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  • Goldmund Mimesis Statement: Three-Chassis Flagship Preamplifier with Independent Power Supplies

    Goldmund Mimesis Statement: Three-Chassis Flagship Preamplifier with Independent Power Supplies

    Goldmund Mimesis Statement

    Goldmund Mimesis Statement

    Swiss high-end audio manufacturer Goldmund has introduced the Mimesis Statement, its new flagship analog preamplifier featuring a three-chassis architecture that separates the main preamplifier from two dedicated external power supply units. Designed to maximize channel isolation and signal integrity, the Mimesis Statement incorporates fully symmetrical circuitry, a new volume control system, and an extensively redesigned power supply architecture.

    Unveiled in October 2026 at Goldmund’s headquarters in Geneva, the Mimesis Statement represents a comprehensive rethinking of the company’s analog preamplifier design. Its technical specifications include a frequency response extending from 0.2Hz to 1.5MHz, extremely low distortion figures, and a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 130dB. With a reported US price of $240,000, it occupies the uppermost tier of the ultra-high-end audio market.

    Goldmund Mimesis Statement

    Three-Chassis Architecture with Dedicated Power Supplies

    The defining feature of the Mimesis Statement is its unusual three-chassis configuration. While conventional preamplifiers typically integrate their power supply within the main enclosure or employ a single external power supply, Goldmund has adopted two completely separate power supply units, each dedicated to one audio channel.

    The main chassis houses the preamplification circuitry, while the external units independently supply power to the left and right channels. This physical separation is intended to reduce unwanted electrical interaction between channels and provide stable, low-noise operating conditions for the sensitive analog circuitry.

    A fully symmetrical internal architecture complements the independent power supplies. According to Goldmund, the combination of physical separation and symmetrical circuit design improves channel isolation while minimizing interference along the signal path.

    The approach reflects the importance of power supply quality in high-end preamplification. Since a preamplifier handles relatively low-level signals before passing them to a power amplifier, suppressing power supply noise and unwanted electrical coupling is a fundamental design consideration.

    Goldmund Mimesis Statement

    New Discrete Voltage Regulation and Audio Circuitry

    Goldmund has developed a new generation of power supply electronics for the Mimesis Statement, building upon its established discrete regulation principles. The revised architecture introduces additional voltage regulation stages designed to improve noise rejection and maintain stable operating conditions for the audio circuitry.

    The main preamplifier chassis also contains a newly developed audio board featuring a redesigned circuit architecture and volume control management system. Proprietary internal wiring has been introduced to reduce unwanted interactions between signal paths, while optimized heat dissipation helps maintain consistent operating conditions.

    These developments form part of a broader engineering approach that considers power delivery, signal management, electrical interference, and thermal stability as interconnected aspects of preamplifier performance.

    Rather than emphasizing additional digital functions or integrated streaming capabilities, Goldmund has focused the Mimesis Statement on the precision of analog signal processing.

    Ultra-Wideband Frequency Response Extending to 1.5MHz

    One of the most striking specifications of the Mimesis Statement is its exceptionally wide frequency response. Goldmund specifies a bandwidth of 0.2Hz to 1.5MHz within ±3dB, extending far beyond the conventional audible range of approximately 20Hz to 20kHz.

    Such wideband performance reflects Goldmund’s longstanding emphasis on signal accuracy and transient response. Extending an amplifier’s bandwidth beyond the audible spectrum can support favorable phase behavior within the audio band, although an extremely wide frequency response does not automatically guarantee superior audible performance.

    The published distortion measurements are similarly ambitious. Total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) is specified at 0.0002%, while intermodulation distortion plus noise (IMD+N) is rated at 0.0006%. Both figures are measured using the unbalanced input-to-output signal path.

    The signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 130dB through the line input, rising above 138dB with A-weighting.

    Together, these figures illustrate the engineering priorities behind the Mimesis Statement: low noise, minimal distortion, broad frequency response, and precise analog signal transfer.

    Extensive Analog Connectivity and Power Amplifier Integration

    The Mimesis Statement offers a comprehensive selection of analog connections for high-end systems. Its input configuration includes four RCA connections and three balanced XLR inputs, with additional RCA connection options depending on configuration.

    Output connectivity includes three sets of XLR/RCA outputs alongside dedicated tape outputs, allowing the preamplifier to accommodate various amplification and recording arrangements.

    Goldmund has also introduced two independent trigger outputs capable of switching between 0V and 12V. These connections allow the Mimesis Statement to control the operating state of two compatible power amplifiers simultaneously.

    This feature is particularly relevant when the preamplifier is paired with Goldmund’s high-end monoblock amplifiers, including the Telos 9800. In such a system, the Mimesis Statement can serve as the central control component, coordinating the operation of a complete amplification chain.

    Unlike preamplifiers designed around integrated DACs, streaming platforms, or network playback, the Mimesis Statement maintains a dedicated analog architecture centered on signal integrity and system control.

    A New Design Language Shared with the Telos 9800

    The exterior of the Mimesis Statement continues Goldmund’s tradition of restrained geometric design while introducing several distinctive visual elements.

    The front panel incorporates a new glass-covered display and metal-coated controls. A fine recessed gold line extends across all three chassis, visually unifying the components despite their deliberately separated functions.

