
Meridian Audio Shows Expanded Range of Architectural Loudspeaker Solutions at CEDIA 2019
Suitable for a wide range of applications, including in-wall and in-ceiling installations, Meridian Audio’s new Architectural range of loudspeakers will be demonstrated at CEDIA 2019 together with Meridian’s exclusive ‘CLASS-M’ DSP engine. The Meridian Architectural range includes the DSP520.2 and DSP640.2 In-Wall Loudspeakers, and the DSP320.2 In-Ceiling / In-Wall Loudspeaker. For integrators, the versatility of the range allows for a simple installation and maintenance free solution.

Pro Audio Technology Expands SR Series Home Cinema Loudspeakers
Pro Audio Technology (PRO), the supplier of high-output loudspeakers and DSP loudspeaker controllers for installed residential systems, announced three new model additions to its SR series of loudspeakers, as well as an innovative new pivot bracket that provides installation flexibility. The new SR-25im, SR-6im, and SR-26im are discreet but superior sounding speakers, ideal for home theater and multi-room audio environments. And, like the rest of the SR Series, all models feature enhanced cosmetics and more discreet enclosures.

Apple Digital Masters: Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
It all started with an article from Billboard that stated: "On Wednesday (August 7) Apple Music announced the launch of Apple Digital Masters, a new initiative by the streaming giant that combines all of its "Mastered for iTunes" offerings into one global catalog. This is the company's first public acknowledgement of the initiative, which it has been quietly unveiling for some time." And suddenly the story was all over the place. But Apple didn't actually announce anything. Or at least, there was no official press release from Apple to be found confirming the story.

New Look MartinLogan Motion Series for Home Audio and Home Cinema
MartinLogan announced seven new Motion Series loudspeakers for music or home cinemas. Praised for performance and value since its introduction, when it came time to introduce a new generation of the Motion Series, MartinLogan decided not to mess with a good thing. The new line of modern, multi-application speakers utilizes the same benchmark-performance technology as previous generations of the Motion Series, updated with a modern and stylish new design. Available October 2019, the Motion Series features seven new models, including two floorstanding, two bookshelf, and two center channel speakers.

Dirac Live Bass Management Makes Residential AV Market Debut at CEDIA 2019
Swedish sound processing pioneer Dirac announced the residential AV market debut of Dirac Live Bass Management, a unique room acoustics solution that optimizes a system’s subwoofers and speakers to deliver consistent, accurate bass throughout an entire room. The introduction will be made at CEDIA 2019, at Colorado Convention Center in Denver, where Arcam, JBL Synthesis, NAD Electronics and StormAudio will be also the first manufacturers to feature Dirac Live Bass Management in their AV products.

Emotiva Audio Debuts XMC-2 16-channel A/V Processor Supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Object-Oriented Sound Formats
Emotiva Audio Corporation just introduced its highly anticipated XMC-2 16 channel home theater AV Processor, featuring the outstanding sonics and innovative modular design of the company’s flagship RMC-1 processor at a more affordable price point. At a suggested retail price of $2,999, and designed from the ground up as the nerve center of a modern surround A/V system, the XMC-2 processor proves once again that high-end audio doesn’t have to be high-priced.

Audeze Announces LCD-i3 Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphone with Bluetooth, Lightning, and 3.5mm Connectivity
Audeze announced the new LCD-i3, successor to the extremely popular iSINE 20 and “little brother” to the LCD-i4. The LCD-i3 features sonic improvements over the iSINE 20, with Bluetooth, Lightning, and standard 3.5mm connectivity included. By using the Magnesium housing and grill design of the LCD-i4, the LCD-i3 reduces unwanted resonance and offers improved resolution over the iSINE 20.

Dynaudio Launches Custom Install Product Bonanza at CEDIA Expo 2019
Dynaudio will be showcasing a salvo of new products at this year's CEDIA Expo 2019 in Denver. The company is taking the wraps off its Performance range, a brand-new, slimline product family comprising high-end in-wall and in-ceiling custom installation speakers, plus a special fire-resistant back-box. Dynaudio also announced two new outdoor loudspeaker models, its first-ever offerings in this category.

AES International Automotive Audio Conference Announces Details for 2019 Events
Taking place September 11 – 13 at the Audi Driving Experience Center in Neuburg an der Donau (Bavaria), Germany, this year’s AES Automotive Audio Conference builds on the overwhelming success of its predecessors by gathering the leading global authorities in Automotive Audio for three days of in-depth examination of the latest trends, challenges and solutions in the field, plus exhibitions and demos showcasing the latest automotive audio technologies.

Strategy Analytics: Global Smart Speaker Sales Soared 96% To 30.3 Million In Q2 2019
Global sales of smart speakers continued to soar in the second quarter of 2019, reaching 30.3 million units, nearly double the same period in 2018, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics. With a 21.9% share, Amazon remained the leading brand. Google retained second place, followed by Baidu, Alibaba and Xiaomi. Apple’s smart speaker sales increased 81% compared to a year earlier, but its share fell slightly and it remained in sixth place.