High-end audio manufacturers frequently impress even experienced audiophiles by striving to surpass competitors and achieve top-notch sound reproduction through a design approach that does not compromise on quality or price. Our latest article showcases the most cutting-edge, inventive, and unconventional components available on the market in 2024.
8. Lorenzo Audio Labs LM3 speaker systems
Price: $55,000
The LM3 by Lorenzo Audio Labs features a traditional two-way design with a phase-optimized crossover, complemented by an AMT ribbon tweeter housed in an aluminum horn alongside a 12″ paper woofer with a rigid suspension. This configuration results in a system sensitivity of 94 dB and a minimum impedance of 8 Ohms, with a frequency response spanning from 25 to 23,000 Hz. Placing the bass reflex port at the bottom of the speakers ensures flexibility in installation, while the 41 mm plate cabinets effectively eliminate resonances. When it comes to bass performance, these speakers truly deliver exceptional sound quality.
7. Stillpoints Ultra ESS Stand
Price: $15,000
The Stillpoints Ultra ESS adopts a revolutionary method to eradicate component vibration. It effectively merges two posts, each isolated by the latest Ultra 7 V2 resonance dampers, resulting in a unique design. Additionally, by equipping shelves with vibration protection (preferably Stillpoints Ultra 6 V2), the system transforms into a near-perfect analog of an air suspension. This remarkable feature enables the elimination of resonances even beyond 20,000 Hz. Applaudable indeed.
6. Silbatone L-101 Reference Line Preamplifier
Price: $41,250
The Silbatone L-101 Reference Line Preamplifier employs a groundbreaking circuitry featuring a transformer input, a 64-position relay silver autotransformer volume switch, and Western Electric 262B tubes operating in zero volt in, zero volt out configuration. Consequently, the proclaimed remarkable clarity of the audio is genuinely attained.
5. Davina Loudspeaker acoustic systems
Price not announced
Despite the fact that mass production of Davina Loudspeaker speakers has not commenced, these speakers are gaining attention at global exhibitions due to their impressive presentation capabilities. Each speaker features four 10″ Dayton PA55-8 bass drivers in an open acoustic design, along with a 15″ Lii Song Audio F15 midrange driver and four Dayton 1/2″ ribbon drivers. The speakers deliver bass frequencies as low as 28 Hz with a -3 dB roll-off in the bass region, marking a significant advancement for speakers with an open enclosure.
4. Dartzeel NFS 00 Founder Series MC cartridge
Price: $1,130,770
Installation and configuration by the founder of Dartzeel is part of the package, along with a lifetime warranty – introducing the latest NFS 00 Founder Series cartridge. Priced at $1,130,770, the buyer will receive a cartridge featuring a diamond cantilever (made from a real diamond, not synthetics!), a diamond stylus with a unique darTZeel ultimate proprietary shape, an output voltage of 0.066 mV, a resistance of 2 Ohms, coils wound with pure silver wire coated in copper, 30 dB channel separation, and a frequency response of 10 – 100,000 Hz.
3. VAC Statement 450i iQ integrated tube amplifier
Price: $150,000
Version 1: The VAC Statement 450i iQ is a reference integrated unit designed with a “cost-no-object” approach, weighing 183 kg. It features a discrete design with separate power amplification and preamplifier (Statement 450S iQ and Statement Line Stage) equipped with six independent power supplies. The amplifier utilizes tubes (4 x KT88, 4 x 6SN7GTB, 2 x 6DJ8/6922/7308, 4 x 12AX7) controlled by the patented VAC iQ Continuous Stable Automatic Bias System, delivering an output power of 225 W per channel. The exceptional sound quality combines the capabilities of low-power tube devices with the necessary “power”.
2. Ansuz Acoustics Speakz D-TC2 speaker cables
Price: $42,000
The recently launched cable designed to connect Ansuz Acoustics Speakz D-TC2 speakers is not only costly, but extremely pricey, all the while delivering incredibly versatile and authentic sound quality. The level of technical advancement present could easily fill a small encyclopedia – twisted pairs constructed from silver-plated copper encased in Teflon are paired with a filtering module featuring 144 reverse inductors, a massive filter for electromagnetic interference, and 256 active square Tesla coils.
1. Børresen M6 loudspeakers
Price: $550,000
During the development of the Børresen M6 loudspeakers, the primary objective of the engineers was to push the boundaries of existing technological constraints and lead the way in new realms of audio technology. The positive reception received during presentations indicates that this goal was successfully achieved. The drivers are equipped with a 3D printed zirconium basket to ensure maximum rigidity and minimal vibration. The speaker cone is constructed using a laminate material, comprising two layers of carbon fiber, a layer of aramid honeycomb spacers sandwiched between them, and a titanium shell coated with Ansuz Supreme. This unique combination of materials grants the diffuser exceptional properties that deliver optimal rigidity while keeping noise levels to a minimum. Børresen’s signature iron-free magnetic systems are utilized in all their acoustic models, boasting an inductance that is ten times lower than that of traditional drivers. The M6 takes this a step further by achieving an unprecedented inductance level, approximately 12 times lower than that of conventional iron-based drivers. The ribbon tweeter featured in the Børresen M6 model operates from 2.5 kHz with a sensitivity of 94 dB. With an extremely low mass of 0.01 grams, the tweeter membrane exhibits minimal inertia and the highest operational speed.
