News

JAYS might be a new name to some HFC readers, but the Swedish manufacturer specialising in in-ear monitors has been around since 2006. Its innovative dual-balance armature two-way miniature monitor system fitted inside of its first set of in-ears was perhaps a little ahead of its time when it was launched shortly after the company was formed, but jump forward to today, and JAYS is one of a number of brands that’s adopted the twin speaker approach with considerable success. We were deeply impressed when we got our hands (or should that be ears?) on the q-JAYS Reference in-earphone back in issue 408. And it’s this very model that you stand a chance of winning in this month’s competition, albeit with an additional inline remote and built-in microphone for control of iOS devices.

As icons go, there are few that can match the timeless majesty of Rega’s Planar 3turntable. While this midrange model has gone by a few names over the years, each incarnation has always pertained to the number three and the latest revision of the classic belt-driven, low-mass unsuspended plinth turntable is its most substantial yet. The perfect choice for those starting out on their vinyl adventure, it sounds every bit like a Rega should. By which we mean every spin of an LP dishes out a performance that is both assured and fun.

Yamaha continues to expand its MusicCast range with a host of recently launched products that include multi-channel receivers, soundbars, streaming speakers and even a piano, all geared for audio fans looking to evolve a multi-room system around the home. Models offering a more traditional two-channel focus in the new lineup include the R-N402D network stereo receiver (£400), that claims 2x 100W power output, supports PCM 24-bit/192kHz and DSD files, AirPlay and Bluetooth wireless connectivity and access to streaming servicesfrom the likes of Spotify, Qobuz, Juke and vTuner. There’s also a DAB/DAB+ tuner. Pictured above is the MCR-N470D Piano Craft music system (£450).

DETAILS Product: Yamaha HPH-PRO400 Price: £200 Type: Closed-back over-ear headphones Weight: 289g FEATURES - 50mm dynamic driver - Hard plastic headband with soft plastic covered cushion - Removable 1. 2m tangle-resistant flat cable Distributor: Yamaha UK Website: uk. yamaha. com .

New headphone from Japan

It wasn’t so long ago that the entire family would gather together to enjoy music in one room, and while sitting and listening to a crackly rendition of the Glen Miller Orchestra as father smokes a pipe and mother frets about what the neighbours think are very outdated concepts, individual members of the family still enjoy listening to music, but in their own space. Up until fairly recently this would’ve necessitated a separate system for every room, but now with the advent of multi-room one system can stream music anywhere in the house that you care to stick a set of speakers. All of which brings us rather neatly to Yamaha’s answer to multi-room, MusicCast. Rather than design a range of speakers to form a line of products, MusicCast is a feature set that has been added to a selection of Yamaha’s audio components allowing youto assemble a multi-room setup that includes the elements you desire in the places you want them.