FiiO Unveils K15 Affordable Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier Featuring Dual AKM AK4497S Converters
FiiO (FiiO Electronics Technology Company), a Chinese manufacturer from Guangzhou established in 2007 by a team of engineers from OPPO - and one of the rare examples of a decent brand name - announces the launch of its new K15 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier. This new model, described as a "trickledown" version of the FiiO K17, was carefully engineered to hit a price point which is half the price of any rival, and leverages the latest AK4497S Velvet Sound DAC from Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) in a dual configuration.
New Bela Gem Stereo and Multi Audio Embedded Linux Boards
Bela announced the launch of Bela Gem, a powerful and accessible platform for real-time audio and sensor processing. Available in two versions – Stereo (2-in/2-out) and Multi (10-in/10-out) – Bela Gem transforms the PocketBeagle 2 single-board computer (SBC) into a lightning-fast embedded system for instruments, sound installations, effects units, and more. The two products are available through a Crowd Supply campaign now live, with shipping planned for October 2025.
Ceva RealSpace Software Adds Immersive Spatial Audio to Nothing Headphones and Earbuds
In a move that pushes the boundaries of personal audio, Ceva announced a new collaboration with London-based lifestyle consumer brand Nothing to bring Ceva's RealSpace Spatial Audio Software to its upcoming audio lineup. Ceva will power enhanced listening experiences across the Nothing and CMF sub-brand audio product lines, including the newly announced Nothing Headphone, which is the company’s first entry into the over-ear style audio device, developed in cooperation with KEF.
Renesas Sets New MCU Performance Bar with 1-GHz RA8P1 Devices with AI Acceleration
Renesas Electronics introduced the RA8P1 microcontroller (MCU) Group targeted at Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications, as well as real-time analytics. Designed for running AI on device, the new MCUs establish a new performance level by combining 1GHz Arm Cortex-M85 and 250MHz Cortex-M33 CPU cores with the Arm Ethos-U55 Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This combination delivers the highest CPU performance of over 7300 CoreMarks and AI performance of 256 GOPS at 500MHz.
Brandenburg Labs introduces Directivity Transfer Function for Okeanos Pro
Brandenburg Labs has updated its advanced headphone system, Okeanos Pro, intended for music production and scientific research. Starting in August 2025, users will have access to the Directivity Transfer Function (DTF) editor. This new tool enables Okeanos Pro users to adjust the directivity of virtual sound sources. By incorporating DTFs into their workflow, audio professionals will be able to experience a more realistic representation of their studio.
Yamaha Corporation of America Appoints Sotaro Nishida to Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Audio
Sotaro Nishida was appointed to the role of Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Audio at Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA). In this newly created role, Nishida will oversee both the Consumer Audio and Professional Audio departments, expanding the breadth and depth of Yamaha audio solutions available to integrators, audio professionals, and consumers. Sotaro Nishida has a rich and diverse history with Yamaha, having been involved in the company's mobile and content business, as well as various vertical segments in Latin America, Germany, Japan and the US.
Audio Engineering Society Heading to Long Beach, California
The 159th Audio Engineering Society's International Convention returns to the West Coast for the first time since 2016. The AES Show 2025 will take place at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, from Thursday, October 23, through Saturday, October 25, with additional Skill Building Workshops and Tech Tours taking place on Wednesday, October 22. The Exhibit Hall will be open October 23-24, with educational content and sessions running all three days. Registration is now open.
Cambridge Audio Rebranding and New Evo 150 SE Enhanced Streaming Amplifier
Cambridge Audio, the British brand that has been synonymous with high-performance audio for over five decades, announced a rebranding that is intended to reinforce the connection with people and the power of music. The choice was to drop the "Audio" in the new logo, which will be introduced in the latest 2025 products. The first product to feature the single word is the Evo 150 SE, an enhanced special edition of the company's latest streaming amplifier.
StormAudio Launches Core 16+ Compact Immersive Audio Processor
StormAudio, the manufacturer of high-performance audio processors and power amplifiers for the home theater market, has announced the release of the Core 16+, an enhanced version of its acclaimed Core 16 processor. The Core 16+ introduces expanded channel capability and includes their most powerful advanced features as standard. That includes the latest version of Dirac Live, with Active Room Treatment.
New Nisshinbo NL8902 High-Performance Dual Audio Op-Amp with JFET Input
Nisshinbo Micro Devices recently expanded its lineup of premium audio components with the launch of the NL8902, a high-performance dual op-amp inspired by the renowned MUSES range. The NL8902 combines low noise, low distortion, high slew rate, and high EMI immunity with exceptional audio fidelity, making it ideal for high-end audio applications while remaining cost-effective for entry-level designs. Available in a compact EMP-8 package and a smaller DFN package.