GOLDENEAR DIGITALAKTIV 3

Many companies use CES to demonstrate prototypes and concepts. Why? Sometimes because they really don’t have anything new; sometimes because they want feedback from industry buyers, and sometimes just to run up a flag. What GoldenEar ran up the flagpole at CES 2018 was its DigitalAktiv 3 wireless powered bookshelf loudspeaker.

Not due for release until ‘the fourth quarter 2018’, according to Sandy Gross of GoldenEar, the new DigitalAktiv 3 uses the same 152mm driver used in many other GoldenEar models and the same ‘HFVR’ tweeter. It has a 56-bit digital signal processor that handles all crossover functions, including frequency response and phase optimisation, with low frequencies going to a 200-watt Class-AB amplifier, and high-frequencies to a 60-watt Class-AB amp. ‘ Direct-drive of the drivers reduces distortion by an order of magnitude and dramatically improves control of the drivers for tighter bass and improved transient response,’ Gross told Australian Hi-Fi Magazine, ‘ and the power amplifiers are fed from high-current voltage-regulated d.c. in order to guarantee zero voltage sag during demanding musical transients.’

‘Wireless’ means wi-fi and Bluetooth, with the wi-fi handled by Chromecast, for hassle-free operation with any Cast-capable device. The built-in Cast module supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

As with almost all GoldenEar designs, there is no bass reflex port—energy from the rear of the bass/midrange driver is harnessed by two 203mm passive radiators, each mounted either side of the cabinet. Like GoldenEar’s top-line reference design, the DigitalAktiv 3 is housed in a hand-polished piano-black monocoque cabinet rather than GoldenEar’s more common ‘cloth wrap’.

When used as a stereo pair, two DigitalAktiv 3s are wirelessly linked by a high-quality, low-latency WISA radio, but it’s also possible to use a single DigitalAktiv 3 to play both channels of stereo program material. It’s also possible to link multiple independent zones while maintaining control over volume level as well as program material in each zone. Gross said that when the DigitalAktiv 3 design goes on sale, owners will able to use voice control in conjunction with Google Home device to control the speakers.

For further information, contact GoldenEar’s Australian distributor, Kedcorp: www.kedcorp.com.au