Following on from its innovative AT-VMx series of dual moving magnet cartridges, Audio Technica is back at the end of the year with a range of AT33x dual moving coil cartridges.
Made with PCOCC copper (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting), the coils are placed on either side of the support of the cantilever, which is made from duralumin on four of the five models and boron on the top-of-the-range model (AT33xMLB). On this latter, as on the previous model (AT33xMLD), they are fitted with a MicroLinear diamond stylus, which is elliptical (0.3 x 0.7 mm) on the first stereo cartridge in the series (AT33xEN) and conical on the two mono versions (AT33xMONO/I & /II).
Composed of three materials, these cartridges have a die-cast zinc base, combined with an aluminum body and a lower section made from a high-rigidity polymer. The suspension uses piano wire to ensure high tracking accuracy while slightly reducing compliance. On all models, the recommended tracking force is 1.8 to 2.0 g and the load impedance is greater than or equal to 100 Ω.
And the best news of all? The price, of course, which remains affordable, with the MONO/II version starting at 399 €, the MONO/I at 549 € and the stereos at 599 € (AT33xEN), 699 € (AT33xMLD) and, for the most expensive, 799 € (AT33xMLB). Everything you need for a wonderful Christmas filled with music!
Previewed during our test of the DP-570 and DP-770 (VU#62 FR, Japan Special) and heard in Yokohama and then at the Tokyo International Audio Show (see our photo report), Accuphase’s new CD/SACD player is set to arrive in Europe in early 2026.
Even more stable, the mechanism incorporates some of the features of the DP-770, notably the rubber dampers, which reduce the transfer of vibrations from the transport section, itself mounted on a rigid three-layer base. On top, a longer five-layer plate covers the entire mechanism, while the tray, carved from a single block of aluminum, is finished with a satin anodized treatment and uses steel pins to open and close with minimal noise.
At the risk of causing confusion by not giving it a new number, but simply adding an S to its name, like all recent Accuphase models (E-800S, A-48S, C-3900S), the DP-570S retains the same ESS ES9028PRO conversion chip, used on its 8 DACs in parallel, or 4 per channel. However, while the digital-to-analogue conversion uses the proprietary MDS+ process, which refers to a current-to-voltage conversion amplifier, it now incorporates the excellent ANCC (Accuphase Noise and Distortion Cancelling Circuit) technology, which was not present in the DP-570.
Thanks to its new components, including two large 15,000 µF filter capacitors positioned after the shielded toroidal transformer, the new player manages to further improve its total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) to around 0.0002%. Visually, the chassis remains almost identical, with the front panel elements in the same places and with the same shape (five round buttons and three rectangular buttons as before), but it features the angular drawer face of the DP-770, with a slight space between the input button and the open button. The information on the screen has been repositioned to make it easier to read.
In terms of digital inputs and outputs, the model is identical to its predecessor, i.e. coaxial, optical and HS-Link in both cases (the latter being the only one capable of supporting DSD), and a USB-Audio port to integrate the DAC. The analogue outputs remain a pair of RCA and a pair of balanced XLR, with a switch to select the output phase. Surprisingly, even though very few music files exist, the maximum playback rate remains at 384 kHz/32-bit in PCM, but rises to DSD512 for files transferred via USB, with HS-Link stopping at DSD128 for input and DSD64 (SACD format) for output.
Having already listened to it twice, this new Accuphase DP-570S, which is far superior in terms of noise reduction and fluidity, should remain at a price close to that of the DP-570, i.e. between 10 000 € and 11 000 €.
Following on from the P-100 headphone amplifier (test FR VU#59; Coup de Coeur) and the L-100 Class A amplifier, Japanese manufacturer Luxman is expanding its Centennial anniversary range with the D-100 SACD player.
Superior to the D-10X, which is being discontinued at the same time, the D-100 replaces it five years later with a new LxDTM-i (Luxman original Disc Transport Mechanism – improved) CD/SACD playback mechanism, which integrates the transport directly into the main chassis. Framed by 8 mm thick aluminium side panels and a base plate, and topped by a 5 mm steel plate, the tray is still protected on this model by a vertically moving front cover.