    This design language establishes a clear relationship with Goldmund’s Telos 9800 flagship monoblock power amplifier, reinforcing the identity of the company’s latest statement-level amplification system.

    The three-chassis arrangement also gives the Mimesis Statement a particularly imposing physical presence, emphasizing the extent to which its internal architecture has been separated into dedicated functional units.

    Together with the Telos 9800, the new preamplifier represents Goldmund’s continuing efforts to advance its flagship amplification technology through revised circuit design, power supply engineering, and mechanical construction.

    Specifications

    SpecificationGoldmund Mimesis Statement
    Product TypeFlagship Analog Preamplifier
    ArchitectureThree-Chassis
    Power SuppliesTwo Independent External Units
    Channel ConfigurationFully Symmetrical
    Power RegulationMulti-Stage Discrete Voltage Regulation
    Volume ControlNewly Developed Volume Management System
    Frequency Response0.2Hz–1.5MHz (±3dB)
    THD+N0.0002%
    IMD+N0.0006%
    Signal-to-Noise RatioGreater than 130dB
    A-Weighted S/N RatioGreater than 138dB
    RCA Inputs4 Standard Connections
    Balanced Inputs3 XLR
    Analog Outputs3 XLR/RCA Output Sets, Tape Outputs
    Trigger Outputs2 × 0V/12V
    Reported US Price$240,000
    AnnouncementOctober 2026

    The Goldmund Mimesis Statement has been reported at a US price of $240,000. UK pricing has varied between published reports, while the manufacturer’s initial announcement does not specify an official retail price or a definitive release date. Availability and pricing in individual markets remain subject to confirmation.

    The Mimesis Statement represents an unusually uncompromising approach to analog preamplification. By dedicating separate external power supplies to each channel and combining them with symmetrical circuitry, advanced voltage regulation, and exceptionally wide bandwidth, Goldmund has concentrated its engineering resources on the fundamental requirements of signal integrity.

    Although its price places it firmly within a highly exclusive segment of the audio market, the Mimesis Statement offers an interesting example of how far manufacturers are prepared to extend power supply isolation, circuit architecture, and mechanical construction in pursuit of high-fidelity analog reproduction.

    Source : Goldmund https://goldmund.com/preamplifiers-collection/mimesis-statement-preamplifier/

  • Esoteric Revives Classic Recordings by Lorin Maazel, Akiko Suwanai, and Linda Ronstadt on SACD

    Esoteric Revives Classic Recordings by Lorin Maazel, Akiko Suwanai, and Linda Ronstadt on SACD

    Japanese high-end audio manufacturer Esoteric has announced three new additions to its SACD reissue series, featuring recordings by conductor Lorin Maazel, violinist Akiko Suwanai, and American singer Linda Ronstadt. The releases cover a wide musical spectrum, from French orchestral repertoire and violin concertos to one of the defining pop albums of the 1970s. All three titles have undergone new DSD remastering at the Esoteric Mastering Center and are scheduled for release in Japan on December 12, 2026.

    Esoteric SACD

    Lorin Maazel and the Cleveland Orchestra: The Cleveland Years

    The first release, The Cleveland Years – Esoteric Selections, is a three-disc collection of recordings made by Lorin Maazel during his tenure as music director of the Cleveland Orchestra. Drawing primarily from his Decca recordings of the 1970s, the collection highlights the conductor’s interpretations of French orchestral music, particularly works by Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel.

    The repertoire includes Debussy’s La Mer, Nocturnes, Ibéria, and Jeux, alongside Ravel’s complete Daphnis et Chloé. The collection also features Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, offering a broader perspective on Maazel’s Cleveland-era recordings.

    Produced during a period when analog recording technology had reached a high level of refinement, these performances are particularly interesting from an audiophile perspective. Their orchestral complexity, layered instrumental textures, and expansive dynamic range provide demanding material for evaluating spatial imaging, tonal balance, and the reproduction of large-scale acoustic performances.

    Akiko Suwanai: Sibelius and Walton Violin Concertos

    The second release features Japanese violinist Akiko Suwanai performing the violin concertos of Jean Sibelius and William Walton, together with Ernest Chausson’s Poème. Suwanai performs on the celebrated 1714 Stradivarius known as the “Dolphin,” an instrument formerly associated with Jascha Heifetz.

    For the Sibelius and Walton concertos, Suwanai is accompanied by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under Sakari Oramo. Chausson’s Poème features the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Charles Dutoit.

    The concerto recordings were made in 2002 at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, while Poème was recorded in 2004 at Watford Colosseum. Bringing these performances together on a newly remastered SACD offers an opportunity to explore the distinctive acoustic environments of the two venues, as well as the tonal character and expressive nuances of Suwanai’s violin playing.

    For audiophiles, the recording also provides an interesting examination of the relationship between a solo instrument and a full orchestra, particularly in the reproduction of violin harmonics, string textures, and the spatial positioning of the soloist within the orchestral soundstage.

    Linda Ronstadt: Heart Like a Wheel

    The third title moves beyond classical music with Linda Ronstadt’s landmark 1974 album Heart Like a Wheel. The record marked a major commercial breakthrough for Ronstadt, becoming her first album to reach No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 and establishing her as one of the leading voices in American popular music.

