Hardware Archives

Onkyo adds MQA support to its networked streamers

04/01/2019

Onkyo adds MQA support to its networked streamers following on from its support for DEEZER HiFi with a firmware update in August 2018. The updates activate MQA audio playback capability and support for TIDAL Masters audio streaming on its network-enabled stereo hi-fi components. A paid TIDAL HiFi subscription is required to stream TIDAL Masters on MQA enabled Onkyo network HiFi audio equipment. MQA delivers HiRes sound in a file that’s small enough to stream and […]

Astell&Kern adds MQA support to its HiRes players

24/12/2018

Astell&Kern adds MQA support to its HiRes players and is now available for the SP1000, SP1000M, SE100 and SR15 models. In a blog posting the company announced that MQA support was now available on the SP1000 and via a firmware update from the 12th December to the SP1000M, SE100 and SR15 models. These Astell&Kern players with MQA support have a full decoder built in, so they can unfold all the way to the original resolution […]

Pioneer extends MQA support to its networked streamers

21/12/2018

Pioneer extends MQA support to its networked streamers continuing the firmware updates it started in October 2018. The updates activate MQA audio playback capability and support for TIDAL Masters audio streaming on its network-enabled stereo hi-fi components. A paid TIDAL HiFi subscription is required to stream TIDAL Masters on MQA enabled Pioneer network HiFi audio equipment. MQA delivers HiRes sound in a file that’s small enough to stream and download. TIDAL Masters is TIDAL’s bandwidth-friendly […]

Echo Input turns any speaker into an Alexa smart speaker

16/12/2018

Amazon’s new accessory Echo Input turns any speaker into an Alexa smart speaker by connecting to it via a 3.5 mm audio cable or Bluetooth. Connected to any speaker or stereo system it adds far-field microphones as well as Alexa voice controls turning it into an Alexa smart speaker. The main features of the Echo Input are: Echo Input adds Alexa to an external speaker and connects via a 3.5 mm audio cable or Bluetooth. […]

KEF launch LSX compact HiRes wireless speakers

20/11/2018

KEF launch LSX compact HiRes wireless speakers which build on the success of the larger LS50 wireless speakers launched in late 2016. LSX is fully wireless, both from source and between the speakers and supports Spotify Connect, TIDAL (via KEF Stream app) and will feature Apple AirPlay 2 technology enabling multi-room streaming from an iPhone, iPad or Mac in early 2019. LSX is fully wireless, both from source and between the speakers and will feature […]

Marshall adds Smart Speakers to its loudspeaker range

07/10/2018

Marshall, famous for its stage amps and loudspeakers, is launching a range of Smart Speakers with Marshall Voice combining the ‘legendary sound of Marshall’ with voice control of music, scheduling reminders and controlling smart home devices. Marshall Voice will initially come with Amazon Alexa followed by Google Assistant later this year. The first two Marshall Voice speakers launching are Acton II Voice with Amazon Alexa available from 2nd October and Stanmore II Voice with Amazon […]

Bose launches new Smart Speaker and Soundbars

29/08/2018

Bose launches a new wireless Smart Speaker and two new smart soundbars – the Bose Home Speaker 500 for music, and the Bose Soundbar 700 and Soundbar 500 for music and home cinema. The new speaker and soundbars come enabled with Amazon Alexa with other voice assistants to follow and Apple’s AirPlay 2 coming in early 2019. The devices use the same proprietary microphone technology found in Bose headsets and headphones to hear commands better […]