Michael Berk

Audyssey, a firm that's long been on our radar as a near-ubiquitous provider of software algorithms for home theater, has in recent years stepped up its efforts to become a force in the desktop audio hardware market. We loved their first powered speaker pair, the Audyssey Media Speakers, and the company's now followed those up with a Bluetooth version, the aptly named Audyssey Wireless Speakers.

Last week we got a chance to check out the new stuff Klipsch has up its sleeve for Fall 2012, and while we'll have lots more to tell you about soon, the first product to get an official announcement is a refreshed version of the company's well-regarded affordable in-ear 'phone, the Klipsch Image S4. The lineup remains the same as before, with updates to the basic Image S4 ($79.99), as well as the Android-friendly S4A and the iOS-remote sporting S4i (both $99.99)

When we last looked at Altec Lansing's headphone offerings, we checked out their affordable universal-fit balanced-armature IEM, the Muzx Ultra. But that's not all there is to the longstanding brand's headphone offerings. Late last year, the company went all-in with a premium headphone line, and we've had a chance to spend some time with them over the last few months.

We've long been fans of CEntrance's portable USB DAC/headphone amp, the DACport; in an expanding market of bus-powered USB DACs, the venerable unit (along with its streamlined sibling, the DACport LX) remains a favorite of, and reference for, many reviewers of portable audio gear. Now they've gone ahead and put out a complete two channel system, of all things - the Audiophile Desktop System.