Qualcomm Introduces aptX Lossless Audio Solution Over Bluetooth
Reacting to the fact that streaming music services have started to offer lossless music streaming options, Qualcomm has now extended its aptX Adaptive set of technologies - supported by its latest Snapdragon Sound processors - to also include a CD-quality lossless option over Bluetooth. The new aptX Lossless technology expands options available for Bluetooth wireless audio, combining codec, wireless link and RF optimizations.
PSB Speakers Launches Flagship Synchrony Series in North America
PSB Speakers, long renowned for excellence in loudspeaker design, announced their new flagship Synchrony Series consisting of the T600 Tower Speakers (US$7,999/pair MSRP), and the B600 Bookshelf Speakers (US$2,499/pair MSRP). The new tower and bookshelf speakers use an all-new driver platform, built-in IsoAcoustics isolators, and represent the finest application of the brand's "True to Nature" design philosophy.
Meze Audio Announces New Flagship Elite Planar Magnetic Headphones
Meze Audio is a company from Romania with an indomitable passion for headphones and the highest quality audio reproduction. They now announced the release of its latest Elite Isodynamic Hybrid Array headphones. The project extends the company's collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics to perfect what they announced as being their most advanced planar magnetic headphones to date.
Test Bench: SB Acoustics’ Satori MW16TX-8 Textreme Woofer
This Test Bench article characterizes the SB Acoustics Satori MW16TX-8 TeXtreme Cone 6.5” Woofer, the third diaphragm transducer in Test Bench using this material, following the Eminence N314X-8 compression driver, and the SB Acoustics TW29TXN-B-4 dome tweeter. TeXtreme diaphragms are definitely finding acceptance among loudspeaker manufacturers. The MW16TX-8 is part of the SB Satori line of high-end transducers and has a substantial feature set. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, June 2021.
Focal Presents New On Wall 300 Loudspeakers for the Home
After releasing its 1000 Series in-wall / in-ceiling loudspeaker in January 2021, French brand Focal now unveiled the On Wall 300 line. Attentive to all uses and listening needs, Focal has thought out and designed the new On Wall 301 and On Wall 302 loudspeakers for both stereo and home theater use, offering high-quality products that can be installed on a stand or fixed into the wall.
Bose Updates QuietComfort 45 ANC Headphones With New Aware Mode
Eventually, even a leading, market reference product needs an update. Bose introduced the new QuietComfort 45 headphones, replacing the legendary QuietComfort 35 II with improved noise cancellation and introducing a new Aware Mode, Bluetooth 5.1, better voice isolation for easier conversations, and 24 hour battery life on a single USB-C charge. The design remains very close to the original.
Spatial and Steinway Lyngdorf Announce Native Spatial Audio for Immersive Sound Experiences
Spatial, the immersive audio experience company, and luxury audio brand Steinway Lyngdorf, announced a native digital integration of Spatial’s real-time immersive audio Spatial Reality engine for Steinway Lyngdorf’s audio processors. The integration will provide object-based immersive sound with improved fidelity for music enthusiasts and home-theater system owners, and aims to promote next generation high-quality home audio systems.
Jabra Rethinks True Wireless Technology With New Elite Earbuds
Jabra announced three new true wireless earbuds – the Elite 7 Pro, Elite 7 Active and Elite 3. With each model tailored for specific uses, Jabra improves call performance and battery life with adjustable ANC in the new Elite 7 Pro, offers new Jabra ShakeGrip coating technology for active lifestyles with the Elite 7 Active, and offers improved sound and call quality at the lowest ever price point for the brand in the Elite 3.
Origin Acoustics Acquires Luxury Loudspeaker Brand Ambisonic Systems
Origin Acoustics, the manufacturer of architectural audio and the worldwide distributor of Ambisonic Systems, announced the acquisition of the Lake Havasu City, Arizona, manufacturer of performance luxury Pro and Residential loudspeaker systems. Origin Acoustics also confirmed an agreement with LK Distributing, Inc. to co-distribute Amina Sound, the British manufacturer of invisible loudspeakers in the US.
Apple Acquires Classical Music Streaming Service Primephonic
Apple announced it has acquired Primephonic, the classical music streaming service that featured a search and browse functionality optimized for classical, combined with lossless streaming, handpicked expert recommendations, and extensive contextual details on repertoire and recordings. Available for only 3 years, Primephonic never really went very far because it only worked on web browsers and mobile apps, the lower subscription tier used the obsolete MP3 codec, among many other limitations.