Latest news with #HiFi
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Focal and SPARK Microsystems Expand Collaboration for Premium Wireless Audio Speakers Powered by UWB
Focal's new Diva Mezza Utopia loudspeakers join growing product family leveraging SPARK UWB for unparalleled audio delivery MONTREAL, July 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SPARK Microsystems, a Canadian fabless semiconductor company specializing in next-generation short-range wireless communications, today welcomed the newest entry in Hi-Fi audio speakers from Focal, the renowned French audio brand. The new Diva Mezza Utopia active wireless 3-way loudspeakers expand the design collaboration initiated with the Diva Utopia speakers, extending the prestigious Focal Diva range to a new performance tier with SPARK's Ultra-Wideband (SPARK LE-UWB™) wireless platform. SPARK LE-UWB™ connectivity enables a robust, reliable wireless link between paired Diva Mezza Utopia loudspeakers while maintaining a stable and lossless signal at 96kHz/24-bit resolution with no compression. Delivering the performance of wired connectivity without the wires – the hallmark of SPARK's innovation – Focal's growing line of Diva loudspeakers redefines the standards for high-fidelity wireless listening. Focal's Diva Mezza Utopia speakers deliver a deep, wide, and vibrant soundstage, with the freedom and flexibility of wireless connectivity. SPARK LE-UWB™ technology enables Diva Mezza Utopia loudspeakers to support multiroom configurations in spaces up to 100 m², making it easier than ever to wirelessly integrate premium audio experiences into a home music ecosystem. "The scalability of the SPARK transceiver portfolio has likewise equipped Focal to scale its product collection to new heights with the Diva Mezza Utopia system," said Jocelyn Carroue, Sr. Director, Sales and Technical Support, SPARK Microsystems. "Our continued collaboration with Focal is helping to bring bit-perfect audio quality – indistinguishable from wired sound – to its discerning clientele." "Diva Mezza Utopia loudspeakers build upon the design quality and warm customer reception achieved with the first Diva Utopia, combining audiophile excellence with ease of use in perfect balance," said Rejean Bedel, Group Marketing Manager, Focal & Naim. "SPARK's innovation in UWB wireless connectivity is essential to the sound of all Diva Utopia loudspeakers." Focal's Diva Mezza Utopia and Diva Utopia loudspeakers are available today exclusively at qualified Focal Powered by Naim retailers. For more information, visit Focal's website. About Focal Since 1979, Focal has stood out from the crowd in manufacturing loudspeakers and acoustic speakers. Their expertise extends to headphones, car audio kits, professional speakers, and installations for yachts. This unique know-how, combined with their in-house manufacturing in France, puts Focal among the top audio brands globally. In 2011, Focal joined forces with Naim — the British leader in high-end electronics — under the VerVent Audio group to offer exquisite complete audio systems. About SPARK Microsystems SPARK Microsystems is building next generation short-range wireless communication devices. SPARK UWB provides high data rate and very low latency wireless communication links at an ultra-low power profile, making it ideal for personal area networks (PANs) used in mobile, consumer and IoT-connected products. Leveraging patented technologies, SPARK Microsystems strives to minimize and ultimately eliminate wires and batteries from a wide range of applications. For more information, please visit SPARK MICROSYSTEMS and LE‑UWB are trademarks or registered trademarks of SPARK Microsystems in Canada and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Rainier Communications, on behalf of SPARK Microsystemsspark@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
National Post
6 days ago
- National Post
Focal and SPARK Microsystems Expand Collaboration for Premium Wireless Audio Speakers Powered by UWB
Article content Focal's new Diva Mezza Utopia loudspeakers join growing product family leveraging SPARK UWB for unparalleled audio delivery Article content MONTREAL — SPARK Microsystems, a Canadian fabless semiconductor company specializing in next-generation short-range wireless communications, today welcomed the newest entry in Hi-Fi audio speakers from Focal, the renowned French audio brand. The new Diva Mezza Utopia active wireless 3-way loudspeakers expand the design collaboration initiated with the Diva Utopia speakers, extending the prestigious Focal Diva range to a new performance tier with SPARK's Ultra-Wideband (SPARK LE-UWB™) wireless platform. Article content Delivering the performance of wired connectivity without the wires – the hallmark of SPARK's innovation – Focal's growing line of Diva loudspeakers redefines the standards for high-fidelity wireless listening. Article content SPARK LE-UWB™ connectivity enables a robust, reliable wireless link between paired Diva Mezza Utopia loudspeakers while maintaining a stable and lossless signal at 96kHz/24-bit resolution with no compression. Delivering the performance of wired connectivity without the wires – the hallmark of SPARK's innovation – Focal's growing line of Diva loudspeakers redefines the standards for high-fidelity wireless listening. Article content Focal's Diva Mezza Utopia speakers deliver a deep, wide, and vibrant soundstage, with the freedom and flexibility of wireless connectivity. SPARK LE-UWB™ technology enables Diva Mezza Utopia loudspeakers to support multiroom configurations in spaces up to 100 m², making it easier than ever to wirelessly integrate premium audio experiences into a home music ecosystem. Article content 'The scalability of the SPARK transceiver portfolio has likewise equipped Focal to scale its product collection to new heights with the Diva Mezza Utopia system,' said Jocelyn Carroue, Sr. Director, Sales and Technical Support, SPARK Microsystems. 