Rotel Introduces Home Theater Products Supporting Dirac Room Correction

Rotel launched the new RSP-1576MKII and RAP-1580MKII surround processors, joining the brand's family of home theater components of exceptional value. The two new models include a license for best-in-class Dirac room correction technology to ensure accurate room calibration and system configuration for installations of any size. The RSP-1576MKII model will be available September 2020 and retail for $3,499 USD, while the RAP-1580MKII starts shipping October 2020 as retails for $4,999 USD.

Technics unveiled the SU-R1000, its first Reference Class integrated amplifier. As Technics explains, its Reference Class products are developed in pursue of the brand's insatiable desire to deliver ultimate sound quality to customers, and offer the premium musical experience the Technics brand is known for. The SU-R1000 follows design references of the classic hifi components from decades ago. But inside, this is a technical evolution of the brand's 2014 rebirth.

Audio Research (ARC) announce important updates to its highest-performance tube phono stage, the Reference Phono 3 Phono Preamplifier with the launch of the Reference Phono 3SE. Following the launch of the recent Reference (REF) 6SE Line-Stage Preamplifier, ARC’s 50th Anniversary product line continues with a special edition update of the Ref Phono 3 Preamplifier. The REF Phono 3SE ($17,000 USD) replaces the REF Phono 3, introduced in 2016.

For those still in the market for a decent phono preamplifier, Parasound just announced a new model that's a big step up from its entry-level Zphono. The new Parasound Zphono XRM phono preamplifier offers higher performance, dual-input MM and MC, with XLR balanced outputs, adjustable MC loading, rumble filter, and mono/stereo switch. Price wise, Parasound's new $599 Zphono XRM phono preamplifier bridges the gap between its entry-level $200 Zphono and the internationally acclaimed $1,495 Halo JC 3 Jr.

To understand more about the Hafler revival, we delve into some of Hafler’s history and the companies associated with it. In this article, Gary Galo reviews the new Hafler PH50 (designed for moving magnet cartridges) and the PH60 (moving coil) Phono Preamps, as well as the Hafler PH44 Moving Coil Step-Up Transformer. All products come from Radial Engineering, the owner of Jensen Transformers and the Hafler and Dynaco brands, which it bought in 2014. This article was originally published in audioXpress, April 2017.

Bryston has announced the introduction of the new BP-173 (Cubed Series) preamplifier, utilizing patented technology that debuted on its much heralded Cubed Series amplifiers. The BP-173 is the first to employ the patented Salomie input circuit and a new highly flexible input/output configuration for enhanced system flexibility. Like all analog components from Bryston, the BP-173 is covered by an industry best 20 year warranty.

Following the resurgence of 33 RPM records and turntables, Hafler has launched a series of devices aimed squarely at this market that include two active phono stages and two step-up transformers (SUTs). The series includes the Hafler PH50 high-performance phono stage for moving magnet (dynamic) cartridges, and the Hafler PH60 phono stage for moving coil cartridges with a class-A transformerless head-amp design. The Hafler PH34 and PH44 SUTs employ ultra high performance Jensen Transformers.