    Featuring songs such as You’re No Good, When Will I Be Loved, and It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, the album blends country, rock, and pop influences through sophisticated arrangements and polished studio production.

    Recorded primarily in Los Angeles during 1974, Heart Like a Wheel captures an important period in American popular music, when advances in multitrack recording and studio production allowed engineers to create increasingly detailed and carefully balanced recordings. Ronstadt’s expressive vocals are supported by a rich collection of acoustic and electric instruments, giving the album considerable appeal as both a musical landmark and a reference for evaluating vocal reproduction.

    For this release, Esoteric has returned to the original master material to create a new DSD remaster. Its inclusion alongside two classical releases demonstrates the company’s continuing interest in applying its mastering philosophy across different musical genres and recording traditions.

    Newly Remastered at the Esoteric Mastering Center

    All three releases have been newly remastered at the Esoteric Mastering Center, the company’s dedicated mastering facility established to bring its high-end audio engineering expertise into the production of recorded music.

    Rather than simply licensing and repackaging existing recordings, Esoteric approaches its reissue series as an extension of its audio reproduction philosophy. The company employs a carefully assembled mastering system incorporating components from its flagship Grandioso range, including the Grandioso D1X digital-to-analog converter, C1X preamplifier, and G1X master clock generator.

    Additional equipment includes the Grandioso S1 power amplifier, G-02X clock generator, and MEXCEL cables. The digital mastering environment incorporates a specially configured Merging Technologies Pyramix workstation, which Esoteric has customized for its own production requirements.

    The remastering work was supervised by Motoaki Ohmachi, with engineering by Masaya Tono. According to Esoteric, the objective is to extract and preserve the musical information contained in the original masters while maintaining the expressive qualities of the performances.

    The significance of these releases lies not simply in the use of DSD technology, but in the opportunity to revisit historically important recordings through a new mastering process. As with any remastered edition, however, improvements in perceived sound quality cannot be assumed from the format alone and ultimately depend on the mastering decisions and the condition of the original source material.

    Three Hybrid SACD Releases Arriving December 12

    Lorin Maazel / The Cleveland YearsESSD-90330/32 (3 discs)¥9,900
    Akiko Suwanai / Violin ConcertosESSD-90333 (1 disc)¥4,000
    Linda Ronstadt / Heart Like a WheelESSJ-90334 (1 disc)¥4,000

    All three titles will be issued as hybrid SACDs, combining a high-density SACD layer with a conventional CD layer. This allows playback on compatible SACD players while maintaining compatibility with standard CD players.

    The releases are scheduled for December 12, 2026, through authorized Esoteric retailers in Japan. International availability and pricing have not yet been confirmed.

    Esoteric’s continuing commitment to physical high-resolution media is particularly noteworthy at a time when music consumption is increasingly dominated by streaming. By revisiting orchestral recordings, violin performances, and classic studio albums through a dedicated remastering process, the company continues to explore the relationship between recording quality, mastering technology, and high-fidelity music reproduction.

    Source : Esoteric https://www.esoteric.jp/en/support/news/754

  • Audiolab PPA7 Combines MM/MC Phono, aptX HD Bluetooth and 24-bit/192kHz Vinyl Recording

    Audiolab PPA7 Combines MM/MC Phono, aptX HD Bluetooth and 24-bit/192kHz Vinyl Recording

    오디오랩 Audiolab PPA7

    Audiolab PPA7 Phono Amp

    Audiolab has introduced the PPA7, a new standalone phono preamplifier that combines conventional MM/MC cartridge support with a dedicated headphone amplifier, Bluetooth transmission and USB recording for digitising vinyl.

    Priced at £499 in the UK, $699 in the U.S. and A$1,099 in Australia, the PPA7 is scheduled to go on sale in late October 2026. It is Audiolab’s first standalone phono stage in roughly two decades.

    오디오랩 Audiolab PPA7

    MM and MC Cartridge Support

    The PPA7 provides separate RCA inputs for moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges.

    The MM input is fixed at 47k ohms, with selectable capacitance settings of 100pF or 220pF. The MC input offers selectable loading of 100 ohms or 330 ohms.

    Maximum gain is rated at 52dB for MM and 66dB for MC, with an additional ±6dB of gain adjustment in 1dB steps.

    The RCA output can be configured as either fixed or variable, allowing the PPA7 to feed a conventional integrated amplifier or preamplifier, or connect directly to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers.

    오디오랩 Audiolab PPA7
    오디오랩 Audiolab PPA7

    Wired and Wireless Headphone Listening

    Audiolab also includes a dedicated 6.35mm headphone output.

    The headphone amplifier uses a current-feedback design and delivers up to 600mW, making it possible to build a compact vinyl listening setup around only a turntable, the PPA7 and a pair of wired headphones.

    The more unusual feature is Bluetooth 5.3 transmission.

    The PPA7 does not receive music from a phone. Instead, it converts the turntable signal and sends it wirelessly to compatible Bluetooth headphones or speakers, with aptX HD supported for higher-quality transmission.

    That gives users the option of listening to vinyl wirelessly without changing the basic analogue source setup.

