Skip to main content
techpressglobal

Kii Audio Integrates Qobuz Connect into Kii SEVENwith Free Firmware Upgrade

Close-up of a white Kii Seven speaker in front of a green background with the Qobuz Connect logo on the left.

The high-end wireless music system Kii SEVEN now offers music lovers even more high-resolution variety: A free firmware update expands Kii Audio’s latest innovation with Qobuz Connect. With this update, Kii Audio impressively demonstrates how a modern, future-proof audio system for the smart home can continuously grow in functionality.

Kii SEVEN Now with Qobuz Connect

Thanks to the free update, the Kii SEVEN now offers even more high-resolution streaming options and provides Qobuz subscribers with direct access to their music libraries. The Kii SEVEN now supports a wide variety of high-quality playback options—from Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect to Qobuz Connect.

This free update highlights the future-proof design of the Kii SEVEN as a music system that continuously evolves and expands its capabilities over time.

Pure Musical Enjoyment

With the Kii SEVEN, Kii Audio sets yet another milestone in the field of audiophile active loudspeakers. A unique feature of all Kii Audio speakers is the “Active Wave Focusing” technology, which is also implemented in the Kii SEVEN: By directing the sound in a cardioid dispersion pattern, the system largely eliminates the negative impact that room acoustics usually have on sound quality.

This allows listeners to rediscover their favorite music—with more detail, more dynamics, and exactly as the artist intended.

Comfort and Elegance

In addition to delivering outstanding sound performance, the Kii SEVEN also stands out for its ease of use. All system functions can be conveniently controlled either via the rear-mounted touchpad or through the intuitive Kii HOME App.

This seamless integration into everyday life is reflected not only in its user-friendly operation but also in its elegant design: Handcrafted in Germany, each Kii SEVEN speaker combines sleek aesthetics with premium craftsmanship, making it either a discreet design element or a striking visual statement in any living space.

Pricing and Availability

The free Qobuz Connect update is available immediately. Firmware installation can be done online through the Kii Audio Update Server.

All Kii SEVEN units shipped from September 2025 onward will come with Qobuz Connect support pre-installed.

Velodyne Acoustics subwoofers in white combine design and precise bass

Subwoofers do not have to be dark or black when they are placed in the living room. With the white versions of the Deep Blue, Impact X, VI-Q and MicroVee X models, Velodyne Acoustics shows that precise bass and an aesthetic look are not mutually exclusive. The white enclosures turn the tried-and-tested subwoofers into real eye-catchers in the living room.

Why white for the subwoofer?

The color white stands for lightness and architectural restraint. Especially in modern homes with light-colored rooms and furniture, wooden floors and exposed concrete, it appears unobtrusive and elegant. This is precisely where the white models from Velodyne Acoustics score: they are visually restrained, but acoustically pack a punch. Instead of being perceived as a technical foreign body or black hole in the living room, the subwoofers become part of the overall modern living concept.

Woofer technology for demanding ears

Under the housings of the white models, everything remains with the usual technology, which continues to provide precise bass. The MicroVee X impresses with its space-saving housing, an active 16.5 cm driver and two passive cones. With 300 watts RMS, it brings a surprising amount of bass into the living room despite its compact dimensions. The Impact X is available with either 10 or 12 inch drivers and delivers up to 450 watts for dynamic bass thunderstorms for movies and music. The Deep Blue features a powerful and precise Class D power amplifier, while the top-of-the-range VI-Q model with digital signal processing, parametric equalizer and automatic calibration makes audiophile dreams of precise bass come true.

Acoustics meets aesthetics

Whether small and restrained or large and powerful: each of these four models proves that subwoofers today can be more than just a technical requirement for low-frequency enjoyment with music and movies. In white, they have the advantage that the main speakers can be more compact, especially in the living room. Even two subwoofers in the room remain visually inconspicuous. In a darkened home theater, on the other hand, the black models can show off their advantages, blending in with the background and reflecting as little light as possible. In any case, Velodyne Acoustics has the right model and the right color for every requirement.

