Featured in our latest issue, the little KUPID heralds a more modern style from the Danish manufacturer, designed to appeal to younger audiences.
Recognizable by its understated yet colorful design, the new DALI KUPID is also very compact. Measuring 24.5 cm (9.64’’) high, 15 cm (5.91’’) wide, and 19.8 cm 7.80’’) deep, this small passive two-way speaker with rear vent is also designed to be placed close to a wall, as the manual recommends a space of just 2.5 cm (1 inch) to avoid affecting the listening experience.
With a sensitivity of 83 dB and a nominal impedance of 4 Ω, the KUPID combines a small 26 mm (1’’) soft dome tweeter with a 114.3 mm (4.5’’) wood fiber and paper mid-bass driver, both developed by the brand. Thanks to these membranes, the small speaker claims to cover a frequency range from 63 Hz in the bass to over 25 kHz in the treble, with a crossover at 2.1 kHz.
Supplied with two protective grilles for the front, eight small feet for placing them on a piece of furniture or shelf, and two wall brackets, the DALI KUPID speakers weigh 5.8 kg (12.8 lb) together. But to fit in even better with your surroundings, it’s the choice of colors that will really make you fall in love with these beautiful speakers. And with good reason: there are five colors to choose from, ranging from Caramel White to Chilly Blue and Golden Yellow, and for those who prefer a more classic look, two wood finishes: Dark Walnut and Black Ash.
All you have to do is take out your smartphone to order them, at a price of 339 € per pair!
Ultra-high-end series from high-end brand Esoteric, the Grandioso series was launched in 2013 with a focus on separate components to minimize distortion. Its current catalog consists of the S1X stereo or M1X mono power amplifiers, the C1X preamplifier with PS1 external power supply, a G1X clock, and a D1X SE monoblock DAC, to which the P1X SE SACD transport or N1T network transport can be added.
However, to simplify the range a little and limit the number of boxes, the Japanese brand has been offering an SACD player with a built-in converter for several years, recently updated to the K1X SE version. In the same vein, it is now adding an N1 network player, featuring the brand new Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 converter.
An evolution of the Master Sound Discrete DAC launched in 2019, the G2 version uses a new FPGA chip based on multi-level Delta-Sigma digital-to-analog conversion, with modulation capable of reaching 64-bit/512-Fs. With a completely proprietary design, this new dual-mono DAC processes DSD up to 22.5 MHz (DSD512) with algorithms that are completely independent of those designed to support PCM files (up to 768 kHz/32-bit).
Integrated via an RJ45 port, USB-A & USB-C ports, and fiber via an SFP port, the network module is obviously based on the recently introduced N1T, which is based on the Esoteric Network Engine G4 module. Fully dual mono, from large toroidal transformers to the DACs, the N1 has five power supplies, dedicated to each circuit in the device (one per mono DAC, one for the network, one for the FPGA, and one for the digital signal). In order to transfer DSD to other devices from the brand, it also adds a proprietary ES-Link5 pair, in addition to the classic optical, USB audio, AES/EBU, and coaxial digital inputs.
Connectable to an external clock via a 10 MHz BNC port, the N1 already has an optimized internal clock circuit, thanks to the Master Sound Discrete Clock version designed for digital devices. It naturally features a multi-layer chassis and hand-picked discrete components, as well as the insulating feet originally developed for SACD players. Finally, in addition to the usual gray, this new player is available in a new N1 Gold version, currently reserved for Japan (and therefore for 100V voltages).
To find out more, check out our Tokyo Show videos on our Instagram and Facebook accounts starting this Friday!
After thoroughly reviewing its Class AB amplification circuit, fearing that its Class A integrated amplifiers would no longer meet CE standards, Luxman has decided to respond to the expectations of many customers by relaunching a Class A amplifier to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Part of the Centennial series presented with the P-100 headphone amplifier (VU#59; Editor’s Choice), the new L-100 Centennial pays homage to the 1976 L-100 integrated amplifier, which at the time had a power output of 110 W into 8 Ω in class AB, without a VU-meter. Today, the new model returns with 20 watts per channel into 8 Ω in pure class A, doubled to 40 watts into 4 Ω, the same as the previous L-550 axII. But under the cover, it uses the latest version of the LIFES (Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System) amplification circuit, adapted to pure class A, as well as the latest generation LECUA 1000 (Luxman Electric Controlled Ultimate Attenuator) volume attenuator with 88 steps. Its high-inertia power supply combines a high-power transformer with eight filter capacitors, each with a capacity of 10,000 μF.
