World-First, KLH Voice-Enabled Amplified Keypad Transforms Home Audio Systems to Wireless HiRES Streaming Music Systems

By: Home Toys

Ingeniously leveraging the existing in-wall passive volume control as the retrofit point, the KLH VX-1 Voice-Enabled Amplified Keypad grants homeowners an extremely cost-effective solution to have their audio systems upgraded to wireless streaming music. Millions of homeowners can immediately benefit from this, as KLH’s research indicates that 8.5 million passive in-wall volume controls currently exist in US homes today.

08/23/18, 10:59 AM | Automation & Control, Home Tech

Noblesville, IN – August 23, 2018 – The new KLH, now owned and led by loudspeaker category visionary David P. Kelley — formerly Global President and board member of Klipsch — makes its debut to the custom channel during CEDIA Expo 2018. There, among its many new CI solutions, KLH will introduce its Voice-Enabled Amplified Keypad (Model VX-1), which outfitted with WiFi, Bluetooth with aptX, and HiRES audio circuitry, is the ultimate retrofit solution to easily and affordably transform a single-source home audio system to a wireless multi-source streaming music system. The Keypad becomes Alexa voice control-enabled when used with the free MUZO iOS / Android control app. In addition to local zone, adding any Amazon Alexa device allows voice-enabled control of other sources/components throughout the home. The VX-1 is world-first and patented. With an MSRP of $199, shipping is slated for October 2018.

Big Audio Performance from a Small Foot Print

The VX-1 fits into a standard single gang electrical J-Box. The unit is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Audio with aptX. Leveraging the existing speaker wire runs, together an onboard 50-watt high-grade Class D digital amplifier and dedicated external DC power supply drive the existing speakers in the homeowner’s audio system.

To further maximize performance, incorporated are HiRES Audio-certified digital-to-analog convertors (capable of up to 24 bit/192 kHz decoding), that together, make the Keypad a true Hi-Fi product and yet another first from an in-wall Keypad. The VX-1 supports most audio file formats including FLAC, DSF, APE, WAV, AIFF, MP4, MP3 and more.

Elegant Décor

The front of the VX-1 is elegant by simplicity with its beautifully positioned power, volume, pairing and mode keys, along with a 3.5 mm analog jack for an external source. The keypad provides visual cues too: the power button illuminates blue when Bluetooth is engaged; green in WiFi and red for Aux-in. The VX-1 includes a Decora face plate. It is also compatible with most brands including Leviton, Lutron, and Square D face plates.

Control and Streaming Music

Users of smart phones, tablets, PCs and Macs can all stream music to the VX-1. The VX-1 becomes Alexa voice control-enabled via the free MUZO app for Android and iOS devices, which transforms any smart device into a voice control by utilizing the mic in the device.

“The VX-1 grants the audio enthusiast the opportunity to refresh their existing and often cherished stereo system to that of a streaming music multi-source system. In addition to this local zone, adding any Amazon Alexa device allows voice-enabled control of other sources/components throughout the home,” says Steve Howell, KLH Chief Technology Officer.

“The VX-1 doesn’t require people to make a large investment to enjoy wireless streaming music in their homes” adds KLH CEO / President David Kelley. “Millions of households can immediately benefit from this, as our research indicates that conservatively 8.5 million passive in-wall volume controls currently exist in the US alone. And since the VX-1 uses the existing wire and has a built-in amplifier, it’s an easy installation for either the Home Technology professional or DIY customer.”

Leveraging the Home Eco-System

KLH will introduce its 2018 line of in-room (floor standing, bookshelf, and subwoofers) and architectural (in-wall and in-ceiling) loudspeakers during CEDIA Expo. All are premium top-performing solutions at extremely competitive prices. Very efficient to power, any of the bookshelf and architectural models can be aptly driven by the 25-watts x 2 high-grade Class D digital amplifier built into the VX-1.

The entire KLH line will be demonstrated Thursday, Sept. 6 and Friday, Sept. 7 at the posh new San Diego bayfront InterContinental Hotel (Bayview Ballroom B) located just a 4-minute trolley ride from the Convention Center. KLH is also glad to arrange for dealer pickup from the Convention Center to the Hotel by calling or texting KLH Sales SVP Greg Topp at +1.317.339.3617.

For all KLH press inquiries, please contact Paul Muto at paul@mutocomm.com 631.849.4301.

About KLH

Originally founded in 1957 as KLH Research and Development Corporation in Cambridge, Massachusetts by Henry Kloss, Malcolm S. Low, and Josef Anton Hofmann, the company developed some of the biggest innovations in audio, most notably the Model Eight high-selectivity radio; Model Nine full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, Model Forty tape recorder, and Model Eleven portable phonograph with stereo speakers. In 2017, the brand was acquired by David Kelley, formerly President of Global Sales and board member for Klipsch. As president and CEO of KLH, Mr. Kelley has taken KLH back to its roots, to Henry Kloss’s original mission, to build world-class loudspeakers and radios at affordable prices beginning with a robust line of bookshelf, floor standing, and home theater speakers, as well as updated versions of the iconic Model Nine and Model Eight. www.klhaudio.com