Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing – listen on the move with the colourfully styled new XDR-S40DBP digital radio from Sony. Light and easy to carry, the portable digital radio lets you enjoy your favourite radio shows anywhere, with clear digital sound quality.

Available in black, white or eye-catching red, the XDR-S40DBP is simple to use with clear, uncluttered buttons. The crisp LCD screen keeps you informed with the name of the digital station you’re listening to currently, as well as other scrolling information like the song title that’s playing or more information about the show.

Fancy another channel? Just flick through the list of digital station names and make your choice, with no need to remember frequencies. With 10 DAB/DAB+ and 10 FM station presets, there’s plenty of space to store your favourite stations.

Plug into the nearest wall socket and listen on AC mains power or head for the nearest beach or garden shed and listen for up to 13 hours[1] on standard AA alkaline batteries.

For privacy, there’s a headphone jack for undisturbed listening when you need to keep things to yourself. There’s also a sleep timer that lets you drift off to the soothing sounds of the radio.

The new XDR-S40DBP digital radio from Sony is available in the UK from April 2013.

• New Advanced Direct Vibe Structure for even deeper bass plus smooth mids and highs
• Stylish design with premium aluminium details
• Detachable cable and inline remote/microphone

Partnering serious sound quality with ultimate styling, the new MDR-XB910 headphones from Sony take their cue from the latest music trends.

The low end is at the heart of today’s freshest music. Taking you deeper than ever, the range-topping MDR-XB910 headphones effortlessly handle bass-heavy club anthems, crunching rock or pop sounds.

Thanks to the latest evolution of Sony’s Advanced Direct Vibe Structure, extreme sub-bass is heavier and more compelling than ever. It’s enhanced by a smooth refinement in low-to-midrange response to satisfy a wide range of modern music lovers.

Kicking bass is just the beginning. The MDR-XB910s incorporate superior sound with refined, ultra-premium new looks that feature real aluminium accents. Take your favourite sounds anywhere as the headphones’ earcups swivel flat for travel, neatly saving space in a rucksack or bag. There’s also an alternative detachable cable and inline remote/microphone supplied for fingertip control of your MP3 player or hands-free chatting on your smartphone.

The new MDR-XB910 headphones by Sony are available in the UK from March 2013.

• Premium design wireless speakers with rich, powerful and dynamic sound
• Relax at home with the power-packed SRS-BTX500; take the party anywhere with the light, easy to carry SRS-BTX300
• Unique Magnetic Fluid Speaker technology gives exceptional sound clarity and clear, detailed bass
• Stream high-quality music from your smartphone with NFC and easy “One-touch” *wireless connection
• Talk hands-free on your smartphone and top up its battery with USB charging port

Relax at home with the SRS-BTX500 wireless speaker from Sony that adds punch to any party. The 2.1 channel speaker system delivers a generous 40W of power to grab everyone’s attention. Whatever your taste in music, you’ll enjoy ultra-natural sound thanks to state-of the-art Sony ‘DMC’[1] technology. Dual Passive Radiators deliver extra low-end muscle, while Clear Phase DSP recreates the emotion of a live performance with sparkling reproduction of instruments and soaring vocals.

Using Magnetic Fluid technology originally developed by NASA, Sony has created the world’s first full-range ‘damperless’ speakers that reduce distortion for noticeably clearer sound. This space-age design also boosts efficiency, increasing volume levels compared with ordinary speakers at the same power. Everyone at the party will now be able to appreciate the difference with louder, clearer music.

Sony’s unique DSEE processing boosts the quality of compressed music files, restoring all-important high frequencies that get lost when you’re listening to sounds on your mobile device.

Even slimmer and lighter, the BTX300 makes an ideal travel companion whilst also delivering a satisfying 20W of output power from its two channel speaker system. It’s no lightweight when it comes to serious sound quality, with a passive radiator for extra low-end boost.

