Whether or not it is profitable for your company, high-end audio is a category that offers a lot of interesting possibilities with its diverse range or products. Here, we take a look at some of the more recent entries to the market, including speakers, amplifiers, turntables, and more — all designed for the luxury market.
JBL Synthesis SMA Series Multichannel Power Amplifiers
The new JBL Synthesis SMA-4750 and SMA-8300 Class D amplifiers, featuring built-in DSPs for custom loudspeaker tuning and system configuration, are designed for residential cinema applications with a CI-focused UI, balanced XLR inputs, and binding post speaker terminals. Packing flexible high-power output into a 2RU chassis, these amplifiers are core of the JBL Synthesis electronics lineup, complementing the SDP processors and SCL and SSW loudspeaker systems. With advanced features like bridgeable channels, full input and output Hi-Resolution DSP suite, and Dante/AES67 digital audio networking, these amplifiers are designed for powering large LCR, surround, and height channel loudspeakers, as well as subwoofers in JBL Synthesis immersive audio systems.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems The Classic Reference Turntable
Pro-Ject Audio Systems’ The Classic Reference turntable uses the EVO 9 AS HG tonearm. High-precision ABEC 7 bearings are housed in an aluminum gimbal for frictionless, resonance-free operation. An internally damped S-shaped aluminum armtube makes way for a removable headshell so that cartridge enthusiasts are empowered to swap transducers to their liking. The high-mass aluminum alloy record platter is damped with TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), eliminating unwanted resonance. The Clamp it record clamp and Leather it record mat are included in-purchase for additional resonance control.
McIntosh PS1K Powered Subwoofer
The McIntosh PS1K powered subwoofer includes two 13-inch drivers that feature McIntosh’s proprietary Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP) Magnetic Circuit Design, which reduces distortion and improves power handling. With advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) ensuring extreme linearity, the PS1K’s woofers also incorporate multi-layer carbon fiber cones for superior rigidity and sound clarity, resisting flex even at high outputs. The PS1K’s dual 13-inch woofers are driven by two 500-watt Class D amplifiers, combining for 1000 watts of output. Whether playing music or movies, the PS1K’s bass is tight and clear, effortlessly filling large spaces. A sealed box design and nearly 1.5-inch thick enclosure baffle eliminate port noise and vibration, ensuring a precise, clean bass response.
Lyngdorf Audio FR-2 Floorstanding Loudspeaker
The Lyngdorf Audio FR-2 high-performance floorstanding loudspeaker has been designed for placement against the wall to ensure a visually and acoustically ideal room integration. The speaker has been tuned for best sound performance close to a wall, while the very shallow cabinet shape and the choice of colors and fabric covers allow a space-saving integration in modern homes. The FR-2’s drive units are integrated into an unusually shallow speaker design that takes advantage of room acoustics instead of working against them. The FR-2 has been specifically tuned for wall placement, with the woofers located as close as possible to the wall behind the speaker. This leads to an ideal impulse response in the low frequencies and results in a surprisingly tight and powerful bass.
Arendal Sound 1528 Speaker Family
Arendal Sound’s 1528 speakers employ a new driver configuration featuring a proprietary 28mm tweeter and dual 8-inch mid-woofers. The high-frequency driver, designed and manufactured in-house, utilizes a unique waveguide technology that minimizes distortion and provides a wider dispersion. A custom carbon-graphene mid-range driver joins an exclusive lithium magnesium tweeter. The mid-woofers are crafted from a specially formulated fiber material that balances stiffness and lightness, enabling them to produce a deep, controlled bass response without sacrificing the midrange clarity. This results in a speaker that can handle complex musical passages and dynamic movie soundtracks with equal finesse.
DALI EPIKORE Series Speakers
DALI has released three new models to sit alongside the EPIKORE 11 4.5.5-way floorstander: The EPIKORE 3 3-way stand-mount, EPIKORE 7 3.5-way floorstander, and EPIKORE 9 4-way floorstander. The EPIKORE Series are available in three exclusive premium finishes — High Gloss Black, High Gloss Walnut, and High Gloss Maroon — and share several key technologies. These include the EVO-K Hybrid Tweeter module, comprising a 35mm soft-dome tweeter and a 55 x 10mm HF planar element; SMC Gen-2 technology for ultra-low distortion; custom-made in-house drivers; and Clarity Cone paper and wood fiber cone structure bass/mid-range drivers.
