Putting together a stand-alone digital audio player is remarkably easy using today's small single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi in combination with a specialized Linux distribution to match. But what if you want high-end audio specifications? To meet audiophile requirements and expectations, we assembled a Raspberry Pi, a high-end a high-end PCM 1794A DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) with excellent analogue filters, a Volume Control Unit and a touch display.

For those who want to adjust the volume of the music they listen to with analog hardware but do not want to invest in servo-controlled potentiometers here is a compromise in the shape of a so-called ‘Digitally-Controlled Analog Volume Control’. It has a serial control interface, selectable zero crossing detection and a mute function. This design was intended for use with a Raspberry Pi running Volumio, but it can be used with virtually any audio source. It even adds RC control.

Among the starter kits offered by Elektor, there are very few which are dedicated to sound production, an area of electronics which is developing rapidly. The mini synthesizer kit examined here is a product from the big German publisher Franzis, specialising in publications on electronics applications and micro computing. This full kit, partially assembled, comes with case, keyboard and loudspeaker. How do they do it for this price?

In a series of videos, Marco Reps invites you to follow his Elektor Formant Modular Synthesizer Overhaul. His opening commitment says 'I'm gonna refurbish this old electronic music instrument in several episodes'. Six have been published so far. While reconditioning, repairing, rebuilding and even redesigning, Marco recounts the resurrection of his almost 30 years old analog synthesizer.

IMS Electronics Desktop Valve Amplifier now on Kickstarter is built around Raytheon 6418 vacuum tubes (Br. E: valves) for that mellow sound, a Savi Audio SA9227 audio streaming controller (reportedly compatible with all Windows operating systems and Apple OS), and the Texas Instruments PCM5102A audio stereo DAC. Not forgetting Burr Brown OPA2134s for the vinyl preamp and headphone amp. An aluminum casing and Gorilla Glass complete the 140 x 120 x 25 mm package.

In 1991 Sennheiser built the best headphones in the world: the Orpeus. Only 350 where ever made – exclusivity at its best. To prove that they still have it, Sennheiser has now introduced the successor to the Orpheus: the HE-1. This is what could rightfully be called a piece of technology with out any compromises – made from the most noble materials, with a unique design and above all an unrivalled sound quality…

When you are looking for a small, stand-alone networked audio player with a touch screen you will mainly find big-ass consumer amplifiers. Those that have network support either have no touch screen or are very expensive. So, why not build one yourself? Based on a cheap Raspberry Pi and a high-end digital-to-analog converter this audio DAC handles 24-bit data, sample rates up to 200 kHz and has a built-in 8x oversampling filter.

In the upcoming issue of Elektor Magazine (1 / 2017 for January & February) we will treat you again to an amplifier circuit developed by Elektor Labs: the ‘D-Watt’. This amplifier is configured as a class-D amplifier.

On Kickstarter a campaign has been started for the RokBlok, which, in their own words, is the world's smallest wireless record player. And it is also portable. It is really a “Soundwagon”, but one with Bluetooth functionality.

We are pleased to announce the long awaited release of Linear Audio Vol. 12! Counting from volume 0, this is the 13th edition in the series of printed bookzines dedicated to technical audio and perception. This issue contains lots of interesting articles to entice and excite the reader.