Stereophile
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<p><img class="story_image" src="http://www.stereophile.com/images/070313ceweekpromo_0.jpg" /></p> <p>A billboard from a wireless speaker company that will not be covered.</p>
<p>
Before leaving for CE Week, a trade event showcasing a general representation of the consumer electronics market, JA cautioned, “I’m worried you may not find many things applicable to our readers.” I love a challenge.
</p><p>
Within these table-lined alleys littered with business cards and quesadillas, I aimed to uncover as much two-channel audio as possible. This would include headphones. This would also include an attempt to avoid Bluetooth, as Bluetooth is lossy and has been an unreliable connection for long-term listening in my experiences so far. Would this general representation of the consumer electronics market have products an audiophile could enjoy?
</p><p>
Yes.
</p><p>
<b>Monitor Audio</b>
</p><p>
Monitor Audio exhibited an impressive 2.1 system including the brand new A100, a slim-line class A/B 50-watt integrated amplifier with WiFi, Airplay, DLNA, and VPNP connectivity, RCA and optical inputs, and a low cost of $499. The A100 starts shipping in September.
</p><p>
The A100 powered a pair of tiny stand-mounted Monitor Audio Radius 90 loudspeakers ($499) and a Monitor Audio Radius 380 subwoofer ($699). The Radius 90 loudspeakers use C-Cam (ceramic coated aluminum magnesium) drivers, the same technology used in the Monitor Audio Silver RX6 floorstanding loudspeakers that <a href="http://www.stereophile.com/content/monitor-audio-silver-rx6-loudspeaker">BJR enjoyed</a>. The tiny system cast a surprisingly large image with well-defined instrument placement that took me away from the surrounding madness for just a minute.
</p><p>
<img src="http://www.stereophile.com/images/070313MonitorAudio.1.jpg" width="600" height="456" border="0" /><br /></p><p>Monitor Audio’s skinny A100 integrated amplifier, available in black or white, powers the Radius 90 speakers.</p>
<p>
<b>Gefen:</b>
</p><p>
The GefenTV High Resolution USB to Analog and Digital Audio Decoder is a USB-powered DAC handles sample rates up to 192khz. It features an unbalanced output, optical output, and headphone jack. The DAC is offered as part of the $999 Gefen Compact Pro Audio Package, which also includes the GefenTV 2.1 Audio Amplifier and a pair of GefenTV speakers. The Gefen spokesperson mentioned an individual price of $129 for the DAC.
</p><p>
In their press release Gefen’s Director of Marketing, Randy Wilson, states, “You can’t tell the difference between the music coming from your computer compared to the original CD,” and he set out to prove it. At their display, one could compare playback between a lossless CD-rip of Junior Wells’ <i>Live at Buddy Guy’s Legends</i> through a Macbook Pro and GefenTV DAC versus a CD of the album played on a Denon DBP-2012UCI. One could switch between channels via a Marantz PM-5 integrated amplifier listening through a set of Grado SR325is headphones. Playback through the Macbook and DAC was more relaxed with smoother transients while the CD was brash in the lower treble. Though the test was hardly scientific, in this situation, playback through the GefenTV High Resolution USB to Analog and Digital Audio Decoder was not only different from the CD, it was better.
</p><p>
<img src="http://www.stereophile.com/images/070313GefenCEweek.1.jpg" width="600" height="450" border="0" /><br /></p><p>Randy Wilson, Gefen’s Director of Marketing, smiles with his DAC.</p>
<p>
<b>Pioneer</b>
</p><p>
You’ll read plenty <a href="http://www.stereophile.com/content/pioneer-sp-bs22-lr-loudspeaker">here</a> and in the August issue of <i>Stereophile</i> about the over-achieving $128/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR bookshelf loudspeakers designed by the highly-talented and nearly inescapable engineer Andrew Jones. I heard them paired with the $150 Pioneer SW8 MkII subwoofer, and the combination was potent. Even while crouching in front of a closely positioned pair to get my ears even and equidistant from the tweeters, the SP-BS22-LR provided stable imaging with ease and tonal accuracy. The SW8 added well-controlled, deep bass. This is a market-threatening combo for under $300.
