LATEST ADDITIONS

Devialet has launched Phantom Ultimate, a two-model update to its spherical wireless speaker line introduced in 2015. The collection comprises the flagship Phantom Ultimate 108dB at $3800 and the Phantom Ultimate 98dB at $1900, in Light Pearl and Deep Forest finishes, plus an Opéra de Paris edition with 22-karat gold detailing. Devialet says the 98dB is available now; the 108dB is open for preorders through Devialet stores, premium dealers, and online.

Shostakovich: Complete String Quartets Vol. 2 | Nos. 6–12
Cuarteto Casals
Harmonia Mundi HMU 902733.34. 2 CD (reviewed as 24/96). 2025. Alban Moraud, Alexandra Evrard, prod. and eng.
Performance *****
Sonics ****½

Denon, Marantz, and Classé announced today that the HEOS wireless audio platform will adopt a new identity, transitioning from "HEOS Built-in" to "Powered by HEOS." The rebranding accompanies a redesigned app interface and expanded platform capabilities, marking a decade since the platform's 2014 launch.

Holst: The Planets & Cheetham Fraillon: Earth, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon, soprano; MSO Chorus; Melbourne Symphony Orchestra/Jaime Martín; Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto 3, Yunchan Lim, piano; Fort Worth Symphony/Marin Alsop; Mozart: 6 String Quintets on Historical Instruments, Spunicunifait; L'Extase: Debussy & Messiaen, Magdalena Kožená, mezzo-soprano; Mitsuko Uchida, piano.

Linda May Han Oh: Strange Heavens; Julian Shore Trio: Sub Rosa; Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra: Mixed Bag; Mark Masters Ensemble: Dance, Eternal Spirits, Dance!.

Spotify began rolling out lossless audio to Premium subscribers September 10, delivering streams up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC format. The feature arrives in select markets first, with broader availability expected through October. The streaming service will notify Premium subscribers when lossless becomes available in their region.

Five decades later, even dedicated fans of former Procol Harum guitarist Robin Trower have had to admit that they appreciate his solo albums for more than just his guitar gluttony. To be sure, For Earth Below's title track and his other blues-rock jams, obviously influenced by both the tone and approach of Jimi Hendrix, are foundational for today's stoner-rock subgenre.