Bowers & Wilkins has introduced a new iteration of its iconic Zeppelin speaker, known as the Zeppelin Pro Edition, which aims to elevate the speaker’s design and performance to new heights. Launched initially in 2007, the Zeppelin has long been known for its unique ovoid shape and solid reputation as a wireless speaker. 

The Pro Edition brings a series of upgrades to both the speaker’s internal components and exterior design while maintaining the distinct look that made the original so recognizable.

One of the first things users will notice about the Zeppelin Pro Edition is its external tweaks. Available in two new finishes—Solar Gold and Space Grey—this model retains the Zeppelin’s recognizable shape but offers a fresh visual appeal.

The addition of customizable lighting in the form of a revised downlight is another feature that sets the Pro Edition apart from its predecessors. Users can now select from more than 15 colour options and adjust the brightness to fit their environment, giving the speaker a more personalized and modern touch.

While these aesthetic updates contribute to the overall user experience, the more significant changes are found within the speaker itself. The internal components of the Zeppelin Pro Edition have been carefully upgraded to provide improved audio clarity and performance, especially for those seeking high-resolution sound.

The main improvements made to the Zeppelin Pro Edition are its upgraded tweeters and midrange drivers. The titanium dome tweeters, previously seen in Bowers & Wilkins’ 600 Series loudspeakers, are now featured in this wireless model. Placed at the far ends of the enclosure, these tweeters are isolated from the vibrations caused by other internal components, which helps deliver cleaner, crisper high-frequency sounds.

The midrange drivers, measuring 90mm, use the brand’s proprietary Fixed Suspension Transducer (FST) technology, a feature borrowed from Bowers & Wilkins’ premium floor-standing speakers. These drivers have been upgraded with increased cone damping, designed to reduce distortion from cone break-up, resulting in a more open and revealing midrange. 

Paired with revised digital signal processing (DSP) tuning, these internal changes should ensure a more precise and room-filling sound across various listening environments.

Low-frequency response is handled by a 150mm subwoofer, centrally mounted within the Zeppelin Pro Edition’s structure. This subwoofer has been specifically designed to prevent the cabinet from rocking when in use, ensuring a stable and clean bass performance. The goal of these refinements is to produce deep, detailed bass without the muddiness that can sometimes plague wireless speakers at this size and price point.

With these changes, Bowers & Wilkins has aimed to provide a more balanced and agile low-end performance, ensuring the Zeppelin Pro Edition can handle a wide range of audio styles—from delicate acoustic tracks to bass-heavy electronic music—without losing clarity or depth.

The Zeppelin Pro Edition supports multiple wireless streaming options, including AirPlay 2, Bluetooth aptX Adaptive, and Spotify Connect. Additionally, the Bowers & Wilkins Music app gives users access to a broad selection of music streaming services, including Deezer, Qobuz, TIDAL, and TuneIn. This flexibility ensures that the Zeppelin Pro Edition is well-suited for audiophiles who prefer high-resolution audio as well as casual listeners who simply want reliable, high-quality streaming.

For More Information: https://www.bowerswilkins.com

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Cambridge Audio has launched the EX Series, comprising the EXA100 stereo integrated amplifier and EXN100 music streamer. The EXA100 stereo integrated amplifier is the power behind the new EX Series.

Over three years in the making, and with almost 60 years of audio expertise behind it, the EX Series is the successor to Cambridge’s Azur 851 range – and EXA100 is its beating heart.

Drawing on trickledown amplifier technology from the flagship Edge M monoblock power amp, EXA100 offers a wide soundstage from 100W per channel of Class AB amplification.

A huge array of connectivity options, a built-in DAC, HDMI eARC and a dedicated Power Amp Mode make it functionally as accomplished as it sounds.

“We believe this is, pound for pound, the finest amplifier we’ve ever built. It exemplifies the new EX Series, overdelivering on performance and versatility in this category,” says James Johnson-Flint, Owner and CEO of Cambridge Audio. “EXA100 is a serious step up for anyone upgrading from our CX amps, and the perfect stepping stone to the Edge range.”

The EXA100 houses an advanced toroidal transformer, heavily shielded, super-quiet and flanked by heavy-duty heat sinks. The amplifier modules are based on those in the Edge M power amp, and EXA100 even uses the same power transistors as its monobloc stablemate, delivering high-end quality at a fraction of the cost.

The approach to internal design can also be seen in everything from the four-layer PCBs to the proprietary CAP protection system, which uses four different methods to detect potential issues, such as power and temperature overloads, and take preventive action. 