</p><p>
Just before the Monster press conference, Pioneer <a href="http://www.hometheater.com/content/pioneer-announces-399-soundbar-designed-andrew-jones">announced</a> a soundbar/subwoofer system also designed by Andrew Jones.
</p><p>
<img src="http://www.stereophile.com/images/070313PioneerCE.1.jpg" width="600" height="450" border="0" /><br /></p><p>The affordable Pioneer SP-BS22-LR loudspeakers.</p>
<p>
<b>Monster</b>
</p><p>
Following Pioneer’s white paper press conference, Monster pumped the room with the house music and paneled the backdrop with forceful black and red billboards. Monster CEO Noel Lee was straight killing it as he glided to the stage on his Segway fitted with gold rims and flame decals. His passion towards his brand was endearing and electrifying. “Always Lead, Never Follow!” he exclaimed. Lee’s energy even got the usually unimpressed press hyped: a physical altercation between a reporter and a photographer started in the front row.
</p><p>
Lee stated that headphones are projected to occupy 33% of all household consumer electronic purchases for 2013. Thus, Monster will continue to “invest in margins” with headphone market.
</p><p>
Monster announced a variety of new colors of their on-ear DNA headphone ($199.95 in standard finishes) including tuxedo, gold/rose, and different combinations of neon, a new Nick Cannon sponsored N-Tune Candy Colour headphone ($69.95) that comes in rich, sugary hues, and the iSport, an exercise-friendly on-ear headphone with ear-pads impregnated with Ægis, an antimicrobial solution that keeps your headphones disinfected.
</p><p>
The most exciting announcement was the Monster Sound Machine, a headphone co-designed with Miami sound producer Emilio Estefan targeted specifically towards the Latin American community. How does a company position headphones towards the Latin American community? In their design process, Estefan and the engineering team tried to craft a sonic profile that accurately “reproduces the rich, percussive nature and vocals of Latin music and rhythms of the world”. Estefan mentioned an emphasis on midrange clarity. The on-ear version of the Monster Sound Machine costs $149.99 and the over-ear version costs $249.99.
</p><p>
<img src="http://www.stereophile.com/images/070313NoelLee.1.jpg" width="600" height="407" border="0" /><br /></p><p>Monster's CEO Noel Lee was ebullient.</p>
<p>
<b>Klipsch:</b>
</p><p>
OK. I know I promised no Bluetooth, but it was <i>everywhere</i>. This is just a taste of what may have occupied forty percent of the event. And check out all these colors!
</p><p>
<img src="http://www.stereophile.com/images/070313KMC3Colors.1.jpg" width="600" height="800" border="0" /><br /></p><p>Pretty.</p>
<p>
The Klipsch KMC 3 Wireless Music System is a Bluetooth speaker the size of a breadbox. It contains two 2" stereo-configured full range drivers, an individually chambered 5¼ sub, and two dual rear ports. It is recommended primarily for at-home use but can provide up-to 26 hours of moderate volume playback with eight “D” cell batteries. The KMC 3 costs $399 and is available now.
</p><p>
We played “The Mountains Win Again” by Blues Traveler with the iPhone at full volume and the KMC 3 at 75 percent to compete with the boisterous environment. The KMC 3 got <i>loud</i> with weighty bass, airy highs, and minimal distortion. This was interesting. Most Bluetooth speakers I’ve experienced so far distort when turned up to loud volumes. To help minimize distortions, the KMC 3’s built-in DSP brings down the subwoofer’s volume as you turn up the KMC 3. When we turned up the KMC 3’s internal volume all the way, this introduced some noise, but at this point, the KMC 3 was uncomfortably loud.
