Recorded from the show floor at AXPONA 2026, our Podcast Producer, Mitch Anderson sits down with Bear Clark (aka Hi-Fi Bear) to try out T10 Bespoke In-Ear Computers for the first time. Find out all about “the world’s smallest, smartest, and lightest HiFi listening instrument” and why it’s unlike any wireless earbud on the market. Not only is each set hand-crafted by Hi-Fi Bear himself, but they can be custom made just for you!

Plus there’s still a limited number of raffle tickets available for a chance to win the eCoustics Special Edition T10 Bespoke In-ear Computers featured in this episode. Learn more about our raffle here.

Sponsors: Thank you SVS for sponsoring this episode, along with Audeze for supplying all guests LCD-S20 Headphones, and Loewe and T10 Bespoke for sharing lounge space at AXPONA 2026.

This episode was recorded on April 12, 2026 (the third day of AXPONA 2026).

Where to listen:

On the Panel:

AXPONA 2026 Podcasts:

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Credits:

Triangle has replaced its long running Esprit range with Solstice, a new loudspeaker lineup developed and manufactured in Soissons, France. More than a cosmetic refresh, the Triangle Solstice series arrives with a redesigned horn tweeter, new driver architecture, revised cabinet construction, and an integrated base intended to give the French specialist a more cohesive platform for its next generation of stereo speakers.

For more than three decades, Triangle’s Esprit range built a reputation for high sensitivity, natural tonal balance, and strong value. Solstice represents the next chapter, introducing new technologies throughout the lineup while aiming to preserve the musical character associated with Triangle loudspeakers.

Rather than another evolutionary Esprit update, Solstice has been developed from the ground up. Triangle says every major component has been re-engineered, with particular attention paid to frequency coherence, cabinet rigidity, and the reduction of unwanted coloration.

All New Loudspeaker Series

The Solstice line comprises three models: the Solstice 8 floorstander, Solstice 3 bookshelf speaker, and Solstice C3 center channel. Designed as a coherent platform for stereo and home cinema systems, the range shares Triangle’s new driver technologies, crossover approach, and cabinet architecture. Finishes include white, black, teak, and birch, while matching stands are available for the Solstice 3.

Solstice 8: The flagship floorstander uses a three-way bass-reflex design with a 25 mm horn-loaded tweeter, a 16 cm cellulose-pulp midrange driver, and a pair of 16 cm woofers with concave cones. Triangle specifies a frequency response of 38 Hz to 22 kHz and RMS power handling of 130 watts. Its dual terminal arrangement supports conventional single-wire connection, bi-wiring, or bi-amping. The Solstice 8 is intended for rooms measuring roughly 15 to 50 m², or about 160 to 540 square feet.

Solstice 3: The compact standmount uses a two-way bass-reflex design with a 25 mm horn-loaded tweeter and a 16 cm cellulose-pulp midrange/bass driver. Triangle specifies a frequency response of 48 Hz to 22 kHz and RMS power handling of 90 watts. Its cabinet base is designed to integrate directly with Triangle’s matching S05 stand. The Solstice 3 is recommended for rooms measuring roughly 10 to 35 m², or about 108 to 377 square feet.

Solstice C3: The center channel employs a two-way sealed design with a 25 mm horn-loaded tweeter and twin 16 cm cellulose-pulp midrange/bass drivers. It can be positioned horizontally beneath a display or used vertically as a left or right channel. Triangle specifies a frequency response of 50 Hz to 22 kHz, RMS power handling of 120 watts, and 92 dB sensitivity. That sensitivity is closely matched to the Solstice 8 and Solstice 3, helping maintain consistent tonal balance across the front soundstage in a matched home cinema system.

Speaker Drivers

Triangle developed every Solstice driver specifically for the new lineup, rather than adapting existing units from the Esprit range. The goal is greater consistency between models, with shared driver technology and voicing across stereo and home cinema configurations.

Tweeter Innovation

All three Solstice models use Triangle’s new TZ2540MG horn tweeter. According to Triangle, the design combines two acoustic concepts not previously used together in one of the company’s tweeters.

