This week’s high-end audio scene brings exciting new products across digital sources, analog amplifiers, and headphone audio. LUMIN unveils the X2, its flagship network player featuring a fully discrete DAC design resulting from years of research and development. CANOR AUDIO introduces the VIRTUS A3, an ambitious all-in-one amplifier combining tube and solid-state technologies to the Japanese market. Additionally, Violectric’s true balanced headphone amplifier and Perlisten’s new speaker series showcase the latest technological achievements from各manufacturers.
1. New Product Launches (Official Announcements)
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X2 — LUMIN (Network Music Player)
- Key Specifications: Flagship network music player featuring LUMIN’s first fully discrete DAC design. Dual-mono configuration with dual FPGAs, supporting native DSD512 and PCM 32-bit/768kHz playback. Features dual-stage linear power supply with dual toroidal transformers and femto-precision clock system.
- Price: A$28,000 (Australian market)
- Availability: Now available
- Highlights: LUMIN’s proprietary fully custom discrete DAC built component by component without relying on off-the-shelf chipsets. Integrates the transport technology established in the U2X with an in-house designed D/A converter, aiming to balance engineering precision with musical warmth. Supports both optical fiber and copper network connections, features SFP socket for galvanic isolation.
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VIRTUS A3 — CANOR AUDIO (Integrated Amplifier)
- Key Specifications: Dual-mono balanced hybrid tube integrated amplifier. Combines tube preamplifier section (using E88CC×2), Class A/AB hybrid power amplifier section, MM/MC-compatible discrete phono stage, and dual ESS9038 DAC (supporting PCM 768kHz/32-bit, DSD512, and MQA). Rated output: 100W (8Ω) × 2, 150W (4Ω) × 2. Fully balanced discrete analog signal path with 9 selectable digital filters.
- Price: ¥1,540,000 (including tax, Japan)
- Release Date: November 10, 2025 (Japan)
- Highlights: CANOR AUDIO’s “true all-in-one” model from the Slovakian tube audio specialist, consolidating all major functions except network transport in a single chassis. Features proprietary PCB processing technology “CMT” and tube selection systems for quality assurance. 1.3-inch LCD touchscreen with rotary knob for intuitive operation, heat pipe cooling system.
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HPA-V324 — Violectric (Headphone Amplifier)
- Key Specifications: Analog headphone amplifier achieving “true balanced playback” through independent 4-stage amplifier design. Dual-mono design with completely independent left/right channels, each equipped with independent preamplifier and power amplifier stages. Features XLR 4-pin balanced output and stereo standard phone jack output.
- Price: Approximately ¥600,000
- Availability: Announced
- Highlights: Violectric’s pursuit of uncompromising balanced drive design. The 4-stage independent amplifier configuration achieves channel separation and low noise beyond conventional balanced amplifiers. Designed to extract maximum potential from high-end headphones.
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A Series — Perlisten (Speakers)
- Key Specifications: New series inheriting technology from flagship S and R series while achieving more accessible price points. Features 38mm Teteron composite dome tweeter (with custom waveguide) and 215mm carbon fiber woofer. Lineup includes flagship tower A4t, floorstanding A3t, compact monitor A3m, and surround/height speaker A2s.
- Price: TBA (more accessible than existing series)
- Release Date: Announced November 5, 2025 in Singapore
- Highlights: Perlisten developed this series to bring reference-grade engineering to a broader audience. Achieves controlled dispersion, low distortion, and bass extension beyond cabinet size. Designed for both stereo and home cinema applications, emphasizing practical use in real rooms.
4. References / Sources
- StereoNET: https://stereonet.com/news
- PHILE WEB: https://www.phileweb.com/news/