Starkey Unveils Edge AI Hearing Products Featuring Auracast
Starkey, the privately held hearing technology company from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is pushing ahead of the competition once again with the introduction of Edge AI, an innovative hearing technology building on the success of its Genesis AI platform. As the name implies, Edge AI represents the next leap in neural processing on-device applied to hearing assistance, in a modern LE Audio platform already featuring Auracast broadcast streaming capabilities.
Cambridge Audio Launches EXA100 Stereo Integrated Amplifier and EXN100 Music Streamer
Cambridge Audio just announced its new EX Series, launching with two modern hifi components. The EXN100 provides the streaming sources, while the EXA100 delivers the power, the two components designed to deliver optimal performance together. Cambridge Audio designed the EXA100 using the Class AB technology from its flagship Edge M power amp and added an ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC, and an array of analog and digital connections. The new EXN100 streamer features an ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC, with support for 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD 512 signals.
Austrian Audio Launches Hi-X20 Professional Closed-Back Headphones
On the first day of the 2024 AES Show in New York, Austrian Audio launched the Hi-X20 – the latest entry in the brand’s family of professional, closed-back headphones. Designed to offer detailed, high-precision sound in a compact, affordable package built for audio professionals, content creators, and discerning music lovers alike, the Hi-X20 headphones are a workhorse for recording, mixing, and recreational listening. Available for MSRP $149 these are another great option for day-to-day use.
DALI Announces New IO-8 Luxury Headphones with ANC
Thanks to Lenbrook Americas, the distributor of revered Danish loudspeaker brand DALI, we learn about the launch of the DALI IO-8 headphones. This is the fourth model in the luxury headphones category from DALI, and like the previous IO-4, IO-6, and IO-12, all are entirely designed in-house according to the highest possible standards in terms of engineering, durability, comfort and functionality. The new IO-8 wireless headphones are based on the same platform of the IO-12, and they cost just a bit less.
ISE 2025: The Largest Systems Integration Trade Show
Registration is now open for Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), the world-renowned annual systems integration show that combines the commercial and residential installation sectors in one, from lighting to audio with projectors and displays in the middle. Returning to the Fira de Barcelona Gran Vía from 4-7 February, the ISE team is promising the most dynamic and engaging show yet, with a host of new initiatives and features, now expanding to Hall 8.1, accessed via the North Access point.
Focal Announces New Lensys Professional Closed-Back Headphones
Focal has released a new closed-back professional headphone model. The new Lensys Professional headphones are designed specifically for professional studio applications, and with a US-suggested retail price of $699 USD they need to offer convincing arguments. The French company has been developing a range of unique innovations for its high end audio headphones, which are now applied in this latest professionals model.
New Binaural Rendering Software Promises to Bring Convenience for Atmos Mixing Over Headphones
Applied Psychoacoustics Laboratory (APL) announced a software update for its binaural rendering plugin and standalone application. APL Virtuoso v2 introduces acoustics emulation and externalization, simulating the experience of listening to loudspeakers in a perfectly tuned room. APL also announced support for the Audeze Maxwell head-tracking headphones, as well as the ability to load speaker configurations, and personal HRTFs.
From Norway with Love: Arendal Sound Launches Flagship 1528 Speaker Series
Norwegian company Arendal Sound launched its latest creation, targeting both stereo and home cinema applications. The new Arendal Sound 1528 speaker series redefines high-performance loudspeaker design at fair prices, merging sonic precision, striking power, and elegant aesthetics. A custom carbon-graphene mid-range driver joins an exclusive lithium magnesium tweeter in the biggest ever speakers from Arendal Sound.
New JLab Flex Open Clip and JBuds Open Sport Earbuds Reinforce Open-Ear Designs
Unveiled at IFA 2024 and now available, the latest JLab earbuds are affordable open-ear and air conduction designs, with extended playtime, stylish comfort and audio quality. The Flex Open Clip Wireless Earbuds feature an ear-clip cuff design, that delivers powerful sound while keeping users aware of their surroundings. The JBuds Open Sport True Wireless Earbuds take open-ear to the next level for workouts with a sport ear hook for optimal comfort and performance.
RME Launches Fireface 802 FS Anniversary Edition
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the popular Fireface 800 audio interface (originally a FireWire interface), RME introduced an exclusive special edition: the Fireface 802 FS AE in an elegant and dark design, inspired by the successful ADI-2 series, and with an optionally available, new color-matching ARC USB Remote Control. This special anniversary edition is exactly the same as the Fireface 802 FS 30-in/30-out USB 2.0 interface, introduced in 2023.