    Vinyl Recording Up to 24-bit/192kHz

    The USB-C connection is used as a recording output, rather than as a digital audio input.

    An internal ADC allows vinyl playback to be sent to a PC or Mac and captured at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz.

    Supported recording rates range from 44.1kHz to 192kHz, with both 16-bit and 24-bit options available. Recording level can be adjusted from -12dB to +3dB, helping users avoid clipping when digitising records with different output levels.

    This feature may be especially useful for archiving rare records, alternate masterings or albums that are unavailable on streaming services.

    Recording at 24-bit/192kHz, however, should not be interpreted as meaning that the original vinyl source contains equivalent digital resolution. The figure describes the capability of the PPA7’s analogue-to-digital conversion stage.

    Analogue Playback with Modern Convenience

    The PPA7 is designed to preserve the role of a conventional phono preamplifier while adding optional digital functions around it.

    Users can keep the signal path simple through the RCA output, listen privately through wired headphones, send records wirelessly via Bluetooth, or archive them through USB-C.

    Audiolab has styled the PPA7 to match the company’s recent D7 DAC, using a compact 208mm-wide aluminium chassis with a 33mm OLED display. Black and silver finishes will be available.

    The broader idea is to bridge two types of vinyl user: listeners who want a traditional phono stage, and those who also want to integrate headphones, wireless playback and digital archiving into the same system.

    Key Specifications

    • Type: MM/MC phono preamplifier
    • MM input impedance: 47k ohms
    • MM capacitance: 100pF / 220pF
    • MC load impedance: 100 ohms / 330 ohms
    • Maximum gain: MM 52dB / MC 66dB
    • Additional gain adjustment: ±6dB in 1dB steps
    • Analogue output: RCA, fixed / variable
    • Headphone output: 6.35mm
    • Maximum headphone output: 600mW
    • Bluetooth: 5.3 transmitter
    • Bluetooth codec: aptX HD
    • USB: USB-C recording output
    • Maximum recording resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
    • Recording level adjustment: -12dB to +3dB
    • Display: 33mm OLED
    • Dimensions: 208 × 56 × 180mm
    • Weight: approx. 1.4kg
    • Finishes: Black / Silver
    • UK price: £499
    • U.S. price: $699
    • Australian price: A$1,099
    • Availability: Late October 2026

    Source : Audiolab https://www.audiolab.co.uk/products/ppa7

  • Bluetooth LE HDT Lossless and Hi-Res Audio Standard Is Coming in 2027

    Bluetooth LE HDT Lossless and Hi-Res Audio Standard Is Coming in 2027

    Bluetooth LE HDT

    Bluetooth is preparing to bring lossless and high-resolution audio into its core standard. At a press briefing in Tokyo, the Bluetooth SIG outlined plans to introduce Bluetooth LE High Data Throughput (HDT) with speeds of up to 7.5Mbps, followed by a standardized Hi-Res and Lossless Bluetooth audio framework in 2027.

    Today’s high-quality Bluetooth market is largely built around proprietary technologies such as LDAC, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless. If the Bluetooth SIG succeeds in establishing a common lossless and hi-res standard, future smartphones, headphones, earbuds and audio devices could become less dependent on manufacturer-specific codec support.

    Bluetooth LE HDT Reaches Up to 7.5Mbps

    The foundation of the new audio system is Bluetooth LE High Data Throughput (HDT).

    Current Bluetooth LE tops out at around 2Mbps, while HDT is designed to raise maximum throughput to 7.5Mbps.

    The Bluetooth SIG plans to finalize the HDT specification by the end of 2026. At its October 15 briefing in Tokyo, semiconductor company Bestechnic also demonstrated 24-bit/96kHz audio transmission over Bluetooth LE HDT.

    That does not mean Bluetooth will simply transmit uncompressed 24-bit/96kHz PCM in every situation. Real-world wireless transmission also has to account for packet overhead, error correction, link management and changing radio conditions.

    HLC Becomes the New Lossless Codec

    Alongside HDT, the Bluetooth SIG is developing a new codec called HLC, or High-Resolution/Lossless Codec.

    The latest publicly available version is HLC 0.9r05 Draft, and interoperability testing between member companies is already underway.

    HLC is intended to support both high-resolution and lossless audio streaming. Previous Bluetooth SIG requirements for lossless audio specify that decoded output should be bit-exact compared with the original input.

    The biggest difference compared with technologies such as LDAC or aptX Lossless is that HLC is being developed as part of the Bluetooth standard itself, rather than as a proprietary codec controlled by a single company.

    If widely adopted, that could improve compatibility between devices from different manufacturers.

    Bluetooth Lossless 블루투스 HDT

    2027 Could Be a Turning Point

    The Bluetooth SIG plans to complete HDT by the end of 2026 and introduce standardized Hi-Res and Lossless Bluetooth audio in 2027. The organization also plans to unveil new premium wireless audio technology at CES 2027.

    That does not mean current Bluetooth devices will automatically gain lossless playback through a software update. Both the transmitting and receiving devices are likely to require hardware and software support for HDT and HLC.

    For audiophiles, the most important part of the announcement is not simply the jump to 7.5Mbps. It is the move toward a common Bluetooth standard for high-quality wireless audio, reducing the fragmentation created by multiple proprietary codecs.