Prices of the white models (RRP)

  • Deep Blue 8 inch: 999,00 Euro
  • Impact X 10 inch: 899.00 euros
  • Impact X 12 inch: 999.00 Euro
  • MiniVee X: 1.299,00 Euro
  • MicroVee X: 1,399.00 euros
  • VI-Q 10 inch € 1,799.00
  • VI-Q 12 inch € 1,999.00
  • VI-Q 15 inch € 2,499.00

PSI Audio introduces A326 D-REX for A226 MAIN

Front view of a large black studio monitor speaker from PSI Audio, featuring three visible speaker drivers and a rectangular enclosure. At the top is a horn tweeter, followed by two mid-bass drivers and a woofer. The PSI Audio logo is displayed on the right side. The background is a dark red gradient.

The recently introduced main monitor A226 MAIN from PSI Audio already reaches all the way down to 20 Hz. Its new extension hence is not a subwoofer in the typical sense – it functions as a dynamic range extender. 

Not a sub, but an extension: A326 D-REX

The PSI Audio A326 D-REX is conceptualized as an extension for the A226 MAIN monitor speakers. As a result, it is not meant to work like other subwoofers, which are generally understood to add low range to a speaker’s spectrum. The A326 D-REX instead works as a Dynamic Range EXtender – hence the “D-REX” part of the name. The device features three 10-inch drivers, covering a range from 20 Hz to 100 Hz – still very subwoofer so far. What makes it different from a sub is how it synergizes with the A226 MAIN.

Big Combination: A226 MAIN and A326 D-REX

The A326 D-REX works in tandem with the A226 MAIN from PSI Audio as if they were one speaker. The Dynamic Range Extender is fully and perfectly aligned with the monitor speaker in both frequency and phase, as if both devices were just one big floorstanding system. Combined, the setup reaches up to 126 dB peak sound pressure – but more importantly, it achieves outstanding dynamic transparency, clarity and power in the low frequencies. With bass this tight and accurate, PSI Audio underlines its claim for the A226 MAIN: This is it. The real thing.

True neutrality breeds compatibility

Like all PSI Audio speakers, the combination of A226 MAIN and A326 D-REX adhere to the ideal of neutral sound recreation. One effect of this principle is the absolute compatibility of PSI Audio monitor speakers across the entire range, making it possible to mix and match speakers for large setups. So while it would certainly be possible to construct an immersive setup completely with A226 MAIN and A326 D-REX, spatial or other constraints may advise to use a variety of speakers: A226 MAIN with A326 D-REX for the front left and right, but then A21-M, A17-M or A14-M for the surrounds and ceiling speakers in an immersive listening environment. Since all PSI Audio speakers accurately reproduce sound, without introducing any additional flavourings, this kind of mixing and matching still keeps the sonic image consistent.

Swiss quality manufacturing

Like all PSI Audio monitor speakers, the A326 D-REX is developed and manufactured by highly trained specialists in the company’s own workshop in Switzerland. Every single speaker and subwoofer is calibrated individually in the anechoic chamber, the resulting graphs are delivered with the devices. The meticulous hand-building of each and every speaker is a testament to the PSI Audio commitment to quality, reliability and longevity.

Violectric presents fully symmetrical reference headphone amplifier HP V324

Front view of the Violectric HPA V324 headphone amplifier, featuring dual illuminated VU meters, a large central volume knob, various input/output controls, and headphone jacks, displayed on a wooden surface against a dark background.

Violectric presents the new HPA V324: this home headphone amplifier with the form factor of the legendary V281 sounds as divine as its exterior suggests. The two illuminated VU-meters always show what the subtle circuit architecture of chief developer Fried Reim amplifies. The amplifier with remote-controllable volume control can power symmetrically as well as asymmetrically connected headphones on the highest level. Additionally, it can be used as a pre-amp for power amplifiers and active speakers. A dream amplifier for all requirements, hand-manufactured in Germany like all Violectric components.

