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Q Acoustics Easyfit In-Ceiling Speaker Series targets mainstream custom installation with faster mounting, discreet design, and competitive pricing in a crowded architectural audio market.

Initial lineup includes 6.5-inch QI65CE, QI65CWE, and QI65CWE Stereo models, with an 8-inch QI80CE version scheduled for release later in 2026.

Innovative Easyfit mounting system uses four high-tension spring fixings, eliminating power tools and screw clamps to reduce installation time and long-term failure risk.

iFi Go Link 2 is the brand’s smallest DAC yet, 8% smaller and 29% lighter than Go Link, targeting phone and laptop audio upgrades.

Designed for Hi‑Res and Lossless streaming from Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Qobuz, it delivers up to 62% lower distortion than predecessors.

The DAC supports up to 32‑bit/284kHz playback, reproducing extremely detailed audio, while S‑Balanced output cuts crosstalk by 50% for cleaner separation.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, German hi-fi manufacturer AVM launches a limited Bronze-Edition of its Inspiration Series in 2026.

The Bronze-Edition includes the AS 2.3 streaming amplifier and CS 2.3 all-in-one system, based on proven Inspiration 2.3-generation technology.

Both models feature AVM’s proprietary X-STREAM Engine supporting high-resolution streaming via Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Apple AirPlay 2, and Roon Ready.

Astell&Kern PD20 is the first high-end DAP integrating Audiodo Personal Sound, performing independent left/right ear hearing analysis to create individualized playback profiles.

Included calibration earphones and an onboard hearing test measure frequency sensitivity, generating data-driven correction profiles instead of relying on fixed EQ presets.

Triple AMP architecture offers Class A, Class A/B, and Hybrid modes with real-time switching and adjustable bias current levels for precise headphone matching.

Totaldac Balloon is a passive spherical loudspeaker designed as a wideband point source, suitable for small and large rooms.

The 500 mm one-piece spherical cabinet minimizes edge diffraction, improving phase coherence and precise sound radiation from a true point source.

A coaxial two-way driver combines a 10-inch woofer with a 1-inch compression tweeter and circular horn hidden behind the dust cap.

Gustard R26II is a second-generation R2R DAC/streamer featuring a fully discrete 26-bit R2R architecture derived from flagship R30, quadrupling resolution over its predecessor.

The DAC supports native 1-bit DSD processing, achieving over 130 dB dynamic range for black backgrounds and the organic, textured sound prized by R2R enthusiasts.

Digital inputs include USB-B and LAN with native DSD512 support, plus I2S handling up to DSD2048 and PCM 1536 kHz for extreme-resolution playback.

iFi Audio GO link 2 is a compact USB-C DAC dongle designed to restore high-quality wired headphone audio on smartphones and laptops without analog jacks.

The updated design reinforces the short USB-C cable for improved durability against twisting, while maintaining an ultra-lightweight 7.8-gram form factor.

Output power increases by 33% to 100 mW at 32 ohms, enabling confident driving of more demanding wired headphones beyond basic in-ear models.

Sonoro audio unveiled STREAMER and AMPLIFIER at ISE 2026 Barcelona, targeting professional multiroom and custom installation markets with reliability, integration simplicity, and high-fidelity sound.

Sonoro STREAMER acts as a network streaming hub featuring ESS SABRE DAC, HDMI eARC, optical S/PDIF I/O, analog inputs/outputs, subwoofer out, USB-A, trigger output, EQ, and bass management.

Sonoro AMPLIFIER combines streaming with a Class D integrated amplifier delivering 2 x 250 W into 4 ohms, ESS SABRE DAC, HDMI ARC, S/PDIF, analog input, sub out, LAN and WLAN.

JOYSOUND launches a limited collaboration room at Shinagawa Konan-guchi from March 4 to May 6 for the “Momoclo Summer Bakasawagi 2025” campaign.

The room features JBL Bar 1300MK2 soundbar, delivering Dolby Atmos playback of Momoiro Clover Z live footage with immersive, concert-like spatial audio.

Exclusive digest video content is curated from Day 2 of the “Momoclo Summer Bakasawagi 2025” Blu-ray, tailored specifically for this collaboration room.

Sony released flagship true wireless WF-1000XM6 on February 27, priced ¥44,550 direct, ¥45,000 on Amazon, in black or silver, both in stock.

As a successor to the 2023 model, Sony collaborated with mastering engineers to deliver sound faithful to artists’ intent.

