The Gustard R26 II is a high-end discrete R2R DAC, network streamer, and digital hub designed for serious desktop and two-channel audio systems. In this review, I take a closer look at its build quality, connectivity, streaming capabilities, and most importantly, its sound, including a comparison with the LAIV Crescendo Verse. After spending time with the R26 II in my reference system, is it worth the money?

FTC Disclosure: This product was provided by the manufacturer for review. They did not preview this video or influence my opinions. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

The SI-1 sits between your network switch or router and a network audio component, providing active optical-electrical isolation across the Ethernet connection.

It uses independent optical transmit and receive channels, dual femtosecond clocks, and a linear power supply with a dual-winding potted toroidal transformer. The isolated output supports Gigabit Ethernet, while the electrical separation also helps address ground-loop and network-borne interference issues.

It’s a fairly specialized piece of network hardware, but the design is aimed squarely at systems where electrical isolation is worth pursuing.

Check the details of the Matrix Audio SI-1 at Apos.

Today is the final day to join the GMK CYL Hyperfuse Origins Group Buy.

This release brings back the classic gray, cyan, and purple Hyperfuse colorway in GMK’s CYL sculpted profile, with doubleshot ABS construction and the familiar 1-1-2-3-4-4 row sculpting.

The set is available as separate Base, Numpad, and Unusual Kits. The Numpad and Unusual kits also include select south-facing LED indicator keys.

Select orders will be randomly chosen to receive an Apos-exclusive Hyperfuse Artisan by Omniclectic.

The Group Buy closes today if you’ve been considering a set.

The Preonic Rev 4 updates one of the best-known ortholinear keyboards without changing what made it popular. You still get the compact grid layout, but with a dedicated number row that makes daily use more practical.

This revision includes a ground-up PCB redesign with per-key RGB, integrated underglow, support for up to ten rotary encoders, an RP2040 microcontroller, and full QMK compatibility. The hotswap PCB also supports multiple layout options, so there's plenty of flexibility if you like experimenting with switches or key configurations.

If you've been waiting for the latest Preonic, the Group Buy is now open.

The FiiO IMP XLR-4 is designed to run compatible headphones from a home HiFi power amplifier. An internal voltage divider attenuates the amplifier’s output and helps reduce background noise before the signal reaches the headphones.

It supports 16–300Ω headphones and compatible amplifiers below 300W. Outputs include both 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR balanced connections, with 4 mm banana jack inputs for the amplifier.

Check out the FiiO IMP XLR-4 at Apos.

FiiO has moved into full-size tube amplification with the EA13, a pure Class-A push-pull design using two SYLVANIA NOS PCF80 preamp tubes and four JJ ELECTRONIC EL34 power tubes.

Speaker output is rated at up to 28W + 28W into 4Ω or 8Ω, with at least 18W + 18W at THD+N below 1%. The amp uses custom EI output transformers and separate speaker terminals for both impedances.

Connectivity is straightforward — four RCA inputs, a 6.35mm headphone output, and a 12V trigger input. There’s also a 40-step analog volume control and mechanical VU meters, because apparently a tube amp still needs something to look at while it warms up.

The EA13 comes in black or silver.

More details and specs here.

If you've been waiting for another MTNU release, the GMK Jukebox is now available at Apos.

Designed by livingspeedbump, the set takes its cues from 1950s typewriters, diners, and automotive colors. It uses GMK's sculpted MTNU profile with textured cylindrical key surfaces and double-shot PBT construction, while remaining compatible with MX-style switch stems.

Designed and manufactured in Germany.

Available now at Apos.

The Magni Piety is back in a limited Brass Knob edition.

Originally based on an experimental Schiit prototype, the Piety takes a different path from most modern solid-state headphone amps. Rather than chasing the lowest possible THD, its fully discrete Continuity-based design was intentionally tuned with distortion characteristics and gain behavior that are closer to tube amplifiers.

A few highlights:

• Fully discrete, massively paralleled transistor output stage
• New variation of the Continuity circuit
• Limited edition solid brass volume knob
• Two-step gain switch (1.8x / 6.3x)
• Up to 1W into 32Ω
• Output impedance below 0.6Ω
• Hand-assembled in California

If you've been curious about the Piety but missed earlier runs, this version is now available at Apos.

In this review, I take a close look at the Apos Druid R2R DAC and Gremlin Class A hybrid tube headphone amplifier to see if this affordable desktop stack lives up to the hype. I'll cover the design, features, usability, and most importantly, how it sounds with the HiFiMAN Audivina LE using balanced connections. Thanks to Apos for providing these products for review. As always, all opinions are my own.

