Welcome
Welcome to Newsletter #57 for March 2026. Here’s a roundup of the latest news and reviews from the world of HiFi since the last Newsletter, which you may have missed.
New Reviews
Titanic Audio Anchor Plate Isolation Platform – Review by Chris Baillie – 9 February 2026
Chris took a deep dive into Titanic Audio’s Anchor Plate, exploring how its mechanical grounding approach affects system clarity, bass articulation, and overall musical coherence. This is a detailed, hands‑on evaluation of a product aimed squarely at enthusiasts chasing incremental but meaningful system refinement. The Editor will be listening to the Platform under a Michel GYRO SE, to hear the performance upgrade from an analogue perspective, in the coming weeks.
Titanic Audio Anchor Plate Isolation Platform Highlights
Martin Logan ESL X – Review by Simon Wilce – 13 February 2026
A fresh entry in the electrostatic space, the ESL X continues Martin Logan’s tradition of hybrid transparency and dynamic punch.
Martin Logan ESL X Highlights
A&ultima SP4000 – Review by Simon Wilce – 25 February 2026
This month we reviewed the A&ultima SP4000, which features a true Quad‑DAC Octa-Circuit Architecture, pairing four AK4191 digital processors with four AK4499EX DACs.
Astell&Kern A&ultima SP4000 Highlights
New News
Kii SEVEN Active Speakers – Major Software Upgrade – 17 February 2026
Kii has rolled out a significant software update for the SEVEN active speakers, promising performance enhancements and new functionality for existing owners, including Qobuz Connect. This update underscores Kii’s commitment to long‑term product evolution and user experience.
Arendal 1610 Series Announced – 10 February 2026
Arendal has unveiled its new 1610 Series, expanding its portfolio with designs aimed at high‑impact performance and value. Expect strong interest from home cinema and two‑channel listeners alike.
REGA AOS MC Details Announced – 25 February 2026
Details have emerged about the REGA AOS MC, which debuted at Bristol this weekend. The AOS REGA says it is a;
dedicated no compromise fully adjustable moving coil pre-amplifier using a circuit design based heavily on our award-winning AURA reference MC phono stage.
It is a two-stage all-analogue amplifier, and the aluminium half-width case shields the circuitry from RFI signals. The low-noise Field-Effect Transistors (FETs) are configured as a compound pair to eliminate the bias current flowing through the cartridge, which may upset the magnets. Input loading, both resistive and capacitive, can be adjusted, as can the gain on the back of the unit.
Bristol 2026
Bristol 2026 was its usual busy, bustling affair, with much to see and hear. I felt, in many conversations I was having, that there was a sense of huge progression in the sound quality we were presented with, across the board; for example, the Kii Seven room was so simple but impactful, as was the Bluesound Powernode/Martin Logan Motion XT B100 demo, which was very impressive. Read the Show Report here.
Coming Up on HF&MS
There are some very exciting reviews coming in March, that include the flagship ifi Audio iDSD Phantom, a look at the Titanic Audio Platform under a Michell GYRO SE and the first look at the dorpo X3 8K media player. The dorpo guys include some of the former Oppo Digital guys, responsible for their Blu-ray disc players, which are still the best CD players in their own right, and their HA headphone amplifiers.
New Music
Dominique Fils-Aimé’s new album, My World is the Sun, came out this month. It is a fraction underwhelming for me, but it is still a terrific listen. Her mother opens the album, singing on the first track, which is a sweet touch.
Another great album to look out for is Filin by Melissa Aldana, her jazzy saxophone work continues to evolve with striking emotional clarity, making this a compelling listen for jazz fans and audiophiles alike.
Another album that caught the ear was Manifeste by Tigran Hamasyan.
New Playlists
Here is the Astell&Kern Tidal Playlist. Look out for the Bristol HiFi Show Playlist coming soon, all of the music I heard at the Show.
Further Reading