The horn profile follows the OS-SEW (Oblate Spheroid Super Elliptical Waveguide) principle, which Triangle says is intended to promote more even high-frequency dispersion. The claimed benefits include a wider listening area, a more stable soundstage, and more consistent tonal balance beyond the central listening position.

A barrel-shaped cutout at the base of the horn is designed to create volumetric compression near the suspension point. According to Triangle, this improves behavior around the crossover region and supports smoother integration between the tweeter and midrange driver.

The TZ2540MG uses a 25 mm aluminum/magnesium alloy dome that Triangle says builds on materials employed in its Esprit 40th and Magellan 40th ranges. The company says the alloy increases diaphragm stiffness while helping to reduce the metallic coloration sometimes associated with pure aluminum domes.

The tweeter also incorporates a neodymium ring motor with an open center and rear absorption chamber. Triangle says this configuration is intended to limit internal reflections and reduce distortion.

At the horn’s output, Triangle employs a newly designed, one-piece phase plug. Injection-molded as a single component, its geometry draws on the barrel-shaped structure of the horn. The design is intended to promote more even high-frequency dispersion and more consistent off-axis performance.

Midrange and Bass Drivers

The 16 cm drivers use a new arch-shaped, die-cast aluminum basket designed to increase structural rigidity while improving airflow around the rear of the cone. Triangle says the revised structure also helps limit basket resonance that could affect midrange clarity, particularly at higher listening levels.

Triangle continues to use natural cellulose pulp for its midrange cones, a material the company associates with neutral tonal balance and natural reproduction of voices and instruments. A new rear-gluing assembly process is designed to increase the effective radiating surface area and improve linearity across the driver’s operating range.

The Solstice 8 uses twin bass drivers with concave cones and no conventional dust caps. Triangle says the concave profile creates a stiffer radiating surface, helping to reduce distortion at higher excursions while maintaining clean, controlled low-frequency output. It also gives the driver a cleaner, more distinctive appearance.

Cabinet Construction

Triangle says the Solstice enclosure was engineered for acoustic neutrality, with the goal of minimizing the cabinet’s contribution to the reproduced sound.

The company’s DVAS (Driver Vibration Absorption System) integrates the drivers into the speaker structure to help reduce vibration. Triangle says the approach increases cabinet rigidity and attenuates vibrations generated by the midrange driver, with the intended benefits of greater clarity, detail, and dynamic expression.

Solstice cabinets are constructed from high-density MDF. The Solstice 3 weighs 12.9 kg (28.4 lb), the Solstice C3 weighs 11.75 kg (25.9 lb), and each Solstice 8 weighs more than 30 kg (66 lb). All external cabinet edges are rounded to help reduce diffraction and support more even sound dispersion, which Triangle says contributes to more precise stereo imaging.

Crossover and Connectivity

The crossover network uses air-core inductors, MKT capacitors, and cement-coated resistors, with OFC (oxygen-free copper) internal wiring throughout.

The Solstice 8 features dual binding posts for bi-wiring or bi-amping, while the Solstice 3 and Solstice C3 use single terminal blocks. All models accept standard speaker cable terminations, including banana plugs and spade connectors.

Integrated Base

The Solstice 8 introduces Triangle’s new integrated base, which combines mechanical isolation, vibration control, and bass-reflex loading in a single structure.

Its Hidden Laminar Bass-Reflex Port is routed through the base rather than the cabinet itself. Triangle says the laminar-flow design is intended to reduce turbulence and port noise while eliminating visible port openings from the enclosure.

The base uses a dual-material construction that combines a cast-iron honeycomb structure with a thick silicone outer layer. The cast iron adds mass and rigidity, while the silicone layer is intended to absorb vibration and help mechanically decouple the loudspeaker from the floor.

Triangle has also built a 2-degree rearward tilt into the base to better align the tweeter’s output with a seated listening position and widen the usable listening area.

The Solstice 8 includes adjustable spikes and counter-spikes for hard floors or carpeted rooms. Triangle-logo caps conceal the hardware once installed.

Exterior Finishes

Solstice speakers are available in four finishes: Teak, Birch, White, and Black Ash. The wood-effect options use a vertical grain orientation, and each model includes color-matched magnetic grilles.