EXA100’s connectivity is comprehensive, befitting a modern integrated amplifier.

On the analogue side, inputs comprise a set of Balanced XLRs and three sets of RCA stereo sockets. For output, you get a front-mounted 6.3mm headphone socket, a stereo pre-out and a subwoofer pre-out for adding extra bass options to a set-up. There are two sets of speaker outputs, allowing users to power music in two different rooms or add a secondary outdoor speaker pair. 

EXA100 is also a digital audio powerhouse, thanks to an ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) and an array of dedicated digital connections. HDMI eARC enables easy connection to a TV, with the benefit of volume control via the TV’s remote. 

There are also inputs for USB Audio, digital coaxial and two TOSLINK optical sockets.

Bluetooth aptX HD is also available for added convenience, or to stream vinyl wirelessly from a Cambridge Audio Alva turntable.

Switch the EXA100 to Power Amp Mode and it transforms literally into that – a stereo power amp – so that it can be paired with the preamp of choice or used as part of a multi-channel home cinema system.

This means it can optionally be used in pre/power combination with the new EXN100 music streamer with its digital-only Preamp Mode. EXN100 provides the streaming brains and volume control, all controllable via the StreamMagic app, while EXA100 delivers power and detail. 

The EXA100 features a milled aluminium front panel and a tactile knurled volume knob. Visually it again partners perfectly with EXN100, with matching Lunar Grey finishes and a full-height centre panel that boldly cuts through the fascia.

EX Series introduces a new remote control, supplied with EXA100, that also provides command over EXN100. 

https://www.cambridgeaudio.com

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Flexson recently announced the launch of its new 2024 Pro Range at the CEDIA Expo. This collection of high-performance mounting and installation solutions is designed to meet the needs of professional installers and discerning audiophiles alike.

The Flexson Pro Range includes a variety of products for Sonos speakers, such as:

Ceiling Mounts: These mounts allow users to install their Sonos speakers discreetly on the ceiling, providing optimal sound coverage for any room. The Pro Range offers both single and quad ceiling mount options for the Sonos Era 100. There are also ceiling mount options for the Era 300.

Security Fixing Kits: These kits deter tampering and theft, making them ideal for Sonos Era 100 speakers installed in public spaces or high-traffic areas.

Rack Mounts: These mounts allow users to install their Sonos Amp and Port devices in a standard 19-inch rack.

Flexson’s Pro Range products are easy to install and provide a secure and stylish way to mount Sonos speakers in any environment, be it a home or commercial installation.

The Flexson Pro Range is available now from authorized Flexson retailers worldwide.

For More Information: FlexsonUSA.com

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High-end loudspeaker manufacturer KEF launched the updated Q Series, a new line of loudspeakers that features the company’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) which is designed to eliminate 99% of unwanted distortion.

According to the U.K.-based audio company, MAT’s “complex maze-like structure” serves as an acoustic black hole that absorbs stray sounds to deliver natural sound.

In addition, the speakers feature the company’s 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array, which has been redesigned to maximize the quality of the output.  Some models have been upgraded to a 3-way speaker design. The Q11 Meta, Q7 Meta, Q Concerto Meta, and Q6 Meta now feature dedicated bass drivers designed to deliver deep, clean bass and allow Uni-Q to focus solely on high and midrange frequencies.

The Q Series comes in a range of form factors, including bookshelf speakers, floor-standing speakers, on-wall speakers and home cinema speakers.

According to the company, the Q Concerto Meta is the first 3-way bookshelf speaker in the series and revives the classic KEF Concerto of 1968. KEF also introduced two new floor-standing models, the Q11 Meta and Q7 Meta.

Meanwhile, the Q4 Meta is an on-wall speaker that can be used in an LCR configuration for surround sound. Similarly, the Q6 Meta is a 3-way center speaker that can be used in an LCR configuration in a home cinema setup. The Q8 Meta can be placed on any other main speaker to bounce sound off the ceiling for Dolby Atmos surround sound, according to KEF.

KEF says the new comprehensive Q Series lineup can fit any room size, budget or application, and colour-matching grilles are included.

For More Information: https://ca.kef.com

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Klipsch has announced its partnership with multidisciplinary artist Devon Turnbull, Founder of Ojas. The kO-R1 horn-loaded loudspeaker was born from a collaboration and mutual respect between Ojas and Klipsch, blending minimalist elegance and bespoke craftsmanship with the horn technology Klipsch has perfected over its 75-plus year history. Handcrafted in Hope, Ark., the limited edition kO-R1 will be available worldwide.

