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Received — 17 October 2026 ⏭

Sony wants to DAP up your digital audio with the Walkman Signature Series

✇Popular Science
By: Tony Ware
15 October 2026 at 17:00

Just when you think Sony’s 2026 product parade is over, there’s one more thing for audiophiles to add to their Christmas wishlist. While the first half of the year focused on playback devices (flagship true wireless earbuds, powerful party speakers), and just last week there was a spatial microphone for content capture, now there’s something to bridge the gap: The Walkman. But this isn’t the portable cassette player of the ’80s and ’90s, even though those are so haute right now. No, these Walkmen are digital audio players (DAPs), with optimized signal paths and DSP that make all your streaming services and downloaded music (up to 384 kHz/32-bit PCM) sound extra expressive (and you can even display a cassette tape screensaver or use a “Vinyl Processor,” if you’re analog maxxing).

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Kicking off the next-generation refresh, the NW-ZX900 has new premium parts, including an ultra-low-noise LDO regulator and crystal oscillators shared with the higher-end models for stable voltage to the audio block. The chassis is a mix of milled aluminum and press-formed oxygen-free copper (OFC) components. Most obvious is the updated 5″ 1920×1080 TFT color display, offering larger, clearer album art and a responsive way to control the Android 16-based system. As for the audio, with its 20-40,000 Hz frequency response, the 11.2MHz DSD Remastering Engine and S-Master HX digital amp technology, plus a balanced 4.4mm output with 250mW+250mW High Gain Mode (a distinct improvement over the previous, power-capped ZX700), deliver the best sound from your wired headphones or in-ear monitors. And a battery life of up to 40 hours of lower-bitrate MP3 playback, or up to 35 hours with the streaming service apps, ensures you’ll make it through that playlist.

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Step up to the 425g NW-WM1AM3, and you get a new low-resistance oxygen-free chassis for stronger grounding, as well as a 5.5″ 1920×1080 Full HD screen. The elevated materials extend to a direct OFC audio power supply, OFC cable at the headphone output, and OFC copper-wound large coil. In addition, there are dual large solid polymer capacitors, Gold vapor-deposited ultra-low phase-noise clocks, 10-layer low-dielectric PCBs, and a higher-performance low-power SoC to run the DSD Remastering Engine, newly developed look-ahead Noise Shaper with Light / Balance / Deep modes, 10-band equalizer, C Phase Linearizer, Dynamic Normalizer, and DSEE Ultimate signal enhancement of whatever you play off the 128GB internal storage, microSD slot, or streaming services. The power-supply architecture, battery figures, and audio processing are shared with the flagship (showcased below), so you get the best balance of performance and value for those flagship wired headphones (but there’s no shame in a little Bluetooth 5.4 LDAC action with the 1000X The ColleXion headphones, or LC3/AAC/aptX Adaptive with another top pick).

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As for the cost-no-object NW-WM1ZM3 flagship, it’s all about mechanical construction. This 670g investment gets you a 99.99% (4N) OFC precision-milled main chassis with a precision-machined (not press-formed) OFC rear chassis that uses 99.96% pure OFC with direct gold plating to further enhance ground stability. It’s all held together with low-resistance, direct-coupled gold-plated screws for a lower-resistance mechanical path, plus 4-wire braided KIMBER KABLE is implemented in the balanced output. The promise of this reinforced architecture and isolated circuitry is a wider soundstage, stronger low-frequency presence, and clearer fine detail for a more analog character. In addition, internal storage is doubled to 256GB.

A caveat for all three models: Despite there being a USB-C port, it is not intended to be used as an audio out. Just power and file transfer. Though it can be used as an external DAC for a PC. Listening, however, is done only via the 3.5mm/4.4mm ports or wireless codecs.

The NW-ZX900 ($1,899), NW-WM1AM3 ($2,999), and NW-WM1ZM3 ($5,899) are available for preorder now from Sony, B&H, and Crutchfield.

The post Sony wants to DAP up your digital audio with the Walkman Signature Series appeared first on Popular Science.

