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Audio

Orb Audio Celebrates 10th Anniversary

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Orb Audio launches a line of modular audio systems featuring a pair of new subwoofers (the subONEI and subMINI) together with the updated Mod1X, Mod2X and Mod4X speaker packages, just in time for its 10th anniversary.

Orb AudioAll the speakers feature updated technology and improved audio performance via new aluminium driver, all within a distinctive spherical design.

The subONE has a 200W amplifier, anti-clipping and thermal overload circuits, and auto-voltage sensing technology inside a 12-inch cabinet with a "furniture quality" walnut finish.

Meanwhile the subMINI carries a 100W amp inside a 9-inch dual-port cabinet.

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Harman Kardon Speakers, Soundbars at IFA

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Harman Kardon shows off a pair of wireless speakers, a soundbar and headphones at IFA 2013-- the Esquire and Onyx wireless speakers, the Sabre SB 35 soundbar and the Soho headphones.

HK EsquireReportedly aimed at the "stylish traveler," the Esquire speaker acts as a teleconferencing system as well as a loudspeaker. It features "custom tuned" microphones armed with noise-cancellation technology for hands-free conference calls, as well as dual drivers and built-in bass port for quality sound.

It also provides a charger for up to 3 devices via USB hub, with a rechargeable battery promising up to 10 hours of use.

Meanwhile the Onyx features a distinctive leather-wrapped circular design, and packs 4 amplification channels for a total of 60W RMS of power. It connects to iOS, Android and Windows devices via Bluetooth, NFC, wifi or DLNA, and also provides a 3.5mm jack and USB port for wired connectivity.

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Bryston Intros Model A Speakers

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Bryston launches a complement to the Model T speaker line-- the Model A series, promising a focus towards “minimizing distortion and compression during music and home theater playback applications.”

Bryston Model AThe speakers carry redesigned drivers, including a smaller 6.5-inch woofer (the Model T carries an 8-inch version) promising "startling" musicality from a more compact form factor together with a 3-inch midrange driver and a 1-inch tweeter in a 3-way configuration. .

The lineup initially launches with the Mini A bookshelf speaker and the floor-standing Model A1, Model A2 and Model A3 Tower.

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Boulder Intros 2100 Series

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Boulder Amplifiers launches a follow-up on its 2000 Series with the first 2100 Series products-- the company reveals the 2110 Preamplifier and the 2150 Mono Amplifier at the Hong Kong High-End Show.

Boulder ampAccording to Boulder the only parts the 2110 Premplifier shares with its 2010 predecessor are the front panel buttons and volume control disk. Everything else is redesigned, including a fully isolated 4-chassis design for the left audio, right audio, logic/user interfaces and standby/power-on, and microprocessor support for the standby function.

Further design elements include a low-noise, surface-mount design 933S gain stages, CMOS actuated volume control, full IP-based control capabilities (via ethernet) and 12V trigger options.

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Waterfall Intros Niagara Loudspeaker

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French hifi speaker maker Waterfall Audio launches what it describes as its "reference loudspeaker"-- the Niagara Platinum, a special edition loudspeaker housed inside an all-glass cabinet.

Waterfall AudioSet to debut at CEDIA Expo 2013, the Niagara Platinum is designed for use with esoteric hifi systems, state-of-the-art home cinemas and large acoustic spaces. It is rated at 500W (without clipping) with an efficiency rating of 89dB (2.83V/1m).

Frequency response clocks at 36Hz - 28kHz (+/-3dB).

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Saltwater + Polymers = Speakers?

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A Harvard University research team proposes a novel recipe for almost-invisible stretchy speakers ideal laptops, mobile devices and noise-cancelling windows-- a mixture of saltware and polymer creating a "hydrogel."

hydrogelAs detailed in a paper called "Stretchable, Transparent, Ionic Conductors," hydrogel speakers take inspiration from the flow of electrical signals via ions (not electrons) in the human body.

Seawater is rich in free-flowing dissolved ions. Mixed with a polymer it creates the hydrogel, a flexible yet solid substance.

The actual speaker consists of a thin sheet of transparent, insulating rubber between 2 layers of gel connected to copper electrodes. Electrical signals from an audio source pass to the hydrogel via electrodes, causing the ions to flow. The movement of the ions causes the rubber in the middle to vibrate at specific frequencies, creating sound.

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A 5-Speaker System in a Single Box?

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Orbitsound promises "a one-box TV sound solution with an integrated subwoofer without the need for additional speakers" with the SB60 Airsound Base, a 5-speaker system inside what looks like a hybrid of STB and soundbar.

SB60Using the company's Airsound (aka "spatial sound") technology, the SB60 produces "sum and difference" audio signals instead of left and right channels to create "a more solid image." It packs two 2-inch front speakers, two 2-inch side-firing speakers and a 5-inch down-firing subwoofer.

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