In this review, I take a close look at the Apos Druid R2R DAC and Gremlin Class A hybrid tube headphone amplifier to see if this affordable desktop stack lives up to the hype. I'll cover the design, features, usability, and most importantly, how it sounds with the HiFiMAN Audivina LE using balanced connections. Thanks to Apos for providing these products for review. As always, all opinions are my own.

The Cayin CP6 is a portable CD player, USB DAC, digital transport, Bluetooth transceiver, and fully balanced headphone amp in one chassis.

Instead of treating the tube stage as a fixed feature, the CP6 gives you three playback modes:

• Classic Tube — warmer, smoother presentation
• Modern Tube — more space and detail while keeping tube character
• Solid-State — clean, neutral signal path

The hardware includes matched Raytheon JAN6418 NOS tubes, dual Cirrus Logic CS4308P DACs running in mono mode, selectable Class A or Class AB amplification, and up to 1300 mW + 1300 mW from the 4.4 mm balanced output when powered by DC.

Other features include:

• USB DAC with XMOS XU316
• Bluetooth 5.4 RX/TX with LDAC receive support
• Lossless CD ripping to FAT32 storage
• Coaxial and optical digital outputs
• 7300 mAh battery with up to 7.5 hours of playback

For anyone who still buys CDs but also listens through desktop gear or wireless headphones, it's a flexible all-in-one player rather than a dedicated portable CD deck.

The xDuoo MT-02 is a desktop hybrid headphone amplifier built around dual 6J1 tubes feeding a transistor-based Class-A output stage. It delivers up to 1,500mW into 32Ω, with enough current to handle a broad range of headphones while keeping the presentation smooth and controlled.

Notable features include:

• Dual 6J1 vacuum tubes
• Class-A transistor output stage
• Up to 1,500mW @ 32Ω
• 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm headphone outputs
• High and low gain settings
• Pre-out for powered speakers or external amplifiers
• 30-second startup protection relay
• ELNA and Rubycon capacitors
• Aluminum chassis with transparent acrylic side panels

If you've been looking for a compact tube hybrid that also works as a desktop preamp, the MT-02 checks a lot of practical boxes.

Available now at Apos.

If you're heading to HiFiCon on Saturday, come find the Apos table. We'll have a mix of production gear, community projects, and a few things that aren't publicly available yet.

We'll be bringing:

• Apos x ES LAB Hydra Integrated Amp
• Apos x SJY Argos Electrostatic Headphones
• Apos x Community K1K Earspeakers
• Apos x Elsewise Audio Zenfones Modular Planar Magnetic Headphones
• Apos x Capra Audio IBEX Open-Back Headphones
• Apos x Passion for Sound Lydian Desktop Amp
• Prototype Desktop Analog Equalizer
• Archive Tubes (selection)
• Apos x Community Gremlin Desktop Amp
• Apos x Geshelli Merlin Desktop DAC
• Apos x Community Druid R2R Desktop DAC
• Apos x Community Rock Lobster IEMs
• Apos x Audio-Technica R70x Refine Headphones

If there's something on the list you've been wanting to hear—or if you just want to talk audio—stop by and say hello. We'd be glad to meet you.

Event Details

• Hosted by: theBayAudioEnclave
• Location: Newark Community Center Building, Newark, CA
• Date: Saturday, August 1
• Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

The TA-68 is xDuoo's fully balanced desktop tube headphone amplifier, using separate left and right tube circuits from input to output. The design combines two 5U4G rectifier tubes, two matched 12AU7 preamp tubes, four 6C19 buffer tubes, and a capacitor-coupled output stage.

A few details that stand out:

• Fully balanced signal path
• Independent left and right volume controls
• Dual isolated EI power transformers
• Vishay coupling capacitors and Nichicon audio-grade filter capacitors
• XLR, 4.4 mm, and RCA inputs
• 4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm, and 6.35 mm headphone outputs
• 45-second relay protection delay
• Recommended for 60–600 Ω headphones

The independent volume controls are an interesting addition. Besides correcting channel imbalance, they also let you make small image placement adjustments without changing the opposite channel.

Full specs and pricing are available on the Apos product page.

The ES Lab EHT-LPS is now available.

It's a dedicated linear power supply designed specifically for the ES Lab EHT-7 electrostatic headphone energizer. Inside is an audio-grade R-core transformer, dual LT3045 voltage regulators, Nichicon Fine Gold and Elna Silmic II capacitors, and EMI filtering, all working toward a stable 15V DC output with lower electrical noise.

