As CES 2026 approaches, the audio world saw both somber news and new product announcements. Perlisten Audio founder Dan Roemer passed away on December 26, 2025, at age 55. The company has indicated it will continue to carry forward Roemer’s vision. Meanwhile, British manufacturer Acoustic Energy added a Midnight Silver finish to its flagship Corinium speaker. American brand Audeze unveiled the Maxwell 2, a gaming headset featuring planar magnetic drivers, at CES 2026.
1. Company News
- Perlisten Audio Founder Dan Roemer Passes Away
- Daniel F. “Dan” Roemer, founder and CEO of Perlisten Audio, passed away on December 26, 2025, at age 55.
- Roemer earned degrees in Electroacoustic Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1994. His passion for audio started young—he built a large speaker from scratch at just 15 years old.
- He founded Perlisten Audio in 2017, growing the company into a brand “known globally for technological advancement and superb engineering.”
- According to The Absolute Sound, “the company has big plans for the future,” indicating plans to continue operations in accordance with Roemer’s vision.
2. New Product Releases (Official Announcements)
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Corinium Midnight Silver — Acoustic Energy (Floorstanding Speaker)
- Key Specs: New color option added to the flagship “Corinium” model announced in 2023. No changes to acoustic design or internal specifications—purely a cabinet finish addition. Now available in Midnight Silver alongside the existing British Racing Green.
- Price: £7,000/pair (UK)
- Availability: Now available through authorized dealers
- Highlights: A new finish for the StereoNET Applause Award-winning model, inspired by British automotive culture. Managing Director Mat Spandl commented: “Corinium has always aimed to combine exceptional performance with timeless design.” Critic David Price noted: “The ability to express scale and presence without becoming aggressive, with composure and balance that encourages long, immersive listening sessions.”
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Maxwell 2 — Audeze (Wireless Gaming Headset)
- Key Specs: 90mm planar magnetic driver, 10Hz–50kHz frequency response. New “SLAM” (Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator) technology delivers deeper bass with more impact while maintaining speed, clarity, and spatial precision. Dual connectivity via USB-C wireless dongle and Bluetooth 5.3 (LDAC/LE Audio). Up to 80 hours battery life. Detachable boom mic with AI-assisted noise reduction.
- Price: 349 (Xbox version)
- Availability: Announced at CES 2026, detailed release date TBD
- Highlights: Improved comfort from previous model with wider, more breathable suspension strap and new ear pad design with expanded internal space (magnetically detachable). Xbox version supports Dolby Atmos. Enhanced positional audio performance for competitive gamers.
3. References / Sources
- The Absolute Sound: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/in-memory-of-perlisten-founder-dan-roemer/
- StereoNET: https://stereonet.com/news/acoustic-energy-pulls-the-covers-off-corinium-in-midnight-silver
- StereoNET: https://stereonet.com/news/audeze-maxwell-2-brings-slam-bass-tech-to-serious-gaming