UK PREMIERES AND FIRST SHOWINGS AT NORTH WEST AUDIO SHOW 2026

One of the real joys of the North West Audio Show is discovering something completely new. Whether it is a worldwide debut, a UK first showing, or a product making its first public appearance anywhere, Cranage has become one of the most important places in the UK audio calendar to experience what’s next in HiFi.

This year’s show is packed with premieres, launches and exclusive demonstrations spread throughout the venue. From loudspeakers and amplification to analogue front ends, DACs and headphones, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to hear products before almost anyone else.

AUDIO NOTE OTO SE 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Audio Note will be showcasing the OTO SE 35th Anniversary Edition in Room 226 on Jimi Hendrix Street. Originally launched in 1991, the OTO has become one of the company’s most enduring products. The latest version features a redesigned power supply and bespoke transformers whilst keeping the character that made the amplifier so popular in the first place.

CYRUS AUDIO 80 SERIES WORLD DEBUT

Cyrus Audio will unveil the new 80 preamplifier and 80 power amplifier in Fleming on John Lennon Street. This will be the first public demonstration anywhere in the world. Cyrus describes the 80 Series as a full scale design intended to combine modern streaming convenience with the control and authority expected from serious HiFi amplification.

NEW LOUDSPEAKERS MAKING THEIR DEBUT

There are plenty of loudspeaker launches at this year’s show. CML Music will introduce the new Etude Tri Linear Array loudspeaker in Room 142 on Amy Winehouse Street. Designed as a high sensitivity sealed floorstander intended for boundary placement, the ETLA offers 99dB sensitivity and an 8 ohm nominal impedance.

Neat Acoustics will be showing the new Vito loudspeaker for the first time in the UK following its appearance at the High End show in Vienna. Visitors will find it in Room 243 on Chuck Berry Close. Meanwhile, Richer Sounds in Room 244 will be presenting the new Neat Motif compact standmount loudspeaker, developed from the company’s Motive SX range.

Opera’s new Quinta V2 loudspeakers also receive a UK showing in the Aston room on Muddy Waters Street. Handmade in Italy, the redesigned floorstanders feature updated crossovers, new drivers and new finish options whilst retaining the distinctive eco leather styling associated with the brand.

Elsewhere, Atlantis Lab will officially launch its latest loudspeaker range in Room 144, while Acoustic Energy will present something new and exciting for the show.

LUXMAN, MICHI AND EXPOSURE AMPLIFICATION

Amp fans are particularly well served this year. In Stephenson 1 on Rock Street, Luxman will host the UK premiere of its flagship B 100 Centennial mono power amplifiers. Designed to celebrate Luxman’s 100th anniversary, the new amplifiers operate in pure Class A up to 25 watts and showcase the company’s latest LIFES amplification technology.

Michi will present the first UK public demonstration of the new Prestige X430 integrated amplifier and Q430 CD player in the Mackenzie Suite alongside Piega loudspeakers. The same room will also feature the first public demonstration of the new Musical Fidelity M6xi amplifier and a brand new Ortofon cartridge.

Exposure Electronics will debut the flagship 5510 pre and mono power amplifier combination in the Hawking room on Kate Bush Street.

ANALOGUE, DACS AND DIGITAL

Vertere will present the world premiere of the new PHONO 1 LX phono preamplifier in the Newton room on Bob Dylan Street. Nine years after the original PHONO 1 launch, the new version promises major advances in noise performance, dynamics and imaging.

Nytech Audio will debut the MCP1 phono stage in Room 113 on Michael Jackson Street. Built around a current amplifier input stage, the design avoids the need for DIP switches and adjustments.

APEX HiFi launches its new flagship SuperDAC in Room 205, featuring a separate enclosure design intended to isolate sensitive DAC circuitry from digital electronics and interference.

Cambridge Audio will give the first UK public demonstration of the new L/R X and L/R M active streaming loudspeakers in Room 234, while MoorAmps will demonstrate the award winning manaDAC in Room 238.

HEADPHONES AND ACCESSORIES

Headphone enthusiasts should make time for the Young room on B. B. King Street where Grell’s OAE2 headphones will make their UK show debut. Designed by Axel Grell, known for some of Sennheiser’s most respected headphone designs, the OAE2 positions its drivers in front of the ear to create a more speaker like listening experience.

Also making their first UK appearance are the Little Fwend tonearm lifters, designed and assembled in Norway using Swiss manufactured components.

Atlas will offer an advance viewing of the new Grun Superior earthing solution, whilst Russ Andrews introduces its latest USB Purifier designed to reduce unwanted noise in digital systems.

MORE TO DISCOVER

There is far more happening across the show than we can fit into a single article. Visitors will also be able to experience the first UK demonstrations of products from Ø Audio, ATOLL Electronique, Accuvoice, Fonica International, Custom Design, LAIV and many others throughout the weekend.

If you enjoy discovering new products before they hit dealers and showrooms, North West Audio Show 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet.