miniDSP Launches IL-DSP Tiny Headphone Amplifier Based on XMOS xCORE-200

Those tireless folks from miniDSP have done it again! The Hong-Kong company just announced IL-DSP (In Line DSP), a tiny USB headphone amplifier with integrated DSP that is the perfect device to insert between any mobile music source and one's favorite headphones. This is a USB Audio class 2 device interface for PC-Mac-Linux-Android OS with a 3.5mm stereo jack output that is PCM and DSD capable, and features 10 PEQ filters (IIR correction) to equalize headphones, 3 button controls and an embedded microphone.

Shown for the first time during the 2019 CanJam London Show, Rupert Neve Designs introduced Fidelice, a new product range for the high-fidelity audio market. The initial Fidelice product lineup includes the Precision Headphone Amplifier, Precision Phono Pre-Amplifier, and Precision Digital-to-Analog Converter. The Fidelice range was designed specifically as a response to the attention generated in the high-end segment by products such as the RNHP Precision Headphone Amplifier.

For the May 2019 "Glass Audio" special edition, audioXpress asked Erik Owen to share with us his experience with the new Nu:Tekt HA-K1 “Tube” headphone amplifier using the novel Korg Nutube 6P1 device. This interesting headphone amplifier is sold as a kit for $199, it's relatively easy to assemble, and - more interestingly - makes for a practical way to actually induce some of the magic of tubes in a relatively portable configuration.

RME released a new firmware for their ADI-2 Pro series, including ADI-2 Pro AE and FS. The ADI-2 Pro is a measurement quality AD/DA converter, a high-end DAC, and an unbelievably clean and powerful headphone amp. Based on sample rates up to 768kHz and DSD256 playback and recording, up to 6 input and 8 output channels of mixed digital and analog domain, and a powerful DSP providing a multitude of audio processing functions, the unit has been extremely successful and is still growing in popularity.

Audient announced Nero, a new desktop monitor controller offering a comprehensive range of I/O, console style monitor control, an assignable sub output, Precision Matched Attenuation Technology and more. According to the British audio company, Nero is designed to be at the core of the desktop studio and builds on the company's expertise in analog console heritage, offering control for up to three sets of speakers with independent volumes.

Sound Performance Lab (SPL) is one of those companies always ready to surprise. The German company apparently introduced a new version in its Phonitor range of headphone amplifiers, which already included the Phonitor x, the Phonitor e, and the Phonitor 2 (which followed the original Phonitor). The important thing is that the Phoniter xe is the Headphone Amplifier that many where hoping the company would launch and it will be presented at the High End 2019 show in Munich.

Antelope Audio announced availability of Amári — a reference-grade AD/DA converter capable of 24-bit, 384 kHz conversion and with DSD256 support. Clearly targeted at a more demanding music enthusiast segment, the company says Amári "is most likely the only device on the market that can achieve 138dB dynamic range," thanks to using eight CS43198 DAC chips at its D/A stage. The Amári features an easy-to-use interface and includes a unique headphone membrane weight compensation system with user-selectable output resistance.

For audioXpress May 2019 -Glass Audio Special - we’ve put together a very strong edition, with some of best tube experts sharing a series of DIY projects for all skill levels, from restoration projects to new amplifiers, preamps, and headphone amps. We review the Nu:Tekt HA-K1 headphone amplifier using the novel Korg Nutube 6P1 device, and interview the founder of Parks Audio. We go deep on measuring voltage regulator ripple rejection and we even look at square-wave testing. All inside audioXpress May 2019!

Focal is announcing its first foray into the DAC and amplifier market with the launch of Arche, an audiophile DAC and amplifier that is developed by Micromega for Focal. It combines a digital-analog converter, as well as two pure class-A amplification modes (voltage and hybrid) designed especially for headphones. At the same time, Focal announced a new headphone closed-back model. The Focal Stellia combines sound quality with a more sophisticated style "à la Française."

Radial Engineering announced that the KL-8, a rackmount professional keyboard mixer and digital interface, is now shipping. The KL-8 is a rackmount device designed to provide complete control over a professional keyboard setup, both on-stage and in the recording studio. The keyboard mixing station provides four stereo analog inputs for keyboards with redundant USB connections for laptop soft-synths, offering Stereo Aux Send/Receive with optional footswitch control to incorporate rackmount effects or pedals into the signal chain, headphone outputs and cue switches for silent monitoring, and the possibility of linking multiple KL-8s for larger setups.