product Launch: Astell & Kern ACRO BE100 Bluetooth Speaker! first appeared on The Headphone List.

Product Launch: xDSD Gryphon Portable DAC/AMP!

iFi has made a name for themselves with their line of price-effective source devices and accessories. The xDSD was one of their most popular releases, a feature-packed model that blended convenience, versatility and performance. Following up on their hit release, the xDSD Gryphon is their next-generation x-series device that replaces both the xDSD and xCAN by combining the functionality of both alongside featuring redesigned circuitry for improved performance.

Though retaining the base design of the xDSD, the Gryphon has been slightly enlarged and now has a new gunmetal finish that better resists fingerprints. Flexibility was once again prioritised, with a slew of IO options including USB/S/PDIF and both single-ended 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm outputs. High-resolution BT codecs are also supported for optimal wireless sound quality. Furthermore, it has an OLED strip display built-in to simplify usability.

The xDSD Gryphon’s “digital engine” is built around a Burr-Brown DAC selected for its musicality and True Native Architecture. As iFi has utilised this chip before, the company reasons that they are able to extract the maximum performance from it. Extensive jitter-eradication is also applied to the digital stage including the latest generation of iFi’s GMT (Global Master Timing) Femto-precision clock and intelligent memory buffer.

On the amplifier side, PureWave refers to iFi’s fully-balanced circuit design. It involves high-quality components throughout such as ultra-low distortion op-amps, multilayer ceramic TDK CoG capacitors, MELF thin-film resistors and inductors from Murata and Taiyo Yuden. iFi reasons this allows the Gryphon to drive both sensitive IEMs and power-hungry planar headphones.

Other features complete the experience. OpimaLoop involves multiple feedback paths over one global loop, each being optimised for a particular function to deliver ideal performance. Cybersync is iFi’s analogue volume control that adapts to each device the source is connected to offer different volume curves. iFi also spent heaps of time on properly shielding each component. Finally, their signature sonic tuning features make a return to taylor the sound to every listener’s preference.

The xDSD Gryphon will be available in mid-November exclusively in Australia via Busisoft AV and its dealers for $699 AUD.

The post Product Launch: xDSD Gryphon Portable DAC/AMP! first appeared on The Headphone List.

Product Launch: New Fiio BTR5 2021!

We’re all familiar with Fiio by now and, if you’ve looked into a portable source for any headphone-jack-less smartphone, you’d likely have come across their BTR5. This was lauded as one of the most impressive Bluetooth receivers on the market and offered double-duty as a wired DAC/AMP, representing great value. Fiio has recently refreshed the beloved device in the form of the BTR5 2021!

The new BTR5 sports a new dual ES9219C DAC chip (vs dual 9218P) setup with ESS Hyperstream III. This is the main difference as it retains the same CMOS CUF208 USB decoder and CSR 8675 BT chip. Power output remains unchanged as well in addition to the design and asking price. Altogether, a subtle yet appreciable upgrade at no additional cost.

The BTR5 2021 just launched for $119 USD, you can read all about it and treat yourself to a unit on Apos Audio.

The post Product Launch: New Fiio BTR5 2021! first appeared on The Headphone List.

Product Launch: Moondrop Nekocake ANC TWS IEM!

Moondrop has been a very popular brand lately for good reason, the company has an excellent track record and a very versatile house sound. When this was translated to the TWS Sparks, that model too was well received by the audio community. However, while the Sparks sounded great, the experience was mired somewhat by a limited feature set and awkward ergonomics. The Nekocake is Moondrop’s proposed solution!

This is an all-new TWS model from the company at the same highly accessible price. However, it now introduces a new design, 13mm titanium-plated driver and active noise cancellation. In addition, Moondrop is offering 5 selectable tunings out of the box including their signature VSDF signature beloved on their wired IEMs.

The Nekocake just launched for $52.99 USD. You can read all about it and treat yourself to a unit on Apos Audio!

The post Product Launch: Moondrop Nekocake ANC TWS IEM! first appeared on The Headphone List.

Product Launch: Tanchjim HANA 2021!

Tanchjim has been one of the more popular ChiFi brands lately, especially for their famous Oxygen and later the HANA which assumed a similar balanced tuning and translated it into a more affordable package. In many senses, the company was seen as a direct competitor to the venerable Moondrop.

That said, the HANA especially did recieve complaints due to its heightened upper midrange and treble presence, with many requesting a tuning more similar to the Oxygen. It appears as if Tanchjim has heard their pleas having recently announced the new HANA 2021 which is renewed and re-tuned!

It has a new aesthetic design and a more relaxing sound tuning. The chassis is now constructed from 316 stainless steel with a white porcelain imitation paint job for premium haptics. The new tuning promises to be smoother and more balanced than before on a new DMT 3rd generation dynamic driver platform. This driver as a high-rigidity LCP diaphragm promising greater speed and resolution as well.

The HANA 2021 is now available for purchase on Apos Audio for $179.99 USD!

The post Product Launch: Tanchjim HANA 2021! first appeared on The Headphone List.

Product Launch: Master & Dynamic MG20 Wireless Gaming Headphone!

Master & Dynamic is a familiar name on THL. Few would argue that the New York-based brand offers some of the most beautifully formed and constructed headphones on the market. Expanding upon this is their latest headphone, the MG20, the company’s first gaming-focused model. The MG20 is a wireless headphone with the same premium BOM as seen on their former designs.

This means buyers receive an over-ear design, magnesium shell, lambskin leather pads in addition to an Alcantara headband. It features a detachable boom microphone allowing the headphone to be used for portable listening too. As it has an additional onboard mic array, it supports calls both with and without the attachment. A hefty 22hr battery runtime rating keeps things going during even the longest gaming sessions.

On the audio side, things have not been neglected either. It sports 50mm Beryllium-plated drivers and Qualcomm aptX HD for low-latency, high-quality wireless streaming. On devices not supporting this codec, a low-latency USB-A wireless adaptor is also provided, offering seamless wireless compatibility with consoles and PCs. The M&D Connect app makes a return and now introduces multiple sound profiles. The headphones are semi-open back with angled ear cups, promising the most lifelike soundstage from an M&D headphone yet.

The MG20 is available from Master & Dynamic as of the 16th of November at an RRP of $449 USD.

The post Product Launch: Master & Dynamic MG20 Wireless Gaming Headphone! first appeared on The Headphone List.

Product Launch: Fiio FA7s!

Fiio has been on a roll lately with its range of cost-effective, high-performance IEMs. While their first releases skewed more towards the former, their new models have definitely brought up the latter quality. However, while their DD and hybrid models have been receiving no shortage of accolades, their BA monitors have been more polarising. Perhaps the FA7 exemplified this best due to its dark, closed-in sound tuning and the new FA7s attempts to rebuild this foundation with huge revisions all around.

The FA7s is immediately a far more complex and thought out design. It assumes a 6x BA driver setup up from 4 on the original FA7. In addition, they adopt the compact circular design seen on the FD earphones alongside their smart and stylish injection-moulded steel construction. Fiio are quick to mention that the FA7s is using Knowles-produced, custom-tuned mid-high frequency driver for their desired FR. Finally, the FA7s comes with a high-purity SPC cable with twist-lock modular connectors.

The FA7s just launched for $339 USD. You can read more about it and treat yourself to a unit on Apos Audio!

The post Product Launch: Fiio FA7s! first appeared on The Headphone List.

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