Sculpted silicone surrounds frame each driver and are matched to the cabinet finish, while champagne-finish aluminum trim rings add a more polished visual detail around the drivers.

The optional S05 stands are designed specifically for the Solstice 3 and are available in Black, White, Teak, and Greige, the latter intended to complement the Birch finish. The speaker’s base locks directly into the stand’s top plate for a more secure and visually integrated installation.

Triangle Solstice Series Specifications

The Bottom Line 

Triangle is not treating Solstice as a routine Esprit refresh with a new veneer and some upgraded crossover parts. The new line is built around a redesigned acoustic platform that includes the TZ2540MG horn tweeter, new 16 cm cellulose-pulp drivers, DVAS cabinet construction, revised crossovers, and, in the Solstice 8, an unusually ambitious integrated base that combines mechanical isolation, a hidden laminar bass-reflex port, and a 2-degree listening-axis tilt.

That makes Solstice most compelling for music listeners who want a properly engineered, visually distinctive French loudspeaker system rather than another generic rectangular box with a familiar driver complement. The Solstice 8 should appeal to buyers building a serious two-channel system in a medium to larger room, while the Solstice 3 and C3 offer a logical route into a matched stereo or three-channel front soundstage.

The limitation, at least for now, is system breadth. Triangle has launched Solstice with a floorstander, standmount, and center channel, but no dedicated surround, on-wall, height speaker, or matching subwoofer. That makes it a strong fit for stereo and front-stage home cinema systems, but less complete for buyers planning a fully matched Dolby Atmos installation.

Competition will come from Focal’s Theva series, DALI’s SONIK range, Perlisten’s A-Series, and Elipson’s Prestige Facet II lineup. Focal offers French design and Slatefiber driver technology; DALI SONIK provides a broader home cinema ecosystem; Perlisten brings more overtly performance-driven engineering and dedicated on-wall surround options; and Elipson offers the widest model selection, including surround, Atmos, LCR, center, bookshelf, and floorstanding options.

Triangle’s advantage is that Solstice feels like a more comprehensive acoustic redesign than a simple replacement range, with the horn tweeter, cabinet engineering, and Solstice 8 base doing most of the heavy lifting.

Price & Availability

The Triangle Solstice speaker line is available through Triangle and authorized Triangle retailers, with the following suggested retail pricing.

• Solstice 8 Floorstanding Speaker (Pair): €1,999, £1,999, $2,799
• Solstice 3 Bookshelf/Standmount Speaker (Pair): €999, £999, $1,349
• Solstice C3 Center Channel Speaker (Each): €575, £579, $750
• S05 Speaker Stand (Pair): $499 at Amazon

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What just happened? The challenge for autonomous vehicles has never been ordinary driving – it’s the edge cases. Temporary roadwork, shifting lane lines and irregular signage can still confuse even sophisticated systems. A recent recall by Waymo shows how those gaps can surface in real-world deployments.

Waymo is recalling nearly 3,900 robotaxis following incidents in freeway construction areas. According to a safety recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the company’s fifth-generation automated driving system may enter and drive at speed in freeway construction zones under certain circumstances, either because it fails to recognize the construction zone or prioritizes other freeway hazards.

The filing identifies 3,871 vehicles as potentially affected. It states that under certain circumstances, the system “may enter and drive at speed in freeway construction zones due to inappropriately prioritizing the avoidance of other freeway hazards and/or failing to recognize the construction zone.”

The problem was not confined to a single event. On April 11, a Waymo vehicle was involved in an incident on a freeway, prompting the company to review how the system handled closures. Five similar events followed on April 19 in Phoenix. On May 18, seven vehicles in the San Francisco Bay Area drove between cones and into freeway lanes where construction was underway, a pattern that suggests difficulty reading temporary lane layouts.

Together, the incidents suggest a broader issue with how the system processes dynamic environments rather than a one-off failure. Construction zones are inherently inconsistent. Signage can vary, cones can shift, and lane configurations often change. For human drivers, those conditions demand judgment calls. Automated systems require accurate detection paired with real-time decision-making that can adapt.

Waymo responded by restricting freeway driving in affected scenarios while it worked on a fix. The company’s field safety committee put those limits in place shortly after the April incidents, and its safety board formally approved the recall on June 8 after reviewing additional data.

