Strategy in TECH...
Even though the iPhone 18 launched just last month in September, Asian suppliers of parts and components needed in the production of the new iPhone 18 models say Apple is already cutting back on orders for these parts due to slack consumer demand compared to historical trends. The culprit killing demand is most likely the fact that these models are coming out at historically high prices.
RTI, a leading brand in control and automation solutions and a division of AVPro Global, announced this week the launch of three new Intelligent Control Processors (ICP) – its fastest and most powerful control platform ever. In addition to these new models, the company has also launched a fully customizable programming ecosystem called Integration Designer 12 (ID12).
Today, London-based Cambridge Audio announced the launch of Spira, a turntable that perfectly blends high performance with flexible features to deliver an exceptional and memorable performance for vinyl lovers everywhere. It is more than simply a base-level turntable; in fact, Spira contains features that old-time classic rock fans will find comfortably familiar, while today’s younger generations will delight in discovering its provision for simple interfacing with more contemporary system configurations.
San Diego, CA-based Wrensilva, maker of high-performance, hand-crafted console music systems, has launched a new version of its Studio model console in an attractive White Oak finish. While this finish has been available on both their M1 and The Standard models for some time, this is the first time it is available for its Studio model, which was introduced earlier in 2026.
Just a little more than a year after being acquired by AVPro Global Holdings, leading residential and commercial custom integration brand RTI announced this week a dramatic expansion of its commercial amplifier lineup. This new series of DSP matrix amplifiers with accompanying zone controllers brings bulletproof technologies, expanded features, and helps RTI expand its beachhead in the commercial channel.
At CEDIA Expo 2026, Sonance announced the all-new James Natural Collection, a design-forward line of on-wall speakers that set a new standard in both audio and visual performance. Utilizing high-quality premium natural materials, the Natural Collection delivers a truly superior performance that looks as though it was literally designed for that home.
I continue to be impressed with the stream of new Marantz products coming from the Sound United team, which doesn’t appear to have skipped a beat since it was acquired one year ago by Harman International Industries, a division of Samsung Electronics. This week, the company announced the launch of a new music system called the MCR 60n. A compact combination component designed to appeal to music lovers everywhere, the 60n looks to hit the sweet spot of high-quality build, audio engineering excellence, technology features contemporary with today’s market, and an above-average ease of use that enhances the listening experience.
For a few years now, I’ve been writing about the surprising and durable increase in the rate of growth of revenues generated from what some refer to as “retro” physical media, as tracked by the Recording Industry Association of America. Now, the New York Times is noticing it as well. While streaming still remains the leading format, it is impossible to ignore the massive growth rates for physical media such as vinyl, CDs, and others.
As our industry has transitioned from the retail consumer electronics trade to the more sophisticated, professionally installed home automation and smart home systems based on IP networks with sophisticated and sensitive control systems, the game has changed. Sensitive equipment like the electronics being installed today can be susceptible to power supply quality issues. This can lead to system performance problems, equipment failures, reduced system lifespans, unhappy clients, and profit-robbing additional truck rolls to try to solve often vexing, intermittent conditions.
Now integrators can offer an affordable and effective solution called Wavecrest that prevents these problems from occurring in the first place.
Marantz, a Sound United brand, and both of which are part of Harman International Industries, Inc., which itself is part of Samsung Electronics, announced today that it has launched a new series of the popular Cinema Series AV receivers (AVRs). This new “Series 2” builds upon the technologies and techniques of the original series, as well as moves the ball down the field with several new advancements.
