Sennheiser Promotes Augmented Audio Experiences at CES 2019
At CES 2019, Sennheiser will be providing visitors with the unique opportunity to explore the world of Augmented Audio and craft their very own AMBEO AR experience. The company will promote listening sessions of the much anticipated AMBEO Soundbar, finally revealing the latest in immersive 3D sound to the home and a remarkably spatial sonic experience with immersive 5.1.4 sound and deep bass in a single all-in-one device. Visitors to CES can also get hands on with the new MOMENTUM True Wireless earphones.
Enhanced Audio Experiences with RCA’s Smart Soundbar
At CES 2019, Voxtok, the Sound division of entertainment software platform Netgem, will be showing Music Avenue, a fully personalized audio service designed for TV, which operates through the Smart Soundbar of iconic brand Radio Corporation of America (RCA). Combining the two best-selling speaker categories currently in the market, the RCA Smart Soundbar supports Amazon Alexa voice interactions and will be unveiled also at the annual Las Vegas consumer electronics show.
Dayton Audio Offers Easy Wireless Audio with New DTA-2.1BT 100W Class D 2.1 Amplifier with Bluetooth
Dayton Audio introduced the updated DTA-2.1BT amplifier, a compact and lightweight Class D design that is perfect top bring new life to existing passive speakers. The DTA-2.1BT is able to adequately power most speakers, and also a passive subwoofer, allowing users to create an inexpensive and high-performance 2.1 set up for any office, bedroom, or small home theater. For just $99.00, it offers Bluetooth, RCA, and 3.5 mm inputs, and now features a crossover adjustment on the front panel.
Parasound Launches Zphono XRM for Improved Vinyl Experiences
For those still in the market for a decent phono preamplifier, Parasound just announced a new model that's a big step up from its entry-level Zphono. The new Parasound Zphono XRM phono preamplifier offers higher performance, dual-input MM and MC, with XLR balanced outputs, adjustable MC loading, rumble filter, and mono/stereo switch. Price wise, Parasound's new $599 Zphono XRM phono preamplifier bridges the gap between its entry-level $200 Zphono and the internationally acclaimed $1,495 Halo JC 3 Jr.
Appeal of Headphones Could Help World’s Hard of Hearing, New Futuresource Hearables Research States
Futuresource Consulting announced the forthcoming availability of the new 'Worldwide Hearables Report'. According to the company's research, the growing appeal of aftermarket headphones is opening up the new ‘hearables’ sub-segment, catering for those with hearing loss and alleviating much of the expense and stigma attached to hearing aids. Amid these market developments, Futuresource will carry out in-depth original research to explore the enabling technologies, the underlying consumer attitudes, motivations and the size of the hearables opportunity.
Mark Levinson № 519 Audio Player Receives Firmware Update that Adds Roon Ready Capability, MQA Certification and other Enhancements
Harman's Mark Levinson announced a major firmware update for its № 519 Audio Player, a remarkably versatile ultrahigh-end source component designed to accommodate nearly every digital audio format. The update turns the № 519 Roon Ready and with it introduces support for the Tidal music streaming service, including its Premium top tier that makes available the largest collection of MQA encoded files. Therefore, the update also makes the 519 certified with the MQA Full Decoder, which enables playback and authentication of MQA audio files and streams.
Audio Precision Releases APx Software Version 5.0 Adding Transfer Function Measurement, Cross-Spectral Analysis Of Arbitrary, Broadband Signals
With the announcement of its brand new APx555 B Series two-channel audio analyzer, Audio Precision also unveiled the updated version 5.0 of its APx audio measurement software. With this release, AP has added the ability to measure the transfer function of electronic audio and electroacoustic devices using any broadband signal. Release 5.0 also enables electronic activation of software option licenses, eliminating the iButton requirement for such options with earlier versions of APx audio measurement software.
Røde Microphones Launches All-New Podmic Podcast-Ready Dynamic Microphone
Røde Microphones has launched the all-new PodMic, an XLR-connected, end-address dynamic microphone tailor-made for use with its RØDECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio and PSA1 studio arm. Stylish and easy to manoeuvre, the PodMic is a broadcast-grade dynamic microphone designed for podcast applications. Featuring a detailed Røde Dynamic Capsule, internal pop shield, and integrated swing-mount, the microphone is a solid brass construction in hard-wearing matt black finish, that's built to last.
Audio Precision Introduces B Series APx Analyzers with Improved Specs and Capabilities
Audio Precision announced the introduction of the APx555 B Series two-channel audio analyzer. The B Series APx analyzers are the successor platform to Audio Precision’s original, or Legacy, APx platform. The second-generation APx555 offers improved sine generator frequency stability, lower system residual distortion, single-ended, balanced analog output and an optional ADC test mode which provides VBias, a common mode DC Bias.
WiSA Introduces “WiSA Endorsed” Designation for Amplifiers
WiSA, the (Wireless Speaker and Audio) Association, an industry group composed of over 40 leading brands including founding member Summit Wireless Technologies, introduces "WiSA Endorsed" for audio amplifiers designed for use in today’s powered home audio speakers. This new designation coincides with the launch of member brand Infineon Technologies MERUS MA12070 4-26V ultra-efficient audio amplifier which is the first amplifier to receive the endorsement.