Genius symmetrical and asymmetrical circuit system

The amplifier can power symmetrically wired headphones with perfect electrical signal separation. For this purpose, the HPA V324 has a symmetrical 4-pin-XLR-socket and 4,4mm-Pentaconn on the front panel. An additional 6,3mm jack socket enables the operation of classic headphones via the asymmetrical mode.
Thanks to chief developer Fried Reim’s circuit architecture, the signal stays distortion-free, regardless of the modulation or usage of symmetrical or asymmetrical ports.
The front side VU-meters work with classic coil instruments and are subtly illuminated. The level sensitivity can be adjusted on the backside of the HPA V324 via a DIP-switch.

Flexibility with in- and outputs

On the entry level, the HPA V324 offers the choice between symmetrical signal processing of XLR or asymmetrical via RCA/Cinch. The desired input channel can be chosen via a switch on the front side. The active output channel can also be switched between headphone mode, pre-amp output or both. To determine the optimal range of the main potentiometers, a pre-amp function can be set via a ‘Pre-Gain’-switch in six stages from -18 dBU to +12 dBU, depending on the output voltage of the source.
The volume is controlled on the front side with a high-quality potentiometer Alps RK27. The motorised volume control allows the usage of IR remote controls.
The analogue outputs are divided into two symmetrical and one asymmetrical headphone jack in the front and one asymmetrical Cinch-Stereo-Port and symmetrical XLR-Stereo-Port in the back.

Optimal power and perfect protection for headphones

The HPA V324 offers a very low output impendence and therefore a high attenuation factor, which is suited for all headphones currently on the market. Due to clever protective circuits, headphones are protected from unwanted noises and power spikes when switching on/off or removing the headphone cable. Also, the HPA V324 is short circuit protected, and the activation of internal protective circuits is shown by a LED in the front.
The Pre-Gain switch allows for adjustments to the respective headphone model. This guarantees optimal working ranges for volume control and amplifying levels for headphones with especially high and low efficiency.

Quality ‚Made in Germany ‘

All Violectric components are invented and hand-manufactured in the in-house factory in Germany. Every sample – like all components made by Violectric – goes through several intense testing procedures in the factory. Precise processing and high-quality components give every Violectric product not only an outstanding touch but also guarantee an exceptionally long product life.

Prices & Availability

The Violectric HPA V324 is available starting Mai 2025. The recommended retail price is EUR 2.599,00, including 19% VAT in the EU.

Premiering at HIGH END 2025

Violectric´s HPA V324 will be displayed at HIGH END 2025 from May 15th to May 18th in Munich. The booth of Lake People Audio is located in Hall 1, D02.

Price

HPA V324: EUR 2.599,00 incl. EU VAT

Introducing GAIA Neo and GAIA Titan Neo:  IsoAcoustics Expands Range of Award-Winning Series of Acoustic Isolation Feet

Close-up view of an IsoAcoustics GAIA I Neo isolation foot supporting a high-end audio speaker or equipment, highlighting its polished metal finish and vibration-dampening design on a glossy floor surface.

IsoAcoustics, a global leader in acoustic isolation solutions for the OEM, professional, and consumer audio sectors, is pleased to announce two new ranges within the critically acclaimed GAIA Series of high-performance acoustic isolation feet made for speakers and home hifi systems: GAIA Neo and GAIA-TITAN Neo.  The Neo ranges elevate the GAIA family with new features including seamless height adjustment, simplified installation, and refined aesthetics, providing users with greater flexibility and ease than ever before. 

