Weiss Helios Reference DAC

The Helios Reference DAC brings pro performance and versatility to the high end, even exceeding the bar set by the DAC501/502. Digital processing is performed by the 8-channel ES9038PRO chip, utilizing four DAC channels in parallel per channel for an unmatched S/N ratio of 128dB, with superb channel separation and noise rejection. Unique DSP algorithms can be activated to suppress room modes, correct less than optimal recordings, in particular de-essing, which removes excessive sibilance. A powerful non-switching power supply utilizes two toroidal transformers. All sensitive voltages have their own regulators, which are separated between left and right channels, key to reducing digital noise and channel crosstalk. The analog output stages utilize Weiss’ own discrete op-amps. All five digital inputs accept professional or consumer signals. Helios is Roon Ready and comes standard with a full-function remote control.

Price: $21,995. bluebirdmusic.com

Nagra Reference Turntable

The Reference turntable from Nagra follows in the footsteps of Nagra’s Reference Anniversary turntable. It features a 25-pound, Swiss-made, CNC-machined, dual-decoupled, super-cap motor-drive system, a spheroidal graphite iron shaft/bearing housing, and a bearing composed of ultra-high-polished, stacked-carbide balls. The platter is aerospace-grade aluminum/phenolic and is constrained-layer damped with an Alcantara platter surface. The belt transmission was inspired by the legendary Nagra IV series reel-to-reel recorders. There’s a non-resonant, high-rigidity, constrained-layer chassis and a floating mechanical and hydraulic suspension, plus an HD-sized chassis linear power supply featuring an oversized medical-grade transformer and ultra-low-noise regulators. The tonearm is a dual-concentric carbon-fiber uni-pivot with unique geometrical bearing profile and unique no-contact magnetic anti-skating. Although designed to work from the “ground up” as a unified playback system, Nagra offers an armless version with arm-board options to accommodate most tonearms.

Price: $128,000. nagraaudio.com

Magico S5 2024 Loudspeaker

Magico’s new S5 2024 is three-way, four-driver loudspeaker featuring a shaped aluminum cabinet to maximize stiffness and optimize damping. The front baffle is curved to minimize diffraction effects. Notably, the S5’s internal volume was increased by 31% over its predecessor, enabling low-frequency response to extend 5Hz lower—to 20Hz—with the same sensitivity (88dB). New diaphragms use an aluminum-honeycomb core sandwiched by graphene-reinforced carbon-fiber skins. These Nano-Tec v.8 cones’ revolutionary core structure allows thinner diaphragms, lighter weight, and more effective damping. The S5’s 6″ midrange uses a 3″ voice coil with two extra-large neodymium magnets, a copper cap, and a titanium voice coil. There’s a pair of 10″ woofers with 5″ titanium voice coils, and the 28mm tweeter uses a diamond-coated beryllium diaphragm with a neodymium motor system. In celebrating Magico’s 20th anniversary, S5 orders placed in 2024 include a special aluminum accessory box that’s engraved with serial numbers and the “20” anniversary logo.

Price: $74,500, Softec; $83,000, gloss. magico.net