ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS

STUDIO LINE FROM HARMAN LUXURY AUDIO

HARMAN Luxury Audio has introduced the JBL 4305P Studio Monitor – the first powered product in the consumer Studio Monitor range. Despite being the most compact model in the Studio Monitor series, the 4305P packs a (serious audio punch) says the maker with a host of patented JBL acoustic technologies that deliver floor-standing level performance.

As a self-contained active loudspeaker, the 4305P has 300Wrms total system power builtin, a 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution DAC, and six inputs that can be used with a wide variety of digital and analogue audio sources. Additional features include a selectable bass contour control to compensate for acoustic differences in loudspeaker placement and positioning, and a signal-sensing line-level subwoofer output.

The integrated streaming engine provides both wired and wireless network audio capabilities via Ethernet, Google Chromecast Built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth audio. A 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution DAC ensures music comes across with the highest fidelity. The 4305P provides a number of connections for physical sources too including asynchronous USB and optical digital inputs, and a 3.5mm analogue input. The 4305P also includes an analogue input with combination XLR / 1⁄4in TRS phono connectors and a selectable input sensitivity switch for use with balanced or unbalanced signals.

The 4305P Studio Monitor system consists of a primary and secondary loudspeaker with selectable L/R assignment capability to suit personal placement preference. The primary loudspeaker includes front panel controls for volume, mute, input selection, and Bluetooth pairing, plus all physical inputs on its rear panel. In addition to the front panel controls, the 4305P includes a Bluetooth handheld remote control and can be controlled as part of a Google Home or Apple Airplay ecosystem.

The 4305P can render MQA audio files, is certified Roon Ready and launches Q2 of 2022

When operating with a wireless connection between with primary and secondary, the 4305P delivers audio resolution up to 96kHz. When tethered with the included 2m Digital Link cable, audio resolution can be extended to 192kHz to extract the highest possible performance from available content.

Harman Luxury Audio/JBL jbl.com/specialtyaudio

ACOUSTIC ENERGY HITS A 100!

The new 100 Series isn’t just an upgrade of the previous version, it’s a completely new design, says the maker. The design brief was to try and maintain the compact dimensions and sleek appearance of the original 100 Series, but offer a more mature, refined and bigger sound with greater bandwidth and power.

First in line for an upgrade was the main drive unit, the decision was made to move up to a 5in driver - this time utilising a four-layer voice coil with flux rings to enable improved dynamics, headroom and clarity. This created a new problem of size and keeping compact dimensions, solved by using HDF (High Density Fibreboard). The engineers concluded they needed more internal volume to achieve maximum benefit from the new 5in driver. After calculation and experimentation, the decision was made to move to HDF - unheard of at this price-point says the maker. HDF provides the option of using thinner cabinet walls with no loss in acoustic performance, the mass and stiffness of the 15mm HDF being the same as the previous 18mm MDF. The result is a 15% increase in cabinet size but a 30% increase in internal volume over the previous 100 Series.

The final piece of the puzzle was retaining the integration and musically rewarding character of the slimline 100 Series cabinets. For this, a new 25mm soft-dome tweeter and waveguide was developed to match the new bass driver, taking a leaf out of the 500 Series book and pushing them as close together as physically possible thanks to a cutaway trim.

Aesthetically, the new 100 Series retains similar lines to the older generation but cleaner and more refined. The new 100 Series will

All speakers are available in Black and Walnut vinyl veneer with the AE1002 also available in White retail from £229 to £599 and comprise of the AE1002 bookshelf, AE1092 floor-stander, AE1072 centre and AE1082 active subwoofer, with a new AE1202 flagship floor-stander following in the Spring.

Acoustic Energy acoustic-energy.co.uk

JVC WIDENS APPEAL WITH DLA-NP5 AND DLA-RS1100

Both projectors can be calibrated by ISF-certified engineers and the Installation Settings function allows up to 10 types of installation adjustments to be saved

JVC has bought the performance of its D-ILA projector technology to a broader audience with the introduction of two new ‘entry-level’ models. Both are lamp light source models with support for 4K120p input and are compatible with HDR10+ content. Importantly, the DLANP5 and DLA-RS1100 feature JVC’s D-ILA technology for high-performance black level and native contrast.

Other key features include 4K120p inputs with HDCP 2.3, dual 48Gbps inputs with HDCP 2.3 making them suited for next generation source devices and current gaming consoles. High Speed LSI for 4K120p input and video processing is also on-board for effective high frame rate gaming content. Along with low latency mode, this opens up new possibilities for projectors to provide high quality gaming on larger screens.

