Home Theater Geeks 516: CES 2026 Part 3

Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
Host: Scott Wilkinson
Date: January 29, 2026

Overview:

In this episode, Scott Wilkinson wraps up his multi-part coverage of CES 2026, focusing on the latest innovations in audio equipment. With notes from correspondent Mike Heiss, Scott discusses the most intriguing new soundbars, speakers, headphones, and audio electronics unveiled at the show. The discussion covers advancements in Dolby Atmos, wireless speaker integration, intelligent room correction, and bleeding-edge headphone technology. Scott's tone is conversational and slightly technical, making the episode both accessible and insightful for audio enthusiasts and home theater geeks alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. LG’s New Soundbar and Dolby Atmos Flex Connect

[02:00–03:30]

• Product: LG H7 Flex Connect Soundbar
• Tech: Introduces Dolby Atmos Flex Connect, allowing placement of compatible speakers “anywhere at any time” with the Dolby algorithm automatically optimizing the soundfield.
• Universal: Works with any TV, with “some LG TVs [having] Flex Connect built in.”
• Expansion: Users can seamlessly add Flex Connect speakers for an “easy and automatic and seamless” upgrade.

Quote:
“Dolby algorithm adjusts for where they are physically in the room so that you get a reasonable sound field.”
— Scott Wilkinson, 02:45

2. Samsung’s Latest Soundbars and Speakers

[03:30–05:00]

• Flagship: HW Q990H Soundbar: 11 channels, 7.0.2 main unit, 4.0.2 rear speakers, dual 8" subwoofers.
• Midrange: HW QS90H: 7.1.2 configuration.
• Music Studio Speakers:
  • LS50H (smaller), LS70H (larger, 3.1.1 design, left/right/center/top drivers).
  • “Tweeter goes up to 35 kilohertz” for high-resolution audio.
  • “Whether or not you believe you can hear high resolution audio is another question.” (Scott, 04:25)

3. Klipsch Powered Speakers with Dirac Live

[05:00–06:00]

• New Versions: The Fives Mark II, Sevens II, Nines II.
• Highlights: Powered by Onkyo Electronics, with built-in Dirac Live Room Correction (limited bandwidth). Bass extension is a paid upgrade.
• Features: Horn-loaded tweeters; Sevens II ($2,000/pair), Nines II ($2,400/pair)—shipping in spring.

4. Focal & Naim’s Ultra-High-End All-in-One and Floorstanding Speakers

[06:00–08:30]

• Muzo Hecla:

  • Partnership product, all-in-one 7.1.2 system with 15 drivers and 660 watts.
  • “Claimed frequency response down to 30Hz which is quite low.”
  • Intelligent room correction, high-res streaming, HDMI eARC.
  • Price: $3,600, available March/April 2026.

• Diva Mezza Utopia:

  • Three-way active wireless speaker (four 8" subs, 6.5" mid, 1" beryllium tweeter).
  • Wireless, high-res transmission (up to 96/24 uncompressed); $69,000/pair!
  • Adaptive acoustic calibration for personal room preference.

Quote:
“But I’m sure they sound wonderful. If you can afford them, they’re probably well worth it.”
— Scott Wilkinson, 08:24

5. Headphone News: THX Certification and Modular Designs

[09:42–11:00]

• Cleer Arc 4 & 4 Plus:
  • “World’s first THX certified open ear true wireless earbuds that include spatial audio.”
  • Skepticism on sound quality: “Without sealing your ear canal, you can’t get good bass. …I’m skeptical.” (Scott, 10:21)
• Fender Mix:
  • Modular over-ear headphones—replaceable earcups, batteries, etc.
  • Wireless USB-C dongle for lossless audio; wired USB-C option.

6. MEMS Technology: The Future of Headphone Drivers?

[11:00–12:30]

• Sonic Edge:
  • Partnership to develop MEMS (Micromechanical) transducers for headphones.
  • Drivers vibrate ultrasonically and modulate into the audible range.
  • Follow-up: Scott promises to host a Sonic Edge principal for a deep dive into the tech.

Quote:
“This is a technology called MEMS. … Microscopic transducers that vibrate in the ultrasonic range… very interesting.”
— Scott Wilkinson, 11:38

7. Electronics: Onkyo Anniversaries & Marantz Upgrades

[12:30–14:00]

• Onkyo:
  • 80th anniversary, introducing Muse system.
  • Y50 ($1,500, 250 watts/4 ohms, class D, analog, HDMI in/out, streaming), Y40 ($1,000, 125 watts/4 ohms, eARC input).
• Marantz:
  • AV30 pre/pro: 11.4 channels, 8K HDMI, Dirac Live optional.
  • AMP30: 6-channel power amp, 200W/channel, bi-amp and bridgeable.
  • Both $4,000, made in Japan.

8. CES Reflections & Looking Ahead

[14:00–15:30]

Scott wraps his CES 2026 coverage reminiscing about old shows and sharing hopes to attend CES 2027 (the event’s 60th anniversary), with a particular interest in the Vegas Sphere venue.

Quote:
“The technology just keeps getting better and more interesting. … Who knows, maybe I’ll make the trek next year.”
— Scott Wilkinson, 15:23

Memorable Quotes

• On room correction and high-res audio:

  “Whether or not you believe you can hear high resolution audio is another question. We have talked about it on the show before and I will again, but in any event it can do it.”
  — Scott Wilkinson, 04:27

• On super-high-end speakers:

  “How much is that going to cost you? $69,000 per pair. …But I’m sure they sound wonderful. If you can afford them, they’re probably well worth it.”
  — Scott Wilkinson, 08:22

• On headphone innovation skepticism:

  “Without sealing your ear canal, you can’t get good bass. So how these are going to work, why they’re THX certified, I’m going to find out. Because if they do work, then that’s cool. But I’m skeptical.”
  — Scott Wilkinson, 10:18

Notable Timestamps

• [01:00] Main episode begins; Scott sets up CES 2026 audio coverage.
• [02:15] LG Flex Connect & Dolby Atmos explained.
• [03:35] Samsung soundbars and Music Studio speakers.
• [05:13] Klipsch new powered speakers detailed.
• [06:16] Focal & Naim all-in-one system and Diva Mezza Utopia.
• [09:42] Headphone segment begins with Cleer and Fender.
• [11:26] MEMS headphone driver discussion.
• [12:34] Onkyo, Marantz and electronics news.
• [14:37] CES reflections and plans for 2027.

Conclusion

Scott concludes his CES 2026 audio wrap-up with an upbeat look at current trends—smarter room correction, wireless flexibility, new transducer technology, and the march of luxury audio innovation. He expresses anticipation for future episodes with deeper coverage on MEMS technology and hopes for an in-person report from CES 2027.