Low power amplifier chips from audio technology pioneer HiWave have been incorporated in a new wireless speaker system for Hercules, the Guillemot Corporation brand.

The WAE WSM01 uses HiWave's HiAS2002 amplifier chip to deliver over 20 hours of music playback at typical usage levels; approximately 30 albums.

HiWave claims its amplifier IC is 10x more efficient under typical usage levels compared with Class D amplifiers, the next most efficient topology.

The newly-launched Hercules WAE WSM01 is the first in Hercules' WAE (Wireless Audio Experience) family of wireless consumer HiFi speakers. It has a wireless range of 20m and was designed to connect to a central media server, PC or laptop from anywhere in the home using a high quality proprietary wireless standard (2.4GHz). Users connect Windows, Mac OS or Linux PC to the speaker via a plug and play 2.0 USB dongle.

The battery powered speakers utilise the amplifier IC's on-board equalisation system and digital signal processor to deliver a rich bass (50Hz to 20KHz) and a high quality, non-clipping audio to consumers.

The speakers are shipping now and are available in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

James Lewis, HiWave’s CEO, said: “Hercules is a well-known brand and audio specialist in computer DJ’ing and speaker systems and the company has a strong track record of producing popular, striking designs; we are thrilled that our low power amplifier technology is a key part of this exciting new product.”

• PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS: James Lewis