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Audio

Klipsch Debuts Small Aperture Architectural Speakers

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The Professional Series Reference Small Aperture speakers are the first discrete, small aperture custom installation speakers from Klipsch, claiming high-performance sound in a small form factor.

Klipsch professionalThe series consists of the PRO-14RC in-ceiling speaker designed to size match the diameter of recessed can lights, the PRO-14RW 4-inch in-wall speaker and the PRO-24-RW-LCR dual 4-inch in-wall left, centre, right (LCR) speaker. The small aperture speakers are designed to reproduce Klipsch Reference component speaker acoustics, and use core components from the line.

Tractrix horns in the in-wall models provide controlled directivity of high frequencies for more dynamic, detailed sound with higher efficiency. Aluminium dome tweeters minimise distortion, and IMG woofers allow exceptional effeciency and good low frequency reproduction from small speakers.

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Portable B&O Audio With Beoplay P6

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Bang & Olufsen adds a second Bluetooth speaker to the more affordable B&O Play line-- the Beoplay P6, a portable number featuring 360-degree audio and a built-in microphone for use with voice assistants.

BeoPlay 6The company does not specificy which assistants the P6 supports, meaning it probably depends on what is running on the smartphone it is connected to. Meanwhile the 360-degree audio (or "True360," as B&O calls it) comes from stereo speakers facing opposite directions, filling the area with sound.

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Rockustics Debuts MusicGarden Landscape Speakers

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Rockustics Music GardenRockustics announces the MusicGarden landscape loudspeakers-- a package including four MG4 satellite speakers and one MG SUB8 subwoofer, with the option of adding more MG4 satellites to expand the system.

Designed to offer discreet directional audio in an attractive enclosure, the MusicGarden system consists of four spike-mounted satellite speakers featuring high-powered 4-inch coaxial two-way drivers. Also included is the in-ground subwoofer with a high-excursion 8-inch woofer.

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An HD Boost for Humble Vinyl

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The resurgence of vinyl records is still going strong, and Austria-based startup Rebeat Innovation is looking to improve on the venerable technology through the introduction of "high definition vinyl."

Vinyl recordAs Pitchfork reports, Rebeat recently received $4.8 million in funding for the initiative. Based on a patent first filed back in 2016, HD vinyl involves converting audio into a 3D topographic map, before etching said map on the vinyl via laser. The result, according to Rebeat, is LPs with up to 30% more playing time, 30% more amplitude and "overall more faithful sound reproduction."

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Audio Analogue Intros AAphono Preamp

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Italian hi-fi maker Audio Analogue announces a second member of the PureAA line-- the AAphono, a phono-stage preamplifier customers can configure for both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges.

AAphonoThe AAphono offers a selection of different gain and loading options for MC cartridges, as well as a range of input capacitance and resistance options for MM cartridges. The company says selecting options is done by simply pressing a button, and the unit stores any adjustments, even if it is switched off or disconnected.

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IKEA Takes on Bluetooth Speakers

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IKEA is the next company to take on wireless audio with ENEBY, a line of Bluetooth speakers featuring a minimalist fabric-covered design typical of the Swedish furniture maker.

IKEA ENEBYENEBY speakers come in two sizes, 20 x 20cm or 30 x 30cm. Both come covered in either black or gray polyester fabric on top of white or black plastic, and the smaller version includes a handle. Making the smaller model even more portable is an optional battery pack adding up to 10 hours of cord-free use.

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Denon Updates HomeCinema HS Soundbar

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Denon announces an update of the HomeCinema HS soundbar-- the (un)suprisingly titled HomeCinema HS2, a soundbar and subwoofer package customers can connect with 4K-capable TVs and media players.

HomeCinema HS2The soundbar carries two 5x13cm drivers to handle upper bass and midrange, and a pair of 20mm dome tweeters for the high frequencies. Connectivity comes through HDMI input and output with ARC TV channel capable of passing UHD 4K content through, together with optical and coax inputs, aux-in port and USB input for external storage devices.

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