Review: Mark Craven

Some hi-fi manufacturers like to launch a new series as a fait accompli, all models primed and ready to roll out to retailers at the same time. The 8 series from Ayre Acoustics, on the other hand, has arrived in stages after being first teased in 2018. The EX-8 integrated amplifier and QX-8 ‘digital hub’ (streamer/DAC) sneaked through the gate before the Covid pandemic pulled up the drawbridge, while the KX-8 preamplifier and VX-8 power amp on test here, plus the PX-8 phono preamp, are more recent additions.

While the upgrades that Unison Research made to its Triode 25 integrated amp were sufficient to warrant a ‘Black Edition’ suffix [HFN Jul ’25], the Italian brand’s decision to label its new pre/power amplifiers as merely ‘v2’ is to underestimate the uptick in performance. The Pre v2 (£5500) and DM v2 (£7750) are not only the flagship separates of its Unico range but are markedly different from what has come before, both outside and in.

It was only a decade ago that greys and whites were all the rage in interior design, which consequently led to a surge in minimalist, monochrome speaker finishes. However, just as avocado bathroom suites are apparently mounting a comeback, so too are loudspeakers in dark wood colourways. And Bowers & Wilkins knows this, choosing to dress its new 707 S3 Prestige standmount model in a luxurious-looking Santos Gloss.

Acoustic Energy's flagship Corinium floorstander stands out from the rest of the manufacturer's range, and not simply in the matter of its pricing. In place of AE's familiar numerical system (AE500, AE300, etc), there's that one-of-a-kind title – Corinium being the Roman name for Cirencester, Gloucestershire, where the brand is based. There are new colourways too, plus a freshly curved cabinet design. And if that wasn't enough, AE claims the loudspeaker was three years in development.The result is a three-way, four-driver floorstander intended to act as a calling card for the company.