Akai is a Japanese consumer electronics brand known for producing audio and video equipment. They specialize in manufacturing home audio systems, headphones, speakers, and professional audio equipment.

Akai

The Akai 280 D-SS is a portable cassette recorder/player. It features a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing users to record and playback their own cassette tapes. The device also has a headphone jack for private listening and a battery compartment for portable use. The Akai 280 D-SS provides basic playback functions such as play, stop, fast forward, and rewind.

280 D-SS

In the ever-evolving landscape of high-fidelity audio, the Shanling CD-T35 stands as a beacon of technological advancement and a nod to the nostalgic past. This flagship CD player and streamer has stirred a mix of emotions within the audiophile community, with discussions ranging from its design and features to its price and market positioning.

The design of the CD-T35, with its unique three-legged structure, has caught the eye of many enthusiasts. Some see it as a beautiful homage to the legendary CD-T300, appreciating the bold aesthetic that differentiates it from the crowd. Others, however, have likened it to artifacts from science fiction, humorously comparing it to early console designs or futuristic gadgets. Regardless of the varied opinions, it's clear that the CD-T35's design has made a strong impression, eliciting reactions that span the spectrum from awe to amusement.

The inclusion of the Philips CD-Pro 2 transport and AKM AK4499EQ DACs has been a point of significant discussion. The choice of these components has been lauded by many as a wise decision, given their reputable history and proven performance in delivering top-notch sound quality. This blend of vintage and modernity is seen as a testament to Shanling's dedication to providing an unrivaled listening experience.

However, the CD-T35's hefty price tag has sparked debates on value and accessibility. Some audiophiles express that while the device is intriguing and potentially groundbreaking, the absence of features like SACD support and the high cost make it less compelling. There's a sense that for such a premium, one would expect a more comprehensive feature set to justify the investment.

The limited availability of only 99 units has also been a topic of conversation. For some, this exclusivity adds to the allure, making the CD-T35 a coveted item among collectors and enthusiasts. Others view it as a marketing strategy, questioning the practicality and demand for such a niche product in a market filled with alternatives.

Shanling's venture into the super high-end space with the CD-T35 has raised eyebrows. While some appreciate the bold move and the company's long-standing reputation in the industry, others are skeptical about its success in a segment dominated by more established and traditional high-end brands. The concern is whether Shanling can truly compete and whether the CD-T35 can find its place among the discerning ears of high-end audiophiles.

Despite the mixed reactions, the CD-T35 has undeniably ignited a conversation about what the future of high-fidelity audio should look like. It challenges the norms, combining the charm of the past with the possibilities of the future. As it stands, the CD-T35 is a polarizing figure in the audiophile community, a symbol of Shanling's ambitious vision, and a topic of lively debate among those who appreciate the finer nuances of sound. Whether it will soar to the heights of its predecessors or not, the CD-T35 has already made its mark as a controversial yet fascinating addition to the world of high-end audio.

b10dc42db65d4b1782d8f02877b7420a738.jpg

d9a4eaf5ecbbc2e6860f129804730728484.jpg

579d8b37d72099d59d01a30ba0f222ab368.jpg

d4b49bce10f43ccdd74210624d36bdd2545.jpg

The Exclusive World of Shanling CD-T35 Limited Edition Marvel

Shanling is a brand known for its high-fidelity audio products, including portable music players, amplifiers, and DACs.

Shanling

Shanling CD-T35, where every note tells a story, and every song is a journey into pure sound

As the High-End Show Munich approaches, scheduled for May 9-12 this year, Meze Audio is poised to make a significant impact with the introduction of its latest headphone innovations. Attendees are eagerly anticipating the unveiling of the Liric 2nd Generation and Empyrean II, along with an exclusive first look at two future products that promise to redefine the brand's offerings.

The Liric 2nd Generation brings enhancements that elevate the beloved Liric series to new heights. It features a sophisticated new striped ebony wood finish that not only enriches its visual appeal but also contributes to superior acoustic performance. A key innovation in its design is the inclusion of a Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask (QWRM), which helps mitigate high-frequency peaks, thereby ensuring a smoother auditory experience. This model continues to employ the cutting-edge planar magnetic technology expertly tuned by Rinaro, delivering a sound that balances clarity with a touch of warmth.

Simultaneously, the Empyrean II builds on its predecessor’s legacy with upgraded audio capabilities that maintain Meze Audio’s hallmark of excellence. This model exemplifies the brand's commitment to merging high fidelity sound with innovative design, ensuring an unparalleled listening experience.

Additionally, Meze Audio is set to preview two highly anticipated products: the 105 AER and the ALBA IEM. The 105 AER, an open-back headphone, is designed for those who appreciate both the aesthetics of sound and space. It features an Art Deco-inspired design that blends ornamental elegance with robust functionality. The ALBA, aimed at the modern and mobile listener, offers a durable build and a sound profile that combines Meze’s signature audio quality with practical versatility.

The High-End Show in Munich is not merely a platform for Meze Audio to display their latest advancements but also a crucial opportunity for direct engagement with the audio community. Feedback and interactions from this event are invaluable, directly influencing future innovations and enhancements.

Looking ahead, Meze Audio is not slowing down. The remainder of the year will be bustling with further product developments and exciting projects, continuing to push the boundaries of audio technology. This event is set to be a cornerstone for Meze Audio, showcasing their ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in the high-end audio space.

