Klipsch introduced its first new headphones in a decade alongside a wave of audio gear, Gear Patrol reported.
The company released the Stratos HP-2 and HP-3 over-ear wired headphones, its first update to this product category in ten years.
Both models feature real wood earcups, copper-ring accents, Klipsch Heritage Twitchell grille cloth, and a protein-leather headband. The closed-back HP-2 differs from the semi-open-back HP-3, though both models are designed to be highly efficient and easy to drive across various listening setups while minimizing distortion.
Audiolab and Thorens update hardware
Audiolab updated its 2018 CD transport with the 6000CDT MKII. The new version includes a completely new CD mechanism, revised servo control, reworked power architecture, a custom transformer, and an upgraded master clock to deliver faster and more consistent disc replay.
Thorens teamed up with industrial design firm Coturn to build the CT-Two portable turntable. The unit features a precision-machined aluminum chassis, touch-sensitive controls, and a built-in phono preamplifier, but lacks built-in speakers. Users must connect it to an amplifier or active speakers via line-in, or stream audio to Bluetooth speakers and headphones.
Noble Audio adds midrange earbuds and Acoustic Energy revamps speakers
Noble Audio placed its new Astrid midrange wireless earbuds between the Rex5 priced at $449 and the Prestige Encore II flagship priced at $699. The earbuds use a three-driver hybrid design combining an 8.3mm dynamic driver, a 6mm planar driver, and a balanced armature in each earpiece while supporting LDAC and aptX Adaptive codecs alongside Audiodo’s Personal Sound and Equalizer technologies.
Acoustic Energy revamped its 500 Series loudspeakers below its flagship Corinium range. The second-generation lineup includes the AE500² bookshelf speaker, the AE509² and AE520² floorstanding speakers, and the AE507² center channel, incorporating new driver, crossover, and bracing technologies.
Audioengine releases white oak speakers and Gadhouse launches portable CD player
Audioengine introduced the White Oak Collection, wrapping its HD4 Next Gen and HD5 compact powered speaker systems in white oak cabinets with copper tweed grilles and gold accents. Gadhouse launched the Eric portable CD player, which adds a built-in battery, USB-C charging, Bluetooth streaming, and anti-skip technology to traditional disc playback alongside two 3.5mm jacks for shared wired listening.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the Klipsch Stratos HP-2 and HP-3 differ?
The HP-2 is a closed-back headphone, while the HP-3 is a semi-open-back headphone. Both share real wood earcups, copper-ring accents, Heritage Twitchell grille cloth, and protein-leather headbands.
Does the Coturn by Thorens CT-Two have built-in speakers?
The CT-Two does not have built-in speakers. Users must connect it to an amplifier or active speakers via a line-in connection, or stream audio wirelessly to Bluetooth speakers and headphones.