Displaying items by tag: planar - StereoLife Magazine

Final Audio Design has unveiled its next-generation flagship headphones, the D8000 DC and D8000 DC Pro, marking a new chapter in the Japanese manufacturer's fifty-year legacy of innovation. Known for its meticulous engineering and in-house technology, Final has redefined planar magnetic performance once again with a complete reworking of its pioneering Air Film Damping System (AFDS) and a renewed focus on acoustic precision. The 'DC' designation stands for 'Da Capo', meaning 'from the beginning' - a fitting name for headphones that represent a total reconstruction of Final's reference model. First introduced seven years ago, the original D8000 set a benchmark for planar magnetic design, introducing AFDS as a revolutionary solution to low-frequency distortion and limited diaphragm control. By using air pressure to regulate diaphragm movement, the system achieved deeper, more accurate bass and a broader soundstage. The new D8000 DC and DC Pro models take this principle further, with redesigned metal mesh structures, new airflow patterns, and an evolved acoustic chassis that unlocks even greater transparency and realism.

Audiophiles interested in unconventional loudspeakers often turn their attention to Neat Acoustics - a company founded in 1989 by Bob Surgeoner, who has spent most of his life playing music in a variety of styles, such as blues, rock, jazz, folk, country, and bluegrass. Neat Acoustics has its own recording studio because the professional approach is also the benchmark for the sound of loudspeakers. Music lovers talk a lot about achieving the sound as close as possible to the original, but few equipment manufacturers can actually hear it when designing their gear. Meanwhile, a variety of musical instruments are on hand at the Neat Acoustics factory, including piano, string organ, harp, double bass, synthesizers, and a wide range of electric and acoustic guitars. High-resolution recordings can be played back instantly in the listening room. The speakers themselves are also quite remarkable. They feature various unusual technical solutions, such as speakers working in an isobaric system, cabinets made of glued birch plywood, or supertweeters mounted on the top panel to improve the surround experience.

Meze Audio, a high-end audio company based in Romania, continues its collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics for the release of the new Elite Isodynamic Hybrid Array headphone, their most advanced planar magnetic headphone to date. A blend of innovative technology and acoustic engineering with outstanding mechanical design and ergonomics, Elite is the result of 3 years of research and development which opened the path for creating a powerful, lifelike sound experience.

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.

T+A, the high-end specialist audio manufacturer based in Germany, announced the launch of its first-ever headphones and headphone amplifier - Solitaire P and HA 200. Hand-built in Germany, the corded over-ear planar-magnetostatic headphone design combines minimalist styling and the finest materials with class-leading research and development. Also hand-built in Germany, the HA 200 utilizes the company's flagship HV Series circuits in a Class-A design that operates at a high idle current, enabling it to drive even the most demanding headphones without difficulty. In no uncertain terms, T+A has created these products for those that crave a new level of headphone performance.

The closest approach to the original sound - these words have formed the cornerstone of Quad's philosophy for many decades. More than just a slogan, it underlies the company's commitment to producing the finest audio equipment, capable of reproducing all the elements and emotion of a live musical performance. Quad has been responsible for many landmark hi-fi products throughout its history, none more famous than successive generations of the ESL - the world's most revered electrostatic panel loudspeaker, a technology invented by Quad's founder, Peter Walker. To create the ERA-1 - the company's first-ever headphones - Quad developed a planar magnetic driver delivering a fast, open and transparent performance. The resulting sonic realism and fidelity to the source is fully in keeping with the brand's heritage, displaying qualities akin to the famous ESLs.

Audeze is proud to announce the newest addition to their critically acclaimed iSine series of in-ear headphones, the iSine LX. The iSine series of in-ear headphones, the choice for artists and audiophiles worldwide, combines innovative technology and avant-garde design to deliver an immersive, dynamic music experience, unlike any other in-ear. The iSine LX shares the same engineering DNA as the rave iSine 10 and iSine 20, but features a bold new, modern look.

OPPO's equipment is very interesting although the brand has a relatively brief history. The company hasn't started neither from headphones nor from audio devices. Instead it's an example of a modern company with a purely technological profile, focused on consumer electronics. Its headquarters is located in Mountain View, California, so practically in the heart of Silicon Valley. This is shown not only by its products, but also by the entire background, organized in a flawless manner, typical for really large, wealthy corporations. If you take a moment to look through the company's website, its Facebook page or Instagram profile, you will immediately understand that this is definitely not another garage manufacture, which was more successful than anyone could have imagined. Here, it seems that everything has been well planned and calculated.