These four companies ain’t playin’ when it comes to playback

✇Popular Science
By: Tony Ware
15 October 2026 at 13:00

The death of the disc has been greatly exaggerated. Whether your preferred platters are shiny or groovy, companies are producing new … spins … on how to play CDs and LPs. Just this week, NAD Electronics announced a CD player, while Cambridge Audio and Andover Audio have turntables. Meanwhile, Focal-Naim elevates its immersive connected audio hub, for those audiophiles who have embraced an all-in-one system with expressive Dolby Atmos. Below you’ll find more information on all these discerning digital and premium analog audio accessories.

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The C 569 is NAD Electronics’ mid-tier CD player in its Classic Series, featuring a combination of proprietary refinements to get the most from Rush remasters to Olivia Rodrigo. Dynamic Digital Headroom purports to eliminate inter-sample clipping, for more expressive transients. QRONO d2a refines the timing of PCM and MQA-encoded music. And it all runs through an ESS SABRE DAC if you want to use the low-noise, detail-rich analog outputs with any system featuring an RCA in, or utilize the TOSLINK or COAX digital outputs if you want to pair with an even more premium DAC, like that in the new NAD C 359S Class AB integrated amplifier with built-in BluOS streaming and more. The C 569 will be available late November through NAD dealers/website and Amazon at $999 USD. The NAD C 359S amplifier is available today through NAD dealers for $1,299.

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If you’re getting into vinyls, the Cambridge Audio Spira is a ready-to-play, belt-drive, Bluetooth-equipped 33/45 turntable that can work with a traditional two-channel components stack, active speakers, or wireless speakers/headphones. It comes with a pre-fitted and aligned Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge (upgradeable later to an elliptical stylus), plus a built-in phono stage to ensure it’s plug-and-play. But you can also bypass the phono stage if you want to upgrade to a more refined preamp. The steel platter and adjustable tracking/anti-skate give you stability and control no matter how it’s connected. And it comes in five colors that correspond to the Cambridge Audio L/R powered speaker series. The Cambridge Audio Spira will be available from the brand and partners priced at $499.

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Looking for a step up? The Andover-One DD is a direct-drive turntable that brings together lots of top-notch components in a flagship system. The digitally controlled direct-drive motor supports 33 1/3, 45, qand 78 rpm playback with fractional wow and flutter. It’s a foundation engineered to eliminate high-frequency motor vibrations that impede detail retrieval. Further damping vibrations is the straight tonearm with a carbon-fiber armtube and support for cartridges weighing 2.5g to 6.2g, and it comes fitted with an Audio-Technica AT-VM520xEB moving-magnet cartridge. Tracking force, anti-skating, and vertical tracking angle controls complete the flexible setup, which sits by the cast-aluminum platter on a matte black MDF plinth. The Andover-One DD Turntable is available now for $999. Pair the turntable with the Andover-One SB (as shown above) for a high-fidelity, feedback-free, compact cabinet of clarity.

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The first Naim Audio product to get the premier Utopia designation, the latest Mu-so hi-fi audio hub features the most powerful Naim amplifier ever developed for this type of form factor. Inside, 720W of Class D and A/B power push 15 speakers (7 on the front, 2 on each side, 4 on the top). This 7.1.2 capacity of 3″ ‘M’-shaped drivers and PRISM tweeters (both by Focal) allows for ultra-detailed, no-distortion Dolby Atmos, as well as Sphere Music, Sphere Movie, Sphere Video Game, and Sphere Podcast modes that expand stereo content with ADAPT technology that takes into account your room’s configuration. (And, having heard a demo of the sibling Mu-so Hekla at Audio Advice Live in Raleigh this past August, I can confirm it works wonders.) There’s the Naim Pulse Platform for DSP and high-resolution streaming up to 384 kHz / 32-bit (good for Qobuz Connect, though there’s plenty of Google Cast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, etc. support). TOSLINK allows you to plug in, say, a CD player or a TV, though the HDMI eARC is the preferred input for folks who are going to pair the Mu-so Utopia with a cinematic setup, which it will render well. Also, it’s pretty. The Naim Audio Mu-so Utopia will be available in January 2027 for $6,500 USD, exclusively through the Focal Powered by Naim network of authorized retailers.