The GAIA Series: Four Ranges, Unlimited Possibilities

The first GAIAs—threaded isolation feet designed to replace factory-installed feet or spikes— were launched in 2016. They quickly amassed awards and industry accolades for their patented acoustic isolation technology, which instantly improves the sound of any hifi system by reducing vibration, resonance, and interference between hifi equipment and the surface it sits on.  GAIA helped to put IsoAcoustics on the map.  Nearly 10 years on, IsoAcoustics has added new ranges to the GAIA family to fill a variety of user needs, including the GAIA-TITAN range, and now GAIA Neo and GAIA-TITAN Neo. 

Following the same tiered product structure as sibling ranges, GAIA Neo and GAIA-TITAN Neo each come in three model sizes, differentiated by size and weight capacity to accommodate a wide variety of speakers and components. The weight capacities should be carefully followed to ensure the best possible performance.

Neo comes in two visually striking finishes—black and dark chrome. Refined versions of their siblings, the Neos offer new technology and design features for a flexible and easy user experience.

Key Features: GAIA Neo and GAIA-TITAN Neo

  • Enhanced Isolation for Superior Performance: Neo builds on IsoAcoustics’ industry-leading technology, providing even greater isolation and sonic clarity.
  • Seamless Height Adjustment:  The new Neo design features a lower rotating ring that allows for easy height adjustment. By simply rotating the ring, the isolator can be raised or lowered without affecting its on-axis alignment.
  • Refined Aesthetic & Simplified Installation: The new models eliminate the need for lock nuts, offering an easier installation experience. The top of the isolator housing sits flush against the bottom of the speaker, with an integrated O-ring that compresses for a secure fit while maintaining proper alignment.
  • Floor-Sliders for Easy Positioning: Floor-Sliders make positioning large speakers a breeze. Once the Neos have been installed, simply slide the speakers into place before tilting one side at a time to remove the Sliders. Floor-Sliders will be made available to support seamless installation.
  • Most Common Thread Sizes Included: Each GAIA Neo model includes the three most common thread sizes to fit a wide range of speakers and components. These sizes accommodate the vast majority of applications, and alternate thread sizes are available as required.

“GAIA Neo makes it easier than ever for audiophiles and hi-fi enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of their systems,” said Dave Morrison, Founder of IsoAcoustics. “GAIA is the standard in isolation performance for the audio market and we’ve worked very hard to make this outstanding product line even better.  Neo is the culmination of this exploration.”

Choose the Right Neo with IsoAcoustics’ Online Product Selector

IsoAcoustics’ Online Product Selector makes it easy to find the right isolation solution for every application. By following a series of simple prompts, this intuitive tool accurately recommends the appropriate isolator based on speaker or equipment type and specifies the required thread size.  In anticipation of the GAIA Neo launch, the Online Product Selector will be updated ahead of its retail launch, making it easy for customers to select the right model and adapter with confidence.

Embraced by OEM Sector

IsoAcoustics works with some of the most respected audio brands in the world, integrating its patented acoustic isolation technology into speakers made by Sonus faber, Marten, PSB Speakers, Perlisten, and Gershman Acoustics, to name just a few.  Each OEM collaboration draws from IsoAcoustics’ acclaimed consumer products, which are widely available for purchase and offer the same technology and performance benefit that is customized to meet the unique design requirements of each partner brand. GAIA Neo is already making a huge impact on IsoAcoustics’ OEM sector and has inspired several major new partnerships, including two world-class speaker brands that will reveal new flagship creations at the HIGH END Munich show, each built on the advanced OEM integration of IsoAcoustics’ GAIA Neo and GAIA-TITAN Neo isolators. Announcements will be made at the show.

HIGH END Munich

GAIA Neo and GAIA Titan Neo will make their worldwide debut at HIGH END Munich, May 15-18, 2025, at MOC in Munich, Germany.  IsoAcoustics will be exhibiting in Room A 4.2 F210, where attendees can learn more about the GAIA Neo and GAIA-TITAN Neo and the exciting details about these new collaborations with premier speaker brands. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the IsoAcoustics difference firsthand through A/B testing of the new GAIA Neo versus factory spikes.

