Australian audio company Nura has announced a next-level wireless earbud with the NuraTrue Pro ($329) — Qualcomm’s first headset to support aptX Lossless Audio codec.
Fact: More audio data results in better sound quality. So, the arrival of the NuraTrue Pro with the ability to deliver uncompressed, CD-quality audio is likely to sit somewhat uncomfortably with a lot of wireless headphone makers right now that still use SBC, AAC, standard aptX audio technology, especially Apple. . The Cupertino giant is rumored to introduce its own lossless audio codec on the next generation AirPods Pro that would allow the earbuds to play music at a higher quality across compatible devices, but so far that hasn’t materialized.
With Bluetooth 5.3, the NuraTrue Pro wireless earbuds will be among the first to take advantage of next-level multipoint communication support to allow users to connect to multiple source devices simultaneously, and Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless Audio codec. The new codec promises to stream 16-bit/44.1kHz CD-quality audio over Bluetooth at data rates up to 1200kbps – for perspective on how important this is, aptX Adaptive delivers a maximum bitrate of 420kbps, aptX HD 576 kbps, while Sony’s LDAC technology provides a maximum stream bit rate of 990 kbps.
Although this is a huge leap forward for fans of high-quality audio, as far as we know, there aren’t any devices even among the top mobile phones that offer support for the new aptX Lossless Audio codec, but it’s expected to arrive on Android flagships this year. next.
Next-level personal voice
As with the NuraTrue, the Pro model brings the same impressive level of customization to assess your ear canal and hearing capabilities and customize audio output tailored to your ears by analyzing a short listening test. Perfect fit detection, in-ear sensing, adaptive active noise cancellation, and customizable touch controls are also available.
Nura tells us that battery life on the Pro is optimized for a maximum of 32 hours — up to 8 hours of playback time from a single charge via the earbuds, and an additional 24 hours from the charging case — NuraTrue claims 6 hours of playback from the earbuds, total 24 hours when you consider the charging case. It charges via the USB-C port on the back of the case.
While the NuraTrue Pro headphones aren’t on sale yet, they are available for pre-order via a Kickstarter campaign through NuraSound website (Opens in a new tab), with orders likely to be fulfilled by October. When it goes on sale, it’s set to cost $329 / £299 / €359/AU$499, but early bird fans can get a discount starting at $199.
advice: Although Nura has adopted Kickstarter launches with its headphones before, primarily as a pre-order management tool, the usual risk warnings about crowdfunding products should be taken into account.
We look forward to hearing it when full production samples arrive and device support is available for the new aptX Lossless Audio codec. Watch this space to see if the first true wireless HD headphones join our Best Audio Headphones guide.