Indoors or outside, around the house or for weekends away, you’ll enjoy rich, room-filling music from any Bluetooth® enabled device like your iPhone/iPad or Android smartphone/tablet.

Easy streaming with NFC and “One-touch” wireless connection

The slim, stunningly styled new BTX500 and BTX300 both make it beautifully simple to ‘throw’ great-sounding music from your mobile device.

All it takes is a touch: just hold your smartphone* or tablet against the wireless speaker for a moment. Using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, the speaker connects instantly to your phone with no need for cables, fiddly set-up or Bluetooth® access codes. Then you’re all set to stream powerful, premium-quality digital sound that fills the room.

And don’t worry if you haven’t got an NFC-enabled smartphone. Both speakers can stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth® from your iPhone/iPad or other Android mobiles and tablets in standard pairing mode.

Why not take your music with you? The BTX500 and BTX300 make perfect partners for day trips or weekends away. The slim, modern lines of both docks slip neatly into a suitcase or travel bag for easy portability. The long-lasting rechargeable battery gives power for up to 8 hours (BTX300) / 6 hours (BTX500) of listening while you’re out and about.

Both speakers also offer the extra convenience of a ‘hands-free’ speaker mode, letting you chat to friends on the phone as you wander around the room. There’s also a handy USB port to power up your smartphone – great if you’re getting low on talk time when there’s no power socket nearby.

The new Sony SRS-BTX500 and SRS-BTX300 wireless speakers are available in the UK from April 2013.

Find out more at www.sony.co.uk/wireless-speakers.com.

* Requires NFC Easy Connect app (for Android 2.3.3 or higher). One-touch connection requires NFC-enabled mobile device e.g. Sony Xperia.

Designed specifically for smartphones, tablets, and laptops, Micro-Fi Bluetooth Mini-Speakers utilize HDSS Sound Technology to produce real-time crystal clear sound without distortion, and a 3-dimensional sound effect for increased listening pleasure.

Micro-Fi’s compact size (2 3/8”W x 2 3/8”D x 3 ¾”H), clean design lines and natural wood body make these Bluetooth mini-speakers ideal for both work and home environments. Micro-Fi’s classic hi-fi look complements any décor.

“With today’s vast array of Bluetooth enabled music devices and diverse music playlists, Micro-Fi Bluetooth mini-speakers deliver an enhanced listening experience, said James Lin, President of Altaz, Inc. For the music enthusiast who cares about how a speaker looks and sounds, Micro-Fi Bluetooth speakers is a terrific choice.”

AVAILABILITY

Micro-Fi Bluetooth speakers is available online at Altaz’s website and Urban Outfitters http://www.urbanoutfitters.com now. For the latest information, visit http://www.altazusa.com

Micro-Fi Bluetooth Speakers (AZWS100BT) – $99.99

•     Modern Retro Design
•     Bluetooth-enabled
•     HDSS Sound Technology
•     All natural wood body
•     Eco-friendly packaging

The Fluance XL Series home theater speaker system has been designed to maximize the high quality sound reproduced using premium components only found in all Fluance products. Crafted using MDF wood and featuring a sleek mahogany finish, the XLHTB ensures the acoustic image remains free from cabinet vibration and is distortion-free. “The XL Series is any audio enthusiast’s dream come true,” says Deepak Jain, President of Fluance. “The five speaker system performs flawlessly at the highest levels imaginable, and at a price that is unheard of in the home theater category.” Fluance’s XL7F floorstanding loudspeakers have gained memorable attention from the home theater industry, coming highly recommended from industry experts at Audioholics, SoundStage Network (Reviewers’ Choice) and TechnologyTell.com.

In addition to the unique features of the XL Series home theater speaker system, the XL7F floorstanding loudspeakers house an eight-inch down-firing subwoofer for a durable, reliable and controlled low-frequency response. “The XL7F’s built-in subwoofer is truly amazing. It is important Fluance provides customers with full range sound for an optimal home theater experience. The down-firing subwoofers in the XL7F speakers are a perfect example of Fluance’s continued commitment towards serious performance,” says Jain.