The remedy will focus on software updates. According to the report, Waymo plans to improve how its vehicles detect construction zones and determine when they are already inside one. The update is also expected to improve how the system behaves once a construction zone is detected and to add additional operational protocols.

The issue underscores a persistent technical challenge in autonomous driving: prioritization. These systems constantly evaluate multiple potential hazards – other vehicles, road debris, lane markings – and must decide which to respond to first. In the cases outlined by regulators, the system appears to have given higher priority to certain roadway risks while failing to fully account for construction-related restrictions such as closed ramps.

Competition in the robotaxi sector continues to intensify. Uber Technologies, Lucid Group and Nuro recently announced plans to launch a robotaxi service in Houston next year, while Mobileye has said it is targeting a 2027 rollout. As companies move toward broader deployment, the ability to handle unpredictable, temporary road conditions is becoming a critical benchmark.

Amazon is offering the Apple Watch Ultra 3 at a record-low $649 as part of an early Prime Day push.

Amazon’s $649 early Prime Day price is available on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 with an Ocean Band. The 49mm GPS + Cellular model with your choice of a Black Titanium Case or Natural Titanium Case comes in one size, so you don’t have to worry about finding the right size band if the watch will be a gift.

Buy Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $649

Along with the $150 discount on the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Amazon has launched numerous early Prime Day deals across Apple’s product lineup. From the Apple Watch Series 11 for $279 to AirPods Max 2 plunging to a record-low $399, the sales are heating up.

Here are a few highlights, with dozens more at your fingertips in our Apple Price Guides.

Additional early Prime Day Apple deals

Epic Aircraft builds single-engine turboprops that move fast and carry serious loads for their size. The newest version, the E1000 AX, keeps every bit of that performance edge while folding in deeper Garmin automation than the company has used before.

The Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A engine still produces 1,200 shaft horsepower. That’s plenty of power to match the all-carbon-fiber airframe, which has a maximum cruise speed of 333 real airspeed knots. It can climb at a whopping 4,000 feet per minute and still reach 34,000 feet. With full tanks, it can travel 1,560 nautical miles and still carry 1,150 to 1,177 pounds of payload, depending on how you rig it up.

Sale

Garmin Dash Cam™ Mini 3, Ultracompact 1080p HD Dash Cam with a 140-degree Field of View, Built in…

• Ultracompact, key-sized dash camera goes virtually unnoticed on your windshield; automatically records and saves video of incidents with date and time…
• Easy-to-use dash camera records crisp 1080p HD video, and a wide 140-degree field of view captures details in bright and low light; automatically…
• Built-in Garmin Clarity polarizer lens reduces windshield glare to clearly show important video details

These numbers placed the E1000 GX at the top of the single-engine turboprop class in terms of speed and usable load. The AX retains the same reliable engine, prop, and basic aerodynamics. What has changed significantly is the cockpit, as well as all of the new safety features. Garmin’s G1000 NXi flight deck is now the focal point of the entire system. The GFC 700 autopilot features envelope protection, a one-button level mode, and tighter connectivity throughout the panel. Then there’s Autothrottle, which is a significant addition to the AX’s capabilities because it manages power from takeoff to landing, maintains commanded speeds, and monitors engine limits so pilots don’t have to keep a close eye on torque, temperature, or overspeed conditions because they’re all handled behind the scenes, and it considers flap and gear position when adjusting thrust, so you don’t have to worry about those details either.

The real show stopper, however, is Garmin’s Autoland technology. If you activate it, either by pressing the ceiling button or because the system detects the pilot is in trouble, the aircraft will level the wings, select the best airport based on distance, runway length, fuel, and weather conditions, fly the approach, configure the plane, land, stop on the runway, and turn off the engine. It also follows proper air traffic control procedures and keeps passengers informed. The certified aircraft now has all of the necessary hardware and integration in place, but full operational activation is still pending regulatory certification, which is expected in the near future.

