Skip to main content

Phiaton to Launch New Audio Line in March

Phiaton to Launch New Audio Line in March

Along with bringing new gadgets and products by the bucket load, this year’s CES also quietly brought out a brand new company with a whole line of yet-to-launch audio gear. Phiaton, a brand name for products to be produced by Cresyn Company (formerly the manufacturer of only audio parts) will launch an exotic pair of headphones, in-ear phones, and a iPod dock in March.

The PS500 headphones feature an unusual design with ear cups and a headband covered in black, hand-stitched leather. The pieces covering the outter shell of the headphones have a stamped pattern that resembles alligator skin. Phiaton’s in-ear PS200 earphones, however, ditch the “wild” theme for a less-organic miniature turbine design.  They also come with memory foam ear tips designed to block out background noise.

The MS600 may be the most unusual looking new product of all, with two tube-shaped speaker housings joined by a midsection where an iPod docks. It sports a primarily black design with accents of bright red and carbon fiber. Unlike the usual iPod minidocks that launch seemingly every other week, the class D amp in the MS600 puts out an impressive 60 watts. A remote control and AC/DC adaptor are included.

While Phiaton will begin shipping all three products in March, not much else is known about the line, including which distributors will carry the gear and, more crucially, what it will cost.

Nick Mokey
As Digital Trends’ Managing Editor, Nick Mokey oversees an editorial team delivering definitive reviews, enlightening…
Astell&Kern gives its new entry-level digital audio player some premium features
Astell&Kern SR35 digital audio player with earbuds.

Starting in the $700-range, Astell&Kern's (A&K) most affordable portable digital audio players have never been easy on the wallet, but they have always been packed with top-quality components and features. With its latest entry-level model, the $799 A&norma SR35, that tradition continues with impressive upgrades, some of which have been lifted directly from the company's ultra-premium models. You'll be able to buy it at A&K dealers in May.

On the outside, not much has changed from the $749 SR25 II (which is still available while supplies last). A&K has kept the same chunky case, oversized volume knob, distinctive bevel edges, and quirky angled display. The player retains its internal 64GB of storage (expandable up to 1TB via microSD cards) as well as the ability to act as both a Bluetooth receiver and transmitter with LDAC and aptX HD codec support. And you can still use the AK File Drop function to load the player with your favorite songs wirelessly -- no USB cable required. That wireless connectivity has been improved, however, with support for both 2.4 and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands.

Read more
Pioneer Elite’s latest flagship AVR is jammed with new audio tech
Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 AVR with a TV.

Pioneer electronics makes some of the best AV receivers money can buy, and its flagship Pioneer Elite brand is about to push that envelope further with the announcement of its latest AVR (audio video receiver), the Elite VSX-LX805. The 11.2.4-channel network receiver will be available this Spring for a premium $2,999, but that big price gets you big power at 150 watts per channel, a new 32-bit digital audio converter, some AI-driven room calibration, and some audiophile upgrades.

The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 is the first Pioneer receiver to be designed in cooperation with Premium Audio Company since its licensing agreement with Pioneer/Pioneer Elite in 2021, which put them in charge of marketing and selling the brands' AVR business globally (except in China). PAC is a powerhouse of home audio gear, with huge brands under its umbrella, including Klipsch, Onkyo, Teac, and Energy, so expectations are high for its new arrivals. 

Read more
Sonos’ new Era 100 and Era 300 wireless speakers go all-in on spatial audio and Bluetooth
Sonos Era 300 and Era 100 side by side.

Sonos has officially unveiled two new wireless smart speakers -- the $249 Sonos Era 100, and the $449 Sonos Era 300. While the Era 100 is effectively a new version of the aging Sonos One, which it replaces, the Era 300 is an entirely new type of speaker for the company, with six drivers (including an up-firing tweeter) and compatibility with spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos.

The leaks pretty much nailed it. Both speakers will be available on March 28 in 26 countries including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, and Australia, with preorders beginning March 7.

Read more