Audio upgrades include new QN3e noise-canceling processor and a dedicated 8.4mm dynamic driver for higher resolution, richer detail.

iFi Audio introduced the second-generation GO link 2 USB DAC/headphone amplifier, redesigned to be 8% smaller and 29% lighter than its predecessor.

GO link 2 bypasses internal smartphone and laptop DACs, converting any USB source into a high-resolution digital player with true plug-and-play operation.

The ESS Sabre DAC supports up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and native DSD256, with optimized tuning reducing distortion by 62% versus the original GO link.

Nakamichi launches the Elite Pro P800J on February 27, an open-back wired headphone with an 80mm planar magnetic driver, priced around ¥142,220 for home use.

The design rejects portable-focused compromises, adopting studio-grade noise suppression using a 3-core shielded cable and 4.4mm 5-pole plug with dedicated GND.

A 4N OFC 1.3m cable with mini-XLR connectors physically blocks RFI/EMI noise, dramatically improving perceived silence and “blackness” in the audio background.

Epson Lifestudio Flex Special Lux Edition EF‑73 doubles as a 4K PRO‑UHD projector and stylish interior object with premium glass, suede, and gold accents.

Compact Night Black design includes LED ambient lighting with four modes and a built‑in wireless charging pad, allowing placement on shelves or bedside tables.

Uses Epson 3‑chip processor, 3‑layer LCD panel, and RGB LED light source, delivering 1000 lumens brightness and adjustable 30–150‑inch projection.

Jabra announced the Polish launch of Evolve3 85 (over-ear) and Evolve3 75 (on-ear) headsets, available from March 1, 2026, priced at PLN 1999 and PLN 1499 respectively.

Both models eliminate the traditional microphone boom, using Jabra ClearVoice with deep neural network (DNN) processing trained on tens of millions of sentences for professional voice clarity.

Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation dynamically adjusts in real time during calls and music, complemented by Enhanced Spatial Sound and Sidetone for more natural, less fatiguing conversations.

Disney+ has completely removed HDR support, including HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, due to an ongoing patent dispute affecting all subscription tiers.

Previously, static HDR10 remained as a fallback, but it was silently removed, leaving all Disney+ content available only in SDR format.

The affected Premium subscription costs €15.99 per month or €159.90 annually and was the only tier that originally included HDR formats.

OpenAI plans to enter consumer hardware with an AI-centric smart speaker, potentially launching around 2027, expanding beyond software like ChatGPT into physical products.

Unlike Amazon Echo or Apple HomePod, OpenAI’s smart speaker reportedly integrates a camera plus microphones, enabling environmental awareness and object-based visual queries.

The device could support face recognition for multi-user personalization and shopping use cases, with an expected price range of 200–300 USD and near-term delivery goals.

Harman Embedded Audio will showcase premium embedded audio and seamless connectivity innovations at Mobile World Congress 2026, held March 2–5 in Barcelona.

Demonstrations at the Harman Automotive booth (#2D51, Hall 2) highlight integrated hardware and software enabling intuitive, human-centered experiences across connected devices.

HEA emphasizes end-to-end B2B capabilities in audio and voice projects, supporting co-branding opportunities that strengthen product differentiation and brand identity.

Apple announced its first major 2026 event, branded a "special Apple Experience," scheduled for March 4 in London, New York, and Shanghai.

The most anticipated launch is iPhone 17e, logically timed after the iPhone 16e anniversary on February 19, signaling Apple’s continued mid-cycle smartphone strategy.

Rumored MacBook and iPad updates may introduce next-generation processors and possibly advanced display technologies, marking meaningful performance and efficiency improvements across core product lines.

Oppo Enco Air5 Pro debuts in China as a midrange successor to 2024’s Enco Air4 Pro, priced at 330 yuan (~$48).

Outstanding battery life delivers up to 13 hours per charge without ANC, extending to 54 hours total with the charging case.

Audio upgrades include 12‑mm dynamic drivers with 100% increased amplitude for deeper bass, plus Bluetooth 6.0 and LHDC 5.0 support.

Fostex launches Amazon Japan–exclusive TH909LE, a simplified-package version of open-back TH909, removing the headphone stand and using minimal packaging, priced at ¥239,800.

Limited-quantity special sale confirmed on Amazon.co.jp, observed at 15:00 on the 27th, emphasizing availability only while stock lasts.

Open-back housings use premium Mizume Sakura wood, finished in Bordeaux urushi lacquer by Sakamoto Ototsugu Shoten, with dual-layer etched aluminum vents.