High resolution and high contrast are achieved with a 0.69in Native 4K D-ILA device, as used on JVC’s premium models. D-ILA’s unique narrow-pitch pixel process makes it difficult to see the grid even on the largest screens, enabling smooth and high-definition video expression unique to native 4K, says the maker.

Also included is an all-glass lens capable of resolving 4K information with 17 elements in 15 groups to deliver high-resolution images that are in focus all the way to the periphery of the screen.

The support for the HDR10+ uses dynamic metadata, along with the HDR10 format used in UHD Blu-ray and streaming. Both methods support wider colour gamut such as BT2020, and 10-bit colour gradation. With HDR10+, the luminance information for each scene is embedded in the content as metadata, so tone mapping can be performed according to the scene.

The projectors also include JVC’s unique Frame Adapt HDR and Theater Optimizer which performs dynamic tone mapping based on analysis of HDR10 content, while Theater Optimizer automatically performs optimal tone mapping according to the installation environment. 18-bit level gamma processing suppresses tonal gradations in bright areas and blacks in dark areas and reproduces smooth gradations with high accuracy. Together, these two unique features deliver the best possible HDR image automatically claims JVC.

JVC uk.jvc.com/

SPOT THE NEW FEATURES ON ANTHEM!

Anthem has announced the addition of Spotify Connect functionality to its performance line of MRX AV Receivers and AVM Surround Processors.

Since their introduction in February, Anthem’s newest MRX AV Receivers and AVM Surround Processors have taken their place at the premium end of the consumer electronics segment. With support for the newest surround codecs and music formats, the maker says they can now deliver the highest possible audio quality. Built-in streaming support for Apple AirPlay and other services has brought convenience and ease to the playback experience.

With the addition of Spotify Connect, users can use their phone or tablet as a highquality audio source. Spotify subscribers can stream a wide variety of content directly to their MRX Receiver or AVM Processor. With no additional components in the signal chain, the integrity of the original stream is carefully preserved. Thanks to the high-end digital/ analogue conversion available in these products, sound quality is unparalleled, says the maker.

Anthem’s direct integration of Spotify allows the user to simply select their MRX or AVM product as a speaker in the Spotify app, then stream the music directly from the device over the home Wi-Fi network. With no compression or other alteration of the music, only premium audio will be heard.

Earlier this month, Spotify Connect was added through a mandatory firmware update to all Anthem MRX Receivers and AVM Processors. Users can now enjoy Spotify Connect on their MRX Receivers and AVM Processors at no additional charge.

Anthem anthemav.com

More information is available from UK distributor Pulse Cinemas

CYRUS AUDIO PLAYS THE BLUES

British brand, Cyrus Audio, looks to the future by integrating the BluOS platform into its audiophile components. Cyrus Audio and Lenbrook International, the owner and developer of the BluOS high-resolution multiroom platform, announced a global partnership to bring the BluOS streaming platform into upcoming Cyrus Audio products.

Nicholas Clarke, Managing Director of Cyrus Audio, says, “Music streaming remains complex with the wide variety and rapidly changing list of services and features that are demanded by the modern music consumer. We realised that being part of a well-established and classleading ecosystem provided the best option for both our customers and dealers to minimise this complexity. As such, we always found ourselves coming back to BluOS. Throughout our conversations, Lenbrook made clear their strong commitment to providing all customers a premium user experience, combined with access to the best of the hi-res music streaming services. That aligns so perfectly with the Cyrus brand values that it became a rather straightforward decision for us. Our team is naturally excited as we go forward, planning the latest expansion of the Cyrus Audio product range.”

“Our goal with BluOS continues to be being highly selective about the brands we add to the platform since it is so important that the shared ecosystem model be represented by totally like-minded and committed partners,” explains Gordon Simmonds, CEO of Lenbrook International. “Cyrus Audio is one of those well aligned brands that the Lenbrook team has long admired. We’re pleased they have come on board to share our BluOS high res music vision again reaffirming the significant investment we continue to make into this platform.”

Cyrus Audio has joined the BluOS family

If you are not familiar with it as yet, BluOS is a proprietary, but brand-agnostic platform meaning that any BluOS Enabled product connected to the same Wi-Fi network can share music libraries and playlists, regardless of the brand of speaker or audio component.

