CES 2020, the annual Consumer Electronics industry show that convenes in Las Vegas every year, officially opened to all ticket holders today (it opened to the media on Sunday).
Over the first three days, there have been some sensational new audio releases, including a bunch of new headphones, true wireless earphones, streaming amplifiers, and speakers. Here’s a list of the coolest stuff we’ve seen so far!
Be sure to bookmark this page, because we will update the list as info arrives…
1. 1MORE True Wireless ANC In-Ear Headphones
1MORE, a favorite of ours here at Hifitrends, announced its new True Wireless ANC In-Ear headphones featuring dual drivers (1 Dynamic, 1 Balanced-Armature) for superior sound quality. They also have two levels of active noise cancelation, a pass-through mode to let in ambient noise and a wireless charging option.
According to 1MORE, they are also the first True Wireless Earphones pending THX Certification, which means they are supposed to meet the “highest audio standards” for headphones. Available now for pre-order on 1MORE.com–$199.99 MSRP.
2. SHURE AONIC 50 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones and AONIC 215 True Wireless Sound Isolating™ Earphones
Shure announced two new products coming out under the AONIC banner in Spring 2020. Details are still sparse, but this what we know so far:
The AONIC 50 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones will be over-ear headphones with adjustable active noise canceling, an environmental mode to let varying amounts of outside noise in and 20 hours of battery life.
The Company is also launching the AONIC 215 True Wireless Sound Isolating™ Earphones which borrow their design from Shure’s stage monitors. They claim up to eight hours of battery life and three additional full charges on the go.
No pricing as of yet…you can sign up for update at Shure.com/AONIC.
3. NAD Masters M33 BluOS Streaming DAC Amplifier
NAD Electronics unveiled another new Masters Series product called The M33. It’s a BluOS™ enabled DAC/amplifier that is designed to serve as the heart of a reference whole-home system. By itself, the M33 (US$4999 MSRP) is an ultra-high-performance streaming amplifier with superb audiophile sound.
However, it can also be combined with other BluOS wirelessly networked music players throughout the home as part of a whole-home audio system. The M33 will available in March 2020.
4.) DALI RUBICON C Smart Active Loudspeaker System
Lenbrook launched the DALI RUBICON C, two powered, high-performance counterparts to the critically acclaimed RUBICON Series. They share the same drivers and cabinet construction while RUBICON C inherits amplifier technology from DALI CALLISTO and wireless audio transmission (Hi-Res audio-24bit/96KHz) from the DALI SOUND HUB.
RUBICON C actually has a wide variety of inputs, from traditional wired connections to Qualcomm aptX HD and AAC – plus two future-proof expansion ports (e.g. BluOS module).
The RUBICON C Series features a choice of the active tower–RUBICON 6 C-$7999–or bookshelf speakers– RUBICON 2 C-$5799, both are available for immediate delivery in a choice of premium White, Black or Walnut finishes.
Complete systems that include the DALI SOUND HUB and BluOS NPM-1 module for music streaming are MSRP U.S. $9,397.00 for the RUBICON 6 C and $7,197.00 for the RUBICON 2 C. For more info visit: https://www.dali-speakers.com/
5.) Technics EAH-AZ70W True Wireless Headphones
The Technics EAH-AZ70W True Wireless Headphones feature Dual Hybrid Noise Cancelling Technology, a newly developed 10mm dynamic driver that uses a graphene-coated PEEK diaphragm, Ambient Sound Mode, IPX4 Splash-proof rating, and 6 hours of battery life.
The free Technics Audio Connect companion app will allow users to Adjust noise-canceling/external sound capture, customize the sound, confirm battery levels and search for the headphones on a map.
The EAH-AZ70W will be available in Black or Silver, hitting retail June 2020…no pricing yet.
6.) HELM Audio Wins Four CES 2020 Innovation Awards
HELM Audio announced some really cool products at the show and won four CES Innovation awards! Here’s a breakdown of the products which include two new True Wireless earphone models, one THX AAA analog headphone amp, and one mobile USB-C MQA Amp/DAC…
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The HELM Audio Triple Driver True Wireless are the world’s first triple driver true wireless headphones with a unique intuitive rotary control dial. Combining the triple driver HELM sound signature, industry-leading connectivity range, ANC functionality, enhanced microphones, and exceptional battery life, the bar has been raised in the true wireless category.
