McIntosh announces a successor to the MC207-- the MC257, a 7-channel home cinema power amplifier featuring a TripleView Power Output Meter, a means to independently indicate the real-time power reading of the three front channels.

The 38cm TripleView meter design is an update on the three individual metres found in the previous model. The chassis is in stainless steel, and customers can switch off the distinctive McIntosh blue lighting to reduce distraction in dark home cinema environments. The amplifier can power a 7-channel home cinema, and installers can pair it with a McIntosh M128 8-channel or MI254 4-channel amplifier for home cinemas with more than 7 channels. It can also drive a 5-channel system and a separate stereo second audio zone.

British hifi specialist iFi Audio launches a means for customers to add offline streaming functionality to any system-- the Zen Blue, a Bluetooth receiver featuring support to the latest, high-resolution codecs.

The Zen Blue is a compact device one can connect to any component via RCA (unbalanced), 4.4mm Pentaconn (balanced), optical or coaxial outputs. Meanwhile wireless codec support includes the Qualcomm aptX HD (24-bit/48kHZ) and aptX Low Latency, the Sony LDAC (24-bit/96kHZ), Huawei HWA (24-bit/96kHZ) and Apple AAC. A front panel LED indicates the Bluetooth codec currently in use, and an on-unit LED shows the sample rate.

Danish loudspeaker maker Dynaudio launches the Sub RCC (Reaction Cancelling Configuration) custom installation subwoofer-- a discrete subwoofer designed to offer additional low-frequency extension to any audio system.

The Sub RCC is designed to facilitate high-performance 2.1 or surround setups without the issues commonly associated with many in-wall subs. It achieves extreme bass performance within a compact form factor, and can be installed in walls, ceilings or even floors, with no back box necessary. The RCC topology uses 2 sets of opposed drivers working together to eliminate unwanted vibration transmission, leaving only the desirable acoustic energy behind.

Monitor Audio presents a compact amplifier addition to the Custom Install audio solution range-- the IA40-3, featuring digital, analogue and Bluetooth inputs with Dolby Audio (Dolby Digital).

Designed for easy installation, the amplifier features customisable brackets allowing installers to position it in multiple locations, be it a wall, cabinet, stand or the back of a TV. It offers 40W of power over three channels at 4 Ohms, or 60W over two channels, and is aimed primarily for use in smaller environments. Customers can add an active subwoofer to the IA40-3 via sub/line out. Connectivity comes through optical and analogue inputs, as well as Bluetooth for pairing with mobile devices.

The global market (excluding N. America) for audio devices sees sales worth €7.9 billion in H1 2019, GfK reports-- a 15% Y-o-Y increase, with headphones and headsets as key growth drivers together with portable Bluetooth speakers and loudspeakers for the home.

The analyst also points out the growth potential of smart devices with embedded voice assistants and loudspeakers aimed at enhancing the entertainment sound at home. As such, global audio markets have the opportunity to prolong the growth trajectory with positive results almost uniformly around the globe.

The sales value of in-ear headphones is up by 55% in H1 2019, and accounts for sales worth nearly €3bn for 70% of total headphone turnover. W. Europe is the 2nd biggest market, following China. Almost 50% of wireless in-ear devices sold in 2019 are true wireless (with two separate earpieces). The global market for such headphones is up by 300% in 2019, and high consumer demand has attracted the attention of more and more brands, leading to APs dropping to €85.

Invisible loudspeaker specialist Stealth Acoustics partners with HARMAN Luxury Audio to co-develop the JBL Conceal loudspeakers-- a concealed loudspeaker series aimed at residential custom install applications.

The JBL Conceal series utilise the Stealth patented transducer implementation into a rigid compression moulded baffle skinned with 7th generation Fidelity Glass acoustic panels. Also featuring are JBL acoustic crossover networks and spring-loaded connections, as well as an integrated back box enclosure. The result is a loudspeaker one can install like a drywall patch. Customers can paint the surface to match the wall, or custom finish it for blending into any creative decor.