Analog Gear News

Monarch Distribution Systems have recently added a couple of well-respected brands to their roster: Garrard turntables and Loricraft record-cleaning machines (RCMs). At face value, this move makes good sense, seeing how both of these UK-based companies are owned by the same parent company, SME — for which Monarch already serves as distributor. Based on a recent, AP-exclusive conversation with Monarch founder and CEO Rich Maez, there’s even more to the story. Read Julie Mullins’ interview with Maez to get the full Monarch-Garrard-Loricraft scoop. . .

Talk, talk, it’s only talk. Well, in this case, it’s more than talk, since we’re talk-talk-talking about Kensington Audio’s new C Series line of cartridges, which are manufactured under the purview of a well-respected British company, Talk Electronics. Read on to see the specs, features, and SRPs for Kensington Audio’s five new carts. . .

We’ve long been fans of Hong Kong-based accessories manufacturer HumminGuru — especially when it comes to their ultrasonic record cleaning machines (RCMs) — and now they’re ready to add the all-caps LUMI record stabilizer to their top-shelf product offerings. Read on to see all we know about the LUMI, and all that it can do for you. . .

Feast your eyes on the visually familiar Lenco LBT-515 direct-drive turntable, which made a notable debut at IFA 2025. Although it sports a retro-vibe wood finish, the 515 is clearly geared towards the modern turntable customer. Read on to see all the features and specs of the Swiss/Dutch manufacturer’s upcoming 515 table that firmly seat it in the here and now. . .

Austrian gear makers Pro-Ject recently announced a pair of new products that are right up our analog alley. Meet their latest tubed phono preamps: the Pro-Ject Tube Box S3 B — a tubed version of their existing S3 B phono stage — and the Pro-Ject Tube Box E. Read on to see all the features and specs for both of Pro-Ject’s latest tube-centric phono-pre’s, the S3 B and E. . .

Today, we herald the official launch of a relatively new audio design company’s inaugural product — the Cometa M2 mixing preamp. This new analog component with some old-school attributes lent itself quite well to communal music listening, especially during its recent demo sessions at Common Wave Hi-Fi, an L.A.-area hi-fi dealership. Read Julie Mullins’ firsthand account of how the Cometa M2 appeals to audiophiles and DJs alike, especially when it’s connected to a pair of classic Technics turntables. . .

All hail the mighty Maya cart! Or, to be more specific, meet the Segno Maya, a new moving coil (MC) cartridge that’s going to be distributed by Pure Sound. Read on to see all the features and specs of the Maya MC, and learn what inspired the names (plural) for this MC cart. . .