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Powered by the Qualcomm® QCC chipset the HELM Audio Electrostatic features a Dual Driver hybrid configuration that delivers not only the most advanced sound reproduction but also produces a deep bass that isn’t usually prevalent with electrostatic technology. The HELM Audio Electrostatic True Wireless earphones also feature advanced Beamforming mics with ANC technology, auto charging, auto-pairing, low latency Qualcomm® aptX™ Audio and AAC Bluetooth codecs to match the latest smartphones capabilities.
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“HELM Audio’s new DB12 AAAMP Mobile Headphone Amplifier represents the in-line amplifier that brings our premium THX AAA experience to consumers and is pending THX Certification,” said Jason Fiber, Senior Vice President, Mobile, THX Ltd. “HELM Audio shares passion for innovation that will continue to deliver premium quality audio experiences on the go at an amazing value,” he added.
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Rounding out the winning products is the HELM MQA Mobile DAC. This MQA-certified DAC is a true audiophile-grade digital audio converter and one of the smallest, most convenient MQA adapters available on the market. The portable Hi-Res DAC delivers no-compromise full MQA audio decoding for music and gaming.
For more info on these products visit https://helmaudio.com/pages/press
Audio-Technica Drops New ANC True Wireless Earbuds, New Turntable, and Much More!
Audio-Technica has a bunch of stuff on display at CES, including the $249 ATH-ANC300TW Noise Cancelling True Wireless earbuds which should hit stores in spring, the new $399 AT-LPW50PB Turntable with carbon fiber tonearm and Moving Magnet cartridge, plus a ton of new audiophile headphones. Check out the full breakdown below:
The QuietPoint® ATH-ANC300TW (SRP: US$249.00, available spring 2020) features digital hybrid noise-cancellation that places the ANC microphones both in front of and behind the driver, for an ideal balance of ambient noise reduction and audio performance. The ATH-ANC300TW supports Bluetooth® 5.0, aptX™ and other codecs for the best-possible wireless audio reproduction. The ATH-ANC300TW also features Qualcomm® TrueWireless™ Stereo Plus, a special low-latency function that ensures that users can stream audio with a stable connection. Its operation can be customized with the AT Connect smartphone app.
The ATH-CKS5TW and its ATH-CK3TW truly wireless in-ear headphones (SRP: US$169.00 and US$119.00, currently available) both offer long-lasting battery life, Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology and outstanding audio quality including aptX. Both deliver enhanced audio quality thanks to Qualcomm cVc™ Clear Voice Capture that improves clarity during phone conversations. The ATH-CK3TW features Qualcomm TrueWireless Stereo Plus for reliable streaming.
The AT-LPW50PB belt-drive turntable (SRP: US$399.00, available spring 2020) combines an exceptional high-fidelity listening experience with a stunning, high-gloss piano black finish. The turntable provides 33-1/3 and 45 RPM speeds and its carbon fiber tonearm is fitted with an AT-VM95E moving magnet (MM) phono cartridge. The AT-LPW50PB features a built-in phono preamp for use with the widest variety of audio components.
The over-ear ATH-AWKT and ATH-AWAS audiophile and over-ear ATH-WP900 portable headphones combine beautifully crafted woods with superb sound quality, and the ATH-IEX1 features an exclusive hybrid multi-driver system for an unmatched in-ear listening experience. All four models offer Hi-Res Audio capability.
Meticulously handcrafted, the ATH-AWKT, ATH-AWAS and ATH-WP900 (SRP: US$1,899.00, US$1,399.00, US$650.00, available March 2020) feature housings from prized Kokutan (striped ebony), Asada Zakura (ironwood) and flamed maple wood. Audio-Technica’s ATH-IEX1 (SRP: US$1,200.00, available January 2020) sets a new standard for in-ear listening thanks to its hybrid multi-driver system.
I’m an audio writer who started as a young audio salesman/consumer electronics professional back in the late 90s. That’s where I discovered the magic of 2-Channel sound. My thirst for great sound has led me on a delightful music quest that continues today.
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