From editor 1 month ago

Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound: New technologies want to provide high-end sound via Bluetooth

By editor 1 day ago

Qualcomm announces “Snapdragon Sound”, an audio system that is supposed to offer high-quality audio transmission of up to 384 kHz and 32 bits based on the current Snapdragon 888 SoC (System-on-a-Chip).

This should finally make it possible to provide high-end sound completely wirelessly and comprehensively via Bluetooth.

However, as Qualcomm points out, it is not a single chip, but rather an optimized combination of technologies that is also intended to provide seamless, immersive sound in and between devices such as smartphones, wireless earbuds and headsets.

Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound (QSS) is said to not only provide a more robust and seamless wireless listening experience, but high-resolution 24-bit 96 kHz audio is now possible, and the manufacturer also talks about ultra-low latency, improved pairing, and crystal clear voice quality.

To solve end-to-end latency challenges, Snapdragon Sound is said to support Bluetooth latencies as low as 89 milliseconds (45% less than a leading competitor) for a more immersive gaming and video experience. For those who prefer to listen directly from the mobile device, Snapdragon Sound includes Qualcomm Aqstic DAC, which supports formats up to 384 kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD with ultra-low THD+N.

“The human ear is very sensitive to interference, latency […] that is common when streaming music, video conferencing or gaming over wireless connections. By focusing on end-to-end, we aim to deliver innovations that solve common consumer problems across virtually all audio interaction points,” said James Chapman, vice president and general manager, Voice, Music and Wearables, Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd

The smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi and Audio-Technica are the first to “venture” into the new technology:

“Xiaomi is excited to be the first manufacturer to bring Snapdragon Sound to its devices. Snapdragon Sound will bring a new, high-quality, seamless and low-latency audio experience to our customers everywhere, delivering better sound for voice calls, video conferencing, gaming and/or music listening. Snapdragon Sound has industry-leading capabilities to fully optimize the smartphone and earphones to deliver great sound,” said Lei Zhang, vice president of Mi Smartphone and general manager of hardware R&D, Xiaomi.

“For decades, Audio-Technica has been at the forefront of the premium sound movement. We are proud to be working with Qualcomm Technologies to solve some of the connectivity and latency challenges for next-generation wireless audio, and they are uniquely positioned to help us do so. We believe Snapdragon Sound brings us closer to our shared vision of delivering quality wired audio wirelessly, and we are excited to be one of the first manufacturers to bring our products to consumers,” said Kotaro Narihara, Director, General Manager of Marketing Headquarters, Audio-Technica.

The Snapdragon Sound playlist.
In addition, the company unveiled a cross-genre Amazon Music HD playlist designed to demonstrate the superior sound quality of Snapdragon Sound. This playlist includes the brand new Amazon Original song “Real Love Takes Time” from producer/musician St. Panther, Amazon Original tracks from Allie X and You Me At Six, recently remastered recordings from The Clash, and new tracks from Celeste, Arlo Parks and others.

“We believe that listening to high-quality audio helps consumers fall back in love with their favorite music and artists. That’s why we’re always excited about new developments that make it easier to experience HD and Ultra HD audio. We’re thrilled to partner with Qualcomm Technologies to present the Snapdragon Sound playlist, which includes a beautiful new Amazon Original by St. Panther that can be heard in Ultra HD on Snapdragon Sound-optimized devices.”

Devices that support Snapdragon Sound are expected to be available later this year. Once available, consumers can look for the Snapdragon Sound badge on optimized devices to identify phones, earbuds and headphones, and over time, other devices such as PCs, watches and XR glasses that are designed to provide the full benefit of these advanced audio features.

More info at: www.qualcomm.com

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30 years of ULTRASONE: The headphone manufacturer from Gut Raucherberg celebrates anniversary

From editor 1 month ago

A full 30 years of high-end hi-fi for special listening pleasure – ULTRASONE is celebrating a round anniversary.

Since its founding, the Bavarian headphone manufacturer from Gut Raucherberg has aimed to spoil both demanding music lovers and professional users with the best sound.

