The Future of In-Car Audio: A New Era of Immersive Sound

The automotive industry has long been dominated by traditional car audio systems, which have been criticized for their lack of depth and spatiality. However, with the rapid advancement of technology, car manufacturers are now pushing the boundaries of in-car audio. Denon and Dirac, two renowned brands in the audio industry, have unveiled a revolutionary new concept at CES 2025 that promises to change the game.

The 22-Speaker System: A Breakthrough in Immersive Sound

At the heart of this innovation is a 22-speaker system, carefully designed to create an immersive and spatialized sound experience within the vehicle environment. This system is the result of a collaboration between Denon and Dirac, two brands known for their expertise in audio technology.

Dirac’s audio solutions can also be integrated with other systems, such as HVAC systems, to create a more immersive experience.

Introduction

The world of automotive audio has seen significant advancements in recent years, with companies like Dirac Audio Technologies pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Dirac’s innovative audio solutions aim to revolutionize the way we experience sound in our vehicles, making it more immersive, engaging, and personalized.

How Dirac’s Audio Solutions Work

Dirac’s audio solutions utilize advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyze and optimize the audio signal in real-time. This allows for a more accurate and detailed representation of the audio, resulting in a more immersive experience for the driver and passengers. Key features of Dirac’s audio solutions include:

• Intelligent speaker coordination: Dirac’s solutions enable all speakers in a car to work together and co-correct each other’s impulse response, creating a more cohesive and immersive sound.
  

  Optimizing for Dolby Atmos

  The Dirac Live system is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Dolby Atmos, a cutting-edge audio technology that revolutionizes the way we experience sound. By leveraging the power of upmixing technology, Dirac Live transforms two-channel stereo into immersive, spatial audio that envelops the listener in a rich, cinematic experience.

  How Upmixing Works

  Upmixing is a process that takes the audio signals from a two-channel stereo setup and re-arranges them to create a more immersive audio experience. This is achieved by adding additional audio channels, such as height channels, to create a three-dimensional sound field. In the case of Dirac Live, the upmixing technology is integrated into the system, allowing it to automatically adjust the audio settings to optimize the listening experience.

  Benefits of Upmixing

• Enhances the sense of immersion and presence
• Creates a more engaging and cinematic experience
• Allows for a wider range of audio formats to be supported
• Enables the system to adapt to different listening environments

Integration with Other Technologies

The Dirac Live system is not limited to working with Dolby Atmos.

The new line is designed to bring high-quality audio to a wider audience, making it accessible to those who may not have previously considered hi-fi audio.

Introduction

Onkyo, a well-established brand in the audio industry, has made a significant comeback with the launch of its Icon Series electronics at CES 2025. This new line is designed to bridge the gap between high-end audio equipment and more affordable options, making high-quality audio accessible to a broader audience.

Key Features of the Icon Series

The Icon Series boasts several key features that set it apart from other audio products on the market. Some of the notable features include:

• Improved Sound Quality: The Icon Series is designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, with a focus on clarity, detail, and depth. This is achieved through the use of advanced audio technologies and carefully selected components. Affordable Pricing: One of the standout features of the Icon Series is its affordable pricing. This makes high-quality audio more accessible to a wider audience, without sacrificing performance or quality.