The Neo range will be available for purchase in Q3 of 2025. Pricing is TBD.

Please refer to the IsoAcoustics.com for more information and to find a local dealer. 

PSI Audio presents A226-MAIN three-way main monitor with symmetrical woofer configuration and all-new tweeter

Promotional image for the PSI Audio A226-MAIN studio monitor speaker featuring the slogan “Precision & Power Redefined” — two large black speaker units are displayed in front of a professional mixing console, with the PSI Audio logo and “SWISS MADE” label below.

PSI Audio introduces the A226-MAIN, an active analogue three-way mastering monitor for high-end studio sound. Two 10-inch woofers in symmetrical configuration combine with an all-new aluminium coil tweeter and the famous EXD midrange driver to produce the most precise sound image possible. Over 700 W total power per speaker propel the entire spectrum from 20 Hz to 23 kHz, with impressive tolerances and a maximum SPL level of 112 dB as per AES 75 standard. The A226-MAIN is the pinnacle of PSI Audio speaker development. The Big One. The Real Thing.

Yverdon-les-Bains, 7th May 2025 – PSI Audio presents the new three-way main studio monitor A226-MAIN. Combining all the PSI Audio qualities and sizing them up, the A226-MAIN is the ideal monitoring system for high-end studios.

The Big One: A226-MAIN

PSI Audio A226-MAIN is the largest speaker the Swiss manufacturer has ever developed. This monitor is intended primarily for mastering purposes. Two 10-inch membranes for the lows, complemented by midrange driver and tweeter, all in a solid, fully reinforced double MDF enclosure – the A226-MAIN means business. The four power amps with 500 W (2 x 250 W), 150 W, and 65 W amplify the frequency range from 20 Hz to 23 kHz (-6 dB) to 112 dB (at 1 m according to the new AES 75 standard) and up to 126 dB peak. The fine art of PSI Audio lies in making these components work together in a way that creates the most accurate sound image to date, reproducing audio exactly as it was originally captured. This is it. The real thing.

Peak driver technology for absolute fidelity

Its size is but one of the things that set the PSI Audio A226-MAIN apart. Every detail is a superlative in itself. Take the high-frequency driver: PSI Audio developed an all-new aluminium coil dome tweeter to accurately depict every detail in the highs. For the midrange, the engineers in the Swiss manufacture already had their renowned EXD driver from the A25-M available. For the lower frequencies, the A226-MAIN employs two woofers of 10 inches in diameter each, which are driven by the same signal, making the speaker a three-way system. The double flow guide bass reflex ensures a deep and powerful bass without air turbulence or noise.

Symmetrical setup, orientable stand and rotatable baffle

In the PSI Audio A226-MAIN, the transducers have been arranged in a specific way. The two woofers are placed in a symmetrical configuration on either side of the mid-high baffle, which can be rotated as required. This configuration and the waveguides achieve a limitation of vertical dispersion and a wide sweet spot. There is also a stand designed specifically for this monitor to allow optimum orientation at all times. 

Proprietary technology: PSI Audio Greatest Hits

As the new flagship monitor speaker, the A226-MAIN combines all the proprietary technology that already made the smaller PSI Audio speakers the most accurate monitor speakers. Compensated Phase Response (CPR) ensures perfectly aligned audio reproduction of the different ways, Adaptive Output Impedance (AOI) monitors membrane movement and optimizes transients. The powerful Class G/H amplifiers efficiently drive the system with high SPL output and low distortion. The technology is entirely and 100 percent analogue to guarantee accurate reproduction and avoid latency times. All these innovations combine to provide precise audio playback – the perfect listening tools for discerning professionals.

Swiss precision manufacturing quality

Like all PSI Audio speakers, the A226-MAIN is developed, built, and calibrated entirely by well-trained specialists in the company’s own manufacture in Switzerland. From the careful selection of components to the final calibration in the anechoic chamber, every step in the production process is done with the world-famous Swiss precision. Every A226-MAIN comes with its very own measuring graph – a sign of absolute quality.

