Mark Levinson by Harman launches the No 585-- the first high-end integrated amplifier featuring Harman's Clari-Fi processing, a proprietary signal-enhancing technique restoring the audio fidelity of compressed audio formats.

A ClassAB design claims to deliver 200W per channel into 8 ohms and 350W p/c into 4 ohms. Digital audio processing comes via ESS Sablre 32-bit DAC with proprietary jitter elimination and a Cmedia USB audio processor for asynchronous data transfer of DSD and PCM files at up to 32-bit resolution.

Connectivity comes via 6 digital and 4 analogue inputs, including USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU XLR and RCA, with fully discrete, mirror-imaged, dual-monoaural analogue input and output circuitry optimized for signal integrity. Meanwhile the analogue stereo inputs uses individual signal switching relays.

Denon launches a smaller version of the Envaya portable Bluetooth speaker--  the Envaya Mini DSB-100, a similarly portable number featuring aptX Bluetooth and NFC connectivity.

Inside the more compact are 40mm full range drivers and a 40 x 83mm passive radiator, together with a battery Denon claims powers up to 10 hours of use and a noise-canceling speakerphone. Users can place it in either horizontal or vertical positions, and it also features water resistance.

Taiwanese projector maker Optoma moves into consumer audio as it buys California-Based NuForce, a vendor of premium audio products such as digital amplifiers, wireless DACs and related technologies.

The financial details of the acquisition are not available.

"Optoma has built its reputation creating high-performing projection products,” the company says. “Audio was logical progression for Optoma, bring together great video with equally great sound."

Crestron announces the 6-zone "Plus Two" CTN-AMP-6X100 amplifier-- a combination of features from the CNX-PAD8 and Adagio Audio Expander (AAE) creating a small to mid-size whole-home audio distribution solution.

It features 12 inputs, 4 stereo-line outputs, ethernet connectivity and pre-amp controls, and is capable of 100W for each of the 6 amplified zones (with 50W per channel at 8 ohms or 75W per channel at 4 ohms). Installers can also bridge outputs to deliver 150W per channel at 8 ohms to drive an in-wall subwoofer or increased stereo power.

Two line-level outputs mirror amplified channels 5 and 6 for additional amplification, such as powered sub-woofers, boosting performance in large or open spaces. Independent pre-amp style controls allow the adjustment of each of the 12 sources with volume, bass, treble, balance, loudness, mute and mono settings.

In an effort to increase brand awareness Sennheiser opens a pair of temporary concept stores in the US, both featuring an "audiovisual cocoon" design and an interactive window installation by Nanika's Andreas Muller.

The stores are located in the New York Lower East Side and the San Francisco Mission District, and will provide customers with a "temporary escape" from holiday shopping hustle with "excellent sound," a selection of magazines and playlists, and even refreshments.

"The primary mission of these pop up stores is to offer urban consumers a deeper appreciation of premium sound, while encouraging them to foster a closer relationship with Sennheiser," the company claims. "During November and December, in each of these US urban capitals, consumers will have the opportunity to interact directly with our brand, giving us the opportunity to better understand customers' needs while perhaps influencing their decision-making criteria."

Libratone wants to signal a new direction in TV soundbars: the launch of the Libratone Diva for the first time brings soft, curved forms to a male-dominated product category.

The new speaker may be strong on performance but the new aesthetic with attractive, colourful organic shapes stands in contrast to the traditional soundbar. In addition to design features, Diva has internal clamshell style reflectors to give listeners sound FROM the movie, not BELOW the movie.

“...We set out to develop a high quality speaker with unisex appeal that would complement modern interior design,” says Libratone COO, Jan McNair. “Despite its sleek design and relatively small footprint, Libratone DIVA is very powerful. Packed with high quality components and 200W digital amplification, it easily fills a large room with great sound.”