TIDAL, the subscription-based music streaming service, has made its Masters quality service available on all Android smartphones. More »
Roon’s new version 1.6 brings the brand new Roon Radio, integration with the Qobuz music service, and an improved user experience. The update will be available to all users at 12pm EST (5pm UK time) today, January 22nd, 2019.
Pioneer and Onkyo have announced a firmware update release on December 18th that activates MQA audio playback capability and support for TIDAL Masters audio streaming on their network-enabled stereo hifi components. More »
Cambridge Audio customers will find even more connectivity on their network players and AV receivers from now on with the addition of TIDAL. The streaming service will bring CD-quality audio to the 851N, CXN, CXN (V2), CXR120, CXR200 and Stream Magic 6 (V2) devices. More »
Naim has revealed details of its new ND 555 (£12,999) Network Player alongside the new NDX 2 (£4999) and a ND 5 XS 2 (£1999). So why a new 500 Series product now? The answer is quite simple; until now Naim hasn’t considered the performance of its Network Players to reach that of the CD555 CD Player. More »
Since its introduction in 2015, Roon has, they say, ‘transformed the experience of browsing music’. Artist photos, credits, bios, reviews, lyrics, tour dates and composers are located automatically within the software and then interconnected by links to build a searchable digital magazine for your music collection. Roon finds all the same links between your personal files and the tracks available on TIDAL, so you can start with the music you know, then explore and discover new music. More »
The MQA team will be based in the Hi-Res Audio Pavilion, located in the largest and busiest area of the convention centre (Central Hall #14735). More »
The Pioneer XDP- 30R (pictured) And Onkyo DP-S1 Digital Audio Players (DAPs) which both offer TIDAL Masters (MQA) mobile streaming capability, have also now been given USB-OTG (on the go) functionality. More »
PS Audio has issued the following statement from company Founder and CEO, Paul McGowan: “I want to say that I’m sorry for burdening overworked reviewers with frequent Operating System upgrades for our DirectStream and DSJ DACs. The release of Redcloud, our latest and best-ever OS, just makes more work for you, and I’m sorry. We bring out product improvements as soon as they’re ready, and I know that’s not always convenient”. More »
There is a growing trend of very high end manufacturers releasing ‘All in One’ systems and Gold Note, of Italy, have launched their IS-1000 Super Integrated Amplifier. More »
Onkyo & Pioneer Corporation has announced the release of its latest Firmware (version 1.11) for the Onkyo DP-S1/Pioneer XDP-30R Digital Audio Players (DAPs), with support for TIDAL Masters, along with additional software improvements. More »
Dutch mobile lifestyle accessories specialist, Avanca International, has announced the UK launch of its Minim True Wireless Earbuds. Combining technology with design they are untethered by cables and were awarded the Red Dot Design Award 2017. More »
Dynaudio has announced Music – a family of four intelligent wireless speakers. The Danish company told us: “Dynaudio Music provides one-touch simplicity. It adapts seamlessly (and automatically) to any room or position, and to surrounding noise levels – so music always sounds its best. It even gives personalised playlists featuring only the music its users love with Music Now. All at the touch of a button”. More »
The Ear Buddy is a simple plug-and-play device that attenuates the output of your device so that you can listen at reasonable volumes – without damaging your ears – while maintaining the true resolution of your source material. More »
The new TANA from EC Living by Electrocompaniet is an all-in-one wireless (802.11AC) solution combining a loudspeaker, a powerful 150-watt A/B amplifier, 192kHz/24-bit DAC and an audio streamer. More »
Onkyo have been pretty busy in the realm of home connectivity, streaming and voice control and have announced Smart Speaker P3 (VC-PX30), a “lifestyle concierge speaker” with Amazon Alexa Voice Service designed to “express voice and music with immersive hifi sound” while providing information, entertainment, and the ability to control selected smart devices by voice. More »
Onkyo have released their TX-8250 Network Stereo Receiver and TX-8220 Stereo Receiver, which they say are “are an excellent value proposition for music, film, and game lovers”. More »
Audirvana Plus is a software player for the MacOS Platform that enables audiophiles to replace iTunes. The audiophile desktop music player has launched its new version, Audirvana Plus 3.1. More »
Onkyo is continuing its tradition of compact hifi with the introduction of three new package systems comprising the flagship CS-N775D Multi-room Receiver System, CS-N575D Multi-room Hi-Fi CD System, and CS-375D CD Receiver System. Onkyo say that they “blend component-grade musicality with effortless operation for people of all ages, especially those less familiar with network audio”. More »
T+A of Germany has announced the launch of its new CALA Receiver range – CALA SR and CALA CDR (with CD mechanism). An alternative to separates, the CALA range offers a range of features within a single receiver unit, including compatibility with streaming services (TIDAL, Deezer and qobuz), playback via UPnP network music servers and USB storage media, FM, FM-HD and DAB+ radio, SP/DIF and optical digital inputs, HD Bluetooth connectivity and analogue inputs (including a switchable aux/MM or high output MC turntable input). More »
Dan Worth takes a look at the Innuos Zenith MK2 an all in one streamer, CD ripper and SSD storage unit costing from £2299 depending on storage capacity chosen. More »
Auralic are running a summer promotion in which their UK dealers are offering the Auralic Aries, Altair and Polaris to customers with a choice of free music subscription based services. More »
PS Audio has announced an update which provides Bridge II-equipped DirectStream, DSJ, and PerfectWave DACs with full unfold of MQA up to 192 kHz/24 bit, and provides access to the streaming service Tidal.
A Tidal Storm Is Upon Us
There really is a tidal storm of music out there! A never-ending, algorithmically-curated musical selection that is spat out ad-nauseam especially for you, your gender, your socio-economic grouping. Perhaps I should just let it wash over me, or perhaps I should just have nice cup of tea, turn on the wireless and calm down a bit. Perhaps not. More »