    Actual sound quality, battery consumption, connection stability and device support will only become clear once commercial products arrive, but 2027 could mark a significant shift in the way Bluetooth audio is implemented.

    Key Technology and Timeline

    • Bluetooth LE HDT maximum throughput: 7.5Mbps
    • Current Bluetooth LE maximum throughput: around 2Mbps
    • HDT specification target: end of 2026
    • New audio codec: HLC
    • Current HLC status: 0.9r05 Draft
    • Standardized Hi-Res / Lossless Bluetooth audio: planned for 2027
    • Demonstration: 24-bit/96kHz audio over Bluetooth LE HDT
    • CES 2027: new premium wireless audio technology expected

    Source: Bluetooth SIG https://www.bluetooth.com/de/blog/bluetooth-le-will-soon-get-a-major-boost-in-speed-introducing-bluetooth-high-data-throughput-hdt/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

  • Naim Mu-so Utopia Brings 15 Focal Drivers, 720W and Dolby Atmos to a Flagship All-in-One

    Naim Mu-so Utopia Brings 15 Focal Drivers, 720W and Dolby Atmos to a Flagship All-in-One

    Naim Audio has introduced the Mu-so Utopia, a new flagship all-in-one music system that brings Focal’s Utopia loudspeaker technology into the Mu-so platform for the first time.

    The system combines 15 Focal drivers, 720 watts of hybrid amplification, Dolby Atmos processing and high-resolution network streaming in a single aluminium enclosure. Priced at £4,499 in the UK and $5,500 in the U.S., Mu-so Utopia went on sale on October 15, 2026.

    Rather than simply replacing an existing Mu-so model, the new product pushes the concept significantly further upmarket, targeting listeners who want a single-box system capable of handling serious music playback as well as TV, movies and immersive audio.

    Naim Mu-so Utopia

    15 Focal Drivers and 720 Watts of Amplification

    Mu-so Utopia uses a total of 15 drive units.

    Across the front are three 6 × 3-inch bass drivers, two 2.75-inch midrange units and two 1-inch tweeters. Additional full-range drivers are positioned along the sides and top of the enclosure to create a wider and more immersive sound field.

    The midrange section uses Focal’s M-profile W-cone technology, while the high-frequency drivers are new-generation PRISM tweeters. Both are manufactured in France.

    Total amplification is rated at 720 watts, making this the most powerful Mu-so model to date. Most of the drivers are powered by Class D amplification, while the tweeters use Class AB stages in a hybrid configuration.

    Naim specifies a frequency response of 30Hz to 20kHz within ±3dB, with low-frequency extension reaching 25Hz. Maximum output is rated at 109dB SPL at one metre, and the system is intended for rooms of up to roughly 50 square metres.

    Dolby Atmos Up to 7.1.2 from a Single Enclosure

    Mu-so Utopia is designed to serve as more than a music system.

    An HDMI eARC connection allows it to work directly with a television, with Dolby Atmos processing supporting layouts up to 7.1.2.

    This does not mean the system contains discrete physical speakers at every conventional 7.1.2 position. Instead, the side- and upward-firing drivers work with digital signal processing to create a more expansive immersive sound field from a single chassis.

    Focal and Naim use a set of processing modes called Sphere Audio Modes, combining beamforming, crosstalk cancellation and room reflections to widen the apparent soundstage and create a stronger sense of height and surround information.

    Different playback modes can be selected for music and film, allowing the same system to switch between conventional stereo listening and Dolby Atmos content.

    ADAPT Room Tuning

    Mu-so Utopia also introduces ADAPT, or Adaptive Acoustic Personal Tuning.

    Through the Focal & Naim app, users enter information such as the distance between the system and nearby walls, the ceiling and the main listening area. The software then adjusts DSP settings to suit the installation.

    This is different from room-correction systems that use a microphone to measure the room automatically. ADAPT instead relies on user-entered spatial information to optimize the system for its surroundings.

    For a product designed to sit in a variety of living-room locations, that flexibility is likely to be important in real-world installations.

    Naim Pulse Platform and 32-bit/384kHz Streaming

    Network playback is built around Naim’s latest Pulse Platform.

    Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 and Gigabit Ethernet, while high-resolution playback supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD64/DSD128.

    Supported streaming platforms and protocols include:

    • Spotify Connect
    • TIDAL Connect
    • Qobuz Connect
    • Apple AirPlay
    • Google Cast
    • UPnP
    • Presto Music
    • Internet radio

    Bluetooth support is listed officially as Bluetooth 5.1, with SBC and AAC codecs.

    That is relatively conservative compared with some products that emphasize high-resolution Bluetooth codecs, but Mu-so Utopia is clearly designed around Wi-Fi and Ethernet as its primary routes for serious music playback.

    At launch, Roon Ready is not listed among the official supported features, so it should not be assumed until certification is separately confirmed.

    TV, External Subwoofer and Multi-Room Expansion

    Alongside HDMI eARC, Mu-so Utopia includes an optical digital input and Gigabit Ethernet.

    A dedicated RCA subwoofer output is also provided, allowing users to extend low-frequency performance with an external subwoofer if required.

