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Astell&Kern Launches Its First Wireless BT Speaker: The ACRO BE100

The BE100 offers compatibility with both Qualcomm’s aptX HD and Sony’s LDAC 24-bit audio codecs.

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$ 499

The Astell&Kern ACRO BE100 sets a new standard for wireless speakers. Not only is it the brand’s first, but it is a wow-worthy accomplishment for a design house known specifically for its digital audio players. The Bluetooth speaker offers the advantages of Hi-Fi sound quality delivered through a 32-bit Hi-Fi DAC. The features read like a masterclass in speaker design: there are a pair of custom-designed silk dome tweeters measuring 1.5 inches each, a 4-inch Kevlar woofer, a Class-D amplifier with a compact size that belies its 55W power output.

High-quality sound is the cornerstone of this accessory. More than just supportive of Bluetooth 5.0, it also provides support for aptX HD, the revolutionary technology that compresses music to near-CD quality while minimizing latency. In the modern world, it is a must for boosting Bluetooth sound. The sleek and contemporary vibe of the Astell&Kern ACRO BE100 is not lost, either. Design connoisseurs will appreciate the clean lines, the graphic angles of the speaker grille, and the glowing volume knob atop the device.

To turn it on, simply press down on the knob and depress it when it illuminates. A green display indicates it is in AUX mode, while blue confirms it is in Bluetooth mode. Switch from one to the next by pushing down on the knob. Turn the entire system off by holding the knob down. Its ability to produce crisp sound without diffusion should be enough to thrill any listener, whether avid or casual. Astell&Kern again hits it out of the park, this time with a newcomer that sets the stage for what is sure to be a highly evolved speaker collection.

In other tech news, Bang & Olufsen has introduced its Limited-Edition Beosystem 72-22.