HIGH END SOCIETY: Ali Ibrahim Named New Managing Director
HIGH END Under New Management
Ali Ibrahim will take over as CEO of HIGH END SOCIETY on October 1, 2026. Manuel Pinke is stepping down for personal reasons.
Author: Stefan Schickedanz
Stefan Schickedanz
The founder and editor in chief of STEREO GUIDE has been testing for over three decades as a hi-fi expert for print and online magazines such as AUDIO, stereoplay, LowBeats or FAZ Kaufkompass. In addition to cultivated music playback, he likes fast cars - including classic cars - with rich sound. He also reports regularly on this topic, not least on this platform.
Bose Noise-Canceling Wired Earbuds: USB-C In-Ear Headphones with ANC and No Battery
Wired for Quiet
Bose is back with USB-C in-ear headphones: QuietControl ANC without a battery, 24-bit/48 kHz, and three listening modes for 99.95 euros. They go on sale October 15.
JBL Cinema SB MK2: New soundbars use the Flip 7 as a rear speaker
Flip 7 Has Your Back
JBL is launching four Cinema SB-MK2 soundbars starting at 199.99 euros. SurroundPlay turns two Flip 7s into wireless rear speakers for true surround sound.
Sony ULT Tower 5 Review: A 300-watt party speaker with deep bass
Let There Be Bass!
In our test, the Sony ULT Tower 5 delivers incredibly deep bass, natural vocals, and 300 watts. How good are the app, battery life, and ease of use for 400 euros?
EISA Triple Award for Audio Reference: Wilson Audio, SME, and Perlisten Honored
A High-End Hat Trick from Hamburg
Audio Reference celebrates winning three EISA Awards for 2026–2027: The Wilson Audio Sabrina V, SME Model 35, and Perlisten D3is were honored.
Cayin HA-1A Mk3: Tube Headphone Amplifier with 2.8 watts for 1,298 euros
Tube bliss without the hiss
Cayin’s HA-1A Mk3 delivers up to 2.8 watts in single-ended Class A, drives headphones ranging from 8 to 600 ohms, and also serves as a preamp. Price: 1,298 euros.
FiiO FT15: Flagship planar headphone with 101-mm drivers for 500 euros
A Diamond in a Walnut Shell
FiiO introduces the FT15, its new flagship model among magnetostatic over-ear headphones. The planar headphone combines 101-millimeter drivers with a diaphragm that is just 800…
FiiO DP11: CD Player with USB Ripping and Hi-Res DAC for 185 euros
"R.I.P." was yesterday
The FiiO DP11 combines a CD player, USB ripping, a CS43198 DAC, and high-resolution playback up to 32-bit/384 kHz. It will be released in October.
New Center: Loewe We.BOOST Upgrades to 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos
Yes, We Can!
The Loewe We.BOOST Center upgrades existing systems from 4.1.2 to 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos. The wireless upgrade costs 299 euros.
New Headphones from Anker Soundcore with Thus AI
Soundcore hears you loud and clear
Anker is launching the AeroClip 2, Space 2 Pro, and Liberty Buds 2, featuring a local Thus AI chip. The three new headphones start at 129.99 euros.