Gefen launches its first USB audio product at CEWeek 2013, New York-- the Compact Pro Audio Package, one complete with USB-to-audio decoder, x2 speakers and a two-channel amplifier.

The USB decoder is a palm-size DAC-equipped device able to scale PC audio to up to 192kHz resolution and down-mix multi-channel digital audio to 2.1 channel.

It connects to PCs via USB and features optical digital, stereo analog and headphone outputs. Users connect it to the GefenTV 2x50W audio amplifier (features x2 digital and x1 analog inputs) which in turn delivers audio as analog stereo to the included GefenTV speakers.

Extron Electronics introduces the SpeedMount Ceiling Speaker System, a patented low profile, plenum rated two-piece ceiling tile speaker system for division-of-labor installations.

The CS 1226T SpeedMount speaker system, says Extron, greatly simplifies ceiling speaker installation and delivers significant time and cost savings. The 2-piece system consists of the CS 120P plenum rated enclosure and a CS 26T two-way speaker cartridge. A low-voltage contractor places the CS 120P enclosure directly on the ceiling grid without the need for a tile bridge, C-ring, or tile rails. Signal wiring is then routed to the enclosure. This dramatically cuts installation time and costs during the rough-in phase.

Later, an AV technician can quickly complete installation by connecting the CS 26T speaker cartridge to the wiring and securing it into the enclosure. The CS 1226T is the latest in Extron's expanding lineup of speaker system solutions that divide the installation labor between contractors, reduce parts counts, and streamline sound system integration.

Extron Electronics introduces the SpeedMount Ceiling Speaker System, a patented low profile, plenum rated two-piece ceiling tile speaker system for division-of-labor installations.

The CS 1226T SpeedMount speaker system, says Extron, greatly simplifies ceiling speaker installation and delivers significant time and cost savings. The 2-piece system consists of the CS 120P plenum rated enclosure and a CS 26T two-way speaker cartridge. A low-voltage contractor places the CS 120P enclosure directly on the ceiling grid without the need for a tile bridge, C-ring, or tile rails. Signal wiring is then routed to the enclosure. This dramatically cuts installation time and costs during the rough-in phase.

Later, an AV technician can quickly complete installation by connecting the CS 26T speaker cartridge to the wiring and securing it into the enclosure. The CS 1226T is the latest in Extron's expanding lineup of speaker system solutions that divide the installation labor between contractors, reduce parts counts, and streamline sound system integration.

Audica Professional expands its MICROseries audio system capabilities with the launch of the MULTIzone.

Aimed at retail, bars and restaurants, as well as hotels, museums and other public spaces requiring independent zone input and output control, the MULTIzone is a four-zone control mixer with six music inputs, plus a microphone input for paging. Each of the four outputs can be independently configured to provide music from any one of the inputs plus the paging microphone and the relative levels are set by front panel controls. The music is automatically ducked to allow for announcements to be heard clearly. Up to seven MULTIzone units can be linked for systems of up to 28 zones.

The Rotel RA-1570 integrated amplifier provides 120W of power in an 8-ohm load, with a choice of analog and digital inputs highlighted by analog XLR balanced connections compatible with high-performance CD players or phono preamps.

An asynchronous USB port allows use with PCs and digital music players. The amp handles 24-bit/192kHz high resolution audio files, and Wolfson WM8740 stereo DACs take care of precise digital data to analog conversion.

Through an over-sized toroidal transformer and T-Network capacitors the RA-1570 receives the exact voltage and current to ensure fast and consistent power delivery.

For convenience Rotel also includes a front-mounted USB port allowing the easy docking of Apple and Android devices.

Go Rotel RA-1570 Integrated Amplifier

The handle might make it look like a bucket, but the Soundcast Melody is actually a speaker-- specifically an omni-directional Bluetooth speaker ideal for outdoor use.

It features a water- and UV-resistant all-weather plastic enclosure (complete with a sturdy handle) and a high-capacity rechargeable battery promising 20 hours of playtime, as well as x4 bass radiators and x4 full-range speakers pushing 360-degree audio.

At 4kg it is also not too heavy.

Connectivity comes through Bluetooth and 3.5mm jack, while charging options include USB, AC and 12V car adapter.