The post These four companies ain’t playin’ when it comes to playback appeared first on Popular Science.

CMF's speakers are colorful cartons of fun—you can even 3D print your own designs

✇Latest from Android Central
By: nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) · Nickolas Diaz
12 October 2026 at 18:20

What you need to know

  • CMF launched its first speakers: the CMF Speaker S and Speaker M in various colors in a classic milk carton design.
  • The Speaker S is designed for portability, while CMF empowered the Speaker M with more in-depth audio and clarity for rooms.
  • Users can take off the Speaker S and Speaker M's volume knobs and panels and 3D print their own designs.
  • The Speaker S is available for $59, while the Speaker M begins at $109.

CMF recently became its own company in India, divesting from Nothing. The company is now moving quickly with a new product launch that looks like a fresh carton of milk.

This morning (Oct. 12), CMF announced its first wave of speakers: the Speaker S and Speaker M. These speakers take inspiration from classic cartons of milk, but they're packed full of sound for any occasion. CMF says it went with a design that was "something unique" and fit its brand. The Speaker S looks like the milk cartons you'd get in school for lunch. It features a custom-tuned 45 mm driver in a short form factor.

CMF states it worked to enhance the lower frequencies on the Speaker S to achieve "deeper, more resonant bass." What's more, the Speaker S is aimed at portability since it's a bit smaller than the Speaker M. If you have two of the same model (Speaker S, in this case), CMF says users can turn them into "dedicated left and right channels" with Stereo Mode. Users can fill an area with more sound, as if they were using a standard sound system.

If you're sticking with one speaker, CMF's Wide Soundstage brings more audio depth to that solo device. Adaptive Tuning handles the speaker's EQ; however, users can create custom EQs using the Nothing X app.

Party Mode leans on Android's Auracast to sync multiple speakers. CMF states this will work with its speakers and devices from other companies.

The CMF Speaker S in an assortment of colors.

(Image credit: CMF)

The CMF Speaker S features 18 hours of audio playback "at 50% volume with Ultra Bass on." A quick 10-minute charge reportedly delivers one hour of audio. Speaker S supports Tap to Pair, Bluetooth 6.0, and USB-C lossless audio.

The CMF Speaker S is available in white, dark grey, orange, and turquoise. Consumers can purchase the speaker for $59.

Speaker M

The CMF Speaker M in an assortment of colors.

(Image credit: CMF)

The CMF Speaker M retains many of the same features as the Speaker S. Consumers will find Ultra Bass, offering "controlled low-end impact for playlists that need extra weight." This feature toggles on and off, letting users fine-tune their audio experience at a moment's notice. The Speaker M also provides Party Mode, Stereo Mode, Wide Soundstage, Adaptive Tuning, and Custom EQs.

However, the primary difference lies in its design. The Speaker M is taller, with a dedicated subwoofer and tweeter. CMF wanted to up the ante with the Speaker M's audio capabilities over the Speaker S. The post states the Speaker M pushes its clarity and bass for a "balanced" experience when broadcasting in larger rooms.

The Speaker M supports USB-C lossless audio, Tap to Pair, Bluetooth 6.0, Dual Device connection, and more. Its battery will support 18 hours of audio at 50% volume with Ultra Bass enabled, similar to the Speaker S.

Consumers can pick up the CMF Speaker M today (Oct. 12) in white, dark grey, orange, and turquoise for $109.

While the CMF Speaker S and Speaker M may look like completed products, the company says consumers can change their designs. CMF states users can take off the Speaker S and Speaker M's volume knobs and panels and switch them out. You can "mix and match," or you could 3D print your own designs.

CMF has provided users with the STL files required to begin 3D printing.

