Audio Video News

Astell & Kern AK XB10 Headphone Amp/DAC
The neat form factor that lets you cradle it in the palm of your hand isn’t the only thing that makes the AK XB10 appealing. The amp/DAC supports high-resolution Bluetooth playback up to 48-kilohertz/24-bit, providing a way to enjoy high-quality sound with any set of wired or wireless headphones/earbuds or smartphone—even if it doesn’t have a headphone jack (like the new iPhone 7).
Extreme Bluetooth: That’s what the audio mavens at A&K call it, and Qualcomm’s new high-efficiency aptX HD codec is what makes it possible. (The source device must support aptX HD for hi-res playback.) The XB10 has a built-in microphone for making calls and is equipped with a standard minijack output and a 2.5mm balanced output. Price: $189

Astell & Kern • us.astellnkern.com

Parasound ZoneMaster DAC/Crossover
You’d like to share your treasured hi-res audio files around the house, but the thought of rounding up multiple stereo converters and separate crossovers is daunting. Parasound has you covered. The ZoneMaster 4 DAX is a first-of-its-kind multi-zone digital-to-analog converter that simplifies the installation of a high-quality multiroom music system.
Four-in-One: The low-profile chassis has four 192-kHz ESS Sabre digital-to-analog converters (DACs), four analog crossovers with multiple configuration options, and four 12-volt outputs that activate amplifiers when audio is present. Each zone has optical and coaxial inputs with level adjustments for left and right channels and can be set to output full-range stereo, high-pass stereo, full-range mono, high-pass mono, or low-pass mono/subwoofer. Price: $995

Parasound • (415) 397-7100 • parasound.com

Procella Audio V18 Subwoofer
If deep, pulsating bass is your passion, you’re probably already drooling. Let’s break it down: The V18 boasts two custom-built 18-inch drivers—each with a 4-inch coil and fed by its own gold-plated binding post input—mounted in a 3.5 x 2 x 2-foot sealed enclosure that weighs 178 pounds. Don’t even try lifting this thing alone.
The Power of V: The drivers face each other but are angled at about 12 degrees to encourage driver coupling and high-compression loading, which in turn reduces distortion, improves transient response, and limits cone excursion at insane volumes. How insane? Let’s put it this way, while the V18 is rumbling down to 18 hertz (–3 decibels) it can reach SPLs as high as 137 dB continuous, 143 dB peak. Loud. Real loud. Price: $7,499

Procella • (310) 572-1070 • procellaspeakers.com

NAD M50.2 Digital Music Player
Sure to delight disciples of hi-res audio, the M50.2 is two high-resolution components in one: a music player with wireless streaming capability and a 2-terabyte music server with automatic CD ripping (and real-time CD playback). Built around the BluOS app/ecosystem designed by sister company Bluesound, the player supports a number of online services including HighResAudio, Tidal, HDtracks, Spotify, and Napster.
A True Master: Apart from being the top component in NAD’s prestigious Master Series, the M50.2 is one of only a handful of players equipped to decode and stream the Music Quality Authenticated (MQA) music format created by digital audio wiz Bob Stuart. A host of audio outputs are provided, including S/PDIF, coaxial, optical, HDMI 1.4, and AES/EBU. NAD also offers the companion 2 x 150-watt M32 digital amplifier ($3,499). Price: $3,999

NAD • (905) 831-6555 • nadelectronics.com

Focal Dôme Flax 5.1.2 Speaker System
Focal has created a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos version of its Dôme Flax micro satellite system that includes two ICW-4 height speakers, bringing the speaker count to eight: five swiveling satellites with integral stands, a wireless subwoofer, and now a pair of in-ceiling speakers to enhance surround sound realism.
Timbre-Matched: The ICW-4s share the same tweeter and 4-inch woofer used in the satellites, but the woofer’s voice coil, surround, and spider have been modified for the open-baffle design. Uniquely, all drivers are made of flax—as in heart-healthy flaxseed—grown in Focal’s hometown in France. Installing the ICW-4 is easy once wires are placed: Cut a hole in the ceiling, install the mounting frame using its spring-loaded brackets, pop in the speaker, and give it a twist to lock it in place. Available in black or white. Price: $2,499

Focal • (805) 484-4355 • focal.com