Prices and availability

The PSI Audio A226-MAIN is available for preorder immediately. The MSRP will be announced shortly.

Velodyne Acoustics at High End 2025: SPL-X for the Bass of the Future

For the grand finale of High End in Munich, Velodyne Acoustics is igniting a true bass firework. The new SPL-X subwoofer series celebrates its trade fair premiere in Germany: with powerful sound, smart control, and a design that combines style and technology, the new flagship presents itself. The four new models in 10, 12, 15, and 18 inches serve every room size and every requirement. Integrated into various systems at the Audio Reference stand (C112 and D111 in Atrium 3.1), visitors can experience the tremendous deep bass.

Convenient app control: this is how deep bass works!

At the heart of the SPL-X series is the intuitive AutoEQ SUB App. It makes setting up and fine-tuning the subwoofer not only easier but also more precise than ever before. Via Bluetooth and the included microphone, the app automatically takes care of room calibration – conveniently from the listening position. This way, the subwoofer perfectly adapts to the acoustic conditions and delivers deep, controlled bass exactly where it’s needed – not exaggerated, but precisely dosed.

For those who want more, the app offers various options for manual sound shaping. All functions are thus conveniently accessible from the listening position: volume, phase, delay, crossover (30-200 Hz in 1 Hz steps), subsonic filter, and high-pass filter. Thanks to adjustable slope steepness (12-48 dB/Oct) and savable presets such as Cinema, Jazz, or Gaming, the subwoofer can be seamlessly integrated into any setup – whether for music lovers or ambitious home cinema fans.

Fully integrated into any setup

The SPL-X series not only fits elegantly into any living environment visually – it’s also extremely versatile in terms of connectivity. Whether classic stereo amplifier, modern AV receiver, or professional studio environment: Thanks to RCA, XLR, and high-level connections, all combinations are possible. And for those who want even more deep bass, multiple SPL-X subwoofers can be connected via the daisy-chain function.

Hear, feel, and experience deep bass

The SPL-X models are designed to be not only audible but also palpable – with powerful, precise bass that truly brings music and movies to life. Visitors to the last High End in Munich should not miss this experience. Regardless of the setup, the subwoofers always show controlled and dynamic performance, even at low levels. Especially during longer listening sessions, extended movie nights in the home cinema, or playback in demanding audiophile setups, the performance of the new series shines. To ensure that no one has to miss out on full bass enjoyment even late at night, Velodyne Acoustics has also integrated a night mode that provides full sound at half volume on request.

Exhibition information

High End 2025 marks the last chapter of the HiFi trade fair in Munich – and Velodyne Acoustics is right in the middle of it with the SPL-X series. In the exhibition rooms C112 and D111 in Atrium 3.1, visitors can experience the new models in realistic listening environments, integrated into selected high-end systems. Whether music lover, home cinema fan, or audio engineering professional – anyone interested in authentic deep bass reproduction should not miss Velodyne Acoustics and the SPL-X presentations.

Location
High End 2025
MOC, Munich
Audio Reference
Atrium 3.1, C112/D111

Trade visitor days: 15. – May 16
Public days: 17. – May 18

Auer Acoustics: Experience Speaker Masterpieces Made in Germany at Axpona 2025!

Close-up of a high-end floor-standing speaker in a listening room at Auer Acoustics. In the background, audio equipment is placed on a wooden shelf, and the wall features acoustic treatment panels with the "Auer Acoustics" logo.

Auer Acoustics, the high-end speaker manufacturer from Amerang, Bavaria, Germany, impresses with an outstanding collection of highly musical loudspeakers. The recently introduced VERSURA series embodies the company’s unique expertise: handcrafted enclosures made from tankwood, an extremely durable material that not only ensures exceptional longevity but also provides the ideal foundation for a natural and authentic sound—all wrapped in an elegant, timeless design. Now, the exquisite VERSURA floor-standing speakers will make their North American debut at AXPONA 2025 in Illinois, USA.

