12 Cool New Gadgets to Keep on Your Radar

Pro-Ject’s Pre Box S3 is a compact stereo preamplifier that the company describes as an “all-in-one control centre” for your home hi-fi system. It basically handles everything except for the jobs of the power amplifier and the speakers. The real magic of the Pre Box S3 is its incredible versatility — it can connect your turntable, TV, desktop, CD transport and smartphone (via streaming) in one unified hi-fi system.

Sumiko has been handcrafting high-end phono cartridges for decades, and with the Oriole, the Japanese-based hi-fi manufacturer claims that it is setting a new benchmark. Positioned between its Songbird and Starling models, the Oriole is a moving-coil cartridge featuring a nude Shibata stylus and a low-impedance generator rated at 5.5Ω (0.3 mV output). Sumiko says it’s ideal for turntables in the $1,000-$5,000 range.

To celebrate the brand’s 80th anniversary, JBL has introduced a special edition version of its L100 Classic MKII, which is a modern version of its legendary L100 loudspeakers, which were originally released in 1970. The L100 Classic 80 has the same three-way design, drivers, and tuning as its predecessor, but has a new look. Instead of orange, blue or black, their signature Quadrex foam grilles come in a vintage-inspired brown that matches the speakers’ natural wood veneer. There are gold-and-black JBL logos and badges on the front and back of each speaker, identifying them as special editions. JBL says that production is limited to just 800 matched pairs. 

The Sennheiser HD 400U is a pair of closed-back wired headphones with dynamic drivers. They are a new version of the company’s HD 400S, which was released in early 2019. The big update with the 400U is that they feature a USB-C wired connection (instead of traditional 3.5mm jack) and thus are better suited for modern smartphones and laptops. They support lossless audio up to 24-bit/96kHz. Best of all? The cost just $100.

The Sonos Amp Multi is the company’s most advanced streaming amplifier to date — but instead of being designed for consumers, it’s designed for professional installations. It’s an 8-channel amplifier that can deliver 125 watts per channel across four zones. Sonos claims it leverages advanced GaN technology and post-filter feedback (PFFB) to achieve greater efficiency, clarity, and control. At the time of writing, Sonos hasn’t revealed exact pricing or availability information.

Fosi’s BT20A Max is a compact integrated amplifier designed to power a pair of passive bookshelf speakers. It has a built-in DAC, modern wired connections and support for Bluetooth streaming. According to the brand, it’s “well suited for desktop audiophiles, apartment dwellers, and budget-conscious hi-fi enthusiasts seeking strong performance without the size or complexity of a traditional integrated amplifier.”

The Caspian 4G Streaming Pre-Amplifier acts as the control hub to a home’s hi-fi system, handling all the streaming, playback controls and wired connections. It has built-in BluOS — a preferred multi-room streaming platform among audiophiles — and can stream high-resolution audio (up to 24-bit/192kHz) over Wi-Fi. It has a built-in MM and MC phono stage, enabling it to connect to a wide range of turntables. And it has an HDMI eARC input, so you can connect your TV and use it as a home theater.

This is a power amplifier in the brand’s high-end range of Caspian 4G components. When used in a stereo setup, the amp is capable of delivering 105 watts per channel (into 8 Ohms), 200 watts (into 4 Ohms) or 420 watts (into 8 Ohms). In a mono-block configuration, it can deliver 630 watts (into 8 ohms). When paired with the Caspian 4G Streaming Pre-Amplifier, Roksan claims the “result is exceptional resolution, scale, and musicality — allowing the full character of every performance to shine through.”

Audeze has introduced next-generation versions of its flagship planar magnetic headphones, the LCD-5, which were released in 2021. As the “s” in their name suggests, the most notable aspect of the LCD-5s is that they have been integrated with the brand’s Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator (SLAM) technology, which promises to help them deliver deeper bass and a wider soundstage than their predecessors. The American headphone maker claims that the LCD-5s “represents the pinnacle of planar magnetic engineering and luxury build.”

Nearly five years after the original’s release, Apple has finally introduced second-generation AirTags. It hasn’t messed too much with what is the world’s most popular Bluetooth tracker, granted, as the new AirTags look exactly the same (meaning they’re compatible with all the old accessories). However, Apple has made several key “under-the-hood” upgrades. The new AirTags have significantly better range, a louder speaker and they support Precision Finding from the Apple Watch. And they cost exactly the same: $29 for one, or $99 for a four-pack.

The Ruark R810 MiE is a special-edition version of the brand’s R810, an all-in-one wireless speaker released in 2023. Designed to celebrate the British hi-fi brand’s 40th anniversary, it’s part of its “Made in England” initiative, which specializes in premium versions of its existing components. The difference between the R810 MiE and the R810 is purely aesthetic. Ruark partnered with Storm Furniture, an artisan maker based in Norfolk (and a proud member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen), to hand-build the cabinet and grille components using a centuries-old art called “marquetry.” It comes in two finishes: Penta-Chord Walnut and Leaf-Line Oak. Only 50 of each — so, 100 total — will be made.

The Noctilux M 35mm F1.2 Asph. is the latest lens to join Leica’s fast primes. However, it’s the first to feature a 35mm focal length (most Noctilux lenses since the 1960s have been 50mm). Like the others, it features a manual focus design and was made using the brand’s in-house Precision Glass Molding process. Read the full writeup on DPReview.