While no longer the audio-centric show of yore, CES 2025 offered more innovative sonic goodies to this Hi-Fi-loving attendee than I’ve encountered in several prior laps around the Las Vegas convention.
Sony showcased a serious surround-sound and multi-screen video system inside the Afeela, a forthcoming premium electric vehicle (starting at $89,900) jointly developed with Honda. Riders will be entertained with all-around speakers and screens, connected streaming services, and an onboard PlayStation 5. With Afeela’s Level 2 self-driving capabilities, even the driver can sneak some peeks.
SVS delivered a stunning home theater presentation featuring its brand-new “quantum-leap” in performance 17-Ultra RIEvolution subwoofers. These basso profundos (available in two models) are so powerful and energy-hungry they require an onboard AC line conditioner with voltage stabilization. As you may have guessed, the “17” refers to the diameter of the high-excursion driver.
As a volunteer evangelist for Open Ear (aka Open Air) earbuds, I was thrilled to see multiple new OE models debuting at CES from familiar brands like Shokz, Cleer, Anker, Creative Labs, and EarFun, as well as newcomers to the U.S. market, including Open Rock, Lytmi, and Eska Telecom. Floating outside the ear canal while still letting in ambient noise, the best Open Ear buds combine surprisingly sweet musicality with unmatched all-day comfort and safety. Many CES attendees who had never experienced OE buds walked away as converts after a try-on.
On the true wireless earbud front, Technics introduced a smaller (by 10%) and lighter (16%) top-end model, the EAH-AZ100, which felt at home and sounded terrific in my ears.
Onkyo, a brand with both mainstream and audiophile credibility, reasserted its status with a new line of stylish and superbly engineered two-channel audio products dubbed ICON.
But for one-of-a-kind sonic thrills and chills, nothing could beat the two ultra-sophisticated soundbars I auditioned from Danish makers Dynaudio and Canvas. The former made its CES debut, while the latter returned after a CES 2024 preview (covered by HTR) with actual products available for purchase online (canvashifi.com) and “soon” from select U.S. dealers.
These all-in-one rigs were so refined—and in Canvas’ case, revolutionary—that you might seriously consider downsizing your residence (and trashing a multi-speaker setup) just to have an excuse to buy one.
Dynaudio has long been renowned as an innovative maker of speaker drivers (serving as an OEM supplier to other loudspeaker brands) and for its high-end audio gear for home, car, and professional applications. The Symphony Opus One represents the brand’s first-ever foray into soundbars, and it’s clear the team wanted it to be extra-special.
So special, in fact, that we awarded it the Best of CES 2025 Award, recognizing its groundbreaking design and exceptional audio performance.
First showcased last September at CEDIA as a “conceptual prototype” with amplification and processing hidden behind the curtain, the Symphony Opus One at CES 2025 appeared about 85% production-ready. “We’re aiming to launch late this year or early next,” said demonstrator Leif Schmucker, acknowledging that “there’s work left to do.”
Dynaudio still needs to finalize streaming service partnerships, earn HDMI eARC certification, fine-tune DSP settings, and enhance the usability of the rotatable wooden louvers that span the face of the 73-inch enclosure.
These slats lend both aesthetic appeal and acoustic resonance, rotating flat for a clean look when the unit is off and opening as the soundbar powers on. By launch, these motorized slats will likely offer additional customization options.
For example, viewers might keep only the center channel open for dialogue-heavy news content or open the side slats for stereo music playback. Schmucker dispelled speculation about using angled slats for spatial audio enhancements, stating that Dynaudio achieves such effects with advanced processing, driver placement, and its Room Adapt technology.
While most soundbars are designed as TV soundtrack enhancers, Canvas dares to challenge Hi-Fi music systems in head-to-head comparisons. Its ability to deliver a lifelike, three-dimensional listening experience had me returning home from CES with serious Canvas envy.
Canvas, priced at $3,800, employs BACCH 3D stereo imaging filters developed at Princeton University by Dr. Edgar Choueiri. These filters eliminate crosstalk—an unwanted artifact that muddles stereo sound by mixing signals between ears. Unlike previous crosstalk filters, BACCH processing is free of coloration, making music and soundtracks feel alive and panoramic.
While Canvas lacks rear-channel effects, its nearly 180-degree soundstage is open, revealing, and emotionally engaging. This is bolstered by high-quality amps, Burr-Brown DACs, and drivers from Danish neighbors SB Acoustics.
Why haven’t mainstream brands adopted this tech? BACCH licensing fees are likely a deterrent, with single-user licenses priced at $1,000. By contrast, mass-market brands typically pay just a few dollars for Dolby or DTS processing.
Considering the package includes a speaker and stand with free shipping from Denmark, the $3,800 price suddenly feels like a steal. I hope Canvas demos at more U.S. Hi-Fi exhibitions so others can experience its transformative sound firsthand.
