TechTicker: Qobuz against AI garbage, eversolo with Spotify lossless, Nubert nuVero nova 5, Klipsch ProMedia and more | News

QOBUZ SET CLEAR LIMITS FOR AI IN MUSIC STREAMING
As MTN recently reported, the video platform YouTube has clearly positioned itself against AI-generated “slop”. A challenge that other content providers also have to face. In the area of ​​music streaming, Qobuz is now the first provider to take a clear position as part of its transparency offensive. The provider recently became the first streaming service to publicly announce its payout rates per stream.

The European music platform published its “AI guidelines”. The platform publicly explains how it handles AI-generated content and uses artificial intelligence. The guidelines define clear principles and concrete commitments. According to the press release, they confirm Qobuz’s human approach as the most effective guarantee to protect both artists and users.

The guidelines are divided into three structuring focal points that specifically define how Qobuz wants to deal with AI-generated content. In the exact wording:

• A 100% human editorial selection. All recommendations highlighted by Qobuz – such as the Qobuzissimes, the albums of the week or the playlists – are selected by the in-house music editorial team. This approach guarantees independent curation and excludes industrially produced, AI-generated content from the platform’s top rankings.
• Personalized recommendations that rely on real artists. The algorithmic recommendations tailored to each user (autoplay, radios, daily mixes, etc.) are based on data selected by the Qobuz editorial team or from trusted partners, which excludes all AI-generated titles. This guarantees real artists the visibility and compensation they deserve.
• A system for identifying AI-generated content. Qobuz develops specialized tools to identify AI-generated music and detect fraudulent streaming patterns. The platform works with industry partners to jointly develop sustainable and effective solutions that guarantee users transparency and freedom of choice. Fraudulent streams will be excluded from reporting and royalty payments. AI-generated content will be removed from the platform as soon as violations are detected.

In addition, the AI ​​guidelines define clear boundaries: Qobuz undertakes never to generate musical content for its catalog or to calculate royalties, not to replace editorial curation with AI and not to release customer data or music content for training external AI models and training (crawling or scraping).

Comment: A laudable approach that deserves imitation.

+ + + + + + + + + +

EVERSOLO NOW OFFICIALLY SUPPORTS SPOTIFY CONNECT LOSSLESS STREAMING
eversolo is once again delighting its users with an extensive update. In addition to numerous small improvements to the interface, some new functions (e.g. optimized source selection on the DAC Z10) and bug fixes, the platform now also supports the new lossless playback option via Spotify.

Update V1.5.60 is now available for the following models:

The system update will be rolled out OTA in stages. After upgrading, users can enjoy a lossless music playback experience with higher specifications directly via Spotify Connect in the Spotify app.

However, it should be noted that Spotify’s lossless version is limited to a maximum of 24 bit/44.1 kHz. So HiRes is not offered, as is now possible with most other providers, especially Qobuz, but also Apple Music. Thanks to its wide distribution, Spotify remains the mainstream solution (pun intended with “stream”), but is still on the holdout bench when it comes to HiRes.

+ + + + + + + + + +

NUBERT NUVERO NOVA 5 NOW AVAILABLE
With its passive loudspeaker series nuVero nova, the manufacturer and direct shipper Nubert has recently stirred up a lot of dust in the trade press. Exuberant tests praised the models to the skies. Partly right, but partly exaggerated, because of course Nubert only cooks with water. But the fact is that Nubert has hit the right spots with the nova series in many respects. Excellent workmanship, modern technology, great coordination, all at a truly amazing price.

The latest model in the series, the compact nuVero nova 5, designed as an in-wall, ceiling and surround speaker, is now finally available. This 2-way system specifically transfers the technological achievements of the series into applications where spatial homogeneity and integration into the living space are crucial, says nubert. As part of high-quality multi-channel setups or in a SubSat combination with a subwoofer, the nuVero nova 5 played to its full potential: musically balanced, spatial and with a clarity that fits seamlessly into the overall sound.

The nuVero nova 5 is now available in the Nubert online shop. Also, as usual, via the hotline on 07171 8712-0 and also in the Nubert stores.

+ + + + + + + + + +

KLIPSCH PROMEDIA LUMINA COMPUTER SPEAKER WITH LED LIGHTING
They come from the era of loudspeakers for computer nerds and gamers that were disrespectfully called roaring cubes and junk boxes and didn’t have much to do with hi-fi. This refers to speaker-subwoofer combinations like the Klipsch ProMedia from 1999. These were usually extremely cheaply cobbled together boxes and bass cubes made of thin plywood or recycled yogurt cups. However, the trend towards desktop hi-fi with higher-quality sound reinforcement solutions that began around the mid-200s (to which REWIND also contributed a lot) ultimately raised the awareness of primarily computer-loving users to a little more quality when it comes to sound.

Today, over a quarter of a century later, Klipsch has reissued the ProMedia speaker set with the addition of Lumina. This stands for integrated LED lighting, which is likely to be a concession to the gaming group. But Klipsch also wants to offer completely new dimensions with the system compared to the original model. The manufacturer writes:

“[…] “For gamers, content creators, remote workers and discerning listeners, the new 2.1-channel system preserves Klipsch’s legendary American Sound while refining the precision that has made it a category leader for over two decades.”

The set is rounded off with tilting feet, adjustable light modes and a carbon wood grain vinyl finish. The two-way satellite speakers feature Klipsch’s patented MicroTractrix horn in a new, wider design. With high efficiency and low distortion, the system is designed to squeeze more sound out of every watt, providing precise clarity and controlled sound distribution for an immersive nearfield listening experience, according to the statement.

A gain control and an integrated cable management niche are among the special features. Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C and 3.5 mm Aux (analog) are available for connection. It is controlled via integrated buttons or via app. Music and film modes, a six-band EQ and a virtual surround mode for an expanded sense of space are available for sound personalization. Each ProMedia Lumina satellite is equipped with six LEDs, enabling five carefully designed ambient lighting modes. Individual lighting options and music-reactive lighting can also be activated via the app.

The Klipsch ProMedia Lumina are available from authorized dealers at a recommended retail price of 349 euros.

+ + + + + + + + + +

SONOS INTRODUCES MULTI-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER FOR MULTIROOM APPLICATIONS
With the Amp Multi, Sonos has introduced a multi-channel streaming amplifier that is intended to make complex audio installations in living spaces simpler, more flexible and more scalable. According to the manufacturer, Amp Multi was developed for and in close collaboration with specialist installers and extends the Sonos experience to larger and more demanding living spaces without compromising the quality and user-friendliness known for the brand.

With the Amp Multi, Sonos wants to respond to what I call a “trend toward open floor plans and multifunctional rooms among homeowners.” This requires a solution that can adapt to the ever-changing needs of homeowners without complicating the installation.

To meet this goal, the Amp Multi has eight amplifier outputs, each with 125 watts and up to four configurable zones. The Amp Multi combines the Sonos streaming platform with its familiar controls. Each output can be assigned to any zone and systems can be scaled as needed by adding more units. In addition, a large number of speakers can be operated without affecting stability or sound quality. Each output supports up to three Sonos built-in speakers, which should enable a tight, efficient installation across multiple rooms or areas. The Amp Multi uses power amplifiers with so-called GaN FETs, which work particularly quickly and efficiently, in a Class D circuit.

To reproduce the entire range of functions here would go beyond the scope. Please visit the product page for more information. The Amp Multi is currently being presented to the audience at the ISE in Barcelona. According to Sonos, it will be available worldwide “in the coming months” through Sonos installation partners. A price was not mentioned.