    Even though the system itself reaches down to a claimed 25Hz, the additional output makes it possible to adapt the setup for larger rooms or more demanding home-theatre use.

    Within the Focal & Naim ecosystem, up to 32 compatible network products can be synchronized for multi-room playback.

    Integration with home-control platforms including Control4, Savant and Crestron is also supported.

    Utopia Comes to Naim

    Perhaps the most important word in the product name is simply Utopia.

    For decades, Utopia has represented Focal’s highest-end loudspeaker engineering. Mu-so Utopia is the first Naim product to carry that name.

    The original Mu-so concept focused on compressing Naim’s amplification and streaming expertise into a premium lifestyle product. With Mu-so Utopia, Focal’s loudspeaker technology becomes far more central to the design.

    The exterior reflects that positioning. The enclosure is finished in brushed black aluminium, with red detailing inspired by Focal’s Utopia range. Naim’s illuminated control dial remains on the top panel.

    At roughly one metre wide and 14.1kg, this is no longer a compact wireless speaker in the usual sense. It is closer to a complete living-room audio system contained within a single chassis.

    A Different Role from Mu-so Hekla

    Focal and Naim have already introduced the Mu-so Hekla, another all-in-one product with a strong emphasis on Dolby Atmos and home cinema.

    Mu-so Utopia occupies a somewhat different position.

    While both systems combine multiple drivers, immersive audio processing and network streaming, Naim positions Mu-so Utopia more explicitly around music reproduction and audiophile performance.

    The Utopia name reinforces that distinction.

    At £4,499, it also sits well beyond the traditional premium wireless-speaker category. The more relevant comparison is with complete stereo systems where amplification, streaming and loudspeakers would normally be purchased separately.

    Mu-so Utopia is therefore less about replacing a conventional soundbar and more about asking how much of a high-end music system can be condensed into a single product without abandoning serious loudspeaker engineering.

    Key Specifications

    • Type: Flagship all-in-one network audio system
    • Drivers: 15 total
    • Immersive processing: Up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2
    • Total amplification: 720W
    • Amplification: Class D + Class AB hybrid
    • Front bass drivers: 6 × 3-inch ×3
    • Front midrange: 2.75-inch Focal M-profile W-cone ×2
    • Front tweeters: 1-inch Focal PRISM ×2
    • Side and top drivers: 8 full-range units
    • Frequency response: 30Hz–20kHz (±3dB)
    • Low-frequency extension: 25Hz
    • Maximum SPL: 109dB at 1m
    • Networking: Wi-Fi 6 / Gigabit Ethernet
    • PCM: Up to 32-bit/384kHz
    • DSD: DSD64 / DSD128
    • Streaming: Spotify Connect / TIDAL Connect / Qobuz Connect / AirPlay / Google Cast / UPnP / Presto Music
    • Bluetooth: 5.1
    • Bluetooth codecs: SBC / AAC
    • TV connection: HDMI eARC
    • Digital input: Optical
    • Subwoofer output: RCA
    • Room tuning: ADAPT
    • Immersive processing: Sphere Audio Modes
    • Multi-room: Up to 32 Focal & Naim products
    • Weight: 14.1kg
    • UK price: £4,499
    • U.S. price: $5,500
    • Availability: October 15, 2026

    Source: Naim Audio / Focal https://www.naimaudio.com/products/mu-so-utopia

  • JBL Cove Global Rollout Begins with Roon, Qobuz Connect and Multi-Room Audio

    JBL Cove Global Rollout Begins with Roon, Qobuz Connect and Multi-Room Audio

    JBL Cove Wi-fi Speakers

    JBL has begun the global rollout of its new Cove whole-home audio system, following the range’s initial announcement in September. The line consists of three wireless speakers — Cove M1, P1 and X1 — designed to work individually, as stereo pairs or as part of a wider multi-room setup.

    JBL first unveiled Cove on September 1, with European availability scheduled for October. Sales have since started across key markets, including the UK and Europe, while the range has also launched in Australia. The three models are now appearing across JBL’s regional stores as the company moves from announcement to full commercial rollout.

    JBL Cove

    Three Models for Different Rooms and Uses

    The Cove range is built around three models aimed at different spaces and listening scenarios.

    JBL Cove

    The compact Cove M1 is a mains-powered Wi-Fi speaker using a 105mm woofer and three 20mm tweeters. Total amplification is rated at 110 watts, with a claimed frequency response of 55Hz to 20kHz (-6dB).

    JBL Cove

    The Cove P1 adds portability. It combines a 105mm woofer with one 20mm tweeter and three 30mm tweeters in a 3.0.1-channel configuration, driven by 120 watts of amplification. Its built-in battery provides up to 14 hours of playback, while IP56 dust and water resistance allows it to be used more flexibly around the home. Dolby Atmos Music is also supported.

    At the top of the range, the Cove X1 uses four 30mm tweeters and two 90 × 120mm racetrack woofers, with a total output of 200 watts. Frequency response is rated at 45Hz to 20kHz (-6dB), and Dolby Atmos Music is supported here as well.

    From AirPlay to Roon

    One of Cove’s strongest features is the breadth of its network-audio support.