</p><p>
I mentioned my quest to find a Bluetooth speaker with minimal distortion at high outputs. The Klipsch representative recommended with the Klipsch Stadium
[Source: http://www.stereophile.com/content/ce-week-headphones-galore-iai-dac-small-hi-fi-and-avoiding-bluetooth]
<p>
Before leaving for CE Week, a trade event showcasing a general representation of the consumer electronics market, JA cautioned, “I’m worried you may not find many things applicable to our readers.” I love a challenge.
</p><p>
Within these table-lined alleys littered with business cards and quesadillas, I aimed to uncover as much two-channel audio as possible. This would include headphones. This would also include an attempt to avoid Bluetooth, as Bluetooth is lossy and has been an unreliable connection for long-term listening in my experiences so far. Would this general representation of the consumer electronics market have products an audiophile could enjoy?
</p><p>
Yes.
</p><p>
<b>Monitor Audio</b>
</p><p>
Monitor Audio exhibited an impressive 2.1 system including the brand new A100, a slim-line class A/B 50-watt integrated amplifier with WiFi, Airplay, DLNA, and VPNP connectivity, RCA and optical inputs, and a low cost of $499. The A100 starts shipping in September.
</p><p>
The A100 powered a pair of tiny stand-mounted Monitor Audio Radius 90 loudspeakers ($499) and a Monitor Audio Radius 380 subwoofer ($699). The Radius 90 loudspeakers use C-Cam (ceramic coated aluminum magnesium) drivers, the same technology used in the Monitor Audio Silver RX6 floorstanding loudspeakers that <a href="http://www.stereophile.com/content/monitor-audio-silver-rx6-loudspeaker">BJR enjoyed</a>. The tiny system cast a surprisingly large image with well-defined instrument placement that took me away from the surrounding madness for just a minute.
</p><p>
<img src="http://www.stereophile.com/images/070313MonitorAudio.1.jpg" width="600" height="456" border="0" /><br /></p><p>Monitor Audio’s skinny A100 integrated amplifier, available in black or white, powers the Radius 90 speakers.</p>
<p>
<b>Gefen:</b>
</p><p>
The GefenTV High Resolution USB to Analog and Digital Audio Decoder is a USB-powered DAC handles sample rates up to 192khz. It features an unbalanced output, optical output, and headphone jack. The DAC is offered as part of the $999 Gefen Compact Pro Audio Package, which also includes the GefenTV 2.1 Audio Amplifier and a pair of GefenTV speakers. The Gefen spokesperson mentioned an individual price of $129 for the DAC.
</p><p>
In their press release Gefen’s Director of Marketing, Randy Wilson, states, “You can’t tell the difference between the music coming from your computer compared to the original CD,” and he set out to prove it. At their display, one could compare playback between a lossless CD-rip of Junior Wells’ <i>Live at Buddy Guy’s Legends</i> through a Macbook Pro and GefenTV DAC versus a CD of the album played on a Denon DBP-2012UCI. One could switch between channels via a Marantz PM-5 integrated amplifier listening through a set of Grado SR325is headphones. Playback through the Macbook and DAC was more relaxed with smoother transients while the CD was brash in the lower treble. Though the test was hardly scientific, in this situation, playback through the GefenTV High Resolution USB to Analog and Digital Audio Decoder was not only different from the CD, it was better.
</p><p>
<img src="http://www.stereophile.com/images/070313GefenCEweek.1.jpg" width="600" height="450" border="0" /><br /></p><p>Randy Wilson, Gefen’s Director of Marketing, smiles with his DAC.</p>
<p>
<b>Pioneer</b>
</p><p>
You’ll read plenty <a href="http://www.stereophile.com/content/pioneer-sp-bs22-lr-loudspeaker">here</a> and in the August issue of <i>Stereophile</i> about the over-achieving $128/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR bookshelf loudspeakers designed by the highly-talented and nearly inescapable engineer Andrew Jones. I heard them paired with the $150 Pioneer SW8 MkII subwoofer, and the combination was potent. Even while crouching in front of a closely positioned pair to get my ears even and equidistant from the tweeters, the SP-BS22-LR provided stable imaging with ease and tonal accuracy. The SW8 added well-controlled, deep bass. This is a market-threatening combo for under $300.