The Fluance XLHTB 5 Speaker Surround Sound System is available for direct sale on Fluance.com for $799.99.

• 40% smaller than their best selling predecessor
• Snug and comfortable, just like a brand new pair of running shoes
• Lifetime warranty against sweat

The world’s smallest Bluetooth earbuds have just become smaller. DAD Audio announces the latest addition to the Premier line of wireless headphones from Jaybird, the outstanding Freedom Sprint. The fully upgraded headset has had nearly every aspect enhanced to further improve usability.

Size has been dramatically reduced by 40% yet Sprint still boasts a solid battery life of 4.5 hours playback time and 100 hours standby. The cord has been refined for improved comfort and better transfer of voice call quality. As dedicated sports headphones the Sprint offers a life time warranty against sweat and patented Secure for Sports design.

The Sprint has refined the winning concepts of the Freedom and has evolved into the ultimate sports accessory. The Freedom Sprint is distributed by DAD Audio and retails at Advanced MP3 Players, Dixons and HMV.

-Ends-

Images
For images click here

Key Features 
• High performance drivers specially designed for warm bass, balanced highs with low mids to reduce listener fatigue
• Softer cord for free movement
• Enhanced Microphone for clearer voice calls
• Control your music from your headset
• Take calls on the go, wirelessly
• Compatible with any A2DP Bluetooth stereo device
• Jaybird adapter available for non-Bluetooth devices
• Sweat proof, lifetime warranty against sweat
• Up to 5 Hours of talk time/4.5hrs audio playback
• Up to 100hrs Stand by time
• Weight 10g

About DAD Audio 
Digital Audio Distribution (DAD) was founded in 2008 with the goal of distributing the world’s best digital audio products in the UK market. Representing market giants in audio-visual and multimedia sectors such as Cowon, X-MI, Jaybird, Soundscience, Frankenspiel, Popcorn Hour, Speedo and MEElectronics. For more information please see, www.dadaudio.com.

Related articles

• JayBird Freedom Sprint shrinks and standardizes charging port (review)
• JayBird intros Freedom Sprint: the JF3 Bluetooth stereo fitness headset gets 40% smaller

Desktop Speaker With USB Charging – New From Sonoro Audio

IFA – Berlin – 31st August 2012 - sonoro audio, the German design and engineering company of top-quality compact audio solutions, is proud to present troy – a compact desktop speaker system that combines chic design with universal charging for smartphones, tablet PCs and mobile music devices. Available in the UK now, troy has an SRP of £149.00.

Take centre stage with Yamaha THR amplifiers and new 'Session' App and join your dream band

Yamaha have launched an amazing new App for their acclaimed THR Practice amplifier range.

The new free of charge ‘Session’ App allow users to to play along with, and learn their favourite tracks by deploying the App’s cool ‘ Extraction’ feature which isolates and mutes the guitar track allowing guitarists to play along, practice and learn solos with the band and their guitar heroes .

This nifty function provides a great practice and learning tool, ideal for ‘At-Home’ rehearsals, users can practice songs and techniques quicker and more effectively than conventional methods.

Other useful functions include a ‘slow down’ function which slows tracks down without any loss of audio quality,  for those difficult moments any segment of the track can be repeated and the key changed.

The App is available now for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4/4S, iPod Touch and iPad

The app can be viewed here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kLOQSLr7fQ

TASCAM iU2 Top Side

TASCAM, the brand synonymous with professional recording products, today introduced the iU2 premium sound-quality audio interface for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. 

Now users can make use of all of the features of TASCAM’s best-selling USB audio interfaces (including MIDI Interface and a pair of great-sounding microphone inputs) and easily connect directly to their iDevice.  iU2 is available now with an SRP of £149.00

Connection via Apple’s iOS 30 pin connector or USB for Mac/PC, the iU2 featuresmicrophone inputs that have phantom power for use with high-quality condenser microphones. 