Samsung could soon challenge Apple, Sony, and Bose with its Galaxy Studio headphones

✇Latest from Android Central
By: sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) · Sanuj Bhatia
8 October 2026 at 21:20

What you need to know

  • Samsung is reportedly developing its first Galaxy-branded over-ear headphones, which could launch as Galaxy Studio.
  • The leak comes from evowizz, who previously revealed Samsung's Galaxy Buds On before their official launch.
  • Samsung hasn't confirmed a launch date, although its rumored November Galaxy Glasses event could be a possibility.

Samsung could soon have a challenger to Apple's AirPods Max and Sony's flagship over-ear headphones, with the company reportedly working on a new pair called Galaxy Studio.

For years, brands like Sony, Apple, Bose, and Sennheiser have dominated the premium over-ear headphone market in the U.S. But it looks like another major brand could be joining the competition very soon. According to a new leak, Samsung is developing its own pair of over-ear headphones to complement the Galaxy Buds lineup, and they could be called Galaxy Studio.

As spotted by 9to5Google, leaker evowizz on X has shared that Samsung's upcoming over-ear headphones will carry the Galaxy Studio branding. Interestingly, this is the same leaker who first revealed details about Samsung's open-ear earbuds, which officially launched earlier this month as the Galaxy Buds On. And now, the leaker has shared the name of Samsung's next audio product as well.

Sony WH-1000XM6 testing on Android Central

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

There isn't much information about the Galaxy Studio headphones just yet. We don't know what they'll look like, what features they'll offer, or how Samsung plans to position them against premium headphones like the AirPods Max and Sony's WH-1000X series.

There's also no word on when Samsung plans to launch the Galaxy Studio. However, with the name now reportedly surfacing, there's a chance we could start hearing more about the headphones over the coming weeks.

Samsung still has a few major products left to unveil this year. The company is reportedly preparing to launch its first Galaxy Glasses powered by Android XR sometime in November, and it's possible Samsung could use the same event to introduce its new over-ear headphones as well.

Of course, that's just speculation for now, and Samsung hasn't officially confirmed the Galaxy Studio headphones. But it'll be interesting to see what the company comes up with, especially considering how competitive the premium headphone market already is. We'll update this article as more details about the Galaxy Studio emerge.

Sony’s new USB-C spatial mic captures the world around you without capturing you in wires

✇Popular Science
By: Tony Ware
8 October 2026 at 20:55

Sony spent 2026 releasing tons of top-notch playback products, from Bluetooth headphones to DJ-friendly party speakers to surprisingly affordable pro IEMs. Now the Japanese giant introduces something to capture immersive content you can play on all those audio accessories. The ECM-AX10 is a compact USB-C microphone for vloggers, mobile filmmakers, and content creators, and the world’s first Eclipsa Audio-certified mic for smartphones.

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Featuring four omnidirectional capsules, the ECM-AX10 can record Ambisonics, binaural, and stereo. This lets you capture the sense of space, direction, and distance appropriate for the project/format, whether it’s travel reels or festival feels, sports cheers or reviewing gear.

Ambisonics’s four-channel 48 kHz/32-bit float capabilities, plus Sony’s Spatial Audio Video Tool, mean you can publish a full-sphere Eclipsa Audio experience on YouTube, based on the open IAMF (Immersive Audio Model and Format) standard. The Binaural recording’s two channels of that 48 kHz/16-, 24-, or 32-bit quality can be translated to 360 Reality Audio for headphone-optimized 3D rendering. And stereo is, well, stereo. You know it, you love it, you want some more of it. It makes the microphone compatible with general recording and video apps and whatever social channel you prefer.

As for the package these containers come in, the ECM-AX10 is 24g, has a Selfie Mode for rear or front-facing alignment, includes an attenuator (ATT) switch that drops sensitivity -20dBFS to avoid overloading (plus additional Noise Cut controls), features a 3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis accelerometer to keep audio aligned with the video’s orientation, and offers a 3.5mm minijack for wired monitoring (a great opportunity to try those Sony IER-M500 IEMs, or others). There’s also a windscreen; spacer sheet; shoe-mount microphone holder (Cold shoe / No electrical contacts); and USB-C extension cable in the package.

Thanks to the ECM-AX10, you don’t have to risk your $15,000 C-800G to capture engaging, expressive, like you were there ambiance.

