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Audio News for December 4, 2025

2025/12/03
4 min read
STAX Chord Electronics Audio-Technica Focal ATLAS Vento High-End Audio New Products

Today’s high-end audio news features highly anticipated product revivals and updates to popular models. STAX revives the legendary electrostatic earspeaker “SR-009” as the “SR-009D” with modern updates. UK’s Chord Electronics adds 4.4mm balanced output and USB-C charging to the popular portable DAC/amp “Mojo 2” while maintaining its price. Additionally, Audio-Technica’s “Hotaru” turntable that “converts sound into light,” first unveiled at Milan Design Week in April, begins general sales.

1. New Product Releases (Official Announcements)

  • SR-009D — STAX (Electrostatic Earspeaker)

    • Key Specs: Modern version of the legendary flagship electrostatic earspeaker “SR-009”. Inherits Multi-Layer-Electrode (MLER) architecture with three stainless steel layers bonded at atomic level. Features new detachable/replaceable cable, injection-molded housing for reduced weight, genuine leather earpads, 10-step adjustable headband mechanism. Includes aluminum carrying case.
    • Price: A$5,690 (other regions TBA)
    • Availability: Now on sale
    • Highlight: Responding to years of fan requests, the “SR-009” that reigned as reference for approximately a decade returns. The adoption of detachable cables for improved serviceability and future upgradability is the biggest evolution. Recommended to drive with SRM-series energizers.

  • Mojo 2 2025 — Chord Electronics (Portable DAC/Headphone Amplifier)

    • Key Specs: One of existing 3.5mm headphone outputs replaced with 4.4mm balanced output. Independent volume memory functions for 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs. USB-C terminal now supports both data transfer and charging (switchable). Basic specs including FPGA Pulse Array DAC, lossless UHD DSP, and 8-hour battery life maintained.
    • Price: £395 / US650/AU650 / AU799 (price unchanged)
    • Availability: Now on sale (previous model while supplies last)
    • Highlight: Practical updates responding to user feedback. Adding 4.4mm output enables compatibility with wider range of high-performance headphones while maintaining price—a welcome development. Poly 2 streamer module compatibility also maintained.

  • Hotaru — Audio-Technica (All-in-One Turntable)

    • Key Specs: All-in-one turntable with lighting system that converts record music into light. 20 color palettes and 3 lighting modes (Basic/Gradation/Link). Unique “levitation” structure using powerful magnet repulsion isolates vibration. Built-in speakers.
    • Price: ¥1,650,000 (tax included)
    • Availability: Released December 4, 2025, limited to 1,000 units worldwide
    • Highlight: The product that generated buzz at April’s Milan Design Week finally enters general sales. Embodying the “fusion of music and interior” in response to turntable-as-interior demand. The levitation structure contributes not only to design but also to improved cartridge playback capabilities.

  • Omada Series — Focal (Speakers)

    • Key Specs: New lineup positioned between Theva and Vestia. Features recycled carbon fiber “Slatefiber” drivers and aluminum/magnesium “TAM” tweeter. Four-model lineup: N°1 bookshelf, N°3/N°4 floorstanding, and center speaker. High-gloss black finish with gentle curved baffle and leather-textured front panel.
    • Price: N°1 US1,398/pair,N°3US1,398/pair, N°3 US1,899/each, N°4 US2,299/each,CentreUS2,299/each, Centre US699/each
    • Availability: North America only (other regions TBD)
    • Highlight: Unusual quiet launch for Focal—new line introduced to North American market without press release. Deploys company’s established technology into competitive mid-price segment. Pricing targets competition with KEF Q Meta, B&W 600 S3, and Q Acoustics 5000.

2. Manufacturer/Distributor Announcements

  • ATLAS Domestic Distribution Begins (Timelord): Domestic sales of Scottish veteran cable brand “ATLAS” began December 1. Features analog cables without silver-plated conductors, solder-free precision cold welding connections, and proprietary earthing technology “Grun Earthing System.” Wide lineup including RCA cables from ¥67,100, speaker cables from ¥427,900.

  • DAP180/DAP120 Released (Vento): Escart releases hybrid diffusion panels under Vento brand featuring 3D special mesh. Three-stage acoustic control structure: primary diffusion → secondary diffusion → absorption. DAP180 (H1800mm) ¥275,000, DAP120 (H1200mm) ¥250,800. Japanese ash wood, 4 colors available.

4. Reference Links / Sources