The future of high-resolution music streaming has arrived — but it comes with a premium price tag.

Audiophiles chasing the perfect sound experience may have just found their new obsession. Pure Audio Streaming, a fresh face in the high-fidelity streaming world, is preparing to launch a platform that promises truly uncompressed, immersive audio that surrounds listeners from every direction.

The goal? To push home audio systems far beyond what streaming giants like Tidal and Qobuz have achieved, delivering a rich, three-dimensional sound experience that feels alive.

What Sets Pure Audio Streaming Apart

While Tidal and Qobuz have long offered high-resolution stereo streaming, Pure Audio Streaming claims to be the first service delivering genuine lossless immersive audio. It uses advanced AURO-3D technology to create a soundscape that goes beyond traditional surround sound.

“Our aim is to bring music to life like never before,” says Stefan Bock, founder of the Pure Audio Blu-ray disc format.

Instead of compressing multi-channel audio — the usual approach — Pure Audio Streaming delivers up to 96kHz PCM in 7.1.4 channels. If you prefer headphones, the platform also offers binaural audio, simulating that 3D sound environment without needing a full speaker setup.

Imagine sound not only coming from all around you but also floating above you, creating what the company calls a “cocoon of life-like sound.”

At launch, the platform will feature over 300 audiophile-favorite recordings, including Grammy-winning albums like LUX by 2L Records. Plus, users can access tracks up to 192kHz PCM and binaural audio at 48kHz PCM for even higher fidelity.

What You’ll Need to Listen

To enjoy Pure Audio Streaming’s immersive audio, your setup needs to go beyond the usual streaming gear. Here’s the basics:

• A fast, reliable internet connection
• An HDMI input and monitor for the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro
• An AV receiver compatible with immersive audio — 5.1, 7.1.4 (recommended), or even up to 9.1.6

Right now, immersive audio streaming works with select devices: NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro, Amazon Fire Stick 4K (2023 model), and computers running Google Chrome connected via HDMI to an AV receiver.

Support for Amazon Fire Cube is on the way.

The platform also includes “AC Connect” technology to make pairing with home theater gear easier, though full device compatibility details are still coming.

Early Access Comes at a Cost

Pure Audio Streaming will launch with two subscription plans:

• Stereo Plan: High-resolution stereo up to 192kHz PCM and binaural audio at 48kHz PCM
• Premium Immersive Plan: 5.1 surround sound and 7.1.4 channel audio at 96kHz

Before its public debut, the company has opened an Early Adopter Program—but spots are limited and come with a steep entry fee.

According to the website, “To ensure only the most dedicated audiophiles join, an entry fee applies.”

Here’s the deal: for $500, early adopters get first access to all content, a full year of streaming, an NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro device, and a chance to help shape the platform’s development. If you already own a compatible SHIELD TV Pro, there’s a discounted $300 option.

However, participants must agree to keep all pre-launch details confidential — no public chatter about bugs or issues. This suggests the platform is still polishing its final features.

Key Dates

Applications for the Early Adopter Program close on May 18. Those accepted will gain access starting May 25, well ahead of the official launch planned for July 25.

Bottom line: If you’re an audiophile eager to experience the next level of immersive sound and don’t mind investing upfront, Pure Audio Streaming might just be the game changer you’ve been waiting for.

Source: Headphonesty –

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Samsung’s latest acquisition is making waves in the audio world, and it could change everything. With a $350 million deal, the tech giant has added some of the most iconic names in consumer audio to its empire. Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, and more are now part of Samsung’s growing portfolio through HARMAN, a subsidiary that’s already home to major audio brands like JBL and Harman Kardon.

This move solidifies Samsung’s dominance in the audio market, but the big question remains: will Samsung preserve what makes these brands great, or will they alter the magic that made audiophiles fall in love with them?

Samsung’s Audio Empire Expands

With this latest acquisition, Samsung now controls a staggering number of top-tier audio brands. The $350 million deal includes:

• Bowers & Wilkins
• Denon
• Marantz
• Polk Audio
• Boston Acoustics
• Definitive Technology
• HEOS
• Classe Audio

These brands join a prestigious lineup under HARMAN, which already owns:

• AKG
• JBL
• Harman Kardon
• Infinity
• Mark Levinson
• Revel
• Soundcraft
• Studer, and more.

HARMAN President Dave Rogers emphasized that this acquisition helps expand their reach across key audio categories, from home audio and headphones to car audio and high-fidelity components. With these additions, Samsung now controls brands that span the entire spectrum of audio equipment—from affordable speakers to ultra-premium audiophile gear.

The Financial Side of the Sale

This move follows a rocky financial journey for Masimo, the previous owner. The company acquired the division for $1.532 billion in 2022, only to sell it off for just $350 million, a steep loss of over 75%. Financial struggles plagued Masimo’s audio venture, with consumer audio revenue falling by over $10 million in a year, and the division’s losses mounting.

Masimo’s decision to offload the brands allows the company to refocus on its core medical technology business. CEO Katie Szyman explained that this sale aligns with their goal of streamlining operations and focusing on areas of unmet clinical need.

What Audiophiles Should Watch For

While Samsung’s takeover has some audiophiles excited about the potential for innovation, others are concerned about what this could mean for the future of these beloved brands. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

1. Manufacturing Quality: Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and Marantz are known for their exceptional craftsmanship. If Samsung decides to shift production or sourcing methods, even minor changes could affect the quality and feel that fans expect from these brands.
2. Sound Tuning and Engineering: Each of these brands has a distinct sound—whether it’s Marantz’s warm, analog tone or Bowers & Wilkins’ precise, detailed sound. Audiophiles are eager to see if Samsung will keep these unique characteristics intact or standardize the sound across its newly acquired brands.
3. Product Focus: Samsung is a massive player in the mass-market sector, and there’s a fear that these high-end brands could be pushed toward more mainstream products. Will there still be room for premium, audiophile-focused releases, or will Samsung focus on broader market appeal?
4. Retail Strategy: When McIntosh was acquired by Bose, it faced backlash after changes to its distribution strategy. Will Samsung make similar moves, altering where and how these brands are sold? This could signal bigger shifts in the audio market.

The Waiting Game

For now, it’s a waiting game. Samsung has yet to reveal detailed plans for its new acquisitions, but how they handle these iconic audio brands will set the tone for the next chapter of its audio empire. Audiophiles will be listening closely, hoping that the magic of these brands is preserved, even under Samsung’s control.

Source: Headphonesty – Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and Marantz Sale Puts Samsung in Control of the Biggest Audio Empire in History

The post Samsung Just Bought Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and Marantz—What Happens Next? appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.