Embodying a minimalist ethos and using the Klipsch Heresy as inspiration, the kO-R1 horn-loaded loudspeaker boasts a captivating multicell design and a cabinet of full butt-joined Baltic birch plywood. This limited-edition model also features bespoke materials such as its exposed biradial horn of sandcast aluminum, as well as such components as an adjustable horn mount, anodized aluminum binding posts, and anti-vibration rubber feet. A five-step high-frequency gain attenuator allows precise tuning of the sound, while a laser-engraved metal ID plate adds a touch of exclusivity.

To bring his vision to life, Turnbull worked closely with Paul W. Klipsch’s protégé, Roy Delgado, who carried the torch of high efficiency horn design from his early days of working under PWK and through the decades since his passing. A global authority on horn loudspeaker design, Delgado’s resume includes updates to the legendary Klipschorn, La Scala and other Klipsch Heritage speaker models.

Every limited-edition kO-R1 comes with the Klipsch K-12 speaker stand to ensure the perfect speaker height and presentation. As a keepsake, each pair of kO-R1s is accompanied by a hardbound book chronicling the journey of inspiration, research, design, and manufacturing that has resulted in this loudspeaker. The speakers are available in two finishes: Spiral Red Oak or Pewter Grey.

For more information, visit Klipsch.com.

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Bose has unveiled the latest addition to its audio lineup: the Bose Smart Soundbar. This sleek, compact soundbar features Dolby Atmos® and proprietary Bose TrueSpace technology, delivering an immersive audio experience that defies its size. Replacing the Bose Smart Soundbar 600, this new model introduces A.I. Dialogue Mode and the innovative Bose Personal Surround technology.

A.I. Dialogue Mode

A standout feature first seen in the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, A.I. Dialogue Mode enhances the clarity of dialogue in your favorite shows and movies. Using a sophisticated machine learning algorithm, the soundbar automatically adjusts tonal balance in real time to ensure speech is distinct and clear, even when accompanied by background sound effects. Enjoy the drama of your content without missing a single word.

Bose Personal Surround Sound

For an elevated audio experience, the Bose Smart Soundbar can be paired with the new Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. Their unique open-ear design, combined with cutting-edge Bose Immersive Audio technology, allows these earbuds to serve as rear surround speakers for an individual listener. This setup delivers a rich, enveloping sound while still allowing you to hear the powerful audio from the soundbar, creating an unparalleled immersive experience.

Dolby Atmos & Bose Spatial Technologies

When you’re enjoying Dolby Atmos content, the soundbar’s five precisely tuned transducers work in harmony with advanced Bose digital signal processing and Atmos decoding. This combination creates a sound environment that surrounds you, with audio emanating from all directions. Two side-firing racetrack-shaped transducers project sound horizontally, a center tweeter ensures crystal-clear dialogue, and two upfiring transducers reflect sound off the ceiling for a true overhead experience.

Even when Dolby Atmos content isn’t available, you can still enjoy excellent audio quality. The soundbar intelligently upmixes other formats like stereo and 5.1 using the same five transducers, providing a spacious, immersive sound experience. Plus, with Bose QuietPort technology, you’ll get deep bass performance with virtually no distortion at any volume.

Compact Size and Elegant Design

Designed to complement any living space, the Bose Smart Soundbar boasts a compact, low-profile design. At just 2.2 inches tall, 4.1 inches deep, and over 27 inches long, it fits seamlessly beneath your TV without obstructing the screen. Its refined matte finish and sophisticated wraparound metal grille lend a modern touch to any home decor.

Easy Setup and Versatile Controls

Setting up the Bose Smart Soundbar is a breeze—simply connect one cable (HDMI eARC for Dolby Atmos or optical for standard setups) from the soundbar to your TV, and you’re ready to immerse yourself in superior audio.

The soundbar supports a range of streaming options and is Roku TV ready. You can easily access your favorite music services via Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, Spotify® Connect, or Apple AirPlay 2. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream audio directly from your phone or tablet. For voice control, the soundbar is compatible with Google Assistant and has Amazon Alexa built-in. The Bose Voice4Video feature even lets you control your TV with a simple command, turning it on to the right channel and input.

Moreover, the Bose Smart Soundbar can integrate seamlessly with other Bose smart speakers and soundbars, enabling a multi-room audio setup with SimpleSync. For a more robust home theater experience, it can also be paired with Bose bass modules and rear speakers.

