Just when it seemed like the hi-fi market couldn't get any more interesting, Tonewinner releases the **TY-i60**—a network audio player that's been sparking conversations among audiophiles. This isn't just another streamer; it's packed with features that are hard to overlook.

At its core, the TY-i60 runs on **Android** and is powered by the **RK3568 processor**. Notably, it includes the **XMOS XU-316 USB interface** and an **ES9038 DAC chip** from ESS Technology. This combination allows the TY-i60 to handle high-resolution audio formats up to **PCM 32-bit / 768kHz**, **DSD512**, and even **MQA decoding**. That's some serious processing power for a device in this price range.

The front panel features a **5-inch color touchscreen**, making navigation a breeze. It comes preloaded with popular streaming apps like **Spotify**, **Deezer**, **Qobuz**, **Tidal**, and **Apple Music**. With support for **AirPlay**, **DLNA**, and **Roon**, there are plenty of options for streaming music. Control is straightforward, whether through the touchscreen, a remote control, or a smartphone app.

**Connectivity options** are abundant:

- **Outputs**:
  - Balanced XLR line output
  - Unbalanced RCA line output
  - Optical Toslink
  - Coaxial digital
  - USB OTG
  - HDMI (supports video up to 4K)
  - 3.5mm headphone jack

- **Inputs**:
  - USB-A port
  - SD card slot
  - M.2 NVMe SSD slot
  - Wi-Fi 5 (2.4GHz and 5.8GHz)
  - Ethernet RJ45 (10/100/1000 Mbps)

One standout feature is its ability to play audio not just from the network but also from local storage. USB drives, SD cards, and even an internal **M.2 NVMe SSD** can be used—perfect for those with extensive music libraries. Additionally, the TY-i60 supports **CD playback and ripping** via an external USB-C connected CD drive, making it versatile for various audio sources.

Under the hood, it's equipped with a **MALI G52 2EE GPU**, enabling **4K video decoding** and **1080p encoding**. This means it's not just an audio powerhouse but can integrate seamlessly into multimedia setups.

With a **signal-to-noise ratio** of ≥115dB (A-weighted, balanced output) and a **total harmonic distortion** of ≤0.0006%, the specs suggest a clean and detailed sound performance. The unit measures **300 x 101 x 283 mm**, fitting comfortably into most audio setups.

All these features come at a recommended retail price of **$830**, which seems competitive given the array of capabilities offered.

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Tonewinner Releases TY-i60: Advanced Network Audio Player with High-Res Support

It's been a tumultuous time for Sonos enthusiasts lately. Just when we thought things couldn't get more complicated, news emerged that CEO Patrick Spence has stepped down after a series of setbacks with the company's flagship mobile app and mounting dissatisfaction among shareholders.

Back in May 2024, Sonos rolled out a major update to their mobile application, but it quickly became apparent that this was more of a misstep than a leap forward. The update removed sleep timers without any warning—a feature many of us relied on for those late-night listening sessions. Worse yet, streaming music from a local NAS became impossible, disrupting countless home setups. Stability issues plagued the app, with frequent crashes and bugs that made it a headache rather than a convenience.

As the months rolled on, Sonos attempted to patch things up, but for many, it was a case of "too little, too late." The damage was done; customer trust waned, and the company's financials reflected this downturn. Shareholders voiced their dissatisfaction as the company's turnover dropped, and the costs to rectify these issues mounted.

In the wake of these events, the board decided it was time for a change at the top. Patrick Spence, who had been with Sonos since 2012 and moved into the CEO role after serving as the commercial director, stepped down. For the time being, board member Tom Conrad will serve as the interim CEO.

Interestingly, just a day after announcing the CEO transition, Chief Product Officer Maxime Bouvat-Merlin also departed. Employees suggest that Bouvat-Merlin bore significant responsibility for the decision to release the overhauled app before it was truly ready. Reports indicate that warnings from engineers and app testers about the software's readiness were ignored, leading to the troubled rollout.

In an email to staff, interim CEO Tom Conrad mentioned that the CPO position is now redundant and that Bouvat-Merlin's role is being eliminated. Conrad acknowledged the rapid changes, saying, "I know this is a lot of change to absorb in two days and I want to thank you for being resilient."

Conrad also took a moment to recognize Bouvat-Merlin's contributions, stating, "Max’s tenure represents an iconic era for Sonos products, including the award-winning Sonos One, Beam, Move, Ace, Arc, and Arc Ultra, establishing Sonos as the world leader in home theater audio and setting the foundation for our next chapter."

