Magnetar Launches MKII Series of Blu-ray Players
With an increasing number of 1 million dollar private cinemas being demonstrated at CEDIA Expo and other global trade shows, it is obvious that there is still a market for those enthusiasts who demand the best and still hold a valuable collection of 4K Blu-ray Discs. Magnetar is the Hong Kong-based company that built a business out of meeting those needs. At CEDIA Expo 2025, Magnetar is going to launch the new UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII UHD Blu-ray players, which obviously can play any other optical disc format from the past.
Steinway Lyngdorf Takes Ownership of Nexgentec Audio Brand and Products
Steinway Lyngdorf, the Danish audio pioneer renowned for its amplification and room correction technology, announced that SL Audio A/S has taken ownership of Nexgentec Audio, a Swiss company recognized for its innovative audio-over-IP solutions in the marine and luxury residential sectors. Nexgentec offers a range of Dante-based audio over IP solutions with its own software foundation, making these applications more efficient, ensuring the best digital sound quality, but also the coolest user experience in terms of features and functions.
HAVIT to Showcase FUXI-H8 Gaming Open-Headphones at IFA 2025
Open headphones are generally preferred for critical listening and home use because of their more natural, spacious sound and enhanced comfort compared to closed-back headphones. Guangzhou HAVIT Technology will expand the concept at IFA 2025 with the preview of its FUXI-H8 gaming headphones, embracing what the company calls an Open-Headphone Stereo (OHS) design - with a large suspended, circular open-back structure and 32mm custom drivers, multiple transmission modes, and other cutting-edge features.
Fasten Your Seatbelts. Knowledge for Speaker Designers Now Available in Voice Coil September 2025
In this issue of Voice Coil, you can’t miss Mike Klasco’s history lessons and situation report on speaker magnets and rare earth materials, his updated Directory of Materials Manufacturers for Consumer Audio Products, and subdirectory on Transducers for Soundbars and Bluetooth Speakers. Vance Dickason’s Test Bench characterizes the new BGW-D182-86-4-001 glass cone woofer from Glass Acoustic Innovations Technology (GAIT), followed by the W 174.38 Fibonacci woofer from RS Speakers, both being 6.5” drivers with innovative approaches.
Kii Audio Integrates Qobuz Connect Into Kii SEVEN With Free Firmware Upgrade
Since Qobuz introduced its direct streaming feature that offers simplified control and seamless continuity between devices in May 2025, it is triggering a series of announcements that reveal which systems are truly future-proofed and allow technology updates. Audio components such as network streamers and media players should continuously evolve and expand their capabilities over time. But for connected, active loudspeakers, this is relatively new. Qobuz Connect is now available in the Kii SEVEN high-end wireless music system through a simple free firmware update.
Ambiq Announces Apollo510B Energy-Efficient Wireless SoC
Ambiq Micro announced the expansion of the Apollo5 family with the Apollo510B wireless System-on-Chip (SoC). The Apollo5 family is a cutting-edge line of ultra-low-power, AI-focused microcontrollers and system-on-chip (SoC) solutions designed for next-generation always-on, smart devices such as hearables, supporting high-fidelity audio. Integrating a dedicated 48MHz network processor and Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4 radio, the Apollo510B will enable robust wireless connectivity for any power-constrained edge AI applications.
AVIXA Research Forecasts Pro AV Industry Set to Reach $402 Billion by 2030
AVIXA’s latest Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA) predicts pro AV revenue will grow from $332 billion in 2025 to $402 billion by 2030. Previously, the IOTA predicted market growth to reach $325 billion in 2024, but growth was slower than previously predicted, reaching $321 billion instead. However, the pro AV industry remains resilient, with a forecasted increase of $70 billion over the next five years.
The Freedman Group Partners With Audinate to Bring Dante Technology to Røde, Mackie, and Lectrosonics
The Freedman Group, parent company of renowned professional audio brands Røde, Mackie, and newly acquired Lectrosonics, has announced a new partnership with fellow Sydney-based technology leader Audinate. The agreement will see Audinate’s powerful Dante platform integrated into a suite of next-generation products across The Freedman Group’s portfolio, unlocking advanced networking capabilities for creators and professionals worldwide.
USound MEMS Speaker Powers New Flagship QCY MeloBuds N70 TWS Earbuds
USound announced that its micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) speaker technology is a fundamental component contributing to the innovation implemented in the newly launched QCY MeloBuds N70 earbuds. QCY’s newly launched MeloBuds N70 earbuds combine Hi-Res audio and advanced noise cancellation, setting a new benchmark in true wireless sound quality. In a major step for the Austrian MEMS speaker pioneer, the MeloBuds N70 integrate QCY’s DualCore Acoustic System, combining a ring-shaped dynamic driver with the USound MEMS speaker.
Apple Music Offers Global Access to Its Live Radio Stations on TuneIn
TuneIn, the leading live audio streaming application, announced a new partnership with Apple to expand access to Apple Music’s commercial-free live radio stations to listeners around the world. This marks the first time Apple’s 24/7 global radio stations are available outside of its own native platform. All six free Apple Music live radio stations are available on TuneIn. Listeners around the globe can access the stations through TuneIn’s 200+ connected device partnerships, including smart speakers, headphones, and 15+ automotive brands.