
ETAL to Introduce Credit-Card-Sized Class D Amplifier at 141st AES Convention
ETAL Group is launching a new high end Class D amplifier module with a footprint less than a credit card at 141st AES in Los Angeles. During the 2016 AES international convention (29 Sept – 1 Oct) the Swedish company will preview its new compact design together with premium Anaview AMS and popular high end ALC Class D power amplifier modules, which will also be featured at the event.

B&C Speakers New MBX Mid-Bass Woofers Now Shipping
B&C Speakers is now shipping its new MBX Series. The new MBX series of mid-bass woofers is available in 6.5-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch frame sizes. Designed as a solution for two way systems and multi-driver applications, the new series offer a balance between low and mid frequency reproduction, with high sensitivity for reduced amplifier current requirements. All woofers feature a neodymium ring magnet, copper-clad aluminum voice coil wire, ventilated voice coil gap, weatherproof hydrophobic paper cones, and an aluminum demodulation ring.

Michail Barabasz to Speak at The LoudSpeaker Sourcing Show 2016
This year’s Loudspeaker Sourcing Show provides a platform for forum talks and presentations from industry leaders and exhibiting companies. The first announced speaker is Michail Barabasz of Lorantz Audio Services. Well regarded as one of the best speaker designers in our industry, Barabasz will be speaking about his 40 years of experience in high-end loudspeaker design in Australia.

Powersoft to Demonstrate its M-Force System in Los Angeles -September 28 and 29
Powersoft continues its Xperience the Power roadshow series with two Los Angeles-based events demonstrating its M-Force linear motor technology, along with several of its other power amplification technologies. The events, which coincide with the 141st AES Convention taking place at the end of this month, are open to industry professionals on a first-come, first-served basis.

New Vizio SmartCast Multi-Room Speakers Designed for Whole-Home Audio
Vizio recently expanded its SmartCast speaker collection with new very affordable SmartCast Crave Pro and Crave 360 speakers, fully integrating Google Cast technology for simple WiFi whole home audio streaming. The company, recently acquired by Chinese electronics firm LeEco and already America’s #1 sound bar company, is now targeting the expanding multi-room wireless audio segment, benefiting from a full ecosystem of home theater products and SmartCast entertainment app.

Audioengine Introduces New HDP6 Premium Passive Speakers
Audioengine, from Austin, Texas, could very well be called “the sensible audio company” because their products always make sense: they have great design, sound great, are reasonably priced and they match today’s consumer profiles perfectly. Audioengine knows wireless and computer audio well and knows how, increasingly, people listen to music on a desktop or in close proximity to speakers. For that market, Audioengine released a passive version of their HD6 powered speakers.

Sales of Waterproof Bluetooth Streaming Speakers Grow to 30 Percent of Category Sales
Is the Bluetooth speaker market saturated? It all depends of the sales pitch apparently. Simply being portable is no longer the argument. Consumers are now looking for specific functionalities that differentiate different models… and the time of year also helps. From June through August 2016, waterproof Bluetooth streaming speaker sales in the U.S. increased 137 percent versus the same period a year ago, according to a recent NPD market survey. Next up… Bluetooth speakers with built-in lights for the Winter?

ISOtunes Targets Workplace Environments with Noise Isolating Bluetooth Earbuds
Away from lifestyle, celebrity-endorsed or high-end enthusiast products, the mainstream headphone market still shows plenty of opportunities for audio manufacturers focusing on the needs of budget-conscious users looking for an effective wireless solution. Haven Technologies has recently launched its ISOtunes noise isolating Bluetooth earbuds, targeting noisy environments and promising a better user experience when listening to music and taking calls.

Crestron Delivers Whole Home Voice Control Via Amazon Alexa
As reported, CEDIA 2016 was dominated with announcements of partnerships with Voice Personal Assistant technologies, including Amazon’s Alexa. Crestron even made an announcement earlier this year that they would not be exhibiting at the CEDIA show, later to be confirmed that Crestron would share demonstrations with selected partners, such as Sonos, and shared a booth with Amazon in order to demonstrate how homeowners can now ask Alexa to control music, lights, temperature, video distribution and other custom automation possibilities.

Sony Unveils First 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player for Custom Installers and Expands ES Family of Audio-Video Receivers
At CEDIA 2016, Sony Electronics announced the addition of four new audio-video receivers to join their current ES flagship model, the STR-ZA5000ES. Designed specifically to meet the needs of custom installers, the STR-ZA3100ES, STR-ZA2100ES, STR-ZA1100ES and the new entry-level STR-ZA810ES, support 4K HDR capability and incorporate both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio. Sony also unveiled its ES Series 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player for custom installers, combining 4K video and Hi-Res audio.