Sony marries the seemingly disparate audio technologies of vinyl and high-resolution digital music at CES 2016 with the PS-HX500-- a "reference quality" turntable able to convert LPs into digital audio files.
A built-in analog/digital converter handles the digital transfer of LPs in either native DSD (up to 5.6MHz) or WAV (up to 192kHz/24-bit) files, allowing users to digital store vinyl recordings for playback on high-res audio devices.
One can even combine tracks from both sides of an album or split and save multiple tracks via included PC/Mac software. A special driver allows the recording of compatible DSD streams.
Each piece of equipment in the lineup handles high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz audio streaming, with a companion mobile device app for the handling of Spotify Connect, Google Cast, Deezer, Tidal and other online music services.
The Core is small enough to fit in one's hands yet promises to push full stereo sound through "Acoustic Holography," a technology taking advantage of an acoustic effect called "wave field synthesis." In a few words, the speaker uses 5 drivers, 120W amplifier, a downward-firing subwoofer and "several" digital signal processors to push auio wave fronts into the air. The wave fronts collide with the walls in the room to create a "holographic" stereo image without need for the listener to sit in a particular sweet spot.
The Streamz headphones carry a 96kHz/24-bit DAC and a wifi network streamer, providing access to music stored on home networks and cloud-based streaming services. The headset pairs with the Google Chromecast to provide access over 150 music services, including big names such as Spotify and Pandora, while file format support includes MP3, AAC, FLAC and WAV.
The KU26 is a compact subwoofer designed as a companion to the K-array Lyzard, Vyper and Tornado loudspeakers. It carries a 6-inch neodymium transduser featuring a double voice coil (16 ohms + 16 ohms) for selectable impedance settings, and a 6-inch passive radiator engineered for maximum linear excursion and minimum residual noise.
According to the company, the Lightning cable carries both audio signals and power to the headphones. Dubbed "Cypher Cable," it features a 24-bit digital signal processor, digital-to-analog converter and amplifier, as well as a built-in microphone for phone calls and Siri commands.
The service has users fill out a series of questions to determine the acoustic issues of the space, such as the purpose of room, the size of the room, wall surface measurements and existing floor and ceiling materials. The analysis is based on the way the room is used and an explanation of the acoustic issues to be resolved in the space.
