CES is always a great showcase for what to expect for the year in home audio equipment, and the 2023 version was no different.

We’re highlighting some of the best home audio technology we spotted at the show.

Razer Leviathan V2 Pro Soundbar

razer leviathan v2 pro soundbar
Image Credit: Razer

Take your PC gaming to a new level with the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro Soundbar. The system is a beam-forming soundbar using head-tracking AI from an integrated IR camera. That allows gamers to enjoy a surround soundstage while always being in the sweet spot for the best audio experience.

The provided 3D audio can be enjoyed in two modes. THX Spatial Audio Virtual Headset is for any stereo content and features pinpoint positional audio usually only found in headsets. THX Spatial Audio Virtual Speakers is used or multi-channel content to provide a wide soundstage usually found in a full home theater system. With Razer Chroma RGB support, it showcases 30 lighting zones and up to 16.8 million colors with support for dynamic lighting effects in over 200 games.

Along with the main speaker, there is an included subwoofer. You can connect the system to your PC via USB. It also supports Bluetooth devices like smartphones and tablets and headsets with a 3.5mm jack. All of the audio can be adjusted with a smartphone app.

JBL Bar 1300X

jbl bar 1300
Image Credit: JBL

You can surround yourself with sound with the JBL Bar 1300X. The 11.1.4 home theater system with 1170W of power output features six up-firing drivers to provide both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound. And there’s no need to worry about a ton of wires to enjoy the immersive experience. Along with the 10-inch wireless subwoofer, the detachable wireless surround speakers are battery powered.

As an extra added bonus, you can pair one of the detachable speakers to a Bluetooth device as a standalone speaker or use the pair for stereo sound.

HARMAN PureVoice technology in the system uses a unique algorithm to optimize voice clarity even when loud sound effects take over the action. With built-in Wi-Fi, you can also connect the system to online streaming services with the JBL one smartphone app. The soundbar can also link with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple’s Siri to stream entertainment. You can also stream with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast.

Acer Halo Swing

acer-halo-swing
Image Credit: Acer

The Acer Halo Swing is a compact and portable way to enjoy music around the house or even on the go. Powered by Google Assistant, the speaker features DTS Sound for enhanced audio and bass projection. The transparent charging base sports reactive lights that will adjust to various music genres when playing. The same lights will change colors when interacting with Google’s voice assistant and even transform into a light source for an area.

An LED dot display on the speaker itself will showcase customizable updates like the weather, mail, calendar, reminders, and messages. The speaker’s companion will even allow you to customize the display with premade messages and images.

When away from the charging dock, the IPX5 waterproof speaker can be carried with a detachable leather strap. You can enjoy up to 10 hours of music playback before needing to be recharged. The speaker can also be connected to other devices using Bluetooth or the AUX-in port.

Victrola Stream Onyx

Old-school meets modern with the Victrola Stream Onyx. You can stream your entire vinyl collection through a Sonos wireless system. Using the Victrola Stream app, you’ll quickly set up the turntable to any Sonos system. The illuminated control knob allows centralized volume control for the entire Sonos system and playback groups.

The player features an aluminum tonearm with a premium cartridge along with an easily adjustable counterweight. All that brings dynamic frequency response and increased clarity when playing 33 1/3 and 45 rpm vinyl records on the silicone slipmat. A black aesthetic looks good in and home audio system. Take a look at some of the best Sonos speakers you can pair with the Stream Onyx.

Even if you don’t have a Sonos system, there is an RCA output to use with other audio equipment.

Drop BMR1 Nearfield Monitors

Drop BMR1 Nearfield Monitors
Image Credit: Drop

Especially with the rise of working from home, many of us are looking for good speakers for a workspace that don’t take up a lot of room but still sound great. Drop BMR1 Nearfield Monitors looks to easily check off all of those boxes. Designed specifically for the desktop, they use balance mode radiation technology for great audio, even in the smaller form factor.

The speakers can be placed both vertically or horizontally and even be paired with a dedicated subwoofer output for additional power. There are two input options, wired with a 3.5mm stereo jack or wirelessly with Bluetooth. You can also take advantage of a headphone output.

Samsung HW-Q990C

Samsung HW-Q990C
Image Credit: Samsung

And as you might expect, Samsung was also upping its soundbar game with the introduction of the Samsung HW-Q990C. An 11.1.4 Dolby Atmos system, it features two rear speakers along with a wireless subwoofer.

It also features version 3.0 of the Samsung Q-Symphony technology that allows compatible TVs and soundbars to play sound at the same time in sync. That allows you to repurpose your built-in TV speakers to provide a more immersive sound experience. Q-Symphony can leverage 22 total audio channels.

For perfect sound in your space, there is a SpaceFit calibration that uses AI to adjust driver frequencies and other levels. The soundbar also acts as a SmartThings hub. You can connect wirelessly to the system with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast.

Focal Vestia

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Image Credit: Focal

It’s not often that you can truly call home audio equipment beautiful. But that’s easily a good way to describe the high-end Focal Vestia lineup. From the French audio maker, you can select floorstanding, bookshelf, and center speakers along with accessories.

All of the models feature a tilted stand to enable a listener-focused soundstage. The front panels of the speakers use either a black or white leather effect that can be combined with black high gloss, dark wood, or light wood finish or the side panels.

While you’ll be spending a bit more than the run-of-the-mill home theater system, Focal’s Vestia line brings a huge touch of class.

Turn Up the Volume in 2023

If these great products are any indication, it looks like 2023 will be another top-notch year. From soundbars to speakers, and more, there will be great ways to take your home audio to a new level.