A new music player features twice as many digital-to-analog converters (DACs) as its award-winning predecessor, according to a report from What Hi-Fi? published on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
The outlet did not name the specific model or manufacturer in its initial coverage, but confirmed the unit succeeds a version that previously earned an award from the publication. The core change is the doubling of DACs, which are components that convert digital audio signals into analog sound for playback.
What Hi-Fi? notes that the predecessor was an Award winner, giving the new release a notable benchmark to follow. The increase in DAC count typically suggests a focus on improved sound processing or balanced output capabilities, though the report does not specify technical details such as chip type or supported formats.
The announcement arrives as part of ongoing product cycles in the hi-fi sector, where manufacturers often iterate on praised designs to justify a new generation. The original model’s award status, per What Hi-Fi?, sets expectations for the successor to deliver measurable upgrades beyond the hardware count.
Readers should watch for a full review from What Hi-Fi? that will likely detail how the additional DACs affect sound quality in practical listening tests.
