Berlin-based MBL was originally formed “to build a loudspeaker that better replicated the live experience”, with its unique Radialstrahler omnidirectional designs that “look as unique as they sound”. But, as incredible as they are, to think of MBL as “merely a loudspeaker brand is a grave disservice to its audio electronics”, says Alan Sircom, who reports on his recent “access all areas” visit to the company’s manufacturing plant in Germany. Continue reading “Meet your maker”: Hi-Fi Plus editor visits MBL’s manufacturing plant in Germany
Category Archives: DDPR news & musings
“Crystal clear”: The Absolute Sound reviews Aesthetix’ new Pallene Preamplifier and Dione Power Amplifier
Gracing the cover of US audio magazine The Absolute Sound’s January issue are Californian electronics specialists Aesthetix’ new Pallene and Dione hybrid preamp and power amp duo. Reviewer Wayne Garcia takes a deep dive into this price / performance barrier-breaking pair, and lines up a conversation with designer Jim White.
“The light fantastic”: Hi-Fi Plus reviews DS Audio’s entry-level DS-E3 optical cartridge and equalizer
Launched in summer 2024, DS Audio’s new entry-level optical cartridge and equalizer borrows ‘third generation’ optical technology from the company’s flagship Grand Master model, aiming to deliver superb performance at a remarkably accessible price point. Chris Frankland puts it to the test in the latest issue of Hi-Fi Plus. Continue reading “The light fantastic”: Hi-Fi Plus reviews DS Audio’s entry-level DS-E3 optical cartridge and equalizer
Two Editors’ Choice Awards from The Absolute Sound for Furutech’s noise reduction innovations
Japanese hi-fi cable and accessories experts Furutech have spent decades on research, development and ongoing innovation to enable discerning listeners to get ever-closer to their favorite music, using their ‘pure transmission’ technologies to allow the delicate musical signal to remain as unimpeded and as crystal-clear as possible. Neil Gader at US magazine The Absolute Sound finds them “difficult to part with”.
“A shoo-in”: MBL C41 network player wins The Absolute Sound’s Product of the Year Award 2025
How do you sum up MBL’s new C41 network player in one succinct sentence? US audio magazine The Absolute Sound puts it like this: “A technological marvel at a ridiculously low price” – for which MBL receives a coveted Product of the Year Award. Continue reading “A shoo-in”: MBL C41 network player wins The Absolute Sound’s Product of the Year Award 2025
“Astonishing”: DS Audio’s Grand Master Extreme wins The Absolute Sound’s Product of the Year Award 2025, while the DS-003 takes an Editors’ Choice Award
Is there an award that hasn’t been won by one or more of DS Audio’s pioneering optical cartridges? The brand and its products continue to wow reviewers and customers alike – and with good reason, given designer Tetsuaki Aoyagi’srelentless commitment to further advancing his innovative technologies and designs, and equally to bringing the benefits of optical technology to ever-more accessible price points, thanks to his judicious use of trickle-down technology.
“Silky stereo”: Hi-Fi News reviews MBL’s C41 network player
“MBL’s C41 takes gold!” announces the headline on the cover of the latest issue of Hi-Fi News, as Andrew Everard reviews the German brand’s newest addition to its Cadenza line, with editor Paul Miller providing lab reports. Continue reading “Silky stereo”: Hi-Fi News reviews MBL’s C41 network player
“The little things that matter”: The Absolute Sound reviews Furutech’s NCF Clear Line RCA and XLR signal line optimizers
“Electrical noise is everywhere,” writes Neil Gader in his recent ‘Short Takes Equipment Report’ for US audio magazine The Absolute Sound, “and it bombards our electronics.” Fortunately, Japanese cable and accessories experts Furutech are ever on the case, with a raft of proprietary solutions – and they work! Continue reading “The little things that matter”: The Absolute Sound reviews Furutech’s NCF Clear Line RCA and XLR signal line optimizers
“A sonic breakthrough in digital playback”: The Absolute Sound reviews MBL’s C41 network player
“Better listening through science” is the sub-title of Jonathan Valin’s review of the newest addition to MBL’s most affordable Cadenza line of components. Thanks to the technical innovations of designer Jürgen Reis, the C41 network player is “not just a world-class digital source component, but also an extraordinary bargain”. But first, “Let’s start with a curious fact,” begins Valin… Continue reading “A sonic breakthrough in digital playback”: The Absolute Sound reviews MBL’s C41 network player
Six Aesthetix products are top ‘home listening’ choices in The Absolute Sound’s new Editors’ Choice Awards 2025
Scroll down through these news stories and you’ll see that Californian valve / tube electronics experts Aesthetix are regular winners in The Absolute Sound’s annual Awards. While the Awards have changed their format this year, Aesthetix’ multiple wins remain a constant, with six components in the November issue’s focus on hi-fi designed for the typical home listening / living room. Continue reading Six Aesthetix products are top ‘home listening’ choices in The Absolute Sound’s new Editors’ Choice Awards 2025
David Denyer PR | The hi-fi specialist 