Displaying items by tag: stereo - StereoLife Magazine

French manufacturer of digital audio brings new enhancements to its DACs, which benefit from a series of new features under the EX label. These include a network input giving access to streaming functionalities, as well as a USB slot for direct connection of storage media. Additionally, a DSP-based acoustic correction feature offers a wide range of possibilities for adjusting to the listening environment. Extended version of the B.dac, the B.dac EX is a response to many requests for network playback and D/A conversion functionalities in a single product.

Hegel Music Systems is a perfect example of a company driven by good ideas, rational decisions, and putting the most important thing first - the sound. The Norwegians can boast of many interesting technical solutions, but neither care for selecting the right components for each model, nor hours spent on designing circuit boards or pursuit of functionality distracted them from that universal goal. Although it may seem improbable to those who know the hi-fi market very well, Hegel's team consists of only seven people. We can add professionals working for external subcontractors, but on a daily basis, you'll find four, maybe five people at the company's headquarters in Oslo. Nevertheless, we are talking about a brand that has won probably all the most important awards in the industry and whose actions have been watched closely for many years even by more successful and experienced competitors. What is so special about Hegel then? Maybe it is the simplicity typical for Scandinavian manufacturers? Maybe it's a specific mixture of proprietary technologies, love for music, and business sense, thanks to which the factory founded by Bent Holter got on a roll when all the others were hiding in corners, fearing economic crisis? Maybe the secret is the progressive approach of Norwegian designers, who were introduced to the subject of files and converters ten years ago, and today streaming and connecting audio equipment with smart home systems is something normal for them? Or maybe all these things come together during the listening session, when we place the gear on the table, turn it on, play our favorite music and...

Even the longest journey has to begin with the first step. For Sony, one of these steps was to release the CDP-101 player, which launched the adventures of the Compact Disc format. So this is genesis - the first audiophile CD player. The device was released in 1982 and followed by the first compact album - reissued "52nd Street" by Billy Joel. Sony was ahead of their partner in creating the CD format because Philips unveiled its first player a month later (it was the CD-100). This player was based on a CX-20017 16-bit D/A converter made by Sony (like most of the electronics used for the construction of this machine) and the KSS-100A laser module. These days the CDP-101 was one of the most advanced devices for general commercial use with 34 chips onboard.

For years, globe-trotting musicians including U2, Foo Fighters and Sir Paul McCartney have trusted UK-based Ashdown Engineering to build world-class bass amplifiers for their performances and studio use. Now Ashdown is embarking on its own world tour, bringing its superior audio and innovative product design to the United States market with the launch of its Meters headphones, the audiophile quality headphones that let consumers turn up the volume while they turn the heads of everyone who sees them - thanks to the one-of-a-kind working VU (volume unit) meter on every earcup.

Cambridge Audio has been at the forefront of British audio innovation for over 50 years and Evo represents an evolution in hi-fi - an all-in-one music player that combines timeless design, cutting edge technology, streaming smarts, and incredible audio performance into one streamlined and compact box. Designed in Cambridge Audio's London studio, Evo's minimal and timeless aesthetic will fit into any interior and lifestyle. Lead designer Ged Martin chose premium materials and used industrial design principles to create a product that champions simplicity and will endure for many years. Taking inspiration from the wood trims of the iconic P40, Cambridge Audio's first ever product from 1968, Evo has beautiful walnut wood side panels that complement the sleek, black anodised aluminium cabinet. Evo also comes with a choice of formed black side panels made from Richlite, an innovative new material made primarily from recycled paper. The side panels can be switched out according to each customer's style. Completing Evo's elegant design is a dual-concentric rotary dial and large 6.8in LCD display panel that shows off album artwork in full colour.

Bang & Olufsen announced the launch of Beoplay HX, a powerful and authentic sound experience with digital ANC, up to 35 hours of play time and elevated comfort, exemplifying Bang & Olufsen's expertise in sound, design, and craftsmanship. Beoplay HX offers a powerful listening experience through two custom designed 40mm speaker drivers with neodymium magnets and bass ports which ensures optimal bass performance. Four dedicated microphones create an impressive call quality by utilizing advanced beamforming technology, while the battery optimization ensures up to 35 hours of play time - the equivalent of five working days of listening experience without having to recharge the battery. "Our dedication to create the best audio products has resulted in Beoplay HX which delivers an immersive and accurate sound experience, ultimate comfort and a refined user interface to meet our customers habits, values and needs. Whether working from home, traveling for business or pleasure, escape from the noise of everyday life and revolutionize your listening experience with our new headphones." - says Bang & Olufsen SVP of Product Management Christoffer Poulsen.

Linn launched next-generation Klimax DSM, the ultimate streaming product and the closest you can get to streaming audio perfection. Applying almost five decades of digital technology learnings and expertise, every element has been designed from first principles and is fully optimised for the best musical performance. A complete reimagining of its flagship streamer, the new Klimax DSM introduces an exquisite custom-designed enclosure that provides acoustic isolation along with visual and tactile luxury. Crucially, the enclosure cradles the beating heart of Klimax DSM and its most critical component, Organik DAC - the ground-breaking, first ever, all-Linn digital to analogue converter.

Focal unveils a new reference - Clear Mg. In addition to their sophisticated finishes, the sound reproduction of these open-back headphones is even sharper than that of their Clear predecessor. The luxury of Focal products lies in their performance and the experience they offer, as well as in every detail that enhances the object to make it more than a set of headphones. After four years of research and development, the engineers at Focal have designed a Magnesium dome for the Clear Mg speaker drivers. This new alloy, combined with an M-shaped dome, contributes to even more lightness, rigidity, and damping, the three success factors for a speaker driver. The sound reproduction is fine, precise, and impactful, for a striking sound.

Meze Audio, audio is introducing Empyrean Phoenix, a rare collector's item that celebrates the rebirth of their flagship headphone through a fusion of art and high-end audio technology. This fiery red and black version of the flagship Empyrean features a CNC sculpted aluminum chassis hand-finished with irregular patterns that create contrast and play of light and shadow, making each pair entirely unique. Behind the artfully redesigned frame, Empyrean Phoenix hides the same breakthrough technology of its predecessor - the first Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver, created exclusively for Meze by the Ukrainian audio company Rinaro. The driver delivers a complex, balanced sound signature that allows users to immerse into a pure listening experience while enjoying the comfortable, ergonomic design typical to Meze products.

T+A Elektroakustik expands its successful portfolio of headphones. The Solitaire P-SE shares its heritage with the Solitaire P and delivers the performance audiophiles have come to expect from T+A headphones. The Solitaire P-SE has been designed using the original Solitaire P as the base and has retained key design elements such as chamfered ear cups. T+A have replaced aluminum parts with high-quality synthetic compound to reduce production costs and overall weight. The P-SE features a new transducer unit (the TPM 2500), with new membranes and filters, all of which are new developments. The Solitaire P-SE is hand-made in Herford Germany and is available in the new elegant black matt finish.