    Through the JBL One app, multiple Cove speakers can be grouped together for synchronized playback, or used independently in different rooms. Depending on region and service availability, the platform supports AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect and Roon Ready operation.

    Bluetooth connectivity is also included across the range, while Auracast provides another option for wireless expansion.

    For audiophile users, the inclusion of Roon Ready and Qobuz Connect is particularly notable. It positions Cove as more than a simple Bluetooth speaker system and gives it a direct route into existing network-audio ecosystems.

    Music Follows Me

    JBL has also tried to simplify one of the more awkward aspects of multi-room audio: moving playback from room to room.

    The Music Follows Me feature allows users to transfer music or TV audio to another Cove speaker by pressing and holding the Moment button on the target speaker. The idea is to let playback follow the listener without requiring constant regrouping inside the app.

    That usability focus is important in a category where software experience can matter as much as hardware specifications. Cove is designed so that speakers can remain part of a wider home system while still being used individually when needed.

    Automatic Room Adjustment

    The Cove family incorporates several of JBL’s processing technologies, including Automatic Self-Tuning, Constant Sound Field and AI Sound Boost.

    Automatic Self-Tuning is intended to adapt playback to the acoustic characteristics of the room. Constant Sound Field aims to maintain a more consistent tonal balance as the listener moves away from the central listening position.

    AI Sound Boost monitors the incoming audio signal and driver behaviour in real time, with the goal of maintaining dynamics while limiting distortion at both low and high listening levels.

    The P1 and X1 add Dolby Atmos Music support for compatible immersive-audio content.

    Extending into Home Cinema

    Cove is also designed to work beyond music-only systems.

    When paired with compatible JBL Bar MK2 soundbars, Cove speakers can be used as wireless rear channels, allowing the same products to move between music playback and home-theatre duties.

    That gives JBL a broader ecosystem strategy: users can start with a single wireless speaker, expand into stereo or multi-room audio, and then integrate the same family into a soundbar-based surround system.

    This places Cove in direct competition with established whole-home audio platforms from companies such as Sonos and Bluesound, where ecosystem breadth and software integration are central to long-term user retention.

    Starting at $229.95

    U.S. pricing is set at $229.95 for the Cove M1, $399.95 for the P1 and $449.95 for the X1.

    In the UK and Europe, pricing is listed at £199.99 / €229.99 for the M1, £399.99 / €449.99 for the P1, and £429.99 / €499.99 for the X1.

    All three models are offered in black and white finishes.

    With sales now beginning across multiple regions, the significance of Cove is no longer the product announcement itself, but JBL’s entry into the global whole-home audio market with a platform that combines broad streaming support, immersive audio and multi-room flexibility.

    The real test will be how well the JBL One software, room synchronization and long-term service integration perform once the system is in wider use.

    Key Specifications

    Cove M1Cove P1Cove X1
    Power output110W120W200W
    Channel configuration3.03.0.13.0.1
    Bass driver105mm ×1105mm ×190×120mm ×2
    Tweeters20mm ×320mm ×1 + 30mm ×330mm ×4
    Frequency response55Hz–20kHz50Hz–20kHz45Hz–20kHz
    Dolby AtmosNoYesYes
    BatteryNoUp to 14 hoursNo
    Dust / water resistanceNoIP56No
    Wi-FiYesYesYes
    BluetoothYesYesYes
    AuracastYesYesYes
    JBL One appYesYesYes
    U.S. price$229.95$399.95$449.95

    Source: JBL https://uk.jbl.com/multi-room-speakers/

  • Fyne Audio F1-10 Anniversary Combines a Glass-Dome IsoFlare Driver with Integrated SuperTrax

    Fyne Audio F1-10 Anniversary Combines a Glass-Dome IsoFlare Driver with Integrated SuperTrax

    Fyne Audio has introduced the F1-10 Anniversary, a limited-production flagship loudspeaker created to mark the company’s tenth anniversary. Based on the original F1-10, the new model introduces a newly developed aluminosilicate glass-dome IsoFlare driver and, for the first time in a Fyne Audio loudspeaker, a fully integrated SuperTrax super tweeter.

    The F1-10 Anniversary is hand-built at Fyne Audio’s headquarters in Glasgow, Scotland, with each pair individually numbered. UK pricing is set at £37,000 per pair. Fyne Audio describes production as strictly limited, while HiFi PiG reports that only 30 pairs will be made worldwide.

    Fyne Audio F1-10 Anniversary
    Fyne Audio F1-10 Anniversary

    A New Glass-Dome IsoFlare Driver

    The most significant change is the newly developed 250mm IsoFlare point-source driver.

    The basic architecture remains familiar, combining a multi-fibre bass/mid cone with a centrally mounted compression driver, but the high-frequency diaphragm material has changed completely. The new compression driver uses a 75mm ultra-thin aluminosilicate glass dome.

    Fyne Audio F1-10 Anniversary

    Glass is an unusual material for a loudspeaker diaphragm, but Fyne Audio says chemical ion treatment allows the dome to combine low mass with high stiffness while also reducing resonant behaviour compared with conventional metallic diaphragms.

    According to the company, the new glass dome provides up to seven times greater resonance damping than a typical metal dome. Its relatively large 75mm diameter also allows it to operate down to a crossover point of 750Hz, preserving the single acoustic centre that defines the IsoFlare concept.