With these significant shifts in leadership, it's clear that Sonos is aiming to right the ship and regain the confidence of both its user base and investors. Only time will tell if these changes will lead to a resurgence for the company we’ve all come to know and love for its quality audio products.

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Sonos Leadership Shakeup Marks New Chapter

Sonos faces major leadership changes as CEO Patrick Spence steps down following app setbacks and 

It's always exciting when a new piece of gear catches our attention, and the Fezz Olympia EVO Integrated Amplifier is no exception. Hailing from Poland, Fezz Audio has unveiled an amplifier that seems to merge the warmth of classic tube sound with modern versatility, making it a noteworthy addition to the audiophile landscape.

The Olympia EVO Integrated Amplifier delivers a robust 100 watts per channel in a dual-mono configuration, powered by eight KT88 vacuum tubes. This setup promises a dynamic and immersive audio experience, harnessing the rich tonal qualities that tubes are celebrated for. Complementing the KT88s are two 12AX7 and two 12AU7 tubes, rounding out the amplifier's tube array for nuanced sound reproduction.

One of the amplifier's standout features is its user-friendly design. Equipped with a remote control, it offers the convenience that modern listeners appreciate. The inclusion of a standby mode and a 2-minute pre-heating cycle not only enhances performance but also extends the longevity of the tubes—a thoughtful touch for those who value durability.

Fezz Audio has also incorporated a modular expansion slot into the Olympia EVO, allowing for future upgrades like a Bluetooth adapter, DAC, or phono stage. This adaptability ensures that the amplifier can evolve alongside your system, accommodating new technologies and preferences without necessitating a complete overhaul.

On the technical front, the amplifier provides three RCA line inputs and a power amplifier input, supporting both 4-ohm and 8-ohm speakers. Its frequency response ranges from 16 Hz to 80 kHz, capturing a wide spectrum of audio frequencies with fidelity. With a total harmonic distortion of less than 0.1% below 100 watts and less than 1% at full power, the Olympia EVO emphasizes clean and accurate sound reproduction.

Additional specifications include a damping factor greater than 30, an input impedance of 50 kΩ, and a sensitivity of 0.7 V. Power consumption is rated at 350 W when idle and 700 W at full power, reflecting its substantial performance capabilities.

The Fezz Olympia EVO Integrated Amplifier is already available for purchase, with a recommended retail price of 23,900 zloty (approximately £5,495). For those seeking an amplifier that blends traditional tube aesthetics with modern functionality, it presents a compelling option that's both versatile and future-proof.

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Fezz Olympia EVO: The Modern Tube Amplifier

Discover the Fezz Olympia EVO: A Tube Amplifier with Remarkable Sound Quality and Versatile 

Teufel has unveiled the Kombo 62, a 2.1-channel CD receiver that combines an integrated amplifier, CD player, radio tuner, and network streamer all in one sleek unit. This versatile device also supports Bluetooth connectivity for mobile gadgets, making it a comprehensive solution for modern audio enthusiasts.

According to Teufel, the Kombo 62 delivers a solid 130 watts per channel into 4 ohms, with a maximum total harmonic distortion of 1%. The built-in slot-in CD drive plays both factory-pressed CDs and recordable discs (CD-R and CD-RW), ensuring compatibility with a wide range of optical media.

For connectivity, the Kombo 62 doesn't disappoint. It features an HDMI ARC input for seamless integration with your television, two analog line inputs, a digital optical input, and an analog output for connecting an active subwoofer. The front panel houses a USB-C input and a headphone jack for easy access.

Network-wise, you can hook it up via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, allowing access to Spotify Connect and TuneIn internet radio. While it's not a DLNA renderer, the streaming options cover most needs.

Control is flexible—you can use the buttons on the front panel, the included remote control, or the Teufel Remote app on your mobile device. If you're adding a subwoofer, the system menu lets you tweak sound settings and adjust the crossover frequency between the low-frequency module and the speakers.

Teufel offers the Kombo 62 as a standalone unit or in various bundles that include speakers and subwoofers. The CD receiver on its own is priced at €599.99 in Europe.

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Teufel Introduces Cutting Edge Kombo 62

Teufel Kombo 62: A CD Receiver with Amplifier, Network Streaming, and More - Only €599.99

Tonewinner Releases TY-i60: Advanced Network Audio Player with High-Res Support

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