James Loudspeaker creates the Mavericks Architectural Cinema (MAC) division to focus on the design, engineering and product specification of high-performance cinema sound systems, relying on the expertise of executive VP John Bishop.
The Mavericks cinema speakers provide ultra-wide bandwidth, very high sound pressure levels and ultra-low distortion for a "stunning" listening experience. The division plans to create high-performance cinema sound systems ranging from simple 5.1 systems to completely immersive audio experiences based on one or more of the available 3D home theatre formats.
The FS-252 is a pair of powered two-way stereo bookshelf speakers. They are acoustically matched to work in systems with Atlantic Technology soundbars and LCR speakers, making them ideal for home theatre use. Customers can connect the speakers to a wide range of analog media sources (CD players, TVs, etc) via 3.5mm input, as well as wireless digital media sources via Bluetooth or SKAA transmitters.
All components work either separately or in tandem to provide multi-room audio, and promise "high-fidelity performance" with 24-bit/96kHz audio support. The speakers connect with each other using a mesh networking system co-developed by B&W parent company EVA Automation, and the company says it ensures speaker synchronisation clocks at 1 microsecond.
Designed to "democratise the home sound system," the SYMFONISK line represents another step in the Ikea move into smart home space. The bookshelf speaker is dubbed KUNGFORS, and is wall-mountable either vertically or horizontally via custom bracket. In addition, one can simply put it on a bookshelf. Users can pair two for stereo separation, and use them as home theatre surrounds with Sonos Beam, Playbar or Playbase.
Like the 200 Pre, the 200 Integrated includes analog bass management for optimal performance with compact satellite speakers and a powered subwoofer. The amplifier stage is the latest design from Pascal, a Danish company with expertise in class D engineering. The result is a slim 1U chassis packing 100W/channel RMS 8 ohms.
The speaker carries x4 full-range drivers and 24-bit DSP technology, and connects to audio sources via either Bluetooth 4.2 (complete with aptXHD, ACC, SBC audio codecs and A2DP 1.3.1), USB port or 3.5mm jack. As a result it should be compatible with just about any source, including smartphones, tablets and PCs.
"The primary purpose of the Bryston BDP players is to deliver the finest playback of digital music, and Qobuz is another tool that consumers can use to access a vast library of the world's most beloved music," Bryston says. "We are thrilled to offer Qobuz as a streaming option to our Bryston BDP users."