Experience Auer Acoustics Speakers at AXPONA 2025!
Auer Acoustics is excited to participate as an exhibitor this year, showcasing the latest product innovations at the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, in rooms 727 and 731.

Auer Acoustics will present the VERSURA V2 at AXPONA in a dedicated listening room (room 731) designed specifically for the event. The speakers are powered by high-end Soulution components, ensuring outstanding acoustic performance.

Visit Auer Acoustics and experience the outstanding quality of the speakers firsthand.

Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a personal conversation with company founder and head developer Robert Auer to learn more about this emerging high-end brand in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Meticulously handcrafted by Auer Acoustics

All Auer Acoustics speakers are manufactured in Germany. Each model is meticulously handcrafted at the company’s workshop in Amerang, Bavaria, where materials for every component of the enclosures are carefully selected based on acoustic performance.

The speaker cabinets are made from tankwood, a high-density material produced under extreme pressure. This material combines the natural benefits of wood with the precision and consistency of modern synthetic technology. This results in elegantly designed, resonance-optimized speaker enclosures with minimal tolerances and long-term stability – creating the ideal foundation for a natural, dynamic sound.

Location

  • Rooms 727 and 731
  • Audio Expo North America 2025
  • Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center
  • Schaumburg, Illinois

Models on display

  • Auer Acoustics VERSURA V2

PSI Audio at AXPONA and HIGH END 2025

Promotional image for the "High End Munich 2025" trade show, taking place from May 15 to 18. The image features a Hi-Fi rack with PSI Audio components, a large wooden speaker, and a cylindrical acoustic absorber. Bold text in the center reads: "Hall 4 – Booth W12". The logos of PSI Audio and AVAA are also displayed.

PSI Audio will present a selection of Swiss precision speakers and active bass traps at AXPONA and HIGH END 2025. The Swiss manufacturer will feature the floor-standing speakers Héritage3, the precision bookshelf speakers A17-M and the innovative active bass trap AVAA C214 at both shows. At HIGH END, there will also be a special demo box with the AVAA C214 to highlight its efficiency at eliminating room modes. Visitors of AXPONA can find PSI Audio from 11th through 13th April 2025 in room 1139 of the Schaumburg Convention Center in Chicago, while attendees of HIGH END can experience PSI Audio at booth W12 in hall 4 of the MOC in Munich, Germany, from 15th to 18th May 2025.

AXPONA 2025: Swiss fidelity in North America

From 11th through 13th April 2025, PSI Audio will be in Room 1139 of the Schaumburg Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois, USA, for AXPONA. Visitors will be treated to the exquisite sound of the Héritage3 floor-standing speaker, as well as white A17-M precision bookshelf speakers. The room will also feature four AVAA C214 active bass traps to let the music truly shine – and showcase the innovative technology behind AVAA.

HIGH END 2025: speakers and bass traps ready for demo

For the last time before moving to Vienna, the internationally renowned home audio show HIGH END will be hosted at MOC Event Center in Munich, Germany, from 15th through 18th May 2025. PSI Audio will have a listening room ready in hall 4 at booth W12, presenting the Héritage3 floor-standing speakers, A17-M bookshelf speakers and four AVAA C214 active bass traps. The booth will also feature a special box to demonstrate and emphasise the efficiency of the AVAA C214.

Absolute precision in sound reproduction

PSI Audio is well-known for delivering the most reliable, true-to-life sound to audio professionals and audiophiles alike. Visitors of AXPONA and HIGH END will be able to hear for themselves how the proprietary technologies employed in each and every speaker reproduce music exactly as it was originally captured – the real thing. Every PSI Audio speaker is developed, built and calibrated in the company’s manufacture in Switzerland, ensuring true Swiss quality in every aspect.