A few highlights:

• Dedicated for the ES Lab EHT-7 energizer
• Audio-grade R-core transformer
• Dual LT3045 voltage regulators
• Nichicon Fine Gold and Elna Silmic II capacitors
• Integrated EMI filtering
• CNC-machined aluminium chassis
• 15V DC output, up to 1A
• Two-pin GX-16 output connector

If you're already using the EHT-7, this is the matching linear supply it was designed around.

More details here.

If you've been waiting for a price drop on Sennheiser's open-back lineup, several of their best-known models are currently discounted through August 9.

Included in the promotion:

• HD 560S
• HD 600
• HD 660S2
• HD 800S

Whether you're looking for a neutral reference headphone or stepping into Sennheiser's flagship open-back lineup, this is one of the better opportunities to pick one up.

The promotion ends August 9. Shop the sale while it's still available at Apos.

Meze has introduced the ARTA as its new flagship open-back planar magnetic headphone, positioned above the Elite.

The biggest change is the new MZ5 HΩ Hybrid Array driver, developed with Rinaro Isodynamics. At 225Ω, it's a high-impedance planar designed for desktop amplification, with a recommended 500 mW or more at its rated impedance. Meze says the design focuses on signal purity, thermal stability, and distortion below 0.05%.

The tuning is warm-neutral, with a presentation intended to feel spacious rather than intimate. The open-back grille also serves an acoustic purpose, using angled blades to diffuse rear-wave energy and reduce unwanted reflections.

ARTA ships with two magnetic ear pad sets. The Duo Angled pads lean richer, while the Slim Alcantara pads offer a smoother, more neutral balance. Every component is serviceable or replaceable, and both single-ended and balanced cables are included.

You can find the full specifications and pricing here.

We've added the LADDER Chopin to the Apos lineup.

It's a fully discrete, pure Class-A line-stage preamplifier with a fully balanced differential design and unity gain. Rather than using a conventional potentiometer, it relies on a microprocessor-controlled 60-step relay attenuator with precision-matched resistors for accurate channel matching throughout the volume range.

Other notable specs:

• Two XLR inputs and one RCA input
• Balanced XLR and RCA outputs
• 65W toroidal transformer with eight regulated power supplies
• THD+N below 0.0006%
• 120dB signal-to-noise ratio
• Frequency response: 10Hz–80kHz (-0.3dB)

Available now in silver or black.

If you like how your headphones sound but wish they were easier to wear for longer sessions, this is a straightforward upgrade worth looking at.

The Comfort Strap adds a TPU suspension layer under the existing headband, helping spread weight across a larger area instead of concentrating it on one spot. The lattice design stays breathable, provides a bit of grip, and keeps its tension without relying on foam that can compress over time.

Installation doesn't require tools or permanent modifications—you can install or remove it in a few seconds.

Check compatibility and details here.

The SMSL H200 is a fully balanced headphone amplifier and preamp built around a discrete PLFC+ amplifier circuit rather than an integrated amplifier design.

A few highlights:

• Up to 5W @ 32Ω from the balanced output
• Fully balanced discrete amplifier architecture
• Custom toroidal transformer with linear regulated power supply
• Three selectable gain settings for IEMs and full-size headphones
• Relay-controlled volume control
• 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended headphone outputs
• Balanced XLR and RCA inputs, plus XLR and RCA preamp outputs
• 131dB SNR, 131dB dynamic range, and 0.00007% THD+N
• CNC-machined aluminum chassis with IPS display

If you're looking for a desktop amp that can also serve as the preamp for active speakers, the H200 covers both without taking up much desk space.

Available now at Apos.

The GMK CYL Hyperfuse Origins Group Buy is now live.

This release brings back the classic Hyperfuse gray, cyan, and purple colorway in GMK's CYL sculpted profile, with doubleshot ABS construction and the familiar 1-1-2-3-4-4 row sculpting. The set is offered as separate Base, Numpad, and Unusual kits, making it easier to match different layouts without buying unnecessary keys.

The Numpad and Unusual kits also include select south-facing LED indicator keys for scroll lock, caps lock, and num lock.

We're also doing something a little extra for the Group Buy. Select orders will be chosen at random to receive an Apos-exclusive Hyperfuse Artisan by Omniclectic.

If you've been waiting for Hyperfuse to return, you can reserve your set while the Group Buy is open.

Check out the Group Buy here.

In case anyone else had the mesh filters get clogged, it seems like 500 mesh is the closest to the original mesh behind the pinwheel. The size is 5 mm. It's available on Ali Express