Catching you up on the past week’s most notable product releases.
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Another week down, and, per usual, a bunch of new tech and gadgets have been announced.
This past week, Grado added new entry-level hi-fi headphones to its Signature line, Technics revealed a new flagship turntable, and Analogue introduced new retro gaming consoles. But that’s just scratching the surface.
Below, we’ve rounded up all the most interesting new releases and announcements you might have missed from the past week.
Grado
Grado Signature S150
Grado’s Signature S150 is the most affordable pair of open-back wired headphones in the brand’s high-end Signature series. It retains Grado’s “signature” retro aesthetic that combines metal components with a gorgeous leather headband and plush ear cushions. It features a new 44mm S driver with a paper-composite diaphragm that Grado says is based on technology used in the larger 52mm S drivers in its HP100 SE ($2,495) and S950 ($2,195) headphones. According to the brand, the S150 “delivers a level of clarity and detail that challenges expectations for a headphone in its class, while preserving the natural body and musical character of the performance.”
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Schiit Audio
Schiit Mani 3
The Mani 3 is the latest evolution of Schiit Audio’s entry-level phono preamplifier, which was last updated in 2022. Like its predecessors, the Mani 3 supports MM and MC cartridges and offers four switchable gain modes, allowing it to work with a wide range of turntables. Compared to the Mani 2, the Mani 3 improves usability with front panel controls for input and gain. Schiit has improved the inner workings of the Mani 3 so that it offers better performance (“by a bit, not a mile”). According to the brand, the Mani 3 offers “the highest performance and flexibility of any affordable phono preamp.”
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Esoteric
Esoteric Grandioso K1XE
The Esoteric Grandioso K1XE is the brand’s new flagship CD player and the newest addition to Esoteric’s high-end Grandioso range of hi-fi components. It can play both CDs and Super Audio CDs (SACDs). It’s equipped with the latest generation of its Master SoundDiscrete DAC G2. that employs a fully dual-mono configuration and incorporates five independent linear power supply systems. It also features Esoteric’s proprietary SACD transport mechanism, VRDS-ATLAS, which is built on an exceptionally rigid, heavy-duty platform. The company claims the Grandioso K1XE represents the pinnacle of all-in-one Super Audio CD/DAC performance and “embodies both the present and future of high-end digital audio.”
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Technics
Technics SL-1210MKX
The Technics SL-1210MKX is the new flagship model in the iconic audio maker’s SL-1200 series of DJ-focused turntables (and the next evolution of the 2019-released SL-1210MK7). It has a significantly heavier chassis, newly designed isolation feet and, for the first time in a SL-1200 series turntable, the SL-1210MKX introduces a dedicated ±4% pitch range. According to the brand, the SL-1210MKX is “designed to address the challenges DJs face in high-pressure performance settings where powerful sound systems, deep bass, structural vibration, and extended operating periods place exceptional demands on equipment.”
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Linn
Linn 343 Compact Loudspeaker System
Linn’s 343 is a high-end active floorstanding loudspeaker system that sits just below the Scottish hi-fi manufacturer’s flagship 360 system, which costs $95,915. Each Linn 343 loudspeaker has a four-way design, with the bass driver units powered by the brand’s Pistonik motor system, which is derived from its flagship 360 system. Linn sells the 343 in two distinct models. The “Exakt Integrated” version is fully active system, with a module that houses the power supply, DAC, digital crossover and amplification; it starts at $97,000. The “Passive with Active Bass (PWAB)” version lets you choose the external amplification for the tweeter, midrange and upper bass units; it starts at $67,500.
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Amazon
Blink Mini 4K+
For 2026, Amazon has introduced five new Blink smart home security cameras, including a trail camera, two outdoor cameras and the first pan-tilt-zoom camera. The standout of the new additions, however, is the Blink Mini 4K+ as it’s the brand’s first 4K smart home camera. It also supports two-way audio and smart alerts with person and vehicle detection (available with a compatible Blink subscription plan). Available in black or white finishes.
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Canor Audio
Canor Crius H5S
Canor Audio is a Slovakian maker of high-end audio gear. Its Crius H5S is a 3-in-1 hi-fi component comprised of a headphone amplifier, DAC and preamplifier. It features a dual-mono ES9039Q2M DAC paired with a fully discrete architecture and balanced analog output stages. According to the brand, it can drive highly sensitive IEMs or demanding high-impedance planar magnetic headphones. It also includes optical, coaxial, and USB inputs, connecting to a wide range of digital sources. It’s built with premium materials such as high-grade aluminum, steel and glass. It comes in three finishes: black, silver, or bronze. At the time of writing, US pricing and availability haven’t been released.
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Audiolab
Audiolab PPA7 Phono Preamplifier
The PPA7 is the first standalone phono preamplifier that the British hi-fi company has released in nearly 20 years. It’s a high-performance phono preamplifier that, according to the brand, is “designed to bring greater clarity, control and versatility to vinyl playback.” It’s compatible with both moving-magnet (MM) and moving-coil (MC) cartridges, and has selectable load options for both. Interestingly, the PPA7 also has a dedicated headphone amplifier and a Bluetooth transmitter, allowing you to enjoy a private listening session or stream audio to your wireless headphones or speakers.
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Triangle Hi-Fi
Triangle Borea BR05
Triangle’s Borea BR05 is a pair of passive standmount loudspeakers with a two-way design. Each speaker features a newly designed 21cm midwoofer paired with the brand’s 25mm silk-dome EFS (Efficient Flow System) tweeter, a signature on all Triangle’s Borea loudspeakers. According to the brand, the Borea BR05 “delivers a lively, open sound with the scale and impact of a floorstander, alongside the nuance and accessibility associated with this acclaimed speaker series.”
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Analogue
Analogue Super Nt+
Analogue’s original Super Nt is a retro console that is compatible with today’s TVs and plays old-school NES, SNES and Super Famicom cartridges. It was released in 2018. Nearly eight years later, the company has introduced an upgraded version, the Super Nt+, which still works the same (using FPGA technology to play 16-bit games on today’s TVs) but has several quality of life improvements. These include built-in Bluetooth for easily pairing wireless controllers (no dongles required), USB-C power input and the ability to swap cartridges without having to turn off the console. Available for preorder now; starts shipping in December.
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Analogue
Analogue Mega Sg+
Released in 2019, Analogue’s Mega Sg is a retro gaming console that lets you play classic Sega Genesis games in all their 16-bit glory on your current TV. It uses proprietary FPGA technology to upscale games with zero lag. Now, with the Mega Sg+, Analogue has released a new and improved version that features updated hardware, built-in Bluetooth for wireless controllers, a USB-C power port and the ability to hot-swap cartridges. Available for preorder now; starts shipping in December.
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Jamo
Jamo HYG 5
Jamo’s HYG 5 is the new flagship wireless multi-room speaker in the Danish audio maker’s HYG Series. Think of it like Apple’s HomePod: a fabric-wrapped smart speaker of a similar size. It packs dual 2.5-inch full-range drivers and a down-firing 4-inch subwoofer, while outputting 30 watts of power. It supports Wi-Fi streaming up to 24-bit/96/kHz, with support for Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2 and Google Cast. Unlike a HomePod, it supports Bluetooth streaming and has a stereo RCA line input for connecting wired sources.
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About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.
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