Even beyond that, several other modifications cut pilot workload even further. To keep the plane coordinated, an auto yaw damper is activated after takeoff and deactivated before landing. When you need to take a break, electronic brake hold prevents the aircraft from drifting about on the ground, and a radar altimeter allows you to see where you are in relation to the surface. If you want to go the extra mile, there is optional StormOptix weather radar and 3D SafeTaxi routing, which provide you with even more situational awareness on the ground and in the air. PlaneSync handles database updates automatically and allows you to monitor your aircraft remotely with no effort.

Inside the cabin, the aircraft has a lot of space for its class, especially when compared to its competitors in the six-seat single turboprop sector, which can sometimes seem tight. People who are 6’8″ or taller can fit rather comfortably up front. The CoolView windows across the cockpit and cabin have a specific gold coating that effectively blocks 73% of infrared heat. This also effectively reduces glare and UV exposure. It also includes high-speed internet via Starlink, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay connected while in the air. Furthermore, True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries are an excellent improvement over outdated battery systems, providing improved performance, a longer lifespan, and less maintenance for the owner.

A well-specced E1000 AX will cost between 4.7 and 4.85 million dollars, depending on the options you choose. That puts it on par with other high-end single turboprops and some smaller light jets, but it does have some advantages. For one thing, it is much less expensive to operate than some of its competitors, and the fact that it just has one engine makes it much easier to manage for owner-pilots or pilots in small corporate flight departments.

FUJIFILM India recently concluded its Spectrum India Tour 2026, a nationwide initiative designed to bring photographers, content creators, and visual storytellers closer to the company’s latest imaging technologies. Built around Fujifilm’s “Click to Print” philosophy, the event showcased the brand’s imaging ecosystem through hands-on experiences, product demonstrations, workshops, and interactive sessions.

The tour kicked off in Delhi-NCR at Museo Camera between June 18 and June 20, where attendees had the opportunity to explore Fujifilm’s latest cameras, lenses, and imaging solutions. The event featured interactive Touch & Try zones, live product demonstrations, and exhibitions highlighting Fujifilm’s portfolio across photography, videography, and printing.

Hands-On Experience Across Fujifilm’s Imaging Ecosystem

One of the major highlights of the Spectrum India Tour was the opportunity for visitors to experience Fujifilm’s products firsthand. Dedicated Touch & Try zones allowed attendees to test cameras and lenses across a variety of creative scenarios, including vlogging, cinematography, portrait photography, travel photography, and street photography.

Visitors also explored Fujifilm’s premium GFX medium-format ecosystem alongside products from the broader Fujifilm lineup. The exhibition further showcased binoculars and other imaging products from Fujifilm’s partner brands, giving attendees a comprehensive look at the company’s imaging technologies.

Industry Expert Insights & Interactive Activities

Beyond product showcases, the Spectrum India Tour focused heavily on learning and skill development. The event hosted multiple masterclasses and visual storytelling sessions led by renowned Fujifilm X-Mentors, including Ashish Chawla, Abhimanyu Pandey, Dinesh Khanna, and Tarun Khiwal. These sessions covered both technical and creative aspects of photography, providing participants with practical insights into lighting, composition, portraiture, storytelling, and professional workflows.

FUJIFILM also introduced the Experience Passport Challenge during the event. Attendees could collect stamps by participating in various activities and exploring different experience zones throughout the venue. Those who completed the challenge became eligible for giveaways and other rewards. The initiative helped create a more engaging environment while encouraging visitors to explore every aspect of the exhibition.

Amazon has issued a steeper price drop on AirPods Max 2 leading up to Prime Day, with the over-ear headphones plunging to a record-low price of $399.

You can pick up AirPods Max 2 at a $150 discount at Amazon when you opt for the Starlight finish, which is the lowest price on record for the 2026 release. If you prefer another color option, Walmart is matching the $399 price across the line.

Buy AirPods Max 2 for $399

AirPods Max 2 features

• Powered by Apple’s H2 chip
• Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the first-gen AirPods Max
• Transparency mode
• Adaptive EQ
• Lossless Audio and ultra-low latency audio via a wired USB-C connection

Best early Prime Day AirPods deals

Easily compare prices across both in-ear and over-ear models in our AirPods and Beats Price Guide.

The world of premium all-in-one music systems has grown significantly in the past few years, with some of the biggest names in hi-fi adding their own take into their line-up.

