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ToxFreeLife tested 81 headphone models from brands including Sony, Apple, JBL, Bose, Samsung, and Temu across European retail and online marketplaces.

Devices were dismantled into 180 hard and soft plastic samples, analyzed using solvent extraction, ultrasonics, and LC-MS/GC-MS laboratory techniques.

Hazardous substances were detected in all models, with bisphenol A found in nearly every sample regardless of price, brand prestige, or market positioning.

JBL Synthesis announced a major ecosystem expansion at ISE 2026, unveiling nine new speakers, two AV processors, one AV receiver, and a 1 kW subwoofer.

The new in-wall flagship SCL-2XL replaces SCL-2, featuring four 8-inch woofers and a compression tweeter for reference-level LCR performance in large theaters.

New XL in-wall models SCL-4XL, SCL-6XL, and SCL-7XL emphasize tonal matching, controlled directivity, and easier installation, while existing SCL counterparts remain available.

Audio Reference becomes the new German distributor for British analog specialist SME, strengthening its high-end portfolio after Brexit-related market changes.

Founded in 1946 as The Scale Model Equipment Company, SME evolved from aerospace precision engineering to a global reference brand for tonearms and turntables.

Iconic Series II tonearms, especially models 3009 and 3012 from the 1960s, set international benchmarks for construction quality and audiophile performance.

NOW Music announces "NOW Yearbook 1985–1989: The Final Chapter – Extra," a 3CD companion release positioned as the definitive closing statement for 1980s Yearbook editions.

The 3CD set expands beyond the 4CD main release, featuring major 1980s artists like George Michael, Pet Shop Boys, a-ha, Eurythmics, Sting, Sade, and Bruce Springsteen.

Tracks span pop, rock, and synth-driven hits, including notable selections like "Kissing a Fool," "Born in the U.S.A.," "Just Like Heaven," and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go."

PliXiR Elite BAC2000 MK II is a second-generation power conditioner positioned between BAC1500 MK II and BAC3000 MK II for mid-to-full-size high-end audio systems.

Delivering up to 2000 W output at 34 kg, BAC2000 MK II balances high power, mechanical stability, and more compact dimensions than the flagship BAC3000 MK II.

It uses PliXiR True Balanced Power architecture with a fully symmetrical Noratel transformer, designed for extremely low output impedance and unrestricted dynamic current delivery.

Musical Fidelity X-Power is a compact line power conditioner combining surge protection, extreme high-frequency noise suppression, and an integrated DC blocker for high-end HiFi systems.

Designed with only one IEC C14 input and one Schuko output, X-Power targets dedicated use with power amplifiers or clean supply for source-device chains.

Internally, a three-stage design includes dual surge protection, a custom EMI/RFI filter, and a DC blocker removing up to 2 V DC offset.

Limited-production universal IEM STELLA launches February 28 at ¥660,000, marking the first collaboration between Astell&Kern, VOLK AUDIO, and Grammy-winning mastering engineer Michael Graves.

STELLA employs a quad-brid 12-driver architecture, integrating dynamic, balanced armature, planar magnetic, and electrostatic drivers within a precisely controlled six-way network.

The LF-H low-frequency system combines a 9mm M9-R dynamic subwoofer with dual BA drivers, covering 20Hz–600Hz for deep bass weight, speed, and controlled tonal balance.

Google announced beta rollout in Japan of Gemini’s music generation feature using DeepMind’s Lyria 3 model, creating high-quality songs within seconds.

Lyria 3 improves audio generation with automatic lyric creation, finer creative controls over style, vocals, tempo, and enhanced realism and musical complexity.

Gemini supports two creation modes: text-to-music for genre, mood, or memories, and photo/video-to-music using visual context to compose songs.

Headphone Zone and Chinese audio brand KZ launched Thunder, their first ground-up co-developed in-ear headphones rather than a modified existing model.

Thunder is priced at 1,999 Indian rupees (~$22) and sold via headphonezone.in, offering 3.5 mm and USB Type-C versions.

The USB Type-C variant integrates a built-in DAC, eliminating adapters for smartphones without headphone jacks and ensuring consistent digital audio conversion.

Unison Research introduced the Italian-made Unico V2 series, featuring hybrid tube/solid-state Unico Pre V2 preamplifier and Unico DM V2 power amplifier with dual-mono architecture.

Unico Pre V2 flagship preamplifier debuts a new Unico design language, 15 mm aluminum front panel, Midnight Black or Velvet Gold finishes, and wood accents referencing brand heritage.

The Pre V2 uses a three-stage zero-gain hybrid topology with ECC83/12AX7 Gold Lion tubes, precision IC-based volume control, and extensive RCA, XLR, digital, and phono connectivity.

Devialet adds new Light Pearl and Deep Forest color options to its Gemini II true wireless earbuds, launching February 27 in Japan for ¥64,800.

Light Pearl debuts an ultra-matte off-white finish inspired by ceramic bisque, first seen with Phantom Ultimate, emphasizing elegant, cohesive Devialet design language.

Deep Forest introduces a rich, organic dark tone with subtle green nuances, expanding aesthetic variety while maintaining identical hardware and performance specifications.

Dutch manufacturer Hay End Audio introduced the Peitho 516DP, a floorstanding two-way dipole loudspeaker with an additional rear tweeter for enhanced spatial dispersion.

The Peitho series uses a simulated infinite baffle (open-baffle-like) design, delivering fast, neutral sound, high sensitivity, reduced resonances, and flexible placement near walls.

Peitho 516DP features a 12-inch paper-cone woofer, large horn-loaded compression tweeter with adjustable level, plus rear tweeter for wide, stable soundstage.

We Are Rewind announces a limited edition cassette player celebrating Pink Floyd, featuring the iconic Dark Side of the Moon prism artwork on the device.

The bundle includes a specially mastered Dark Side of the Moon cassette, produced with Sony and exclusively available within this limited edition package.

Unlike standard models using plastic controls, this edition upgrades to metal buttons, adding a more premium tactile feel and collector appeal.

Neumann M 50 V revives the iconic 1960s tube microphone for orchestral recording, combining vintage circuitry with modern reliability upgrades.

An omnidirectional K 33 Ti capsule sits in a 40 mm acrylic sphere, using a new titanium diaphragm for stability and longevity.

Original circuit topology is retained but updated with an ultra‑low‑noise subminiature tube and RF‑shielded connector to resist modern interference.

Yes reissued their 2002 concert album *Symphonic Live* on four 180‑gram vinyl LPs via Mercury Studios/UMG, released January 23, 2026.

The set captures the complete 14‑track Yes Symphonic Tour performance, recorded November 22, 2001, at Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam.

Lineup features Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Alan White, keyboardist Tom Brislin, joined by the European Festival Orchestra conducted by Wilhelm Keitel.

Google is testing a conversational AI tool for YouTube on TVs, expanding beyond web and mobile to smart TVs, consoles, and streaming devices.

A new “Ask a question” field appears under videos, offering preset prompts or voice queries via on-screen microphone or dedicated remote control buttons.

Viewers can request contextual insights, such as recipe ingredients during cooking videos or the creation history of songs while listening.

Leaks suggest Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro debut alongside upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra at next week’s event, expanding launches beyond smartphones.

Major redesign introduces flatter stems replacing rounded predecessors, delivering a distinctive aesthetic that departs from competitors’ shapes and prior Samsung generations.

Redesigned charging case is flat and squarish with clear folding lid; buds sit face-down, include USB‑C port and pairing button.

Cyrus Audio unveiled the 80 AMP networked integrated amplifier at The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2026, following an earlier 80 Series preview at Munich High End.

The Cyrus Audio 80 Series comprises three full-size components, marking a shift from compact designs toward higher power, performance headroom, and sonic authority.

Unlike the Munich prototype, the 80 AMP now appears as a finished production model with its streaming section fully implemented and ready for market demonstration.

Duran Duran’s 1993 ‘The Wedding Album’ and 1995 ‘Thank You’ are reissued on vinyl for the first time since original 1990s pressings.

Both albums receive upgraded 2LP black vinyl editions via Warner, correcting original single-LP constraints despite lengthy runtimes of 63 and 54 minutes.

‘The Wedding Album’ marked a major commercial revival, reaching No.4 UK and No.7 US, driven by hits ‘Ordinary World’ and ‘Come Undone’.

Amazon is rolling out a major Fire TV home-screen redesign in the United States, gradually updating streaming devices with a new, personalization-first interface.

The main navigation menu moves to the bottom of the screen, freeing space for large previews of recommended movies and series to speed content discovery.

Amazon emphasizes smarter recommendation algorithms tailored to individual viewing habits, claiming faster navigation and quicker access to relevant titles.