SiliconIntervention Announces Availability of Silicon-Based Fractal-D Audio Amplifier Evaluation Board
SiliconIntervention announced the availability of an evaluation board, demonstrating the high efficiency operation of its Fractal-D audio amplifier aimed at wearable applications such as earbuds and smart glasses as well as mobile products that demand extended battery life. SiliconIntervention is the company exploring a new type of bridge configuration that improves the efficiency at lower power levels while maximizing efficiency over a wide range of power levels.
Focal Bathys MG Headphones: Testing Wireless Luxury
In October 2022, Focal made its entry into the competitive wireless headphones segment with its first “Bluetooth hi-fi” Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) design, named Bathys. Short after, it relaunched the design with new finishes and added support for Mimi personalization. More importantly, Focal understood that it needed to sell it as a “luxury” product considering the asking price of US $799 USD. It didn’t work very well. Now, Focal is introducing the Bathys MG, doubling down on the strategy, with an updated model priced at $1,299 USD.
ICEpower Updates Existing Amplifier Modules with New Technology
The Danish purveyor of high-performance Class-D amplifiers, ICEpower, announced it will be progressively updating its amplifier modules with the full benefits of its new Conductor topology and integrated gate driver ICC5 chips, combined with refined design and functionality. The integration, ICEpower says, takes audio quality to the next level and redefines the company’s already renowned amplifier technology. First products to receive the updates are the 50ASX2, 125ASX2, 700AS1, and 700AS2 modules.
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Schiit Announces Two New Digitally Controlled Phono Preamps
Schiit Audio continues to expand on its vision to design sensible hifi with innovative features. That includes expanding its Forkbeard complete control products with the announcement of the Stjarna and Skoll F phono preamps. Stjarna is an all-out, limited-production, all-tube design that offers top-of-class performance, while Skoll F adds Forkbeard to the company’s existing all-discrete, zero-feedback, high-voltage-rail phono preamp.
Speakerbench Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary with Significant Updates
Speakerbench, the web-based application for loudspeaker design with an emphasis on an advanced transducer model, has been officially available since March 2020. Created by Claus Futtrup and Jeff Candy, the online tool celebrates its fifth anniversary with a significant update that introduces new valuable features, plus comprehensive documentation. Originally intended to support the loudspeaker DIY community, Speakerbench is increasingly recognized by global speaker designers at all levels.
RH Consulting Networked AV Report 2025 Edition Reveals Growing Fragmentation in the Industry
Built upon 13 years of audio research and four years of video data, the 2025 edition of the RH Consulting (RHC) Networked AV Report provides a detailed analysis of the adoption of audio and video networking protocols into manufacturer products. Compiled by leading audio consultants and engineers at RHC and considered a benchmark document by industry professionals, the report contains an analysis of 6942 networked AV products across 676 brands.
Sennheiser Unveils New HD 550 Headphones That Are Actually Very Good but Look Exactly Like Other Sennheiser Headphones
Sennheiser launched new headphones that could easily be confused with other existing designs from the brand. But the new HD 550 headphones are supposed to be a decent product that should hit the sweet spot between a solid performer and an ultra-light build at an affordable price. Sonova, the company now responsible for Sennheiser’s consumer products, says the new HD 550 could even be compelling for gamers seeking superior sound reproduction that outshines its price tag. We have a few questions.
GPU Audio Releases SDK and Opens Access to GPU Processing to All
GPU Audio released their long-awaited SDK, now available for free - offering developers and programmers the opportunity to unlock GPU acceleration for audio projects, productions, and software development needs. The use of these development tools allows implementing software ideas with access to the immense power of GPU processing, and build the next generation of audio experiences independently of the application verticals.
imc Test & Measurement Expands Availability of FAMOS Data Analysis Software
imc Test & Measurement, the manufacturer of data acquisition systems, sensors, and software that is part of Axiometrix Solutions, together with Audio Precision and GRAS, is making its FAMOS software available to the global market. Only available in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for over two decades, FAMOS is a trusted solution in the automotive and aerospace industries, recognized for its advanced capabilities in handling, analyzing, and visualizing complex measurement data.
Fresh From the Bench: Purifi 1ET9040BA Balanced Class-D Amplifier Module
The Purifi 1ET9040BA balanced Class-D amplifier module, a Bridge-tied-load (BTL) output stage, is the second product in the company's Eigentakt range. Following a conversation with members of Purifi about the amplifier's audio performance being hard to measure even with the best available test equipment, Jan Didden, in collaboration with Rens Tellers, took up the challenge, with invaluable support from Audio Precision's parent corporation Axiometrix.