Onkyo further boosts the DP-X1 portable music player with the addition of Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) support, providing users with another option for high-resolution audio.

First seen back at CES 2016, the DP-X1 supports a number of high-resolution audio formats, including FLAC, ALAC, AIFF and WAV up to 24-bit/384kHz, as well as DSD up to 11.2MHz. However MQA claims superiority to such formats thanks to smaller file sizes, allowing one to fit more music on the device.

The Android-powered player provides up to 400GB of storage (via dual microSD card slots). Audio capabilities come through of Sabre chips-- the ES9018K2M DAC and 9601K amp.

The AtlasIED DPA series amplifiers are network-ready DSP power amplifiers designed for both 70/100V and 8/4 ohm systems available in 3 models-- the 600W DPA602, the 1200W DPA1202 and the 2400W DPA2402.

All models feature on-board DSP and a GUI embedded in the amplifier. Being network-ready, installers can configure and operate the amps using any standard web browser, with no need for a standalone application.

An expansion slot furthers flexibility by enabling 2 card options-- the DPA-DAC4 card providing 4 Dante digital audio inputs and the DPA-AMIX card adding 4 analog input channels. Both increase inputs from 4 to 8 channels.

Cabasse announces the Stream Base-- an addition to the Cabasse Stream range featuring 4-way-per-channel audio  as well as (predictably enough) built-in streaming from online services and network drives.

The Stream Base uses active filtering technology to control the tweeter, midrange and low-range drivers, while a downward-firing 13cm woofer takes care of the bass. Expanding the width and depth of the soundstage is proprietary Cabasse sound processing.

Connectivity comes through optical and coax digital inputs. A 3.5mm stereo mini-jack input is also included, as well as wireless connection to mobile devices through Bluetooth Aptx.

Audio Authority announces a mobile device app for the control of the SonaFlex SF-16M Matrix Amplifier-- one using the SonaFlex zone control feature for quick source selection and volume control over wifi networks.

Users can also adjust bass and treble, turn on loudness and mute each zone.

Connected speaker maker Sonos announces a shift away from hardware-- instead the company will set its focus on streaming services and voice control, and as a result is "letting go of some employees."

The (somewhat vague) blog post by CEO John Macfarlane announcing the situation fails to detail how many Sonos employees are getting slashed, instead simply putting the blame on a music industry in a state of transition.

"We’re not chasing short-term gains or answering to impatient investors," Macfarlane writes. "Rather, we’re making a decision to substantially and confidently increase our investment in the future of music."

Unison Research launches the SH-- a single-ended two-stage headphone amplifier using valve technology to provide “world-class sound from a specialised device using the best technology available."

Designed for use with both digital and analogue sources, the SH features a linear circuit the company says produces low negative feedback and an output voltage able of driving a wide range of headphones. An ECC83 valve takes care of the input stage while output comes from an EL84, a valve capable of driving the output transformer with "optimal electrical and sound character."