I’m always on the lookout for new audio tech, and the annual IFA tech show in Berlin, Germany, is a great place to find the latest and greatest.
I’ve been on the floor at IFA 2024, and these are some of the best new bits of audio tech I’ve seen.
1 Technics SC-CX700
I wasn’t expecting legendary brand Technics to launch anything new at IFA 2024, but they surprised us all with a new active speaker system.
The SC-CX700 combines an amplifier, streaming capabilities, regular connections, and more into a stylish-looking unit. Available in three colors, these bookshelf speakers also sound good, although a listening experience on the noisy IFA floor will never be completely accurate. Still, even with the noise and brevity of the listening experience, Technics’ new speakers appear to deliver where it counts.
The SC-CX700 features a brand new single coaxial driver powered by Technics’ JENO-Engine amplifier. It also has a front-facing bass port that should allow decent airflow for maximum sound. At the rear of the speakers, you’ll find a 3.5mm input, a USB-C port, a wired Ethernet port, and a subwoofer port to connect your other hardware. There is also a P/S Link port that I can only assume is a means to connect other speakers.
2 Soundcore Space One Pro
I really like these new headphones from Anker’s audio brand, Soundcore. The new Soundcore Space One Pro is a beefed-up version of its Space One series, which I thought were outstanding budget headphones when I reviewed them in September 2023.
Now, these headphones are even more comfortable, offer up to 60 hours of playback (dropping to 40 with ANC), and have a fantastic five-minute charge function that provides up to eight hours of listening time.
They also fold down, so they’re nice and compact but also feel well-built.
Having given them a listen on the IFA show floor, I thought the default EQ profile was a little bass-forward, and I assume they were set to Soundcore’s Signature profile. However, all Soundcore headphones come with an adjustable EQ through the Soundcore app, so you can tweak them to get them firing just right.
It’s no wonder the Soundcore Space One Pro snagged a coveted spot on our Best of IFA 2024 list.
3 Kanto Audio 100W REN
I must admit that I had not really heard of Kanto Audio before IFA 2024. But that’s always part of the fun at big tech shows: learning about something new, and in this case, something that sounds as awesome as it looks.
Kanto Audio’s 100W Ren active speakers pack quite the punch while delivering smooth and precise audio, which I experienced at a smaller event and on the show floor itself. These 100W RMS, 200W peak speakers can really crank it up when required, blasting out your favorite tunes with 1-inch silk dome tweeters and 5.25-inch concave drivers.
You’ll also find Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connections, while there are also USB-C, optical, RCA, 3.5mm, and an HDMI ARC with CEC option. Safe to say, the Kanto Audio Ren will connect to nearly any input device.
Of course, the Kanto Audio Ren looks good, too. Available in the awesome orange color (it really is the best option) or matte black, grey, or white, it’ll fit into any living space.
4 Tecno FreeHear 1
Tecno’s audio offerings continue to expand, and its intriguingly styled FreeHear 1 is its first attempt at real open-ear earbuds.
I saw them in two colors at IFA 2024: a sleek black colorway and a shinier chrome and cream colorway that was quite eye-catching. Personally, I’d probably opt for the black, but the other option still looks great.
The FreeHear 1 comes equipped with substantial 11mm drivers, up to 31 hours of playback, and integrated touch controls that make them easy to use. There is also USB-C charging (though I’m sure about wireless charging currently), and they’re small enough to fit into any pocket when you’re on the go.
5 Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro
Now, Beyerdynamic’s MMX series are gaming headphones, but given they’ve received a hefty upgrade, I think they’re worthy of a place on this list. I previously reviewed the Beyerdynamic MMX 200 in December 2023, and found that they were some of the comfiest gaming cans I’d ever worn.
But this time out, Beyerdynamic has given what many folks have been asking for: an open-back version. The Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro is an open-back version of the company’s long-running product line, creating a larger soundstage to provide deep in-game immersion.
These also feature the same super comfy memory foam earpads and adjustable headband, and they’re really a delight to wear.
