CES 2021 breaks priority as everything is virtual. The stands, the briefings – everything is online, but the products are very real. From creative software to eyeglass tips, these are the best new audio products for CES 2021 selected by our editorial team.
CES 2021 top tips for audio:
Sony 360 Reality Audio Creative Suite
Sony announced its new Creative Suite plug-in, which is compatible with popular digital audio workstations (DAWs). This plug-in makes it easy to create 360-degree sound with Sony’s spatial sound technology. The 360 Reality Audio Creative Suite includes tools such as headphone monitoring, control of 128 individual mono audio objects, and automatic or manual control of audio positioning. Sony 360 Reality Audio defied the consumer audio world in 2019 and has made waves since then. Deezer, Nugs.net, and Tidal are the only music streaming services that support the audio format.
360 Reality Audio Creative Suite works with Avid Pro Tools through the AAX plug-in format and other DAWs through the VST3 plug-in format. It was developed by Audio Futures and will be available later this month.
JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 builds on the JBL Charge range of durable, portable speakers. The 7,500 mAh battery lasts 20 hours and doubles as a battery. You can charge almost any of your portable electronic devices with this horn speaker. The IP67 rating indicates the dust and water resistance, so you can easily use them for a day at the beach. It works via Bluetooth 5.0 and houses two passive radiators and a separate tweeter. These elements work together to reproduce loud bass and crisp highs. A connection to any compatible JBL product can also be established via JBL PartyBoost.
You can pick up this April for $ 179.
Sennheiser IE 300
The Sennheiser IE 300 are premium in-ear monitors for everyday use. Each detachable MMCX earbud housing contains a 7mm broadband transducer for clear and accurate audio reproduction over the frequency range from 6 Hz to 20 kHz. The drivers are designed to reduce uncomfortable resonances that occur naturally in the human ear canal. We experienced this with the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 noise-canceling earphones.
The ergonomic earhooks are designed to easily shape around the back of your ear and keep a stable fit for hours. Sennheiser offers you a variety of memory foam and silicone earplugs so you can decide what is best for your needs. The Sennheiser IE 300 will be available January 19 and will cost $ 299.95.
V-Moda M-200 ANC
V-Moda makes the most durable headphones, but it doesn’t just rely on strength to make its products great. The V-Moda M-200 ANC are Bluetooth 5.0 headphones that support Bluetooth multipoint. This headset allows you to connect to two devices at the same time – a function normally reserved for a few premium devices (e.g. Sony WH-1000XM4). The headset offers numerous high-quality codec support (aptX HD and AAC). Regardless of your preferred smartphone operating system, you can enjoy up to 20 hours of high quality audio on a single charge.
Each headphone contains a 50mm driver with neodymium magnets and Roland-tuned voice coils. V-Moda includes a 3.5mm cable that carries lossless audio up to 40kHz and a USB-C to USB-C charging cable. V-Moda doesn’t mess around with its headset.
The new headphones cost $ 499. Don’t worry: you’ll have plenty of time to round up some dough as it won’t be available until March.
JLab JBuds frames
The JLab JBuds Frames are our best audio pick from CES 2021. These audio accessories turn any pair of sunglasses or glasses into speakers. Every audio device uses a pair of hooks to attach it to your glasses frames.
They also support AAC for high quality audio playback. However, good quality audio doesn’t mean much if the headset doesn’t go in or around your ears. Instead, the JBuds frames keep your ears open so you can stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your favorite music or podcast.
Each device has a dynamic 16 mm driver. They’re also IPX4 certified so you can exercise with them or run through the rain. Each device should be played continuously for eight hours. The JLab JBuds frames will be available this spring for $ 50.
Spotlight Awards:
Edifier TWS NB3 Pro
Edifier TWS NB3 Pro noise canceling headphones support Ambient Sound Mode so you can hear what is going on around you. The unique design is certainly eye catching and it is certainly a more modern version of the Edifier TWS NB.
These headphones use Bluetooth 5.0 and are rated IP54. ANC lets you listen for up to seven hours on a single charge, and the case offers an additional 23 hours of playtime. Only 15 minutes in the case provide two hours of reserve battery.
The best thing about these earbuds? They only cost $ 99. You can pick up your couple in March.
JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam
JBL is expanding its soundbar collection to include Dolby Atmos support with the JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam. The soundbar restores immersive sound that goes over and around you, rather than a standard static system. This soundbar is a plug and play proposition that supports Apple AirPlay 2, Alexa MRM, and Google Chromecast. If you are not responsible for Wi-Fi streaming services, you can always fall back on Bluetooth streaming. The multibeam will be available this spring for $ 399.95.
JBL SA750 integrated amplifier
JBL has released a variety of products this year, but the JBL SA750 integrated amplifier caught the eye as it has Dirac live room calibration. Our sister site SoundGuys tested Dirac’s mobile audio app at CES 2020 and was impressed with how effective it was. The company’s room tuning technology is no different and enables optimal audio playback in an incomplete environment. It also supports MQA file decoding and is Roon Ready. You can even use more pedestrian services like Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast.
The JBL SA750 will also be available in April and will retail for $ 3,000.