New Products

Pro Audio Technology Ships High-Power Modular Amps

Pro Audio Technology (PRO), the Lake Forest, CA-based company specializing in professional-grade amplifiers and speaker systems, has introduced a new high-power line of modular amplifiers that can be mixed and matched to meet the unique needs of a specific system.

The MA (Modular Amplifier) series comprises five models, ranging in price from $5,500 to $9,500. Each amplifier is built on a common 19 x 17 x 3.5-inch (2RU) “digital mainframe” onto which 200-, 450, or 1,000-watt power modules can be mounted in a two- or four-channel configuration. For example, a 1,000-watt module might be used to drive subwoofers, while 450- and 200-watt modules are used to bi-amplify system speakers.

For greater flexibility, outputs can be looped to allow multiple MA amplifiers to share input signals, which is useful in installations with multiple subwoofers or side-channel speakers.

At the heart of each module is a high efficiency Class D ICEPower amplifier designed to minimize ground-loop hum and buzz and available with balanced XLR inputs (as an option). The amps run so cool that a fan is not necessary. Each amplifier also employs what PRO describes as “world-class A-D and D-A converters with native dynamic range of 123dB.”

PRO says the amplifiers deliver performance tolerances previously attainable only at the preamp and power-amp level. The company writes on its website: “When driven by the MA, the output of each loudspeaker precisely mimics the input signal of its assigned channel,” resulting in enhanced musical accuracy. The MA amplifiers can be used with PRO’s loudspeaker controllers or processors to leverage the DSP processing and calibration tools they provide.

Company president and product designer Paul Hales says the MA series was born out of the need to provide a timely and reliable source of amplifiers to integrators who were relying on Pro Audio product to complete installation projects amid a worldwide shortage of electronic components.

Specific MA amp configurations are as follows:
MA-4400, 2 x 450 watts
MA-9900, 2 x 1000 watts
MA-4242, 2 x 450 watts + 2 x 200 watts
MA-9942, 2 x 1000 watts + 450 watts x 1 + 200 watts x 1
MA-9999, 2 x 1000 watts

Professional installers who carry the PRO line can provide individual pricing for the specific models. For more information, including complete specs for each model, visit proaudiotechnology.com.

Astell&Kern’s First Bluetooth Speaker Boasts 32-Bit DAC, Supports aptX HD

Astell&Kern, the South Korean-based company known for its expansive line of personal audio players that start at $499 and scale up to six grand, has ventured into the land of portable Bluetooth speakers with an upscale model aimed at music enthusiasts with an audiophile bent.

Priced at $400, the ACRO BE100 is equipped with 32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and supports the high-resolution aptX-HD and LDAC codecs — the first Bluetooth speaker to support both, according to the company.

The AC-powered speaker mates a custom 4-inch Kevlar woofer and two 1.5-inch silk-dome tweeters with a 55-watt Class-D amplifier/digital crossover in a white or black cabinet about 10 inches across and 7 inches tall with a striking geometrical grille. Astell&Kern says it “worked tirelessly to find the ideal location for the woofer and tweeters” to deliver authentic stereo sound from the small cabinet.

Bass and treble controls are provided along with a large illuminated volume knob on the top of the speaker; the illumination changes color to indicate volume level and playback mode. Connections are limited to a 3.5mm minijack input. Specs include a low-frequency limit of 50 Hz and a max sound-pressure level of 94dB SPL (at 1 meter).

Astell&Kern offers an FM radio option for the BE100. For more information, visit astellkern.com

JVC Expands Wireless Earphone Lineup with Inexpensive Models

Looking for a cheap set of wireless earbuds — something less than 50 bucks? JVC just released two models that may fit the bill.

The HA-A3T (upper right, $25) is a traditional earbud, while the HA-A9T ($40) is an in-ear design that sits in the ear canal for listeners who want more isolation from outside sounds.

Both models are based on the Bluetooth 5.1 wireless standard and feature auto-on/off when removed from or returned to their charging case, auto-connect, a built-in microphone, a quick-charge mode that provides 90 minutes of playback from a 15-minute charge. Both also feature sensitive touch-sensor controls that make it easier to adjust skip tracks and adjust volume.

Apart from the physical shape, the models differ in terms of driver size, battery life, water-resistance, and color options. Available in black or white, the A3T earbuds have 0.4-inch drivers and are rated to provide up to 22 hours of playback (with built-in battery plus charging case) with a sweat/splash-resistant IPX4 rating.

The HA-A9T “Riptidz” in-ear headphones are offered in four two-tone color combinations (shown above) and have smaller 0.2 inch drivers and a higher IPX5 rating that makes them more resistant to water than the A3T. Rated battery life is up to 30 hours (with built-in battery plus charging case). The A9Ts earphones also come with small, medium, and large silicone eartips to ensure a tight, comfortable fit.

For more information, visit us.jvc.com.