Monitor Audio Gold Series 6G
The Monitor Audio Gold Series 6G comprises six distinctive loudspeakers. The Gold Series has a long history of introducing innovative acoustic technologies, and this sixth generation is no different. Gold Series 6G boasts a totally new metal cone technology in the form of Hexagonal Diaphragm Technology (HDT). HDT draws on the RDT III cones utilized in the Hyphn and the flagship Platinum Series 3G, which consists of a Nomex honeycomb layer sandwiched between aluminum and carbon fiber skins. The HDT cone employs a new hexagonal pattern to disrupt symmetries in the cone breakup, creating a cone that shifts the frequency up by 10% compared to the RST II cones found on the Silver Series 7G.
Focal Diva Utopia Wireless Speaker
The Focal Diva Utopia is the company’s first wireless, connected, active loudspeaker. This 3-way bass-reflex floorstanding loudspeaker is simple to install and use, with no need for cables to connect the pair or external amplification. Ultra Wideband, a unique technology co-developed with a partner company, enables wireless music playback that surpasses CD playback and approaches the high-resolution audio of a professional studio. For convenience, the Diva Utopia can be controlled via a dedicated app, the supplied remote control, or voice assistants. Diva Utopia combines Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and UPnP protocols for connectivity and access to a wide range of streaming platforms, such as Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, and QQ Music (China).
SVS 17-Ultra R|Evolution Subwoofer Series
SVS’ flagship subwoofer series, 17-Ultra R|Evolution, is the most powerful, sophisticated, and user-friendly SVS subwoofer ever introduced to the consumer market. Starting with the driver, it was a ground-up process engineering the largest, most formidable driver ever deployed in an SVS subwoofer. To ensure stable transfer of electro-magnetic current from the dual mono-amplifier to the 55-pound toroidal ferrite magnet motor, SVS designed the first-ever dual 8-inch voice coil, resulting in effortless output with exacting control over the 17-inch driver. Copper-clad aluminum voice coil wire combines the best properties of both elements, yielding ideal thermal capacity and magnetic field strength in the motor. An all new high-excursion 17-inch driver features a glass fiber composite cone, long-throw catenary SBR rubber surround, and toroidal ferrite electromagnetic motor. This combination generates massive sound pressure levels well below the threshold of human hearing (15 Hz for SB17-Ultra and 12 Hz for PB17-Ultra) with frequency response accuracy and acoustic linearity.
Luxman L-505Z Integrated Amplifier
The Luxman L-505Z integrated amplifier is intended to replace the L-505uXII and completes the Z Series, joining the L-507Z and 509Z. Upgrades from its predecessor also include an improved moving magnet/moving coil phono preamp, LECUA-controlled LR balance adjust function, 12-volt triggers, and parallel headphone output jacks, including a “Pentaconn” balanced type and 7-segment LED volume level-VU meter display. The L-505Z combines high power and superb linearity thanks to bipolar transistors in triple-paralleled Darlington push-pull configuration. The highly regulated power supply boasts a 540 VA EI-type transformer and an array of four new-generation type 10,000 µF filter capacitors. The Class AB output stage is conservatively rated at 100W+100W at 8 ohms and 150W+150W at 4 ohms.
Grimani Reflectance Center-Channel Speaker
The Grimani Systems Reflectance System is a state-of-the-art center-channel speaker system that redefines dialog clarity and soundstage precision for large video displays. It works by reflecting sound waves off the screen to create a virtual center-channel image. This system is designed specifically for media lounges and home cinemas equipped with large video displays, including video walls, making it the perfect complement for high-end AV systems.
Marantz Model 10 Amplifier
The Marantz Model 10 reference integrated amplifier is the most powerful one-box amplifier Marantz has ever made. Model 10 is built around a newly designed dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology and uses a completely new copper-plated, triple-layered chassis with a compartmentalized design structure designed to provide complete engineering separation of each critical internal function. Two internal compartments plus strategically placed shields isolate high and low power circuits from each other and prevent internal interference from limiting performance.