The Sony ECM-AX10 retails for $249.99 and is available to preorder now.

The post Sony’s new USB-C spatial mic captures the world around you without capturing you in wires appeared first on Popular Science.

The best last-minute audio deals for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days

✇Popular Science
By: Stan Horaczek
8 October 2026 at 00:52

Update, 7:35 pm ET, Wednesday, Oct. 7: We rechecked every price on Amazon this evening. The Beats Studio Pro are now $149.95, four listings came out because Amazon no longer shows a buy box for them or only one third-party unit is left, and several prices and Prime labels changed. More deals are in our live Prime Big Deal Days roundup.

The Beats Studio Pro are $149.95 on Amazon until the sale ends at 2:59am ET Thursday. That’s half off their $299.99 list price, and Amazon doesn’t require Prime for it. Sony’s WH-1000XM6 are $378, and the rest of the page runs from $27.95 JBL earbuds to $899 Sonos and Bose soundbars. Many of the deals that started with the sale on October 6 are Prime member prices, and each one is labeled.

Beats Studio Pro: $149.95 (was $299.99)

Beats Studio Pro $149.95 (was $299.99)

Noise-canceling over-ear headphones at half price

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The Beats Studio Pro are half off at $149.95, and Amazon sells them directly without a Prime requirement. Beats rates the battery for up to 40 hours with noise canceling off and up to 24 hours with it on, and lists lossless audio over the USB-C port. They pair with iPhones and Android phones alike.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: $179.95 (was $249.99)

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $179.95 (was $249.99)

Ear-hook workout earbuds with heart rate monitoring

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Beats builds the Powerbeats Pro 2 around what it calls secure-fit ear hooks, and at $179.95 the workout earbuds are about $70 off their $249.99 list price. Beats lists noise canceling, heart rate monitoring, and sweat and water resistance, and rates them for up to 45 hours of playback with the charging case. If you’d rather have wingtips than hooks, the Beats Powerbeats Fit are $159.95, about $40 off their $199.99 list price.

Bose SoundLink Plus: $179 (was $269)

Bose SoundLink Plus $179 (was $269)

A waterproof Bose speaker at $90 off

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Ninety dollars off puts the Bose SoundLink Plus at $179. Bose rates it for up to 20 hours on a charge and lists it as waterproof and dustproof. The bigger Bose SoundLink Max is $279, $120 off.

Marshall Emberton III: $99.99 (was $179.99)

Marshall Emberton III $99.99 (was $179.99)

A waterproof Marshall speaker at $80 off

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At $99.99, the Marshall Emberton III is $80 off its $179.99 list price, and the deal doesn’t require Prime. Marshall lists it as a waterproof and dustproof portable speaker with 32-plus hours of playtime. The larger Marshall Middleton is $149.99 for Prime members, and the Marshall Acton III home speaker is $189.99.

Best headphone and earbud deals

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 are $378, $81.99 off their $459.99 list price, and Sony’s listing cites 12 microphones and up to 30 hours of battery. Nothing’s Headphone (1) are $189 for Prime members, and Nothing’s listing cites up to 80 hours of playback. More Soundcore models are in our Anker and Soundcore deals post, and our Apple deals post covers AirPods and Beats.

Best Bluetooth and smart speaker deals

The Sonos Era 100 SL is $149, $40 off its $189 list price, and the JBL Charge 6 is $149.95 with a built-in power bank, according to JBL’s listing. The JBL Go 4 is $34.95 for Prime members. Our Logitech deals post covers the Ultimate Ears speakers, and the deals under $50 post collects cheaper picks.

Best soundbar, subwoofer and bookshelf speaker deals

Sony’s BRAVIA Theater System 6 is $548, $251.99 off its $799.99 list price, and the BRAVIA Theater Bar 6 is $448. The Sonos Arc Ultra and the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar are both $899, $200 off. Our TV and home theater deals post covers the TVs these pair with.

Prime Big Deal Days headphone deals FAQ

When does the Prime Big Deal Days sale end?

