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Late Night HiFi

Acoustic Signature MCX4

Benchmark Media Systems LA4

Acoustic Signature Tango Reference NEO

Furman IT-Reference 15i

Acoustic Signature Hurricane NEO

Acoustic Signature TA-2000 NEO

Benchmark Media Systems AHB2

Auralic Aries G1.1

Tascam CD-200BT

Focal is a brand that specializes in high-fidelity audio equipment.

Focal

The Kanta N°3 is a sophisticated and high-performing 3-way floor-standing speaker designed to deliver high-fidelity sound, positioning itself as the reference point for the Kanta line. Its modern and sleek aesthetic allows it to seamlessly integrate into both stereo and home cinema systems, offering a visually appealing and acoustically superior experience. This speaker incorporates a suite of exclusive technologies developed by Focal, ensuring impeccable audio quality and clarity. 

The Kanta N°3 is available in refined finishes, including White High Gloss and White Mat, which enhance its modern design. This attention to detail in both technology and appearance means that the Kanta N°3 does not only perform audibly but also serves as a stylish addition to any listening environment. The product's modern design and advanced technological features make it a top choice for audiophiles seeking the perfect blend of performance and elegance.

Kanta N°3

At CES 2025, a significant shift in home theater connectivity standards was unveiled. The HDMI Forum introduced HDMI 2.2, doubling the previous version’s bandwidth to 96 GBit/s, catering to the rising demands of 8K video and high refresh rates. However, the spotlight quickly moved to an emerging competitor poised to surpass HDMI’s capabilities: the General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI).

Developed by the Shenzhen 8K UHD Video Industry Cooperation Alliance, GPMI promises an impressive 192 GBit/s bandwidth, effectively doubling HDMI 2.2’s performance. This advancement ensures seamless support for 8K and beyond, with enhanced electrical performance of up to 480 watts. Major manufacturers, including Hisense and TCL, are backing this initiative, indicating a robust industry push towards this new standard. GPMI’s integration with the USB ecosystem, utilizing both USB Type-C and a proprietary Type-B connector, offers versatile connectivity options and higher power delivery, making it suitable for a wide range of devices from compact notebooks to large televisions.

Technically, GPMI distinguishes itself with its bidirectional capabilities for audio, video, data transfer, and device charging, potentially eliminating the need for separate power connections. The Type-C variant provides 96 GBit/s and up to 240 watts of power, while the Type-B variant doubles the bandwidth and power, delivering 192 GBit/s and 480 watts. Additionally, GPMI incorporates Cableinfo Link (CL) for device control and an alternative to HDCP known as ADCP, enhancing both functionality and security.

Despite its technical superiority, GPMI faces challenges in market adoption. HDMI benefits from a long-established ecosystem and global presence, particularly in the United States where HDMI LA is based. GPMI’s initial focus appears to be the Chinese market, supported primarily by Chinese manufacturers. The transition from a well-entrenched standard to a new contender will require significant industry collaboration and consumer acceptance, factors that will determine whether GPMI can attain HDMI’s widespread dominance.

The introduction of GPMI marks a pivotal moment in home entertainment technology, driven by the need for higher performance and greater independence from existing standards. As Chinese manufacturers seek to navigate the complexities of international trade dynamics, GPMI offers a promising alternative that could reshape the future of home theater connections. The industry now awaits the deployment of devices featuring GPMI, anticipating its impact on the global market in the coming months.

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CES 2025 Unveils Groundbreaking GPMI Connectivity Standard

Lee Mendelson Film Productions (LMFP) is breathing new life into Vince Guaraldi's cherished jazz compositions with a series of vinyl releases slated for Record Store Day 2025. Known for crafting the memorable scores of the classic Peanuts TV specials from the 1960s and '70s, LMFP has unearthed previously unreleased gems from Guaraldi's extensive archives. The latest offering, the soundtrack for *It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!*, marks the first time this beloved score is available in album form. Featuring 25 original cues distilled into 19 tracks, the release faithfully captures the authentic Guaraldi sound, enhanced by meticulous mastering at 45 RPM to ensure superior fidelity.

The *It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!* LP will be available as a limited, numbered edition of 2,000 purple vinyl copies. Additionally, an eco-conscious version is offered on 180-gram BioVinyl, a sustainable material made using recycled cooking oil instead of petroleum. This release showcases Guaraldi's diverse instrumentation, including clavinet, ARP String Ensemble, electric harpsichord, and guitar, delivering a rich and melodious listening experience. The album is complemented by a special “Woodstock Medley,” recorded by original sidemen Mike Clark and Seward McCain alongside pianist David Benoit, extending the album to approximately 30 minutes of 1960s-styled jazz.

Craft Recordings, the boutique arm of Concord Music responsible for Guaraldi’s Fantasy Records catalog, is also participating in Record Store Day 2025 with a special release of *Jazz Impressions of a Boy Named Charlie Brown: Alternate Takes*. This edition includes alternate versions of tracks from the original 1964 album, providing listeners with insights into Guaraldi's creative process. Pressed on sky-blue vinyl and mastered by GRAMMY-winning engineer Paul Blakemore, the limited run of 3,400 copies features studio chatter and different approaches to classic pieces like “Linus and Lucy” and “Schroeder,” offering a fresh perspective on these timeless compositions.

Both releases emphasize high-quality production standards, with pressing lacquers expertly cut by Matthew Lutthans at Cohearent Audio. Pricing for *It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!* is set at $29.99, while *Jazz Impressions of a Boy Named Charlie Brown: Alternate Takes* is available between $25.00 and $31.00, depending on the retailer. Collectors and audiophiles can anticipate an exceptional addition to their vinyl collections, celebrating the enduring legacy of Vince Guaraldi's music.