Cyrus Audio cyrusaudio.com

V+ SERIES LANDS FROM M&K

All three are available in Black Satin with V10+ and V12+ also in White Satin too

M&K Sound is introducing three compact, lifestyle-friendly, high-performance subwoofers, the V15+, V12+ and V10+, with single 15in, 12in and 10in drivers, respectively. These small-footprint subwoofers, two of which have earned THX Certification and are M&K Appenabled (V15+ and V12+), all promise to deliver deep and accurate bass to consumers in an affordable package.

The 15in V15+ has achieved THX Certified Ultra status when using two M&K V15+ together, and the 12in V12+ has achieved THX Certified Select status, meaning each can attain professional cinema audio reference levels in rooms of up to 3,000ft3 and 2,000ft3, respectively.

M&K Sound engineers have increased the amplifier power output over the former V Series for all three new V+ subwoofers. Furthermore, the V15+ represents the first 15in driver enclosure to join the V family of products, while the V10+ and V12+ have had their deep bass frequency response extended from 25Hz down to an impressive 20Hz (-6dB).

The V+ Series subwoofers sport single drivers with newly treated, reinforced paper cones in sealed, anti-resonant enclosures. These design features combine with high-efficiency, precision-engineered Class D amplifiers and M&K’s proprietary ‘front end’ input stage, to ensure that the signature bass performance is not just heard by the audience, but viscerally felt, says the maker.

Both the V15+ and V12+ enable configuration via the M&K App. As well as volume, crossover frequency, delay and phase, the App provides control options for Manual EQ and Auto EQ parameters.

M&K Sound’s compact V+ Series subwoofers offer new curved and tapered external housings, making them both discreet and suitable for placement within family rooms or design-conscious environments.

Combined with new magnetised front grilles, their creator says the V+ Series subwoofers represent optimised ergonomics and performance packages for audio aficionados and casual listeners alike.

M&K Sound mksound.com

SAVANT’S NEW KEYPADS RISE TO THE CHALLENGE

Savant has introduced the Ascend Keypad line, featuring 2-button, 4-button and 5-button configurations designed to deliver integrators with the ultimate premium on-wall control solution.

Ascend Keypads offer fully customisable functionality within the Savant smart home ecosystem and are available in nine finishes to accommodate different décor styles. The ascend keypads join the Metropolitan, Noon and Echo styles, providing integrators with a complete family of elegant smart home control options from Savant, says the maker.

Savant says Ascend keypads provide users with effortless control of many smart home features, including Savant’s award-winning Daylight Mode, triggering lights throughout the home or in specific rooms in perfect alignment with the natural circadian curve. Each button can be custom engraved, enabling integrators to customise the user experience, bringing added value to each client. The backlit buttons feature a choice of nine LED colours that dynamically adjust based on ambient light levels and provide feedback to the user when scenes have been activated.

Colours available are aluminum, black, brass, bronze (all in brushed finish), space grey, nickel and two painted finishes, light almond and snow white

The IMAX Enhanced program has also just announced a collaboration with Disney+ to deliver 13 Marvel Studios’ films in the format

To enhance ordering and installation efficiency for integrators, Ascend keypads can be specified for any project using Savant’s lighting design tool. Ascend keypads ordered using the design tool are shipped fully assembled.

Savant Ascend low-voltage keypads are available now in seven anodized colours.

Savant savant.com

DTS STAYS SHARP WITH NEW PARTNERSHIP

DTS has announced that Sharp will bring DTS:X immersive sound to its next line of TV products in Europe.

DTS:X for TV is a comprehensive immersive audio solution designed for single and dualcore TV SoC architectures and is fully backward compatible with all existing DTS-encoded content, including DTS:X and DTS-HD Master Audio from Blu-ray Discs and DTS Digital Surround. The solution also features the latest high-efficiency DTS:X immersive streaming decoder for streaming content from OTT services.

DTS:X for TV is compatible with the DTS Virtual:X audio post-processing solution to deliver an immersive audio experience from content played over a TV’s internal speakers.

Thanks to this partnership Sharp users will now be able to optimise their TV’s entertainment potential and unlock new home entertainment experiences.

DTS:X will be available on the new 4K Ultra HD Android TV model 70DN5EA (available in February 2022) and in addition, DTS:X will also be featured on the recently announced EQ Android TV series available in March 2022. This partnership will bring immersive sound to Sharp TVs for a best-in-class premium audio experience say the two companies.

The DTS:X solution for TV is described as a must-have to fully enjoy all the advantages of the IMAX Enhanced program, which is building partnerships with makers and content creators around the globe.

DTS dts.com