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Originally conceived 17 years ago as a cost-no-object nearfield monitor for use in recording studios and broadcast vehicles, Leema Acoustics’ Xen loudspeaker was the result of a research project to squeeze a BBC-graded monitor into a small standmount cabinet that quickly found favour with music lovers. Unlike the original Xen, which was never designed for domestic use, the new Xen 2 offers a host of improvements over its professional predecessor. With a front baffle that’s the size of an A5 paperback book, the new Xen 2 is ultra compact and boastsa claimed frequency responseof 57Hz-25kHz and an output of between 60W and 150W. It benefits from two bass reflex ports, which extend into the cabinet then fold down behind the bass driver – each measuring 260mm.

Wales-based Leema Acoustics has unveiled its Elements Streamer, billed as a space-saving DLNA/UPnP network music player with a built-in DAC, offering integrated Spotify Connect, Deezer, Qobuz and Tidal streaming services alongside USB drive playback. Priced at £1,295 and conceived by Leema co-founder Lee Taylor, the player is based on the streaming module found in the company’s £2,995 Quasar integrated amplifier (HFC 425), and control is via a free app available for Android and iOS devices. Connectivity options include both balanced and unbalanced outputs, optical and coaxial digital outs, as well as a USB input and Ethernet network port. Twin wi-fi antennas aim to provide increased signal stability.

A pair of new affordable anniversary turntables from Switzerland

New affordable starter turntable

New affordable Swiss vinyl spinner

Record label owner and manufacturer Linn has unveiled its very own sonic version of an advent calendar for fans of hi-res music. Starting from today, each week in December a curated collection of stunning Studio Master tracks will be made available to download from Linn Records’ roster of artists. Each collection has its own theme, offering an ideal (and more importantly free) introduction to high-quality Studio Master downloads. There’s something for everyone, including Britain’s First Lady of Jazz, Claire Martin, an award-winning performance from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s Mozart symphonies and an exclusive track from pianist and vocalist Liane Carroll, recorded especially for Linn’s 24-bits of Christmas.