March 2025
ertonline.co.uk
Kanto’s Brett Smalley
Fast rising Hi-Fi disruptor brand FiiO used the show to debut its flagship FT7 open-back planar magnetic headphones (pictured right). Large 106mm drivers offer exceptional transient detail, from behind a Zebrawood grille. To complement the FT7, FiiO also showcased the K19 headphone amplifier, featuring a balanced circuit design and multiple connectivity options. With over 50 new SKUs
promised for 2025, FiiO clearly intends to be noticed. These
include a mix of high-performance audio gear and left-field novelty launches, such as a low- cost, pocket FM radio. Elsewhere, ARCAM introduced the SA45
Available in black, white, cobalt, and sage, the Uki will retail for £199. Elsewhere, Kanto also showcased its more advanced Ren active speaker, which features an HDMI input, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high- performance, TV-compatible speaker system. Scottish manufacturer Fyne Audio launched its upgraded F500S Series at Bristol, extending its proprietary IsoFlare point-source driver technology across five new models. Refinements in the F500S range include improved crossover designs for greater phase coherence and upgraded cabinet construction to minimise resonances. These enhancements result in better stereo imaging, deeper bass extension, and improved off-axis performance. A demo of the floorstanders confirmed their wide appeal. The F500S Series (pictured above) includes bookshelf and floor-standing models, catering to a range of listening environments and preferences. Entry-level models, such as the F500S bookshelf speaker, major on clarity, while the larger F502S floor-standers deliver scale and dynamics. Fyne Audio said it’s also stepping up its commitment to Custom Install, announcing a range of CI-specific architectural speakers.
streaming amplifier, the latest addition to its groovy-looking Radia series, while stablemate JBL showcased its MA AVR series and Stage 2 Series loudspeakers, including the Stage 240H Dolby Atmos height module. JBL also previewed its latest Tour series over-ear headphones, complete with Bluetooth retransmitter, which is certain to go down well with frequent flyers looking to use their own Bluetooth headphones with in-flight entertainment systems.
For the fashion conscious Putting a fashionable foot forward, Pro-Ject unveiled two bright and breezy Hi-Fi systems for vinyl fans: the Colourful Audio System 2 and Colourful Audio System E. Each includes a turntable, amplifier, and stereo speakers, providing a plug-and-play music solution with a focus on performance. Colourful Audio System 2 features a Debut EVO
2 turntable with a carbon fibre tonearm, a MaiA S3 amplifier, and Speaker Box 5 S2 bookshelf
speakers. Colourful Audio System E includes a Debut E turntable, Stereo Box E amplifier, and Speaker Box 5 E Carbon bookshelf speakers. Both offer a range of finishes, including striking Fir Green, Golden Yellow, Steel Blue, White, and Wine Red colour options, as well as a Walnut real wood veneer. Finally, on the home entertainment front, Optoma introduced the Photon Go, the first projector from its new consumer-facing Photon brand. This compact Ultra Short Throw (UST) projector features an RGB triple-laser light engine capable of producing a 100-inch image from just 25cm. With Google TV integration, Wi- Fi, and a built-in battery for portable use, the Photon Go is tailored for media rooms, gaming, and home cinema. The battery offers one hour of playback at full brightness, but it’s possible to extend this towards 90 minutes by running on 80 per cent brightness. “Photon will become Optoma’s main B2C
projector brand,” a company spokesperson told me. Priced at £899, the Photon Go is set for an April 2025 launch.
Optoma also hinted that subsequent Photon branded projectors could include a 4K Ultra Short Throw model. Look out for it at next year’s show!
9
ARCAM’s new SA45 streaming amplifier
Pro-Ject’s Colourful Audio System
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