'Our continued collaboration with Focal is helping to bring bit-perfect audio quality – indistinguishable from wired sound – to its discerning clientele.' Article content 'Diva Mezza Utopia loudspeakers build upon the design quality and warm customer reception achieved with the first Diva Utopia, combining audiophile excellence with ease of use in perfect balance,' said Rejean Bedel, Group Marketing Manager, Focal & Naim. 'SPARK's innovation in UWB wireless connectivity is essential to the sound of all Diva Utopia loudspeakers.' Article content Focal's Diva Mezza Utopia and Diva Utopia loudspeakers are available today exclusively at qualified Focal Powered by Naim retailers. For more information, visit Focal's website. Article content About Focal Article content Since 1979, Focal has stood out from the crowd in manufacturing loudspeakers and acoustic speakers. Their expertise extends to headphones, car audio kits, professional speakers, and installations for yachts. This unique know-how, combined with their in-house manufacturing in France, puts Focal among the top audio brands globally. In 2011, Focal joined forces with Naim — the British leader in high-end electronics — under the VerVent Audio group to offer exquisite complete audio systems. About SPARK Microsystems SPARK Microsystems is building next generation short-range wireless communication devices. SPARK UWB provides high data rate and very low latency wireless communication links at an ultra-low power profile, making it ideal for personal area networks (PANs) used in mobile, consumer and IoT-connected products. Leveraging patented technologies, SPARK Microsystems strives to minimize and ultimately eliminate wires and batteries from a wide range of applications. For more information, please visit Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Forbes
11-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
AVID Reveals The Relveo Its First All-New Vinyl Turntable In A Dozen Years
The new AVID Relveo has been designed from the ground up and is the brainchild of AVID's ... More founder/owner, Conrad Mas. AVID Is there any other piece of audio equipment that's quite so intriguing and beautiful as a vinyl turntable? The combination of mechanics and electronics to extract every nuance from the grooves of a vinyl pressing is a wonder of engineering and enjoying a renaissance in the age of digital music. British Hi-Fi brand AVID agrees and has just launched the Relveo, its first new turntable in 12 years. The new turntable has been designed from the ground up and is the brainchild of AVID's founder/owner, Conrad Mas. Designed, engineered and hand-built in England, the new Relveo is a significant evolution for the company, bringing together AVID's engineering pedigree with a new suspension system, reimagined platter and an advanced external power supply. The Relveo has been launched to commemorate AVID's 30th anniversary and is inspired by three decades of analog innovation. Every component of the turntable, from the high-mass precision-machined platter to its separately housed DSP-controlled power supply, has been refined for speed, accuracy and enhanced musicality. The new Relveo from AVID includes the award-winning Altus V2 tonearm, a design that inherits ... More technology from AVID's reference tonearms. AVID The turntable has a newly developed conical suspension system that is resiliently coupled to both isolate and stabilize while also simplifying the setup process for a range of end-users. Conrad Mas, founder, owner and CEO of AVID says: 'The new Relveo embodies everything AVID stands for: engineering without compromise, enduring beauty, and a profound connection to music. It distils three decades of breakthrough technologies into a single, powerful statement piece for the modern music lover.' The Relveo is handmade and ships with AVID's award-winning Altus V2 tonearm. It's a design that inherits technology from the company's reference tonearms. The Altus V2 has micron-tolerance bearings and includes AVID's recently introduced dual-adjustable bias compensation system. For those who already own a suitable tonearm, the Relveo can be bought bare without the Altus V2. Pricing and Availability: The Relveo is available to order from AVID's global retailer network now. The price with Altus V2 tonearm (as supplied): $10,995 / £6,900 / €8,995. The Relveo is also available bare and priced at $8,995 / £5,500 / €7,495.
