Auro-3D joins forces with Triad Speakers at ISE 2016 to create an entertainment and luxury audio hardware division making use of both Auro-3D and Dolby Atmos technologies.

ISE has the two companies show off Triad Gold Monitor loudspeakers paired with the Auro GalaxisAudio sound processor and StormAudio Class D Audio multi-channel power amplifiers. The demos feature Auro-3D and Dolby Atmos content, including music clips and film content.

“While traditional surround does a great job of enveloping the listener, it’s limited to a horizontal plane, making it a thing of the past,” Triad says. “It makes sense that now in the world of home cinema, 3D audio is where it’s at, as it creates another level of realism.”

Beale Street Audio launches the Left/Centre/Right Channel (LCR) loudspeaker at ISE 2016-- a super-slim, two-way in-wall "Pancake" speaker that's just 7.5cm deep.

Designed for international installations with limited space between walls and ceilings, the LCR can be installed vertically or horizontally depending on the application as a left, centre, right around a flat panel or screen. One can also install it as part of a stereo pair or even as an in-wall rear channel.

Audiophile customers wanting high-resolution audio playback can do so through a firmware update for multiple Meridian Audio products allowing the handling of Master Quality Authenticated (MQA)-encoded music.

Such products include the Explorer2 portable USB DAC, Prime headphone amplifier, 808v6 reference CD player, 818v3 reference audio core, Special Edition DSP loudspeakers and 40th Anniversary DSP systems.

Fender joins the growing rank of musical instrument companies who want to capitalize on their brand names to enter into consumer electronics.

While a music company like Marshall now has its own smartphone line (with superior audio of course), Fender prefers to launch a line of in-ear headphones, the Fender In-Ear Monitor Series.

Ranging in price from $100 to $500, the five-model lineup is aimed at musicians and other audio professionals as well as audiophiles and prosumers.

“The launch of the Fender In-Ear Monitor Series is an exciting step in the expansion of our product offering,” Fender’s Jim Ninesling. “… We believe serious players and discriminating audiophiles alike will appreciate both the design and performance of Fender IEM’s, setting the stage for further additions to this new line in the future.

Fender is using technology acquired in its 2015 purchase of Aurisonics. Every model in the line features SureSeal tips, a cleaning tool, and a deluxe carrying case. The higher-end models feature 3D-printed Digital Hybrid Technology (DHT) shells, which Fender says “fit 95% of ears like an expensive custom-molded monitor.”

For $500: The top-of-the-line FXA7 features dual Hybrid-Dynamic-tuned Balanced Armature Array (HDBA) drivers alongside a custom 9.25mm precision rare-earth driver, and frequency range of 6Hz to 24kHz.

For $400: FXA6 offers a single balanced armature driver, keeps the rare-earth driver, and a frequency range 6Hz to 22kHz.

For $300: the FXA5 offers dual balanced armatures and frequency response of 19Hz to 21kHz.

For $200: FXA2 offers the 9.25mm rare-earth driver as well as the same bass port and DHT shell s offered in other models-- and frequency range of 6Hz to 23kHz.

For $100: the DXA1 loses the rare-earth driver and DHT shell, and you get a 8.5mm titanium micro driver, with frequency response of 14Hz to 22kHz.

Each model has its own audience target — for example, the FXA2 aims at drummers and bass players and the Fender website has all the details. The line will be available for purchase in March.

Go Fender In-Ear Monitor Series

Origin Acoustics debuts the AcoustaScape outdoor audio system at ISE 2016-- with the first offering making an appearance at the show being the AS41 Hifi Landscape Audio System.

The AS41 consists of four 4-inch satellite speakers and one 8-inch in-ground subwoofer. All components feature camouflage enclosures, and Origin says the system projects even sound coverage directly into the listening area with equal volume, turning the entire outdoor space into a sweet spot without disturbance to neighbours.

The 2-way satellite speakers deliver a wider dispersion and require no separate amplifier-- the speakers simply need power from any source component zone 2 output. The 8 ohms per channel impedance matched hifi outdoor system also handles 50-200W of power.

Philips presents an interesting addition to the E-Series audio range at CES 2016-- the Fidelio E6, featuring a pair of detachable wireless speakers users can use in either stereo or 5.1 surround modes.

The two Fidelio E6 front speakers have a detachable top section one can place anywhere for "instant" surround sound. Promising to make setup even easier is a spatial calibration algorithm able to calculate balanced sound regardless of speaker placement.

The front speakers carry angled 3-inch drivers directing sound towards the centre of the sound stage, and the package comes complete with wireless subwoofer. Connectivity comes through HDMI ARC, Bluetooth and NFC handling up to 3 wireless devices simultaneously. Google Cast and Spotify Connect compatibility are included.