Some might believe that high-end audio is reserved for older generations. The younger generation doesn’t really appreciate good sound, do they? The answer is yes, especially as they become acquainted with the difference between subpar and great sound. There’s a reason, after all, that retro tech is in style, particularly devices like turntables. There are always exciting new high-end audio products coming to market, and we have highlighted five new ones for 2024.
Marantz Horizon and Grand Horizon Wireless Speakers
Not only do these speakers sound glorious, they also look incredibly cool. Employing a circular design, the Marantz Horizon and Grand Horizon are large and designed for use in a dedicated listening room, or as part of a larger home theatre or two-channel system. While you can connect multiple of them via the HEOS wireless music platform, just a single speaker, particularly the larger Grand Horizon, can fill an entire room with immersive sound. Get 310W output from the Horizon and 370W from the Grand Horizon. The Horizon comes equipped with a 6.5-inch sub, pair of one-inch silk dome tweeters, and three full-range drivers and the Grand Horizon an 8-inch sub, three one-inch tweeters, and four mid-range drivers. They support popular streaming services, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay2, analog, optical, HDMI, and USB-C music drives. Customize the listening experience in the HEOS app and tap the 100 concealed LED lights with proximity sensors to adjust the volume. Wrapped in a bespoke sustainable fabric and shipping with a colour-matched marble base, you can also get the optional American walnut tripod floor stands or wall brackets. They will come in Midnight Sky, Moon Ray, or Marantz Champagne for US$3,500 and US$5,500 once they start shipping on January 14, 2025.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Wireless Speaker
When Bowers & Wilkins initially introduced the original Zeppelin back in 2007, it was a sight to behold. It remains as such with its signature oval, spaceship-like design, and it has been updated this year as the new Zeppelin Pro Edition. Available now in Solar Gold and Space Grey, it has upgraded titanium dome tweeters at the far edges that help fully isolate vibrations. There’s additional technology typically found in the brand’s premium floor-standing speakers, all of which work together to provide more room-filling sound in a small chassis. This is complemented by the 150mm subwoofer that adds deeper, more refined bass. You can use it on its own or connect it wirelessly to others for a multi-room system. Stream via Bluetooth aptX adaptive, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and from popular streaming services, and control everything in the handy Music app. It sells for $999.
Fuse Audio GLD Vertical Vinyl Record Player
Available at a more accessible price point than some other record players on the market, and not as “high-end” in terms of sonic quality than others, the Fuse Audio GLD Vertical Vinyl record player is still worth including for its game-changing design and ability to allow you to enjoy the purity of vinyl at home. It’s currently only available via Kickstarter campaign, but the project was fully funded in just half a day. As of today with a month still to go, funding has far exceeded the campaign ask with more than a half million from backers. This indicates there’s massive interest for it. Why? The record player is unlike any other, employing a unique design in that, as the name implies, it’s vertical in orientation so the records slot in like you’d mount a wheel. Wrapped in real ashtree wood veneer with gold and black trim that delivers a stunning mid-century modern design, you presumably get pretty powerful sound from the 36W speakers, one-inch tweeter, and four-inch woofer. Early backers can get one for US$199, but the price once it’s officially available in January 2025 will be more. It’s a space-saving statement piece as much as it is a perfect addition to a high-end audio room.
Audeze CRBN Electrostatic Headphones
You’re probably used to headphones that cost a few hundred bucks, maybe even up to $500. These, however, are in a class of their own. The Audeze CRBN2 electrostatic headphones are US$5,995 but justify the price through the inclusion of the company’s patent pending Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator (SLAM) technology, which improves transparency and bass response, something those with particularly discerning ears will hear. As it optimizes air pressure distribution across the driver, says the company, you will enjoy enhanced low-frequency performance while avoiding increase distortion. Every pair is hand-assembled and tested by experts in California to meet the highest standards, while they’re designed to look and feel luxurious as well with leather earpads and a suspension headband strap. Interestingly, the design of these headphones was born from a project by a team working on the creation of headphones for use in MRI machines. Now, you can enjoy this superior sound for your own listening pleasure at home.
Michi Q5 Transport DAC Audiophile-Grade CD Player
Still have a collection of CDs you want to listen to, swearing that the sound quality is worlds above what you get with streaming? Or maybe you simply prefer the old-school method. The Michi Q5 Transport DAC has an eight-channel digital-to-analog converter that provides solid sound without distortion. It has a top-loading CD mechanism mounted on a custom floating spring assembly that helps reduce vibrations so you get stable playback. Housed in a CNC-machined aluminum chassis, it supports PC-USB (up to 32-bit, 384kHz) with MQA and DSD 4X support and 24-bit/192kHz coaxial and optical inputs. The front full colour display even shows CD album artwork, a far cry from the basic CD players of yesteryear. It’s set to be available in November 2024 for $8,499.
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