According to the manufacturer, it has always paid great attention to the sustainability and durability of its products. The high-end headphones of the Edition Series, which are handmade in Germany, have received numerous awards from the trade press and delight audio enthusiasts worldwide. Over time, this has added up to some unforgettable milestones in the company’s history – from the first HFI-100 headphones to the Edition 8 and the sophisticated Volcano headphone amplifier. As a testimony to the innovative strength of the manufactory stand over 60 successfully filed patents, which ULTRASONE its products, it is said further.

S-Logic: revolutionary technology and independent trademark
For 30 years, the core of every headphone from the Bavarian manufacturer has been the patented and multiple award-winning S-Logic technology. Here, the sound transducers are arranged in a staggered manner, which is intended to create an excellent spatiality of the sound. This is accompanied by a lower sound pressure at the same perceived volume, which is intended to put less strain on the ear, especially when listening to music for a long time or in professional applications. In this way, S-Logic guarantees not only the best sound, but also fatigue-free listening. According to the manufacturer, the latest evolutionary stage of the technology is “S-LogicEX” with a funnel-shaped front and bottom structured transducer arrangement. This design allows for a greater distance between the driver and the ear and is said to make the oSoundstage even better. In addition to S-Logic’s lower sound pressure, ULTRASONE also protects its headphone users with an Ultra Low Emission (ULE) standard MU metal shielding. This was developed to protect listeners from electromagnetic radiation exposure.

Sustainable manufacturing in Bavaria

In the long history of the company, specially selected and high-quality materials have always been the basis of the manufactory products, it continues. They are intended not only to guarantee the special visual and haptic impression, but also to ensure a long service life – for years of musical enjoyment. With replaceable pads and cables, the headphones aim to stand for high standards and sustainable product design from start to finish. When selecting headphone components, ULTRASONE also pays attention to maximum environmental compatibility and short distances to suppliers. The company also aims to use available resources responsibly by constantly optimizing its manufacturing processes. Sustainability is also an integral part of the company’s philosophy in other areas: The production site in Bavaria is equipped with a photovoltaic system and attention is also paid to climate-neutral production when working with partners. Furthermore, the company fleet consists mainly of advanced electric vehicles.

Milestones in the company’s history

According to its own statements, ULTRAONE has stood for first-class headphones for 30 years, which are characterized by high-quality materials and a noble design. During this time, the company is said to have often taken on the role of pioneer in the field of headphone technology and brought numerous unique as well as excellent models onto the market. Especially the Edition series headphones are said to have contributed enormously to the brand’s fame and stand for excellent sound, which listeners all over the world appreciated. For example, the successful Edition 8 are said to still sound excellent on audiophile hi-fi systems. The Edition 15 (for review), released in 2017, added an open reference headphone to the manufacturer’s portfolio, equipped with Gold Titanium Compound drivers. With its absolute high-end claim, the noble over-ear model inspires not only demanding customers, but also the professional world, says the manufacturer. But ULTRASONE also wants to have proven its innovative strength in revolutionary in-ear earphones. The Saphire (to the test) of 2019 combines six drivers and four ways in a compact in-ear housing and thus allows a detailed resolution across the entire frequency spectrum – of course handmade in Bavaria. Last year, ULTRASONE also claims to have set itself a true monument with the Volcano. The exquisite headphone amplifier in the style of the reference headphones wants to set as a superlative tube amplifier on absolutely uncompromising sound quality.

At ULTRASONE for 20 years: CEO Michael Willberg

This year, there is even another anniversary to celebrate: Michael Willberg, CEO of ULTRASONE AG, has been accompanying the fortunes of the manufactory not far from Lake Starnberg for 20 years now. A special focus during this time has been the sustainable development of ULTRASONE. As an absolute pioneer of e-mobility, Willberg has strongly influenced the environmentally conscious orientation of the company. However, much has also remained constant over time:

“It was an inconceivable 30 years ago when my old friend Florian König founded the company ULTRASONE elektroacoustics GmbH, and I myself have now been with the company for over 20 years. I still remember exactly how I earned my first ULTRASONE HFI-100 by helping to build the equipment. Mine was the first non-yellow ULTRASONE headphone ever and it still occupies a place of honor in the office. A lot has happened since then – but two things have never changed: The friendship between Florian and me and the passion to make the emotions of music an experience while listening to it,” says Willberg.

von Redaktion

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