To stand out from the new Generation Z Class AB integrated amplifiers, the L-100 Centennial features the same yellow lighting on the VU-meters as the previous Class A models. But like other Luxman amplifiers, the L-100 Centennial has RCA and XLR analog inputs, two pairs of speaker terminals, and pre-out outputs. It also has an MM/MC phono preamplifier section, which is normally difficult to surpass by phono preamplifiers costing less than 2 000 €. Similarly, its 4.4 mm balanced and 6.35 mm unbalanced headphone outputs on the front panel will allow you to amplify many headphones before you need to consider a better headphone amplifier such as the P-100…
Available in Japan from October, the L-100 Centennial is expected in early 2026 with a European 220V power supply. In yens, it places it exactly between the L-507Z and the L-509Z, so it will probably cost around 11 000 € including tax in Europe.
Just a few months after updating the compact TAD-ME1TX (review to be published in French in VU#62), TAD Labs continues to update its EVOLUTION series with a new floorstanding speaker.
To replace the TAD-E1TX released in 2018, TAD is releasing a new version, the TAD-E1AX, available at the end of this year in black (TAD-E1AX-K) and then in January 2026 in white gloss (TAD-E1AX-GW). In these versions, the speakers feature an upgraded version of the CST (Coherent Source Transducer) coaxial system, in which a 25 mm (1’’) lightweight rigid dome tweeter, coated with beryllium using a proprietary technique, is combined with a 9 cm magnesium alloy midrange driver.
Reworked as on the recently released compact model, this CST system benefits from special wave management treatment, with a redesigned basket and a new voice coil. Below, two 16 cm (6.3’’) bass drivers use patented MACC technology (Multi-layered Aramid Composite Cone). New LDMC (Linear Drive Magnet Circuit) magnets increase the dynamics of the diaphragm, while a corrugated expanded polycarbonate surround improves linearity.
Placed on completely redesigned feet, which allow true decoupling from the base, the cabinet uses proprietary SILENT (Structurally Inert Laminated Enclosure Technology) by assembling birch plywood reinforcements with medium-density fiberboard (MDF) panels. Inside, AFAST (Acoustic-Filter-Assisted System Tuning) filters allow the woofers to be cut off below 420 Hz and the midrange with the tweeter at 2.5 kHz. Coordinated with a bidirectional ADP aerodynamic vent system located at the base of the cabinet, this new 3-way bass-reflex floorstanding speaker heralds a new era, as we will be able to see for ourselves this Friday at the Tokyo International Audio Show.
Weighing 54 kg, the TAD-E1AX boasts a sensitivity of 88 dB at a nominal impedance of 4 Ω, with a frequency response of 29 Hz to 60 kHz.
We’ll let you know the prices as soon as they’re official!
Inspired by the TD 124 DD, from which it borrows its direct drive motor, the new TD 404 DD features a more classic and understated design.
By incorporating the TP 160 tonearm with cutter bearing and an automatic lift system (e-Lift) with auto-stop function, Thorens has enhanced the technological arsenal of its new turntable, which also features stroboscopic speed control.
Three height-adjustable spring feet ensure effective decoupling and perfect horizontality for the TD 404 DD, while the solid sandwich construction chassis, made from a 5 mm thick aluminum plate, gives it very low resonance.
In addition to gold-plated RCA outputs, the TD 404 DD allows for balanced XLR connections, and its removable transparent cover comes standard. As an option, the TPN 124 linear power supply further improves the purity of the turntable’s operation and therefore its sound.
Available from early 2026, this new Thorens will be available in gloss black, gloss walnut, or matte dark oak finishes, priced at 4 499 €, without cartridge.
