News

High-end new ‘phones

New floorstanders and headphones from Denmark

Introducing DALI’s zensor AX series, which comprises two models – the floorstanding ZENSOR 5 AX (pictured) and the bookshelf ZENSOR 1 AX. Two 50W fully optimised digital Class D amplifiers have been integrated into the left-hand speaker, with a cable carrying the output to the partnering passive model. Both speakers have 5mm wood-fibre, soft dome tweeters partnered by a pair of 133mm low-frequency drivers on the ZENSOR 5 and just one on the ZENSOR 1. Wireless connectivity comes via aptX Bluetooth and for a more traditional hookup, an optical Toslink (able to accept up to 24-bit/96kHz) and a pair of stereo analogue inputs are included, while a subwoofer output is on hand to give a little extra low-end grunt.

Former MrSpeakers brand introduces planar-magnetic design

Loudspeakers come in all shapes and sizes, and flicking through the pages of this month’s issue with its numerous models is a testament to this burgeoning sector of the audio market. From traditional floorstanders that range from models so large they block out the sun – step forward DALI’s Opticon 8 – to more elegant and less visually demanding designs, the Group Test starting on page 24 looks at six speakers priced £2,000 and under that tread a more conventional path in philosophy and construction that reaches right back to the dawn of domestic hi-fi itself. Compare these bulky, angular, passive floorstanders to Devialet’s extraordinary Gold Phantom reviewed on page 16, and the suggestion of the possible direction for the evolution of the loudspeaker and, indeed, high-performance hi-fi is small, self-powered, wireless, well-connected, insanely loud and more or less ball-shaped. Whether it turns out to be a trailblazer or a tangent too far, it surely demonstrates the pinnacle of today’s modular music system, one that can grow into a multi-room setup for music around the home.

EXCLUSIVE first look at Sota's Pyxi Phonostage, AVID Accent integrated amp, ELAC Debut ConneX DCB41 wireless powered speaker, Living Voice R80 floorstanding speaker, BBC LS3/5a-inspired standmount Group Test, Record Store Day Black Friday drop and much, much more

Christmas comes early as we audition six entry-level DACs, Mission's QX-2 standmount, Tom Evans Audio Design's Groove + SRX Mk 2.5 and much more