GoldenEar Goes Wireless with Its DigitalAktiv 3 Bookshelf Loudspeaker at CES 2018

GoldenEar Goes Wireless with Its DigitalAktiv 3 Bookshelf Loudspeaker at CES 2018​

(AV NIRVANA)(January 9, 2018) GoldenEar Technology is officially entering the wireless space, showing its new prototype DigitalAktiv 3 (DA 3) ultra-high-performance compact bookshelf loudspeaker at CES 2018. The speaker is still in the design phase, but is projected to begin shipping sometime during Q3 or Q4 2018.

Externally, the DA 3 sports a gorgeous hand-polished piano-black monocoque cabinet that’s stylized to resemble GoldenEar’s loudspeaker lineup. The front side features a magnetically attached metal grille, a small LED display, and several functionality buttons. The rear carries dual RCA and single optical, USB, and 3.5mm inputs, along with a subwoofer output and a service outlet. Its driver array takes cues from the company’s Triton Reference speaker, utilizing a 6” cast-basket bass/midrange driver and an HVFR ribbon tweeter. Bass is further enhanced by two Inertially balanced 8” passive radiators.

According to Sandy Gross, the DA 3’s active drivers are driven by two separate power sources for reduced distortion and better driver control. These sources are fed from high-current voltage regulated DC rails designed to deliver consistent power during demanding music playback. The 6” bass/midrange driver is powered by a 200 Watt amp, while the tweeter is paired with a separate 60 Watt amp. All crossover functions – including frequency response and phase optimization – are handled by a powerful 56-bit digital signal processing engine.

(AV NIRVANA)
Wirelessly speaking, the DA 3 carries both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 Ghz) via Chromecast, allowing for music to be sourced from any Chromecast enabled handheld device or computer. Additionally, owners can link together two DA 3s via WISA radio to make a high-performance stereo pair.

Not ignoring the push toward convenience and whole-home operation, GoldenEar says the DA 3 will have voice command control via any Google Home device. Owners can also place DA 3s around their home in multiple zones, with independent control over volume and media playback.

GoldenEar is scheduled to demo the DA 3 at CEDIA 2018.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Here's a look at the back side connectivity options:

 

[Allan T.]

I just saw the article on the SVS wireless setup. I wonder if wireless is set to take off this year?

 

[tripplej]

Wireless would definitely get the WAF..

 

[Todd Anderson]

Let’s put it this way: both companies are well aware of the massive growth of the wireless segment and realize the necessity to begin establishing a foothold.

Neither is interested in compromised sound... and from what I heard in the SVS demo, they are offering stellar performance! While the GoldenEar speaker wasn’t operational, early word from testing is that it’s fantastic.

Great news all the way around... I’m excited to see where both companies go with their respective wireless designs.

 

[Todd Anderson]

One thing to add: GE is opting for class A/B amplification (as opposed to D). According to Sandy Gross, the engineering team felt the speaker sounded significantly better with A/B during R&D testing.

Also, the speaker is projected to ship with a remote control.