Elevate your audio experience with the new Bose Smart Soundbar, where compact design meets cutting-edge technology for unparalleled sound.

For More Information: https://www.bose.com

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As Amina Technologies commemorates its 25th anniversary, the company is excited to unveil its groundbreaking new range of invisible speakers, the Sapphire Series. This innovative product line will make its official debut at the CEDIA Expo 2024, ahead of its global shipping launch in November 2024.

Since its founding in 1999, Amina Technologies has been at the forefront of immersive invisible speaker technology. Richard Newlove, the visionary founder of Amina, began his journey focusing on the commercialization of Distributed Mode Loudspeaker (DML) technology. Over the past 25 years, the company has continually refined and advanced this technology, creating products that blend seamlessly into their surroundings while delivering outstanding sound quality.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Richard Newlove states, “Our dedication to expanding the possibilities of invisible audio technology has remained steadfast. Throughout the past quarter-century, we have focused on crafting products that not only perform exceptionally but also integrate harmoniously with any design aesthetic. The Sapphire Series embodies this commitment, representing a significant advancement in performance and versatility within a framework of integrity.”

The Sapphire Series showcases Amina’s latest innovation: the Symphony Cell composite panel. This newly developed in-house material features a unique resin-impregnated cellulose pulp core that reproduces warm, natural tones while maintaining the clarity Amina’s products are known for. Additionally, Amina’s new anti-warp composite skin ensures the panel surface remains stable during installation, plastering, and operation, even in extreme conditions of heat and moisture.

The new Sapphire series features redesigned, more powerful exciters and upgraded electromagnetic components, enhancing overall performance. Both the panels and exciters benefit from advanced high-temperature-rated bonding techniques, significantly expanding their application to challenging environments such as saunas, steam rooms, and outdoor settings.

Newlove adds, “With the Sapphire Series, we’ve not only enhanced the performance and durability of invisible speakers but also broadened their potential applications. Whether in a luxury home, a commercial spa, or a high-end hospitality venue, these speakers provide pristine audio quality with high reliability while remaining completely out of sight.”

The launch of the Sapphire Series marks Amina’s most significant product introduction since the Mobiusi Series in 2019. Building upon previous successes, the Sapphire Series further solidifies Amina’s reputation as a leader of innovation and excellence in the invisible speaker market. The combination of the Symphony Cell composite panel and newly updated drive components truly sets a new benchmark for invisible audio.

As Amina Technologies celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Sapphire Series launch is a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to excellence in the realm of invisible sound. The series includes three speakers at different performance levels, tailored to fit various environments. The first two products will be available for global shipment beginning in November 2024, with the third product following in January 2025.

Amina products are designed exclusively for the Custom Install, commercial, and architectural installation markets, and trade customers are encouraged to contact their local representatives or Amina directly for further details. Architects, designers, and consultants interested in experiencing invisible sound firsthand are invited to reach out to Amina for information on their nearest experience center.

For More Information: https://www.aminasound.com/sapphire-series/

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Audio-Technica has announced something new in the form of powered bookshelf speakers. This is the first pair of powered speakers that the Japanese audio brand has ever produced the AT-SP3X has been created to play music from wireless sources.

The new speakers should be a great match for use with Audio-Technica’s Bluetooth turntables, including its recently launched AT-LP70xBT. And as Audio-Technica has been making hi-fi products for six decades, these new AT-SP3X powered speakers deliver quite a sonic punch despite their compact size.

Featuring 3-inch woofers and 1.1-inch tweeters, the speakers are driven by a built-in DSP. Audio-Technical claims the new speakers have been crafted to produce a powerful, well-balanced sound for music and movies.

Equipped with dual RCA sockets for connecting to wired and analog sources, the AT-SP3X has also been optimized for wireless streaming thanks to a built-in Bluetooth receiver.

With support for multipoint pairing, the speakers can be connected to two Bluetooth devices at the same time, providing easy switching between the playlist on a laptop or a podcast on a smartphone.

The new speakers are simple to set up and can be used in almost any space. The AT-SP3X requires no external amplifier. Power for the speakers is provided by an AC adapter which comes with three international plug adapters. The speakers feature a power button with an LED indicator and volume control.

The AT-SP3X’s speakers have minimalist styling with a stylish matte black finish that should suit most styles of décor and enables the speakers to blend into the home without dominating the space.