MartinLogan Dynamo Foundation Subwoofers
The MartinLogan Dynamo Foundation Subwoofers have been engineered to deliver superior audio quality, combining advanced technology with sophisticated design to enhance home entertainment experiences. They feature a 200 MHz DSP engine with 56-bit processing, typically found only in high-end audio systems, and is equipped with MartinLogan’s exclusive Magnitude 400 or 700 amplifiers, delivering up to 400 watts and 700 watts peak power, respectively. The 10- or 12-inch Ultra-Rigid Polypropylene (URP) woofers are tuned to perfection, delivering robust, deep bass with minimal distortion, even at high volumes.
Sonus faber Concertino G4 Speakers
Sonus faber Concertino G4 is the fourth edition of the brand’s Concertino speaker. The two-way, passive high-end loudspeaker blends heritage and innovation to take audio performance to new heights while capturing the true essence of Sonus faber. The design of Concertino G4 includes learnings from advanced acoustic research, cutting-edge materials, and technological improvements. Building on the success of previous Concertino models, this edition blends technology with the timeless principles of Natural Sound and artisanal quality — even leveraging a patented, plant-based leather alternative material from Italian startup Ohoskin in its finishings. Sonus faber has placed a strong emphasis on reducing the use of non-sustainable materials in this project. Significantly, the cork used is derived from a recycling process and the duct, usually made of plastic, is now constructed from a combination of paper and solid wood.
Theory Audio Design DLC Platform
The Theory Audio Design DLC distributed loudspeaker controller platform includes three models: DLC-250.4d, DLC-1500.4d, and DLC-250.8. Designed for residential or commercial installations, the new models offer between 4 and 8 channels of intelligent power, full DSP matrix, and TCP/IP control through a wired connection or directly via its on-board Wi-Fi access point. Two of the three models, the DLC-250.4d and DLC-1500.4d, also add Dante and AES67 audio-over-IP digital I/O compatibility. The small but mighty DLC-250.4d 4-channel loudspeaker controller is designed to be at the core of every Theory distributed audio system. With channel-pair power sharing of up to 250 watts, each DLC-250.4d offers the flexibility to power any system size. The half-RU DLC-250.4d ships with a rack kit to allow mounting of one or two units in a single rack space. An optional surface mount kit is also available if hiding the DLC-250.4d under a table or behind a TV is desired. The DLC-250.8 is ideal for surround and distributed audio systems where Dante and AES67 are not required but when more channels per chassis is desired.
L-Acoustics HYRISS
L-Acoustics’ HYRISS (Hyperreal Immersive Sound Space) is an audio solution that redefines how we experience spaces through sound. This system combines L-Acoustics’ cutting-edge hardware, software, and services to create adaptable, high-quality sound environments suitable for a wide range of applications, from luxurious residences and yachts to high-end hospitality and corporate settings. HYRISS enables complete control of the sonic environment, from creating serene atmospheres for relaxation to transforming spaces into dynamic entertainment venues. It eliminates the need for dedicated media rooms by allowing a single space to effortlessly become a concert hall, sports stadium, or cinema. HYRISS supports a wide range of audio formats, from mono to expansive Dolby Atmos soundscapes and beyond. Its high-resolution, three-dimensional network of loudspeakers provides exceptional listening conditions and absolute acoustic comfort. By integrating discreet in-wall speakers, high-power amplification, and advanced spatial audio processing, HYRISS delivers concert-level sound quality while maintaining aesthetic elegance.
Paradigm Founder Speaker Series
Every component of Paradigm’s Founder loudspeakers, large and small, was scrutinized down to the tiniest detail. Every component has been thoroughly researched, designed, and engineered exclusively for Founder Series. The Founder’s tweeter is a 1-inch (25mm) Aluminum Magnesium Ceramic (AL-MAC) dome with a proprietary Oblate Spherical Waveguide (OSW), and a Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA) Lens. The Founder’s midrange is a 6-inch (152mm) Aluminum Magnesium (AL-MAG) cone with PPA Lens, Advanced Shock-Mount Isolation Mounting System, and a 2-inch high-temp multi-layered voice coil with ventilated Apical former. Founder Series cabinets are offered in a variety of premium-grade finishes: Walnut and Black Walnut have a smooth satin finish with distinctive wood figuring. The exclusive Midnight Cherry and Piano Black feature a luxurious hand-rubbed, high-gloss finish.
