A Bridge to Better Audio?

Returning from ALMA International Symposium & Expo (AISE) and CES 2016 show in Las Vegas - both extremely enlightening and motivating - we felt motivated to write about high-resolution audio (again). HRA was the main theme chosen for AISE 2016 – “Hi Res Audio: A Bridge To Build Or A Bridge Too Far?” – debated in all possible perspectives in an insightful and constructive manner.

ESS Technology announced its new flagship ES9038PRO SABRE DAC at CES 2016, generating immediate attention from audio manufacturers looking to raise the standard on new generation high-resolution audio products. The new ESS PRO SABRE 32-bit, 8-channel DAC chip goes the extra mile by offering the industry’s highest dynamic range (DNR) of 140dB with an impressive THD+N at -122dB.

Following the conclusion of its CSR acquisition in August 2015, Qualcomm had much more technology to show at CES 2016, including the launch of the new Qualcomm aptX HD enhanced codec, building on the existing aptX audio codec platform, now supporting 24 bit music quality over a Bluetooth wireless connection. Qualcomm states the enhanced audio codec will help manufacturers make wireless high resolution audio a reality.

In common with all new audio product announcements made at CES 2016 is the migration towards Hi-Res Audio and the apparent realization from major CE companies that the return of vinyl actually matters. Sony even decided to combine both concepts with the introduction of its HX500 turntable, a new reference model intended to combine the emotional connection of vinyl with the quality and convenience of high resolution digital music.