Features:

• Woofer: 3-inch.
• Tweeters: 1.1-inch.
• Inputs: Dual RCA phono and Bluetooth.
• Multipoint pairing: Yes.
• Power: AC adapter with three international plug adapters and 2m speaker cable.

For More Information: www.audio-technica.com

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Alphatec, a leading Mumbai-based distribution house for premier audio and video equipment across India, announces the appointment of Rohit Uberoi as its new Business Head, Live & Rental. Rohit joins Alphatec with over 30 years of experience in consumer durables and professional audio, bringing a wealth of knowledge and strategic insights to the role.

In his new role, Rohit will focus on establishing and expanding the Live Sound & Rental market segment. He aims to drive growth by applying his experience with both small-scale and large-scale companies, recognizing the significant potential in the Indian market. Rohit’s approach will include engaging with stakeholders, demonstrating product value, and providing continuous education to both the team and customers.

Welcoming Rohit, Devasis Barkataki, Founder and Managing Director, Alphatec, stated, “We are delighted to have Rohit join our team. His extensive experience and strategic vision are a perfect match for our ambitious goals. Rohit’s leadership will be instrumental in driving our growth in the Live Sound & Rental market and reinforcing our position as a leader in the professional audio industry.”

Talking about his new role and responsibilities, Rohit Uberoi, Business Head, Live & Rental, Alphatec said, “I am excited to join Alphatec and contribute to its growth. With my deep experience in the audio industry, my focus will be on leveraging the immense opportunities in the Indian market. My goal is to drive innovation, foster strong stakeholder relationships, and enhance our market position by delivering unparalleled value and solutions.”

Rohit’s career includes key positions at leading companies such as Sennheiser, Ahuja Radios, and Videocon. Notably, his career highlights include being closely associated with the launch of new products for Sansui, Bazooka, and Toshiba while at Videocon, and also XS-1 wired microphone and EW G4 and EWD/X range of wireless system at Sennheiser.

With a strong educational foundation and extensive experience in managing multi-million-dollar businesses, Rohit aims to drive Alphatec’s strategic objectives and advance its position in the professional audio sector.

Website: https://www.alphatec.co.in/

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KEF has introduced the latest generation of the R Series HiFi Speakers, now featuring Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). The R Series is a seven-model range engineered to provide superior performance with more detail, deeper insight, and greater excitement.

At the heart of the latest R Series is MAT, a highly complex maze-like structure where each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbs a specific frequency. When combined, the channels act as an acoustic black hole, absorbing 99 percent of the unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter, eliminating the resulting distortion and providing a purer, more natural acoustic performance.

A bespoke 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array with MAT is found in all seven models of the R Series. The detail and clarity delivered across the R Series range result from a selection of tweaks and modifications specifically for this collection — from the refined tweeter gap damper that tames resonances for improved detail, to the flexible Decoupling Chassis, which prevents unwanted vibrations for better clarity. The hybrid aluminum bass drivers produce tight, deep, and controlled bass, and the enhanced crossover design and fine-tuned signal path result in clean sound.

The R Series comprises seven models:

• The two center speakers, including R6 Meta and R2 Meta, which can also be used in LCR (Left-Center-Right) configuration, deliver dialog clarity to the home theater experience in different room sizes. Identically sized Uni-Q arrays are deployed on the center speakers and all other models in the series. This creates a consistent sound character, ensuring that the focus is entirely on the film and not the equipment around the room.
• A trio of floor-standing speakers, including R11 Meta, R7 Meta, and R5 Meta, and a bookshelf speaker R3 Meta, reproduce high-fidelity stereo sound for listeners’ favorite music irrespective of the dimensions of the listening space. Each of them will allow users to discover depth and detail they never knew existed — from a scrap of plectrum on a guitar string to the sense of emotion and atmosphere in a live performance.
• If users want to experience immersive Dolby Atmos sound, the R8 Meta surround speaker is an ideal addition to the system. It can be either wall-mounted or placed on top of another R Series loudspeaker. With the addition of any of KEF’s subwoofers, the whole cinematic experience is felt, from the deepest impact to the softest whispers.

Each model in the R Series comes in a choice of three finishes: Black Gloss, White Gloss, and Walnut. Two models also have their own signature finish options: the Titanium Gloss Special Edition for R7 Meta, and the Indigo Gloss Special Edition for R3 Meta. The R3 Meta also features threaded insets that allow the speaker to be mounted securely onto the top of the KEF S3 Floor Stands, which also boast integrated cable management and a mass-loadable column.

For More Details: us.kef.com

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