These feed an onboard microphone preamp and A/D converter for better sound performance than those built into iPhone and iPad – true stereo recording with low noise and less tendency to distort. The inputs also accept line-level signals or you can plug a guitar or bass directly into your device.

In addition to compatibility with iOS devices, the iU2 also works with Mac and Windows computers. A zero-latency monitoring path allows musicians to hear themselves directly through the unit, without any distracting delay. MIDI in and out is provided to interface withsynths and drum machines and a digital output connects to digital mixers or recorders.

Features:

• Audio/MIDI Interface for Mac, Windows and iOS devices
• Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch
• Two XLR mic inputs with phantom power
• Two balanced line inputs
• Instrument-level input for guitar or bass
• MIDI in and out
• Onboard A/D conversion for low-noise and distortion when recording with iOSdevices
• Zero-latency direct monitoring
• S/PDIF Digital Output
• Powered through the iPad 32 pin apple plug
• Includes USB cable, iOS dock connection cable, XLR to ¼” conversion cables

Compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch 4G, iPad, iPad 2, New iPad

* Apple, iPhone, iPad and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc.

The TASCAM iU2 is available in the UK now and has an SRP of £149.00.

To download PDF of press release, click here - http://www.napthineporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/TASCAM-iU2-Press-Release-Final-Email1.pdf

TEAC UK Ltd

Suites 19 & 20, Building 6

Hatters Lane

Croxley Green Business Park

Watford

Hertfordshire

WD18 8TE

Tel:      0845 1302511

Email:  info@tascam.co.uk

http://www.tascam.co.uk

Notes for Editors

TASCAM is the professional audio division of TEAC Corporation and has been developing and manufacturing professional recording products since the early 1970’s.  Today, TASCAM’s model line up includes recording devices (both portable and static), mixers and interfaces for the professional recording and broadcasting world.  In addition, TASCAM continue to develop its range of semi-pro and home-recording products dubbed Portastudio – the iconic portable recording device that has been synonymous with musicians the world over since the mid 1970’s.

For further information, interview requests, images or review products for both TEAC and TASCAM, please contact Andy Napthine of Napthine Porter on 07920 425166 /andy@napthineporter.com or Alan Porter on 07922 073208 / alan@napthineporter.com

Volume adjustment is achieved via a numerically controlled, switched-resistor ladder network, wherein a single thin-film, ultra-low-noise resistor is inserted in the signal path for each of the 99 discrete 0.5dB steps. Independent level matching of each input is possible as well.

NuForce Releases P-20 High Performance Preamp

Amplifier circuits are of all-discrete design, wherein speed is paramount. Therefore, capacitive circuit loading is minimized by the use of ultra-low-noise, specially selected MOSFET and Bi-Polar transistors combined within a driven-shield arrangement. The resulting preamplifier boasts a 5MHz power bandwidth, a S/N ratio exceeding 100dB, distortion below .001% and a dynamic range in excess of 120 dB. There are no capacitors or DC-servos whatsoever within the inherently stable gain circuits.

Precise, repeatable performance mandates thermal stability, so key amplifier modules are encapsulated by insulation and heavy copper shielding to avoid thermal drift. In addition, each employs self-contained shunt regulation in conjunction with a floating current-source supply for complete isolation from noise. Finally, all control functions are powered by a separate supply so that no switching noise ever contaminates low-level analog signals. In keeping with the P-20’s state-of-the-art features, a convenient, custom-designed remote control is included as well.

Jason Lim, CEO of Nuforce: “I think we are very close to the theoretical limitation of the performance of a preamp and high-end audio customers would be very pleased to learn that it is still affordable.”

Pricing and Availability

The NuForce P-20 is available worldwide for a suggested retail price of US $5000 and shipping immediately.