CEDIA 2018: GoldenEar Technology Wows with Its Stellar DigitalAktiv 3 Bookshelf Loudspeaker

CEDIA 2018: GoldenEar Technology Wows with Its Stellar DigitalAktiv 3 Bookshelf Loudspeaker​

(September 6, 2018) Originally debuted as a static prototype at CES 2018, GoldenEar Technology is using its always impressive CEDIA presence to show off the incredibly dynamic performance capabilities of its yet-to-be-released DigitalAktiv 3 powered wireless bookshelf speaker.

GoldenEar’s 2018 demo room is loaded with some of the company’s topflight gear, including a stereo pair of its flagship Triton Reference towers, and a complete 5.4.4 Atmos speaker configuration consisting of three Invisa Point Source in-walls (LCR), two MPX in-wall rear channels, four HTR 7000 in-ceiling channels, and a quad subwoofer deployment of two SuperSub X and two SuperSub XL models.

The DigitalAktiv 3 (DA 3) bookshelfs were positioned on stands between the elder Triton References in the front of the room, dishing out solo musicality loaded with width, clarity, and near-magical depth, so much so that attendees entering the room were left wondering which speakers were playing: the larger Triton References? The in-walls? The SuperSubs? It truly was that difficult to tell, especially given the smaller stature of the DA 3.

The DA 3 features both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, with onboard support for Chromcast which allows speakers to be distributed and paired around a home. In a true wireless stereo pairing using internal WISA technology, the DA 3 makes great use of its 6” cast-basket driver (which is flanked by dual 8” side-mounted passive radiators) and HVFR tweeter (the same tweeter found in the flagship Reference tower). Both drivers are independently powered, with the tweeter mated to a 60 watt Class A/B amp and the larger bass driver fed by a 200 watt Class A/B amp, lending to greater driver control and the use of crossover functionality that’s handled by a 56-bit DSP engine in the digital domain.

Pricing and availability of the DA 3 has yet to be set, but the speaker will likely land somewhere near the $1K mark. That estimate is subject to change as GoldenEar finalizes its production requirements.

GoldenEar’s in-wall and in-ceiling Atmos system was also in full ear-bending mode, issuing a beautifully dynamic immersive sound experience. The front soundstage of Invisa Point Source speakers ($999/each) lived up to its billing as a high-quality alternative to traditional floor standing speakers, while the remaining channels combined for a seamless audio experience punctuated by smoothly controlled bass.

For more information about GoldenEar’s speakers, visit goldenear.com.

 

[Isaac Sykes]

I'm extremely excited about wireless speaker.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I'm extremely excited about wireless speaker.

Me too! It's sound is something else, that's for sure. I can't wait to see how GoldenEar deploys wireless into its other speaker offerings.

 

[Isaac Sykes]

I'd really loved to see them make them moisture resistant, so that I can place them in a bathroom, deck or sauna.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I don't think that's in the plans, unfortunately. These are still meant to function as indoor stereo speakers.