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Focal Launches Diva Mezza Utopia Active Loudspeaker With Hi-Fi Wireless Audio
The Focal Diva Mezza Utopia is a new loudspeaker from the French audio brand and designed to ... More transmit hi-res music wirelessly. French luxury speaker maker Focal has announced its brand-new Diva Mezza Utopia wireless active speakers. This latest addition to the Focal range sits alongside the company's prestigious Diva Utopia range of speakers. Sporting a striking and futuristic look, the Diva Mezza Utopia are designed to transform home listening by providing 'an immersive sound with remarkable depth.' More than just a loudspeaker, the Diva Mezza Utopia represents a significant staging post in Focal's aim to redefine home Hi-Fi by blending uncompromising sound with a wireless speaker that's ease of use. Larger and more powerful than its predecessor, the Diva Mezza Utopia features a quartet of 8-inch 'W' cone woofers, which measure a full 4cm larger than the ones used on the Diva Utopia. Configured in a push-push layout, the woofers can generate an exceptionally deep, dynamic and controlled bass. Big Bass From Bigger Woofers Focal says the low-end response of the Diva Mezza Utopia is achieved by allowing the full capabilities of the 'M'-shaped Beryllium tweeter and 'W' cone midrange driver to shine, resulting in a wider and more articulate soundstage. It's an uncompromising expression of Focal's acoustic engineering expertise. A pair of Diva Mezza Utopia from Focal will set you back £55,000 or €65,000. No dollar price has ... More been announced yet. As an active loudspeaker, the Diva Mezza Utopia has a completely re-engineered electronics package supplied by Focal's sister company, Naim Audio. Delivering 500W per speaker, the system has a dual-stage power supply for dynamics and precision across the entire frequency range. At the rear there is a sculpted and high-efficiency heat sink designed for optimal thermal performance. High-Resolution Wireless Music To meet the demands of high-resolution wireless listening, the Diva Utopia have a suite of technical innovations. Firstly, the Ultra-Wideband wireless technology is a unique audio innovation that enables uncompressed, high-resolution signal transmission at 96kHz/24-bit. Focal says UWB delivers the clarity and precision of wired speakers, surpassing traditional CD quality without the physical constraints of cabling. For listeners looking for maximum fidelity, there's a direct wired option that can unlock studio-grade resolution audio up to 192kHz/24-bit. An Intelligent Dynamics Clocking is a precision clock-control system that Focal uses to ensure exact synchronization between channels for a more coherent and stable soundstage. Data transfer is defined by speed, reliability and timing accuracy. Focal's patented Adaptive Acoustic Personal Tuning technology uses a sophisticated algorithm to calibrate the system for both a room's individual acoustics and the user's preferences. The Diva Mezza Utopia has a quartet of 8-inch 'W' cone woofers, which are a full 4cm larger than ... More those used on the Diva Utopia. Like Diva Utopia, Diva Mezza Utopia benefits from the Focal and Naim ecosystem thanks to the advanced Pulse Platform. This offers extensive wireless connectivity adn includes support for Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Google Cast and UPnP, enabling access to streaming services from Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz Connect, and QQ Music. The system also supports high-resolution multi-room streaming and is compatible with smart home platforms such as Control4, Crestron, Savant and RTI. Users can control the system using the Focal and Naim smartphone app. A remote control is also included and users can control music with their voice using Google Assistant and Siri. Sculptural Design Behind the distinctly sculptural design of Focal's Diva Mezza Utopia is the same level of craftsmanship used to manufacture all the company's products. The cabinet is made from a high-density polymer using a low-pressure molding process, ensuring precise construction, efficient use of materials and acoustic optimization. The speaker rests on a double-level and beveled base featuring signature floating side panels. The panels are made from felt, an eco-friendly material in a new ivory hue that highlights the speaker's contours. The design has distinctive touches, including a dual red and black grille on the tweeter and a brushed aluminum band encircling it, forming the iconic 'signature watch' detail. The Focal Diva Mezza Utopia is available from July 8 via the Focal Powered by Naim network of authorized retailers. The price is $70,000 / £55,000 / €65,000. aaaa
Tom's Guide
20-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
Spotify just tipped to finally bring lossless audio to the masses — here's what we know
Several different sources have reportedly found code in Spotify's desktop app and web player hinting that lossless HD audio is coming to Spotify. The desktop app and web player code were spotted by Chris Messina (via TechCrunch) and Spicetify (via The Verge). Additionally, the latest beta for the iPhone version of the app was spotted by Aaron Perris and MacRumors. According to some lines found by Perris, Spotify's lossless audio will be 24-bit at 44.1 kHz. "Introducing the best sound quality on Spotify: for music in up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz." For the unfamiliar, lossless audio means that songs retain all the data from the original recordings, which generally results in higher quality. It's unclear from the code when Spotify might release lossless audio to subscribers, but it's been a long time coming and may cost you more money to access. Spotify users have been waiting at least four years for lossless audio. The music streamer first announced a new Hi-Fi tier featuring lossless audio in 2021. It appeared we were closer to finally getting the feature last year, with rumors of a new Spotify Deluxe subscriber tier and reports that it would cost $5 more than the existing premium subscription. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. In February, a Bloomberg article claimed that the elusive Deluxe tier was finally coming this year with another new name — Music Pro, the fourth name in as many years after HiFi, Supremium and Deluxe. The report indicated that Spotify might charge up to $5.99 per month for HD audio, in addition to Spotify Premium. The lack of a high-end lossless HD audio tier has been baffling for years, especially as competitors like Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, and Tidal, which already offer lossless audio, often at a lower cost than the rumors suggest Spotify's price would be. Apple Music introduced its version of lossless audio back in 2021, around the same time Spotify announced its HiFi service.
