As consumers download songs from the Internet in record numbers, digital-music fans are seeking affordable ways to improve their listening experience with portable CD and MP3 players. The fact is: standard ear buds and headphones that are included with today’s portables simply don’t offer the best sound reproduction. And the sophisticated younger generation is recognizing that affordable, quality portable headphones will really make a difference in audio performance. many consumers are willing to make a small, additional investment to enhance their on-the-go lifestyle. With this in mind, Sennheiser is introducing the MX Series, a new line of ear buds, and the PX Series, a new line of mini-headphones.

NHT will soon unveil its first speaker system incorporating digital signal processing (DSP). The system was previewed at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. "Loudspeaker drivers have come as far as any mechanical technology can take them," said Chris Byrne, NHT's co-founder and Director of Product Development and Marketing, Rockford Home Group. "After all the refinements and improvements of the past 60 years, DSP presents a path for correcting system behavior that will allow us to meet consumer demands for higher performance, smaller systems that are flexible in placement considerations and ultimately lead to significantly enhanced room correction."

Morel has just introduced its redesigned, reengineered new car stereo loudspeaker line. The new line features new technological innovations including the Accuset™ crossover and alignment system and a new aluminum die-cast chassis with Uniflow™ design. Elate SW woofers are Morel’s solution for deep and accurate bass reproduction. Engineered to be used in a wide array of applications, the Elate series presents Morel’s elite. The Elate series introduce car audio enthusiasts with a 2-way and 3-way component systems with all of the best features Morel can offer.

Spherex Inc., a subsidiary of API has just announced its entry into the computer and video game industry through a 3-year global licensing agreement with Microsoft Corporation to produce and market the Xbox 5.1 branded speaker system. The finished units will have a suggested list price of $499. The Xbox 5.1 is a multimedia audio platform created for use as a game audio and home theater solution, consisting of a 5.1 speaker system with Apogee’s DDX digital power amplification, surround sound processing, multiple audio inputs and networking capability. The 300 watt (RMS) amplifier drives 5 identical OMNIPOLAR satellite speakers and an 8” Subwoofer. The speaker design is based on API’s patented Mirage OMNIPOLAR technology, which disperses sound in a 360 degree pattern, to create realistic immersive experience for gaming, movies and music playback. Four independent audio inputs (3 Digital and 1 Analog) allow simultaneous compatibility with multiple source formats including all gaming consoles, DVD and CD ...

RBH has just introduced sonic upgrades and a complete visual redesign to their MC Theater Series lineup of home theater speakers. Dubbed the MKII series, these redesigned speakers take the MC Theater Series and turn it up a notch in performance and aesthetic appeal. For consumers familiar with the original MC Theater Series, the MKII aesthetic improvements are evident. The redesigned baffle and countersunk woofers make for a more attractive speaker when the grill is off and hides the “mechanics” of the speaker such as the screws securing the woofers to the cabinet. The new Resonance Damping Alloy Baffle™ (RDAB) functions to dampen cabinet vibrations and minimize tweeter diffraction.