News

Chord Electronics has unveiled a new solid-black machine-polished acrylic side panel option for itsflagship Reference range and its full-size Chord range. All double and quad-height products (see below for full list) in Chord Electronics’ two upper ranges can now be ordered with the new solid-black acrylic side panels as an alternative to the traditional Integra Leg System; Chord’s single-height products will also be available with the new side panels later in the year. Each block is precision-machined from solid-black acrylic and then machine polished to a piano black finish and the new design is said to take its inspiration from Bauhaus styling. Chord Electronics tells us that compatible products already in service can also be retro-fitted with the panels as a chargeable factory upgrade.

Opened in 1958 Top Ten Records has become Dallas’ oldest record store. In an effort to keep the store running, the owners came up with the brilliant idea of inviting fans to subscribe and become members of what’s now a non-profit archive. Let’s hope other stores follow its lead. .

If you’re in the market for aluxury all-in-one music player, MarkLevinson’s N°519 digital audio player may just be the ideal media hub for you. It’s a wired and wireless network-ready DAC capable of handling 32/192 PCM music files with DSD support as well as CD playback via the front disc-loading slot. The black with silver trim aluminium housing is designed and built in the USA and the company claims it uses a pure path discrete, direct coupled, fully balanced, dual-monaural signal path for best performance. Around the back there’s a hostof digital connection options, including balanced, coaxial, optical and USB asynchronous inputs.

Looking to redefine audio luxury, French manufacturer Aëdle’s in-ear headphones aim to combine minimalism and refined design with outstanding audio performance. Its latest release, the ODS-1 features a hybrid sound engine with a balanced armature driver and 10mm titanium diaphragm dynamic transducer that’s claimed to deliver powerful and warm lows with highly refined highs to render a fully immersive sound signature. Hand crafted in its Parisian workshop, the ODS-1 has a machined aluminium housing along with ear hooks and MMCX detachable cable sheathed in calf’s leather from Venetia. The removable cable has a remote control and microphone, and is compatible with iOS and Android operating systems.

Described by exposure as being ideal for those that don’t want the cost or size of their system to spiral out of control, the new XM series amplifier and phono stage are designed for users for who space is a premium. The XM5 integrated offers a claimed 60W per channel output (into 8ohm) and includes moving-magnet phono, line-level and fixed gain AV inputs. Digital connections comprise two coaxial and two optical inputs able to accept signals up to 32/192 and a single USB port (up to 24/192 and DSD). It features a linear power supply with a 200VA custom-made toroidal power transformer.

Inside our March Issue: The way we listen to music and the audio equipment we aspire to is continuously evolving. A quick glance through the pages of this month’s issue demonstrates that there are plenty of new products emerging to grab the attention of serious music fans, but many break with what hi-fi aficionados would consider to be traditional components. Take this month’s exclusive review of Acoustic Energy’s AE1 Active standmount loudspeaker, which takes the iconic AE1 design – celebrating 30 years since its introduction – and has evolved it into a truly active loudspeaker for next-gen audio fans. Active speakers have traditionally been the staple of the pro audio sector, with few models making the crossover to the domestic market as home hi-fi fans prefer the potential upgrade flexibility that’s offered by a separate amplifier, rather than opting for a speaker design with dedicated amplification built in.