LOS ANGELES, CA. – November 19, 2020 – HELM Audio™ Ltd., a globally distributed British-American audio innovation company, today announced the launch of the next in its lineup of THX^Ⓡ Certified products, the HELM BOLT DAC/AMP mobile USB digital analog converter, which supports MQA technology.  The BOLT DAC/AMP is aimed at elevating sound quality for portable devices and proudly carries the coveted THX Certification for device performance. The BOLT DAC/AMP premiered during CES 2020 in Las Vegas, where HELM Audio was awarded four CES Innovation Honoree Awards – including one award for the BOLT DAC/AMP.  The BOLT DAC/AMP retails for $99 and is available on Amazon and HELM’s website.

HELM Audio, known for combining new technologies to drive innovation in audio hardware, is setting a new standard by providing studio-level quality to our mobile world. The BOLT DAC/AMP comes in a small palm-sized form factor but delivers massive results including MQA support and other high res audio file decoding. The BOLT DAC/AMP adapter supports an unprecedented range of existing high res audio formats and devices, including MQA (Master Quality Authenticated), a breakthrough British technology which captures and authenticates studio quality sound. The BOLT DAC/AMP has passed many rigorous THX Certification audio quality tests ensuring a flat frequency response, low distortion, low noise and a stable, high output suitable for a wide range of headphones delivering a superior audio experience. 

MQA is live on streaming platforms like Tidal, where the BOLT DAC/AMP adapter can allow users to have lossless end-to-end MQA rendering for the ultimate sound experience. Users can enjoy sonic details and fidelity exactly as the artists and sound engineers intended without relying on bulky data-intensive streams. 

The BOLT DAC/AMP adapter uses the same digital audio converter (DAC) technology available on some of the finest audiophile gear, and delivers clarity and fidelity in a small and convenient adapter.  The BOLT DAC/AMP adapter supports MQA renderer implementation and PCM playback rates up to 384 kHz. The BOLT DAC/AMP adapter outputs at 88.2 kHz or 96 kHz resolutions, and for non-MQA content, the BOLT DAC/AMP still provides the highest resolution available for mobile and gaming applications. The BOLT DAC/AMP is nimble enough to deliver power to the most demanding headphones and has an auto-output level adjustment that can match almost any headphones’ impedance. The BOLT DAC/AMP is designed to be plug-and-play with no firmware to download, and is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS and Linux whilst also providing bit-perfect playback using USB Player Pro, HF Onkyo Player, Audirvana Plus, and more. 

“Our partnership with two audio industry innovators in MQA and THX means our users can count on an ultra-premium audio experience,” said Eric Johnson, CEO of HELM Audio. “We have combined MQA’s award-winning technology with THX performance quality in a carefully curated, compact, durable, and affordable product design, democratizing audiophile quality through affordability,” he added.  

“Helm Audio’s MQA-enabled BOLT DAC is an exciting and elegant solution for music on the move,” added Mike Jbara, CEO of MQA. “Our mission at MQA is to enable everyone to enjoy original sound quality wherever they listen. Helm Audio shares that vision and stands behind it with the BOLT DAC.” 

To learn more about HELM Audio’s new products visit Helmaudio.com or join our Facebook community at Facebook.com/helmaudioltd. To request a unit for review email Ari Morguelan at [email protected].  

ABOUT HELM 

HELM Audio™ Ltd. is a British-American Audio Innovation company whose products are leading the way in delivering studio-level audio quality to our mobile world. Founded in 2017 by a proven team of product developers, marketing strategists, industry veterans, and musicians. HELM set out to fill a vast market gap with an ambitious brand born for music lovers who desire immersive audio with ultramodern freedom and functionality, all at a tremendous value.

ABOUT MQA

Using pioneering scientific research into how people hear, the MQA team has created a technology that captures the sound of the original studio performance. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream, while also being backward compatible, so you can play MQA music on any device. MQA’s award-winning technology is licensed by labels, music services and hardware manufacturers worldwide and is certified by the RIAA. MQA is a UK-based private company.

For more information visit www.mqa.co.uk and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

ABOUT THX

Founded by legendary filmmaker George Lucas in 1983, THX Ltd. and its partners provide premium entertainment experiences in the cinema, in the home and on the go. Over the past 35 years, THX has expanded its certification categories beyond studios and cinemas to consumer electronics, content, automotive systems and live entertainment. Today, THX continues to redefine entertainment, providing exciting new technologies and assurance of experiences which provide consumers with superior audio and visual fidelity and ensure an artist’s vision is truthfully delivered to audiences worldwide. THX Ltd. is owned by Razer, and operates as a fully independent subsidiary. For more information visit THX.com, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and follow us on Twitter.

THX and the THX Logo are the property of THX Ltd., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other logos are properties of their respective owners.

Media Contacts:

HELM

Ari Morguelan: [email protected] / (310)295-7941

THX

Jody Privette Young: [email protected] / (415) 328-4700

MQA

Sarah Roberts: [email protected]