Displaying items by tag: mobile - StereoLife Magazine

Astell&Kern reveals the Kann Max portable digital audio player (DAP), the 4th model in its acclaimed Kann series. By applying advanced design and audio technology, this newfound power is also housed in a more compact and lightweight chassis. The result is an even wider variety of headphones, including sophisticated high impedance models, can be optimally driven without the need for additional amplification. Music fans can experience the original studio-quality sound without compromise - anywhere, anytime. As the power output increases, so does the noise level that adversely affects the audio performance. Through innovative integrated circuit design, Astell&Kern is able to achieve a low noise level while hitting the new 15Vrms 'Super' output setting.

Astell&Kern introduced the second generation model of its popular and award-winning entry-level player, the A&norma SR25 MKII. Every aspect admired about the original SR25 is retained with the new model improving on the audio performance, adding new features, such as a balanced 4.4mm headphone jack, and tweaking its already eye-catching and ultra-compact design. The A&norma SR25 MKII represents the perfect entry-point into Astell&Kern's unrivaled world of high-resolution music playback on the move. Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII feature upgrades include Replay Gain function to uniformly adjust volume playback from sound sources up to 24 bit/192 kHz, AK File Drop for easier wireless file transfers, BT Sink function for simpler connection of the SR25 MKII to an external Bluetooth device, and extra internal silver-plated shielding, first seen in the higher-end SP2000T, to protect from electromagnetic interference.

Bang & Olufsen and Cisco announce the Bang & Olufsen Cisco 980, a luxury business headset that pairs Bang & Olufsen's unique combination of timeless design, unrivaled craftsmanship, and powerful sound with Cisco's integrated meeting controls, Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, and frictionless IT management capabilities to ensure long-lasting, secure communications. "Clear and seamless audio is essential for the hybrid work environment. We're thrilled to work with the leaders in luxury audio solutions, Bang & Olufsen, to bring to market the highest quality audio device for business - combining high-end aesthetic, complete functionality, and fantastic quality." - said Jeetu Patel, EVP, and GM, Cisco Security and Collaboration.

Astell&Kern introduces its latest in-ear monitor, the AK ZERO1, featuring three different types of drivers to deliver a ground-breaking hybrid sound. Composed of a micro planar dynamic driver, dual balanced armature drivers, and a dynamic driver, this unique design combines the sonic characteristics of each driver to produce unprecedented natural audio. Astell&Kern has set new standards in IEM engineering to get the music fan closer to the original studio sound.

The Micro Rectangular Planar Dynamic Driver is a specially developed, highly advanced driver that allows a planar driver design, normally difficult to scale down for headphones, to be applied to in-ear monitors. Adopting a sturdy and lightweight planar membrane to minimize frequency loss, this is combined with a vibration panel boasting a high-polymer and thin metal film to create crystal clear and dynamic high frequencies. The AK ZERO1's driver system also features dual BA drivers, using custom-designed coils to deliver transparent vocals with super-low distortion. Couple this with the single 5.6 mm dynamic driver to ensure rich, controlled and deep low frequencies, and the AK ZERO1 is poised to deliver its pioneering hybrid sound.

To realize this new sound through the ideal frequency response, a Crossover Network design was generated based on a thorough understanding of each driver's parameters. Once established, each driver is carefully placed in the optimal position, enclosed in specifically designed acoustic chambers manufactured with 3D printing technology. These precision enclosures cleverly eliminate unnecessary movement and resonance from the drivers to ensure stable performance. Lastly, the main precision-tooled housing reduces internal and external vibrations to deliver the most focused and accurate sound possible.

To further maximize the audio performance the AK ZERO1 arrives equipped with a pure silver-coated OFC cable. Exquisitely crafted with high-purity silver plating and copper, alongside aluminum plugs, this design strives to maintain the transparency of the audio signal. Elsewhere, the MMCX connectors ensure a prime-quality connection between the ear housing and cable, offering long-lasting and stable performance. For discerning audiophiles looking to experience the highest quality audio possible from their AK ZERO1 IEMs or any other MMCX-connector compatible headphones, Astell&Kern is launching an optional 4.4mm cable. The PEP11 sports larger aluminum-machined 4.4mm plugs and features the same top-quality high-purity silver plating and copper cable.

Astell&Kern's recognizable bold diagonal design language continues on the AK ZERO1, with the premium cut metal surface brilliantly reflecting the light. The shape of the housing and the slender ear nozzles have been carefully designed and refined to not only provide a secure and comfortable fit but to deliver the sound efficiently and accurately through your ears. To further provide a snug fit, five different-sized pairs of silicone ear tips and one set of foam tips are supplied, along with a carry case to keep your IEMs pristine during transit. The Astell&Kern AK ZERO1 is priced at £649/$699/€749 and the PEP11 is priced at £119/$130/€139. Info and photos by Astell&Kern via Armour Home.

Klipsch is pleased to introduce two new true wireless earphones with best-in-class active noise cancellation technology and artificial intelligence while being designed for ultimate comfort and performance. The Klipsch T5 II True Wireless earphones feature a frictionless experience powered by Bragi embedded AI and head moves. This innovative product is truly a first in many ways. Colour options include copper, gunmetal, or silver. A built-in Bragi operating system with embedded artificial intelligence allows for hands-free, advanced gesture-controlled experiences.

Grell, founded by renowned German headphone engineer Axel Grell, announces the debut of a brand-new line of true wireless headphones with the Grell TWS/1. The new in-ear headphones deliver audiophile-grade sound quality for consumers who crave crystal clear, transparent audio and a closer connection to their music, with a direct-to-consumer sales model designed to deliver a personalized, high-end listening experience to a new generation of users - so that the price reflects the Grell-designed sound-quality, alone.

Bang & Olufsen introduces Beosound Explore, a tough and robust speaker created for adventure, helping you reach your peak with sound by your side. Developed to be lightweight, waterproof and with excellent playtime, Beosound Explore is the perfect outdoor speaker featuring Bang & Olufsen's signature sound and Scandinavian design, built for durability. Beosound Explore is the first speaker on the market to feature Type 2 anodized aluminum for improved scratch resistance, making it the perfect speaker for outdoor activities. Created at Bang & Olufsen's Factory 5 in Struer, Denmark, the anodization is achieved by building up the aluminum oxide on the surface.

When iFi Audio launched its original micro iDSD headphone amp, preamp, and DAC back in 2014, it raised the bar for small portable, high-performing DACs. It's been lifting it higher ever since. Last November saw the introduction of the nano iDSD Black Label, with a host of new features including support for MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) audio. Now, iFi has excelled itself again with the launch of xDSD - the first in the company's next generation of portable DACs.

Swedish lifestyle audio brand announces the launch of Los Angeles - the world's first self-charging, wireless active noise-canceling headphones powered by Powerfoyle solar cell material. Using advanced green technology, Los Angeles converts all forms of light, outdoor and indoor, into energy to deliver virtually infinite playtime. Los Angeles brings revolutionary innovation to the headphone market and is designed to live up to the brand's tagline, 'Designed for Life in Motion'. For the first time ever, you can experience virtually unlimited listening with solar charging. Los Angeles never stops charging when exposed to light, both outdoors and indoors, providing a nonstop audio experience.

True Wireless In-Ear Headphones are immensely popular, but most currently available designs represent a compromise choice, one that trades sound quality for wireless convenience. Bowers & Wilkins has always insisted this issue would need to be addressed before the company could consider launching its own TWS products. Now, after an extensive period of development, Bowers & Wilkins is proud to launch two new products that bring the brand's famous True Sound promise of absolute performance to the True Wireless In-Ear