Auralic launches the Gemini 1000 and 2000 headphone docks at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest-- two tabletop devices combining Class A headphone amps, multi-format USB DAC, music file decoding and music storage.

Standing 30cm tall with a design complete with metal knobs for secure cable winding, the Gemini docks are controllable via onscreen PC interface and decode high-resolution DXD, DSD and double-rate DSD audio at sampling rates from 44.1kHz to 384kHz.

Users can listen to music from USB-connected PC, Android devices or SDXC cards as well as other music sources connected via optical digital input.

Samsung takes on multiroom wireless audio with the Shape (WAM750), a system consisting of a wireless hub (WAM250) and an oddly wedge-shaped speaker (M7), all controllable via Android or iOS mobile devices.

Both speaker and Hub connect to routers via ethernet, Sonos-style, with the Hub handling multiple M7 speakers spread across multiple rooms around the house.

The speaker also handles one-to-one pairing with smartphones via either Bluetooth or NFC.

Samsung claims the triangular shape of the M7 "offers visual harmony within any room environment." Inside it are a foam core woofer, CNT pulp cone mid-range speakers and silk dome tweeters.

Aragon and Acurus owner Indie Audio Labs unveils Aries at CEDIA Expo 2013-- a 2.1 integrated amplifier addition to the Acurus lineup designed for integration with home automation systems via ethernet, RS-232 or 12V trigger.

A precision-machined aluminium front panel features a colour 4.3-inch touchscreen for all necessary user adjustments and feedback. The package includes a simple IR remote, although one can control the amp through iOS or Android mobile devices and a home network connection.

Crestron launches the AIR landscape speaker series at CEDIA 2013 with two speakers and an in-ground subwoofer, together with upgrades on the company's A/V matrix switcher lineup.

The speakers (LS4T and LS6T) feature either 4-inch or 6.5-inch coaxial drivers and built-in 70/100V transformers. Both carry 45cm stakes for firm implantation in the ground, and ship with a bronze textured finish.

Meanwhile the in-ground subwoofer (IGS82T) features 8-inch 22-120Hz frequency drivers, 200W power handling, 8 Ohms nominal impedance and built-in 70/100V transformer inside construction complete with bronze textured portal cap.

Bang & Olufsen launches a wireless speaker platform it claims is "robust enough" for high-end digital sound at CEDIA 2013-- one that also happens to be the first of a wave of WiSA (Wireless Speaker and Sound)-certified audio products.

A collaboration with Summit Semiconductor and WiSA, the platform streams 24-bit uncompressed music at all sampling rates and 5ms fixed latency via 5.2-5.8GHz signals, with enough channels to push audio to a 7.1 surround system and without latency-related issues such as pops, clicks and hisses.

"Our investment in this pioneering technology and our collaboration with WiSA pay off as we introduce B&O’s latest innovation in sound, design and technology," the company says.

Audinate’s Dante digital media networking solution group has announced that Studio Technologies has become the 100th Dante OEM partner. Built on existing networking protocols and standards, Dante is a plug and play solution which delivers ultra-low latency, tightly synchronized media, while simplifying installation and configuration of digital media networks.

Dante is a scalable system widely deployed in thousands of installations today, ranging from hotels, transportation centers, shopping centers, public address systems, live sound reinforcement, theaters, concert halls, stadiums and athletic venues, corporate boardrooms, universities, broadcast facilities, recording facilities, houses of worship, government facilities and courtrooms. Over 3.5 million channels of Dante shipped last year.