Sure, lighting and video walls were getting plenty of attention on the CEDIA Expo exhibit floor, but there were also plenty of speakers from integrator-loved companies. We can’t list them all — we are still processing all we saw — but here is a selection of new speakers. We did not include soundbars or subwoofers, as they’ll get covered in their own articles.
Harman Luxury Audio Group launched the new JBL 4329P Studio Monitor powered loudspeaker. A self-contained, amplified loudspeaker system, the 4329P includes two speakers, each featuring a patented JBL 2409H one-inch compression driver, High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn, and JW200P-4 8-inch pure-pulp black paper cone woofer with a cast frame. Each speaker is powered by a 300-watt amplifier, with 250 watts delivered to the woofer and 50 watts to the compression driver.
Sticking with Harman, the Revel PerformaBe Architectural Series is a high-end architectural speaker line designed to serve as a premium offering within the Revel brand. These speakers share the same components as the PerformaBe box loudspeakers, allowing for a shared sonic signature and the ability to mix them in a system. The Revel PerformaBe Architectural series includes three in-wall models (W126Be, W226Be, W228Be) and one in-ceiling model (C128Be), which can be used as a complete architectural system solution or combined with existing PerformaBe loudspeakers to complement existing deployments or to create new and engaging installations.
The Monitor Audio Creator Series is a new range of in-ceiling and in-wall speakers that feature advanced acoustic technologies and smart installer features. There are 19 models (five in-wall and 14 in-ceiling) arranged in three clearly defined tiers. All models, regardless of tier, feature Monitor Audio’s Quik-Link, which allows the installer to remove the terminal block from the physical speaker and pre-terminate the speaker cables to it. Once the speaker is ready to be fitted within its cut-out, the Quik-Link can be offered up to the connection point on the speaker and magnetically snaps and locks into place.
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The Paradigm booth held the Anniversary Edition of the company’s Founder Series speakers. The Founder Series features patented technologies developed for the acoustic platform, plus a cabinet platform that has a unique shape and integrated structural bracing. It was designed to deliver maximum performance in rooms that would challenge traditionally designed speakers. The Founder Series of premium loudspeakers includes six models that can serve in a high-end 2-channel system or in a multi-channel configuration.
Bang & Olufsen launched the Beolab 8 speaker that can connect seamlessly with customers’ existing TV setup and Bang & Olufsen speakers. It comes in two interchangeable colorways and can stand alone or be mounted on the walls or ceiling. Ideally meant to be used in a pair, the speakers work in concert with each other using a built-in mic to read individual spaces and provide immersive, powerful sound.
The Lenbrook Americas booth showcased the company’s complete range of hi-res audio offerings for custom installation and integration applications, but also high-end home theater solutions. The range of products includes in-wall and in-ceiling products from PSB Speakers and DALI Speakers, the BluOS multi-room ecosystem including the Bluesound POWERNODE EDGE, NAD CI amplifiers, as well as the latest in-ceiling and pendant kits from Bluesound Professional. Additionally, there were live demos of the Alpha iQ, the first BluOS-enabled stereo speakers from PSB, which are now available in five colors including Matte Black, Matte White, Tangerine Yellow, Midnight Blue, and Dutch Orange.
Designed for larger screens and easy integration, the all-new Leon Powered FrameBar and FrameBar 44UX add onboard amplification and increased performance to Leon’s designer Framebar series. These two soundbars are built to match the exact width and finish of Samsung’s The Frame TV. Designed to mount flush with the wall and float beneath Samsung’s The Frame TV, all FrameBar soundbars provide a cohesive and modern look to complement The Frame TV’s artistic style.
Rockustics introduced its latest line of modern, geometrically-inspired designs with the Monument Series, featuring three unique models: BlockRock, Topozoid, and BlockTop. The BlockRock is an omnidirectional 2-way speaker. Equipped with a 6.5-inch coax woofer and .75-inch dome tweeter, it delivers 360 degrees of dynamic audio. For flexible installation options, a 64-watt transformer is available for 70-volt systems. Complementing the BlockRock, the Topozoid and BlockTop models offer the perfect weatherproof disguise for SubScape 10 or 12-inch subwoofers. Constructed from the same classic Rockustics materials, these models ensure durability and camouflage for a landscape sound system, without compromising audio quality.
Staying outdoors, SoundTube Entertainment unveiled the XT850-LED, a 2-way outdoor loudspeaker system. This system features integrated LED landscape lighting, creating a harmonious blend of high-quality sound and aesthetic lighting suitable for outdoor environments. The XT850-LED distinguishes itself from standard speaker systems with its UV, scratch, chlorine, and weather-resistant features. These professional-grade components ensure its long-lasting performance and durability, even in challenging outdoor conditions. More than just a speaker, the XT850-LED provides full-range background and foreground music capabilities, as well as paging functionalities.
Theory Audio Design introduced the sb25aw, a 4-ohm or 70V/100V version of the company’s sb25 surface-mount loudspeaker. The sb25aw is durable, completely weatherized, and designed to provide mounting options for virtually every possible installation need. The sb25aw incorporates a water-tight loudspeaker wire entry point and selectable hi-z or low-z operating modes. Its slender enclosure, available in a premium black or white finish with matching perforated aluminum grille, and gentle sculpted curves allow it to virtually disappear into the architectural background while looking handsome in environments where it’s easily seen — stealth and pretty at the same time.
Located in the same booth as the sb25aw, the Pro Audio Technology SR-2408iw In-Wall and Aimable Loudspeaker is a shallow (4 inches), high-output, flexible loudspeaker that offers full-range performance for high-end home theater and mega-yacht installations where space is limited but performance is crucial. It features all-aluminum construction, a 1.5-inch ring radiator tweeter, two high-efficiency 4-inch midrange drivers, and an 8-inch long-throw woofer.
Wisdom Audio’s Insight Series iCI6 is a new in-ceiling speaker in its Insight Series range of products that is designed for high-resolution distributed audio zones, LCR channels, and also surround and overhead channels. The new speaker uses Wisdom Audio’s spherical planar magnetic driver, which is also used in the higher-priced iCS3 Sage Series Minimal Appearance Speaker. Shipping with both round and square bezel-less grille, the iCI6 has an optional flush mount kit available directly from SeeLess.
Featuring a modern industrial design that complements any space, as well as high-efficiency transformers with flat response, the AtlasIED AS Series brings high-end performance and an upgraded aesthetic to the surface mount category. Each size offers several mounting options available to make even the most challenging indoor or outdoor installations easier. The AS series is available in five full-range models, including a 4-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch model, along with a 10-inch subwoofer. Each loudspeaker supports multiple mounting options, including yokes, universal brackets, and VESA compatibility.
Stealth Acoustics unveiled the most significant upgrade in its 20-year evolution with the 8th generation of invisible speakers: LineaRadiance. Stealth has leveraged its new production capabilities to maximize audio performance with a modern design, upgrades for ease of installation, and new streamlined accessories.
Speaking of updates, Sonance showed off its Visual Experience (VX) speaker. VX speakers are engineered for maximum coverage and fidelity to create a crisp, consistent experience. The top-of-the-line James VXQ Level 8 model features the unique Quadratech Tweeter and Cymatic Diffuser to create crisp details and exceptional dispersion. Each VXQ Quadratech Tweeter was designed using iterative machine learning to create the ideal experience for each speaker size, a customized feature unique to each.