Record Store Day 2025 promises to be a significant event for fans of Guaraldi and jazz enthusiasts alike, offering rare and high-fidelity recordings that honor the artistic brilliance of a legendary composer. These meticulously crafted releases not only preserve but also enhance the musical heritage of Vince Guaraldi, ensuring his melodies continue to resonate with new generations of listeners.

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Vinyl Reissue of Vince Guaraldi's Beloved Scores Announced

Denon continues to uphold its legacy in audio excellence with the introduction of two new true wireless earbuds: **AH-C500W** and **AH-C840NCW**. These models reflect Denon’s commitment to delivering pristine sound quality and meticulous engineering, catering to enthusiasts who view audio as an integral part of their daily lives.

The **AH-C840NCW** stands out with its hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) system, allowing users to immerse themselves fully in their music or stay aware of their surroundings with the transparency mode. Equipped with 12mm drivers featuring biocellulose membranes and Free Edge technology, these earbuds deliver an immersive listening experience. Additional features include up to 35 hours of battery life, fast charging capabilities, dual microphones for clear calls, IPX4 water resistance, Bluetooth LE Audio with Auracast support, and multi-point connectivity. Users can also customize their experience through the Denon Headphones app and enjoy the convenience of wireless charging and USB-C connectivity.

On the other hand, the **AH-C500W** offers a versatile option for everyday use. With high-performance 12mm drivers and Free Edge technology, these earbuds provide exceptional sound quality in a more accessible package. They boast up to 24 hours of battery life, a quick 10-minute charge for an additional hour of playback, and are similarly rated IPX4 for water resistance. The AH-C500W also features twin microphones for crystal-clear voice calls, Auracast audio sharing, and seamless multi-point connectivity. Designed for comfort, these earbuds include ergonomic silicone ear tips available in four sizes, ensuring a secure fit for prolonged use.

Both models support advanced Bluetooth features such as Google Fast Pair and Windows Swift Pair, enhancing the ease of connectivity across multiple devices. The ergonomic design of the AH-C500W, combined with the sophisticated noise-cancelling capabilities of the AH-C840NCW, make Denon’s latest offerings highly appealing to audiophiles seeking both performance and comfort.

Set to launch in Russia in June 2025, the Denon AH-C500W and AH-C840NCW are available in sleek black and white finishes. Priced at €99 and €159 respectively, these earbuds are poised to make a significant impact in the competitive true wireless market, reinforcing Denon’s reputation for delivering superior audio technology.

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Denon AH-C840NCW and AH-C500W True Wireless Earbuds Announced

Loewe has unveiled its latest innovation in wireless home cinema with the introduction of the **We Boost** system. Designed to deliver an immersive audio experience, We Boost eliminates the need for cumbersome cabling, allowing for a seamless setup that fits effortlessly into any living space.

The system features a **4.1.2-channel configuration**, comprising four wireless satellite speakers and a powerful subwoofer, with the option to add a center speaker for enhanced dialogue clarity. Departing from the conventional soundbar design, the upward-firing drivers in We Boost create a **three-dimensional soundstage**, leveraging Dolby Atmos technology to provide a more engaging and realistic audio environment for movies, music, and gaming.

With a total output of **720 watts**, We Boost ensures robust and dynamic sound performance. Audio signals are transmitted wirelessly via the included **HDMI eARC adapter**, supporting high-fidelity formats such as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Audio, and Dolby TrueHD. This setup not only preserves audio quality but also minimizes latency, ensuring synchronization between audio and on-screen action.

Connectivity options are versatile, featuring a line-in port and Bluetooth capabilities. Users can easily adjust settings like bass, treble, and sound profiles through an integrated OLED display or the remote control, which utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for efficient performance. 

Priced at **€999**, the Loewe We Boost system is set to become available this month through authorized retailers and directly from Loewe in Europe. This release marks a significant advancement for those seeking high-performance, wireless home theater solutions without the complexity of traditional wired setups.

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Loewe Introduces We Boost: A Wireless Home Cinema Revolution

Radio remains a cherished medium for audiophiles, seamlessly blending nostalgia with modern technology. The latest addition to the market, the Panasonic RF-D40, exemplifies this fusion with its stylish retro design and advanced features. Crafted with a wooden exterior, the RF-D40 measures 268 x 160 x 108 mm, making it a compact yet elegant centerpiece for any room.

Equipped with both FM and DAB+ tuners, the RF-D40 offers access to a broad spectrum of radio stations. Its internet radio capability allows listeners to stream stations globally, enhancing the traditional radio experience. The device is powered by two wideband drivers and a 2 x 3 W RMS amplifier, ensuring clear and robust sound quality that meets the discerning standards of audio enthusiasts.

Connectivity is a strong suit of the RF-D40, featuring Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless wireless streaming from smartphones and other devices. Additionally, the inclusion of a USB 3.0 interface provides versatile options for music playback and firmware updates. The front panel boasts a 6-inch color display, offering easy navigation and information visibility, complemented by practical functions such as an alarm clock and sleep timer.

User convenience is further emphasized with 30 preset slots, allowing for quick access to favorite stations. Despite its rich feature set and premium build, the Panasonic RF-D40 is competitively priced at €129, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality and style without a hefty price tag. This model underscores Panasonic's commitment to delivering reliable and aesthetically pleasing audio equipment in today's digital age.

Late Night HiFi

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