Naim promises "significant performance upgrades" in the Nait XS 3 and Supernait 3, both featuring built-in phono stages for use with turntables, as well as any other audio source, including streamers and CD players.

The phono stages are based on classic Naim designs, and are crafted using "audiophile-quality" components. The company says it has managed to double the speed of the voltage gain stage, allowing for double the rate at which the speaker output stage can react, while the optimised second stage transistors do not need shielding by a cascode stage transistor. Removing the cascode means less amplifier stabilisation is required, bringing an uplift in sound quality.

As the Walkman celebrates its 40th anniversary, customers might start feeling nostalgic for the very idea of a portable cassette player. Enter Ninm Lab with the It's OK, a Bluetooth 5.0-enabled take on the Sony classic.

Ninm claims the It's OK is the first Bluetooth 5.0 portable cassette player, meaning it supports wireless headphones and speakers as well as traditional wired headphones via 3.5mm jack. Wireless connectivity seems to be the only concession to modern technology though, since the It's OK runs on AA batteries, just like the Walkman of old.

Yamaha announces a pair of soundbars-- the YAS-109 and YAS-209, both featuring native Amazon Alexa voice control and wifi connectivity with support for streaming services including Spotify Connect and Amazon Music.

The YAS-109 features built-in subwoofers for deep bass even in a compact size, while the YAS-209 includes a separate wireless subwoofer for flexible installation options and even more expressive bass. The built-in Alexa support provides volume control, and automatically lowers the volume of music or movies to help receive voice commands. The included remote has a dedicated button to initiate Alexa control, and Alexa can be muted or turned off completely when the soundbar is powered off.

US speaker maker KLH makes a move into the European market with the release of a first pair of headphones-- the Ultimate One, over-ear open-air headphones featuring 50mm beryllium drivers inside real ebony wood earcups.

Launched at the 2019 MTV Movie and TV Awards, the Ultimate One headphones include a hand-stitched headband and dual-layer memory foam in the ear pads for comfort and support in long listening sessions. Inside are the aforementioned 50mm beryllium drivers claiming frequency response of 18kHz-22kHz and a sensitivity rating of 97dB.

“Our design goal with the KLH Ultimate One was to deliver a rich, enveloping musical experience that, simply put, elevates the soul,” KLH says. “Given the amount of overwhelmingly enthusiastic responses we have received from critics, celebrities and consumers, we have achieved just that.”