Customers dipping their tones into the world of vinyl get a lower-cost phono preamplifier option from Parasound-- the JC3 Junior, a compact version of the JC3+ preamp catering for a wide range of MM and MC cartridges.

The JC3 Junior handles 50 to 550 ohm continuously, with variable MC impedance. It has a mono switch for use with older vinyl, and offers selectable gain output, gold-plated balanced and single-ended output terminals, and a 12V trigger for system integration. The S/N ratio reaches up to 94dB, while THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) is specified below 0.02%.

Sonos accessory specialist Flexson announces a first in-ceiling speaker-- the 65X3, designed to pair with the Sonos Connect: Amp and featuring triple high-frequency drivers for wide sound dispersion.

The 65X3 promises flexible installation, since it is mountable in shallow ceiling voids with 50mm minimum space. It is also moisture-proof, allowing use in kitchen or bathrooms without complication. Room tuning options include a high frequency boost/cut 6dB switch and a bass attenuation switch for level control in case the speaker is located in a large void.

Installers can also take advantage of 180-degree phase adjustment to better match subwoofers if required. For optimum performance customers get a choice of 3 switchable modes-- normal, music of speech.

Customers asking for a wearable audio device that does not cover the ears? Bose might have a solution with the SoundWear Companion, a speaker one wears on on their neck.

The SoundWear Companion pairs with smartphones via Bluetooth, meaning it streams music and takes calls just like any other similar device. It is controlled via companion iOS/Android app, and promises to provide music while not shutting out the noise of the outside world.

Producing what "deep, rich sound" is a pair of 11-inch waveguides, while the battery promises up to 12 hours of use on a single charge with a quick 15-minute charge giving up to 3 hours of use). Construction is sweat and weather resistant, and a combination of bend-and-stay steel wire and medical-grade silicon ensures the wearable stays form-fitted on the shoulders.

Q Acoustics follows on the M3 and Media 4 soundbars with a first soundbase-- the M2, an audio offering the company says can carry flatscreen TVs weighing up to 25kg.

The M2 measures 55cm wide and 34cm deep, and combines two 58mm Balance Mode Radiator drives with an integrated subwoofer. It is designed for both TV movie viewing and music listening, with individual modes for each use case. A MoviEQ function emphasises the bass further to enhance movie soundtracks and videogame action.

Total output reaches 80W, and the soundbase is fully braced and damped to reduce internal vibrations. BMR speaker technology allows it to deliver 180-degree sound spread, eliminating the listening sweet spot, while a 3-mode equaliser switch on the back allows one to alter bass levels according to where the unit is positioned.