Back to the Future: Audioengine HD6 Powered Speaker System

Audioengine introduced its new HD6 Premium Powered Speaker System. More than just a powered speaker, the HD6 is a complete audio system with all the connections users will need to listen to today’s music. These retro looking speakers feature analog and digital inputs, wireless including AAC and aptX Bluetooth and a 24-bit digital optical (SPDIF) input.

Schiit Audio introduced new Bifrost and Bifrost Multibit upgraded units with USB input as standard. This upgradable DAC now offers optical, coaxial, and USB inputs and is available in the Bifrost Multibit configuration with proprietary closed-form DSP-based digital filter and Analog Devices’ AD5547CRUZ D/A converter, or as the affordable Bifrost version, using an AKM AK4490 D/A.

Some audio manufacturers seem to be following the same familiar paradigm regarding file distribution and streaming audio as they have previously done with physical media formats. The problem is, in areas such as media players, servers, DACs and the like, the audio industry no longer dictates the rules.

The new series of 2/4/6/8ch D/A converters from Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) is powering a new generation of high-quality consumer electronic devices, measurement equipment and control systems, now reaching the market. The AK4452VN, AK4454VN, AK4456VN and AK4458VN chips are 768kHz 32bit premium D/A converters, based on AKM’s Velvet Sound chip architecture.

Korean company Astell&Kern (iRiver) has managed to forge an interesting niche market by developing and manufacturing portable high-resolution audio players. The company announced their latest-generation flagship portable HRA Player, the AK380, with 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD support. At the same time, Astell&Kern launched the much more affordable AK Jr.

Audioengine introduced its Audioengine B1 Premium Bluetooth Music Receiver, after several years experimenting with other wireless audio technologies. As the company explains, with the combination of aptX codec and high-quality audio circuitry make the B1 a high-fidelity audio component that easily integrates into any music system.