</p><p>
Just before the Monster press conference, Pioneer <a href="http://www.hometheater.com/content/pioneer-announces-399-soundbar-designed-andrew-jones">announced</a> a soundbar/subwoofer system also designed by Andrew Jones.
</p><p>
<img src="http://www.stereophile.com/images/070313PioneerCE.1.jpg" width="600" height="450" border="0" /><br /></p><p>The affordable Pioneer SP-BS22-LR loudspeakers.</p>
<p>
<b>Monster</b>
</p><p>
Following Pioneer’s white paper press conference, Monster pumped the room with the house music and paneled the backdrop with forceful black and red billboards. Monster CEO Noel Lee was straight killing it as he glided to the stage on his Segway fitted with gold rims and flame decals. His passion towards his brand was endearing and electrifying. “Always Lead, Never Follow!” he exclaimed. Lee’s energy even got the usually unimpressed press hyped: a physical altercation between a reporter and a photographer started in the front row.
</p><p>
Lee stated that headphones are projected to occupy 33% of all household consumer electronic purchases for 2013. Thus, Monster will continue to “invest in margins” with headphone market.
</p><p>
Monster announced a variety of new colors of their on-ear DNA headphone ($199.95 in standard finishes) including tuxedo, gold/rose, and different combinations of neon, a new Nick Cannon sponsored N-Tune Candy Colour headphone ($69.95) that comes in rich, sugary hues, and the iSport, an exercise-friendly on-ear headphone with ear-pads impregnated with Ægis, an antimicrobial solution that keeps your headphones disinfected.
</p><p>
The most exciting announcement was the Monster Sound Machine, a headphone co-designed with Miami sound producer Emilio Estefan targeted specifically towards the Latin American community. How does a company position headphones towards the Latin American community? In their design process, Estefan and the engineering team tried to craft a sonic profile that accurately “reproduces the rich, percussive nature and vocals of Latin music and rhythms of the world”. Estefan mentioned an emphasis on midrange clarity. The on-ear version of the Monster Sound Machine costs $149.99 and the over-ear version costs $249.99.
</p><p>
<img src="http://www.stereophile.com/images/070313NoelLee.1.jpg" width="600" height="407" border="0" /><br /></p><p>Monster's CEO Noel Lee was ebullient.</p>
<p>
<b>Klipsch:</b>
</p><p>
OK. I know I promised no Bluetooth, but it was <i>everywhere</i>. This is just a taste of what may have occupied forty percent of the event. And check out all these colors!
</p><p>
<img src="http://www.stereophile.com/images/070313KMC3Colors.1.jpg" width="600" height="800" border="0" /><br /></p><p>Pretty.</p>
<p>
The Klipsch KMC 3 Wireless Music System is a Bluetooth speaker the size of a breadbox. It contains two 2" stereo-configured full range drivers, an individually chambered 5¼ sub, and two dual rear ports. It is recommended primarily for at-home use but can provide up-to 26 hours of moderate volume playback with eight “D” cell batteries. The KMC 3 costs $399 and is available now.
</p><p>
We played “The Mountains Win Again” by Blues Traveler with the iPhone at full volume and the KMC 3 at 75 percent to compete with the boisterous environment. The KMC 3 got <i>loud</i> with weighty bass, airy highs, and minimal distortion. This was interesting. Most Bluetooth speakers I’ve experienced so far distort when turned up to loud volumes. To help minimize distortions, the KMC 3’s built-in DSP brings down the subwoofer’s volume as you turn up the KMC 3. When we turned up the KMC 3’s internal volume all the way, this introduced some noise, but at this point, the KMC 3 was uncomfortably loud.
</p><p>
I mentioned my quest to find a Bluetooth speaker with minimal distortion at high outputs. The Klipsch representative recommended with the Klipsch Stadium
[Source: http://www.stereophile.com/content/ce-week-headphones-galore-iai-dac-small-hi-fi-and-avoiding-bluetooth]