Dali is the most recent of those brands, with its announcement of the Vega all-in-one wireless system. Now, I’ve had the chance to have a listen to it, and it’s got some pretty interesting tricks up its sleeve – but I think one of them in particular makes it really interesting.

You spin me right round

For a start, as well as sitting on a piece of furniture, it can be wall mounted – and not just horizontally, but vertically too. Dali says there has been a lot of work done to ensure the Vega retains it character no matter how you listen to it, which is all down to something the company is calling its Adaptive Orientation Adjustment.

Developed in-house by Dali engineers, this uses a built-in accelerometer to detect the Vega’s position, with its stereo channel mapping automatically reconfigured on the fly if this changes. Custom EQ settings for each orientation have been created to ensure very similar sound across all orientations. 

And it works. Or certainly, that was my experience when I heard it on the show floor at High End Vienna. Therefore the usual trade show caveats apply, but as it was rotated for me on moving wall-mount (a party trick for the show – the wall-mount that comes in the box is fixed), I was really impressed with not just how steady it holds its sonic profile, but how uniformly its sound is pushed out into the room too.

Considering how drastically the layout of the Vega’s left and right channels change as its position moves, that feels like an achievement. I’m still not wholly convinced that many people are looking at installing this vertically, but if you’re short on furniture and wall space, perhaps…

Vega only loves in stereo

However, I was also suitably impressed by another bit of Dali-developed technology, namely its Adaptive Stereo Enhancement (ASE) – but perhaps not for its main use case.

The aim of ASE is to ensure all recordings can fill a room, by dynamically applying stereo widening depending on the details of the input signal. It does this by upmixing the stereo input into five channels, then analysing the results to decide how much – or little – ASE is required.

That means that if you’re listening to a jazz trio, for example, the ASE would – if switched on, it is optional – kick in stronger to make that more simple sound have a similar stereo presence to a full orchestral arrangement.

While certainly effective in a show floor environment, I generally don’t like any additional processing on my music, so on the surface I’m not sure how much use I would get from it at home. Where I think it could be much more interesting is with movies.

While Dali is very clear it does not consider the Vega a soundbar, it does have an HDMI eARC input, meaning connecting it to your TV is a possibility. And when I got to hear the ASE effect switched on for a Netflix stream of Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,it made all the more sense to me. The immersive widening effect was really quite convincing, and only makes the Vega more compelling as a soundbar replacement.

It’ll take a full review to see if these first impressions ring true in a home environment, of course, but if the Dali Vega can take over a number of jobs in my living room, it’ll certainly make its £2,599 asking price all the easier to swallow.

Ripple effect: If you own a current-gen console, there’s a chance you’re one of many people who have booked time off work on November 19. That’s when GTA 6 launches, and one company is apparently going to be so impacted by the number of missing employees on that day that it’s issuing an operational pause.

Automotive parts and tuning company Burger Motorsports posted what it says is an Internal Company Notice on Instagram recently.

Addressed to all staff, customers, dealers, and partners, it states that after reviewing multiple employee scheduling conflicts, management has decided that normal business operations may be impacted due to the release of Grand Theft Auto 6.

The message adds that several team members have already notified management that they will be unavailable, unreachable, and/or “in Vice City” for the duration of the day.

The letter ends thanking readers for their patience and understanding during this “unprecedented cultural event.”

Given that Burger Motorsports chose to publish this notice on Instagram, there is a chance that it’s merely a publicity stunt (which has worked). But there’s no denying that plenty of businesses will be short-staffed come November 19.

In related news, a new GTA 6 teaser has dropped, though the only things it reveals are the game’s cover art and the preorder date. Anyone who wants to secure a copy ahead of time – and there are likely to be plenty – can do so from June 25.

The cover art, meanwhile, follows the same design and style as the other titles in the series, going all the way back to GTA 3 in 2001. Interestingly, one element that has remained in place for the last quarter of a century is the inclusion of a helicopter in the top-left panel of the grid – though it wasn’t included in international versions of GTA 3.

For PC players, of course, November 19 is going to be like any other day. A version for the platform still hasn’t been announced. According to Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, the reason is because PC gamers aren’t the series’ “core” audience and they spend less on GTA Online.