INSIDER TOP FIVE
Headphones, streaming systems and streamers – five of the best new hi-fi launches
1 Linn Klimax DSM
£30,000 According to Linn, the all-new Klimax DSM represents “a complete reimagining” of its top-of-the-line streamer. That’s largely down to its Organik DAC, the first-ever all-linn digitalto-analogue converter, manufactured entirely in-house and which Linn says delivers its “most natural sound ever”. It feeds a plethora of digital inputs, complemented by analogue connections and streaming features. A home cinema variant expands that connectivity list with HDMI socketry, too. whf.cm/klimaxdsm
2 Astell & Kern AK USB-C Dual DAC
£109 As we bask in an age of high-quality streaming and increasingly high-performing headphones, the weak link in on-the-go listening is invariably the audio output of sources. Portable DACS have come in to help right that wrong, and Astell & Kern is stepping in with a solution of its own for the increasing number of Usb-cported devices on the market. Essentially, this in-line DAC cable (which supports PCM 32-bit/384khz and DSD256 files) is designed to be the link between USB-C devices and headphones, and improve the audio quality in the process.
WHF.CM/AKUSBC
3 Cambridge Audio Evo 75
£1799 Cambridge’s first entry into the just-add-speakers system market is naturally based on its established Streammagic streaming platform for playback over – deep breath – DLNA, Airplay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, aptx HD Bluetooth and internet radio. There are plenty of physical connections (a pricier Evo 150 offers more, plus extra power) and that walnut wooden panel you see up top is a nod to Cambridge’s first-ever product, the 1968-released P40 amplifier. whf.cm/evo75
4 B&O Beoplay HX
£499 B&O is gunning for the noise-cancelling headphones crown with its latest premium effort. The HX claims an impressive 35 hours of battery life with noise-cancellation on (or 40 hours without it) and boasts B&O’S nextgeneration noisecancelling technology, which has different intensity levels that are selectable on the cans themselves or in the dedicated app. whf.cm/bohx
5 Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+
£799 Bluesound says the Soundbar+ takes the original Pulse Soundbar 2i (which we awarded a highly-commended four stars under intense review) and pushes its credentials even further – not least with Dolby Atmos support, powered by a ‘3D immersive audio engine’. TVS, game consoles, music-streaming services, laptops, and music libraries can all be accessed through HDMI EARC, Airplay 2, two-way aptx HD Bluetooth, optical, RCA, USB, and Bluesound’s own BLUOS streaming system. whf.cm/pulsesoundbar