AVAA: active absorption for room acoustics

With the Active Velocity Acoustic Absorber AVAA, PSI Audio applied the outstanding experience gathered over decades of building exceptional precision speakers to the field of room acoustics. The system uses innovative technology to create an acoustic hole in the wall, making low-frequency room modes disappear more efficiently than passive absorbers multiple times its size. The most recent model C214, which will be presented at AXPONA and HIGH END, can be digitally controlled and offers numerous ways to perfectly fit into any listening environment.

Experience PSI Audio at AXPONA and HIGH END 2025

Visitors of AXPONA or HIGH END are cordially invited to experience Héritage3, A17-M and AVAA C214 at the respective booths.

AXPONA 2025

  • 11-13th April 2025
  • Schaumburg Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Room 1139

HIGH END 2025

  • 15-18th May 2025
  • MOC in Munich, Germany
  • Hall 4, W12

Yamaha Announces Sound xR: A Vision To Make Immersive Audio Available To Everyone

Presentation of Yamaha AFC (Active Field Control) and Sound xR technologies. On the left, a concert hall featuring AFC Enhance for acoustic room optimization; in the center, an illuminated dome utilizing AFC Image for immersive sound and visual experiences; on the right, the Sound xR logo representing innovative audio solutions.

Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2025 sees three Yamaha Group companies aiming to bring immersive audio experiences to everyone. With an expanded range of equipment, Sound xR is a realistic vision of making immersive sound scalable to all situations – from the biggest live venue to personal headphones – interconnecting the real and virtual worlds. 

The Sound xR concept is based on Yamaha, NEXO and Steinberg technologies, which are all at the cutting edge of today’s immersive market.

Being launched at ISE 2025 is AFC Image for the Yamaha DME7 processor. In combination with Yamaha’s comprehensive range of loudspeakers, it provides an elegant solution for smaller immersive systems. Yamaha Active Field Control (AFC) solutions deliver rich immersive experiences to audiences in the real world.

Meanwhile, the company’s ProVisionaire software suite enhances the DME workflow by providing a comprehensive set of accessible tools for system design, operation, control and license management.

Also being highlighted at ISE is Yamaha’s Sound xR Core technology, which delivers precise, high quality sound localisation in virtual spaces, for applications like headphones-based gaming.

Yamaha’s sister company NEXO is launching the DME10, a 256×256, Dante-equipped immersive audio processor featuring up to 128 inputs and 64 outputs of AFC Image object-based mixing, with new, sophisticated 3D reverberation. The DME10 works with NEXO’s powered TD Controllers, point source and line array loudspeaker systems to create up to the largest immersive systems.

NEXO’s NS-1 system configuration and simulation software also now includes AFC Design Assistant for defining the quantity, density and placement of speakers, before predicting their performance and audience coverage. The speaker configuration can then be exported directly to AFC Image Controller, for object-based mixing of sources in three-dimensional space. This is supported by Yamaha’s range of renowned, industry-standard digital mixing consoles.

Steinberg Nuendo is the most advanced audio post-production solution on the market and the first choice of film, TV, game audio and immersive sound industry professionals worldwide. It is a vital tool in creating the soundtrack to many high-profile movies, television productions, games, installations and more.

Third-party integration is also supported via the Open Sound Control (OSC) protocol, enhancing versatility and adaptability across different platforms and setups.

“The unique combination of Yamaha group technologies delivers a seamless workflow, from content creation right through to consumption. These new products help to deliver immersive audio scalability which cannot be matched by any other manufacturer,” says Tobias Weich, Director ProAudio Europe at Yamaha Music Europe.

ISE 2025 is taking place at the at Fira de Barcelona, Spain, from February 4-7. Free live demonstrations are taking place throughout the show in audio demo room F4, Hall 8.0. Each one is limited to 70 people, so registration is essential. Please follow this link for times and how to register.

(Original text: Robin Johnson. (www.9016.co.uk