    That low crossover frequency means the glass diaphragm is responsible for far more than just the upper treble. It covers a significant part of the vocal and instrumental range, making it one of the key elements shaping the overall character of the F1-10 Anniversary.

    Fyne Audio F1-10 Anniversary

    SuperTrax Moves Inside the Loudspeaker

    Above the IsoFlare driver sits another major addition.

    The F1-10 Anniversary is the first Fyne Audio loudspeaker to integrate its SuperTrax super tweeter directly into the cabinet.

    The SuperTrax uses a 25mm Thin Ply Carbon Diaphragm (TPCD) and a neodymium motor system. It fires upward into a Tractrix-profile diffuser, distributing high-frequency energy through 360 degrees. Its operating range extends from 16kHz to 60kHz.

    Fyne Audio says the purpose is not simply to reproduce frequencies above the conventional audible range. The system is also intended to improve harmonic structure, phase behaviour and the perception of spatial information in the listening room.

    A dedicated rear-panel control allows the SuperTrax output to be adjusted by ±3dB. The IsoFlare section also provides separate ±3dB controls for High Frequency Energy and Presence, giving users room to tailor the response to different acoustic environments and system voicings.

    Fyne Audio F1-10 Anniversary

    BassTrax and Cryogenically Treated Crossover Components

    Low-frequency loading is handled by Fyne Audio’s familiar BassTrax Tractrix diffuser system.

    A downward-firing reflex port directs energy onto the diffuser, which then disperses bass through 360 degrees. The company says this approach helps reduce the directional behaviour associated with conventional front- or rear-firing ports and makes low-frequency performance less sensitive to speaker and listener position.

    The crossover network has also been reworked for the Anniversary model. It uses deep-cryogenically treated components, including ClarityCap PUR polypropylene capacitors, while internal wiring is supplied by Neotech PC-OCC and the speaker terminals are gold-plated WBT Nextgen types.

    Crossover frequencies are set at 750Hz for the IsoFlare driver and 16kHz for the SuperTrax system.

    Fyne Audio F1-10 Anniversary

    From 26Hz to 60kHz

    The F1-10 Anniversary is specified as a three-way floorstanding loudspeaker with a room response of 26Hz to 60kHz (-6dB).

    Sensitivity is rated at 94dB for 2.83V/1m, with a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Recommended amplifier power is 20 to 280 watts.

    Continuous power handling is rated at 140 watts, rising to 560 watts peak.

    The cabinet is built using birch plywood with extensive solid-wood bracing. Externally, the speaker combines high-gloss Burr Walnut and Walnut Veneer, finished with champagne-gold detailing exclusive to the Anniversary model.

    Each enclosure measures 1247 × 405 × 585mm and weighs 58.7kg.

    Fyne Audio F1-10 Anniversary

    Ten Years After the Original F1-10

    The original F1-10 was one of the products that established Fyne Audio’s identity after the company was founded. Development began in 2016, and the design helped define the brand’s use of IsoFlare point-source drivers, BassTrax loading and its broader approach to high-end loudspeaker engineering.

    A decade later, the F1-10 Anniversary retains the visual and conceptual foundation of the original while introducing technologies that represent a more substantial change than a cosmetic commemorative edition.

    The new aluminosilicate glass compression diaphragm and fully integrated SuperTrax system are particularly notable, as they may also indicate where Fyne Audio intends to take its upper-tier loudspeaker designs in the future.

    Each speaker is hand-assembled, tuned and finished in Scotland, with individual serial numbering, an Anniversary book, a signed inspection certificate and dedicated accessories included.

    The Fyne Audio F1-10 Anniversary is priced at £37,000 per pair in the UK. Production is officially described as strictly limited, with HiFi PiG reporting a worldwide run of 30 pairs.

    Key Specifications

    • Type: Three-way floorstanding loudspeaker
    • Loading: Downward-firing bass reflex with BassTrax diffuser
    • Main driver: 250mm IsoFlare point-source driver
    • Bass/mid diaphragm: Multi-Fibre Cone
    • Compression driver: 75mm ultra-thin aluminosilicate glass dome
    • Super tweeter: 25mm Thin Ply Carbon Diaphragm
    • SuperTrax dispersion: 360-degree via Tractrix diffuser
    • Frequency response: 26Hz–60kHz (-6dB, typical in-room)
    • Crossover frequencies: 750Hz / 16kHz
    • Sensitivity: 94dB (2.83V/1m)
    • Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
    • Recommended amplifier power: 20–280W
    • Continuous power handling: 140W
    • Peak power handling: 560W
    • HF Energy adjustment: ±3dB
    • Presence adjustment: ±3dB
    • SuperTweeter Energy adjustment: ±3dB
    • Dimensions: 1247 × 405 × 585mm
    • Weight: 58.7kg each
    • Finish: High Gloss Burr Walnut / Walnut Veneer
    • Manufacture: Scotland
    • UK price: £37,000 per pair
    • Production: Individually numbered, strictly limited
      (HiFi PiG reports 30 pairs worldwide)

    Official Webstie : fyneaudio.com/f1-10-anniversary