LATEST ADDITIONS

TEAC has underlined its commitment to hi-res with the release of the UD-503 dual-monaural USB DAC/headphone amplifier and the NT-503DAB USB DAC/network player (above). The UD-503 boasts support for 11. 2MHz DSD and 32/384 PCM formats. With a set of analogue inputs also provided and a 256-step QVSC (Quad Volume Control System), it can act as a standalone preamp, either partnered with power amps or active speakers.

Quad continues to mark its 79th anniversary with the launch of the new Artera range, which includes the Artera Play CD player DAC and preamp, alongside the Artera Stereo power amplifier, which is available in a choice of either black or silver finishes. At the heart of the Artera Play, is the ESS Sabre32 9018 32-bit, eight-channel digital-to-analogue converter. This is Quad’s first component to utilise this hybrid multi-bit chipset and external digital sources can, claims Quad, benefit from its exceptional quality via a range of digital inputs. These include USB, with support for up to 32/384 PCM and also DSD64/128/256.

Bose introduces its new next-generation SoundTouch 10 speaker system. With built-in Bluetooth and wi-fi, the £169 loudspeaker connects directly to your portable devices straight from the box and is designed for instant music and multi-room listening. Using Bluetooth to stream any song, playlist or music service, you can then broadcast it via wi-fi to any number of SoundTouch 10 speakers. Alternatively, you can use the SoundTouch app (with music services Spotify and Deezer built in) to explore integrated music services, set up to six personalised presets to any music service playlist, artist or internet radio station and enjoy different music in multiple rooms.

German speaker brand Elac isn't usually associated with the affordable end of the speaker market, and is perhaps better known in the UK for its high-tech drive units – especially the celebrated and distinctive JET ribbon tweeter, now in fifth-generation spec – and its unique brand of vorsprung durch technik. But the Kiel-based company is embracing changing markets with its new Debut range and looks set to bring the much-respected speaker name to a whole new audience, and perhaps give itself a little more funk in the process. At the price, this new range looks like an entry-level lineup, but there's nothing entry-level about the sound of the B5 model we got to hear. The new range has eight models, three of which are aimed at stereo music listening – plus five models for home cinema including centre and Dolby Atmos add-on duties and three smartphone-controllable subwoofers for multi-channel setups.