INSIDER TOP FIVE

A Denon AV amp, headphones from Grado and Sony, a Rotel preamp and a Mcintosh Bluetooth transceiver – all new product launches

1 Denon AVC-X8500HA

£3699

It was back in 2018 that Denon launched its last top-of-the-range home cinema amplifier, the AVC-X8500H, so there are plenty of upgrades on the menu here. The addition of that extra ‘A’ brings a dedicated 8K input that supports 8K/60HZ upscaling and passthrough; 4K/120HZ pass-through and 40Gbps transmission from all compatible sources. There is also out-of-the-box support for the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualiser as well as DTS: X Pro; and gaming features such as Variable Refresh Rate and Quick Media Switching. whf.cm/x8500ha

2 Grado SR325X

£330

Grado has taken one of the most celebrated open-back headphone designs in What Hi-fi? history and improved it once more. The Prestige X Series is a model-for-model replacement of the E series and includes successors to the multi-award-winning SR325E. Grado has introduced a new, fourth-generation driver, which uses both a new magnetic circuit (for improved efficiency) and a newly designed voice coil and diaphragm (to further reduce distortion), plus new cabling and a refined aesthetic. whf.cm/prestigex

3 Sony WF-1000XM4

£250

Sony has finally released successors to our favourite true wireless earbuds. The XM4 now support high-resolution music thanks to Sony’s LDAC codec and new Integrated Processor V1, allowing transmission of files up to 32-bit/96khz over Bluetooth at up to 990kbps. New 6mm drivers are onboard, as is enhanced upscaling processing and noise-cancellation technology, a 24-hour battery life, and a rounder, more compact and (this time) water-resistant build. whf.cm/xm4

4 Rotel RC-1590MKII

£1695

Following the recent announcement of its second-generation 14 and 15 Series amplifiers, Rotel has now launched second-gen versions of two of its preamplifiers, including the reference RC-1590MKII. Replacing the original 2015-released model, it benefits from an enhanced acoustic circuit that borrows technologies engineered for the high-end Michi series, and a number of ‘critical’ component changes. Among its numerous connections are balanced XLR inputs and outputs, a PC-USB input that supports MQA, and a moving magnet phono stage. whf.cm/1590mkii

5 Mcintosh MB20

£649

Recognising the convenience of Bluetooth and the fact that not every hi-fi system – especially those of the vintage variety – has it integrated, Mcintosh has launched a two-way, aptx Hd-supporting Bluetooth transceiver that brings it to any home audio set-up. In receiver mode, the MB20 can accept audio from a phone or any other Bluetooth source for playback through the system it’s connected to. In transmitter mode, the transceiver can send music playing on a system, including from vinyl and CDS, to a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Neat. whf.cm/mb20