At the same time, the conversion section has been redesigned with the integration of the best Rohm DAC chip currently available, the BD34302EKV ‘MUS-IC’, used on each channel in a dual-mono configuration to decode PCM files up to 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD up to 22.5 MHz (DSD512) via USB. A new high-precision clock with a large quartz oscillator and a very low phase noise integrated circuit complete the digital circuit, with an anti-jitter function for dedicated asynchronous DSP transfer (USB) and a high-precision internal DAIR clock for S/PDIF. The DAC can therefore be used with a PCM or DSD filter, either for CD or SACD playback, or by integrating sources via USB, a coaxial S/PDIF or two TOSLINK optical ports. The transport can also be used independently thanks to a coaxial and optical output, both limited to PCM format.
For the analogue section, the D-100 Centennial features nothing less than a fully symmetrical LIFES 1.1 output circuit, which allows the signal to be sent via a pair of gold-plated RCA or Neutrik XLR terminals. Weighing a total of 25.4 kilos, this new player incorporates Luxman’s best transformers and capacitors. It is supported by insulating cast iron feet and features a composite chassis structure combined with a shielded chassis, with a high-definition monochrome OLED display on the front panel. The remote control is of course included as standard, but the price in Europe has not yet been announced, although it is expected to be at least equivalent to that of the D-10X (16 990 €).
Previewed at the Tokyo show (see our report), this new CD/SACD player will be available in European voltages (220V) in the second quarter of 2026 and from the end of the year in Japan and other countries on 100/120V.
Like the compact JOY and the NEL 2-way floorsdanding speakers before it, the NORA now benefits from significant improvements, drawn from developments in the PF2 Signature.
While the French brand’s largest speaker retained its 2-way architecture, which allowed its circuits to be quickly adapted for the JOY Evo and NEL Evo, the only 3-way speaker in the range had not yet been modified.
That has now been rectified, and although it retains the same dimensions as the NORA, the NORA Evo has a redesigned front panel and base and features a new midrange driver. At the rear, the laminar vent has also been modified, as has the interior of the cabinet, which has been redesigned and features new damping. Also inspired by the PF2 Signature, the filter has been redesigned with new components.
Now available for listening at the T&T showroom in Bourg-lès-Valence and at the brand’s retailers, the NORA Evo is priced at 22 300 €.
Previously branded Naim, the Mu-so all-in-one connected speaker is now part of the catalogue of its parent company Focal, with a brand-new Hekla version.
Featuring the same control knob as the Naim Mu-so and Mu-so QB, the Focal Mu-so Hekla is designed with home cinema in mind. To this end, it incorporates Dolby Atmos technology and delivers an immersive sound that can be expanded to 7.1.2 thanks to no fewer than 15 speakers.
The seven front speakers combine three 13 x 6 cm woofers, two 6 cm mid-range speakers and two 25 mm (1-inch) tweeters. On the sides and top, there are two sets of four 7 x 4 cm full-range speakers, all powered by a 40 W Class D amplifier, except for the woofers, which have a power output of up to 60 W each, for a total of 660 W.
If you still find yourself lacking in bass, a pair of RCA output terminals allow you to add a subwoofer, while sources can be integrated via Toslink optical, HDMI eArc or CEC inputs. Ethernet and Wi-Fi are also included, as well as Bluetooth and a Naim Pulse Platform streaming module that is compatible with most apps and services, including UPnP, AirPlay and Google Cast.
For total connectivity in all your rooms, you can manage up to 32 Focal & Naim devices together in multiroom mode using the parent app, which can be downloaded to iOS and Android devices.
Measuring 1 m wide and 29.5 cm deep, the Hekla still requires a stable piece of furniture or installation to support its anodized, brushed and sandblasted aluminum chassis, which weighs a total of 15.5 kg (34.2 Ibs). Designed for rooms up to 40m2, this new Mu-so adapts to any space thanks to its Sphere hybrid mode and ADAPT customization technology.
All that remains is to mention the price, which is the same worldwide depending on the conversion rate: €3 300/$3 600/£3 000.