The sale ends at 11:59pm PT on Wednesday, October 7, which is 2:59am ET on Thursday. At about 7:35pm ET, Amazon’s countdown on the Skullcandy Crusher Evo at $89.99 showed roughly seven and a half hours left.

Is the Sony WH-1000XM6 on sale for Prime Big Deal Days?

Yes. The Sony WH-1000XM6 are $378, $81.99 under their $459.99 list price.

Are AirPods on sale for Prime Big Deal Days?

Yes. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are $179, $70 off their $249 list price.

Are Bose speakers on sale for Prime Big Deal Days?

Yes. The Bose SoundLink Plus is $179, $90 off its $269 list price, and the Bose SoundLink Max is $279, $120 off its list price. The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is $99, down from a typical price of $119.99.

Do you need Prime to get these headphone deals?

For many of them. Amazon lists the Sennheiser Momentum 4 at $170.99, the Nothing Headphone (1) at $189 and the Marshall Middleton at $149.99 as Prime member prices. The Beats Studio Pro at $149.95 and the AirPods Pro 3 at $179 showed no Prime requirement when we checked at 7:35pm ET on October 7.

Are there good headphone deals under $50?

Yes. The Sony WH-CH520 are $33 without Prime, the Soundcore Q20i are $37.97 for Prime members, and the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are $27.95.

More Prime Big Deal Days coverage

The post The best last-minute audio deals for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days appeared first on Popular Science.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 just got a big free upgrade and a $60 price cut

✇Latest from Android Central
By: sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) · Sanuj Bhatia
7 October 2026 at 16:41

Google has started rolling out a new update for the Pixel Buds that brings several new features, and at the same time, the company has slashed $60 off the Pixel Buds Pro 2's price.

Last month, Google started rolling out a feature for Pixel Buds that lets users control their earbuds' settings just by asking Gemini. While you could already ask Gemini to do things like change the volume, the new integration goes much deeper, letting you adjust the EQ, enable or disable ANC, and change other Pixel Buds settings using your voice.

Alongside that, Google has now started rolling out another sizable update for the Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Pixel Buds 2a. One of the biggest additions for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation.

Google previously explained that Dynamic ANC automatically adjusts the noise cancellation based on the seal of the earbuds in your ears. So, if the Pixel Buds move slightly and the seal changes, the earbuds can automatically compensate and adjust the ANC accordingly. That feature is now starting to become available on the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are already priced at the lower end of the premium wireless earbuds market, and this Amazon deal shaves another 26% off the sticker price. That brings the Pixel Buds Pro 2 down under $170, which is a stunning price for earbuds that can hang with the best of the best.View Deal

✅ Recommended if: You use a Pixel phone, want strong ANC and Gemini integration, like Google's latest Pixel Buds features, or want premium wireless earbuds for under $200.

❌ Skip this deal if: You don't use Android, want the absolute best battery life, or don't care about Pixel-exclusive features and ecosystem integration.

Google has also added a new tap-to-mute and unmute gesture for calls. So, if you're in an online meeting or taking a phone call, you can simply tap the surface of your Pixel Buds to quickly mute or unmute your microphone.

The Pixel Buds can now automatically pause media playback when you fall asleep as well. This feature requires a paired Pixel Watch to detect when you've fallen asleep, after which your earbuds can pause playback, disable touch gestures, and silence notifications.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Wintergreen earbud

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Enhanced Live Translate is also starting to roll out. You can now leave your phone in your pocket and start translating using a gesture on the earbuds. Google says the Pixel Buds now work more seamlessly with the Google Translate app to make on-the-go translations easier.

To get these features, make sure you're running the latest version of the Pixel Buds app and look for firmware version release_6.144. You can also manually check for the update by heading to More Settings > Firmware > Check for updates.

And if you've been thinking about buying the Pixel Buds Pro 2, this might be a particularly good time. Thanks to the ongoing Amazon sale, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are currently $60 off, dropping from their usual $230 price to just $170.

So, not only are you getting them for considerably less right now, but Google has also made the Pixel Buds Pro 2 noticeably more capable with the latest software update.

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