Screenshot 2024-05-06 at 19.40.49.png

Meze Audio to Showcase New Innovations at High-End Show Munich

Meze Audio stands as a distinct brand in the world of high-fidelity audio, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and design excellence. The brand distinguishes itself through a dedication to creating audio products that deliver not just superior sound quality, but also a high level of craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. Meze Audio's product range, which includes headphones and earphones, is marked by a harmonious blend of technical performance and a visually appealing design ethos, catering to audiophiles who value both auditory and tactile experiences.

Meze Audio

Discover the latest from Meze Audio, featuring the new Liric 2nd Gen and Empyrean II at Munich's High-End Show

The Meze Audio Empyrean 2 is a remarkable achievement in the realm of high-fidelity audio, representing the pinnacle of Meze Audio's craftsmanship and technical innovation. Building on the legacy of its acclaimed predecessor, the Empyrean 2 combines cutting-edge sound technology with an artistic and luxurious design. Featuring the advanced Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver, it offers an unparalleled listening experience, characterized by exceptional clarity, depth, and precision. The headphone's ergonomic design, with options for customizable earpads, ensures superior comfort for extended listening sessions. Its sophisticated aesthetic, marked by CNC milled frames and art deco-inspired elements, makes it not just an auditory masterpiece, but also a visual delight.

Empyrean II 


Back in the early days of hi-fi, around 1961, LEAK wasn't just making speakers—they were making history. Their original Sandwich speaker was a game-changer because it solved a big problem of the time: speaker cones that weren't stiff enough. You see, back then, the stiffness of the speaker cone was a make-or-break factor for sound quality. If the cone wasn't rigid enough, the sound got distorted, which was pretty common and a real buzzkill for music lovers.

So what LEAK did was kind of like what tech companies today do when they come up with a new smartphone or gadget—they found a clever workaround. They took expanded polystyrene, which is light and has good damping properties, and they sandwiched it between two aluminum sheets. This wasn't just for kicks—it was to give the cone the stiffness it lacked without adding too much weight. That way, the speaker could move back and forth really fast without bending out of shape. And just like that, the sound got a lot clearer, the bass felt right, and music had more punch to it.

Now, let's fast forward to our time. The new Sandwich 150 and 250 speakers from LEAK take that original stroke of genius and dial it up. They're leveraging all the advances we've made in materials and engineering to make something that's true to the spirit of the original but performs like a modern champ. We're talking about materials that didn't even exist back in the day, like aircraft-grade foam, which makes the new cones even stiffer and keeps the sound super crisp.

Why does this matter, you ask? Because music isn't just about noise; it's about feeling every strum, every beat, and every note exactly as it was intended. And that's what LEAK's new speakers aim to deliver, just like the original did all those years ago. It's about honoring the past not by staying stuck in it, but by building on it, improving it, and making sure the music always gets the respect it deserves.

425454646_916304486452026_6207920117746026493_n.jpg

427269286_303821819380250_2713470419278854147_n.jpg

New LEAK Sandwich Speakers A Legacy Reborn in Hi-Fi

LEAK, a brand with deep roots in the history of audio innovation, was established by Harold Joseph Leak in 1934 in London, England. Known for its high-quality audio components, LEAK carved out a reputation for affordability combined with high performance, a hallmark that defined the brand for decades.

Harold Leak, identifying himself as a 'Sound Engineer – Technician,' alongside Ted Ashley, who became Chief Engineer, propelled LEAK to the forefront of the home audio equipment market. Together, they led the company through an era of significant technological advancements in amplifiers, loudspeakers, pickups, and turntables.

The mid-20th century was a transformative period for LEAK, as the brand navigated the challenges of wartime disruption to focus on developing purposeful audio technology. Post-war, the emphasis shifted towards high-fidelity systems, marking LEAK's entry into an era of low-noise, high-performance products that gained international acclaim.

A pivotal moment came in 1945 with the introduction of the LEAK Type 15 amplifier, which featured innovative 'negative feedback' and 'push-pull' triode connected KT66 valves, achieving an impressive 15 watts output. This product laid the groundwork for the brand's reputation in high-fidelity sound reproduction.

The late 1940s and 1950s saw LEAK introducing groundbreaking products like the TL/12, which became a standard for high-fidelity sound, and embarking on marketing campaigns that directly compared live versus reproduced music, showcasing the superior quality of LEAK systems. These efforts culminated in LEAK's products being adopted by prestigious institutions like the BBC.

Innovation continued with the introduction of the LEAK Sandwich loudspeaker in 1961, a design that utilized a novel approach to reduce vibrations and resonance, leading to more dynamic audio reproduction. This period also saw the development of the LEAK Stereo 30, a transition to transistor amplifiers that offered a more accessible price point to a broader audience.

Despite its innovations and contributions to the audio industry, LEAK faced challenges from global competition and changing market dynamics, eventually leading to the brand's acquisition by the Rank Organization in 1969 and a gradual fade from the forefront of the audio market.

After years of dormancy, LEAK was revived by the IAG Group, bringing the brand back to the market with a focus on blending classic styling with modern audio technology, ensuring LEAK's legacy continues for new generations of audiophiles.

Leak

The latest LEAK Sandwich speakers deliver crisp, precise audio with a nostalgic twist

280 D-SS

by Akai

Start a thread

Interesting articles

The Exclusive World of Shanling CD-T35 Limited Edition Marvel

Meze Audio to Showcase New Innovations at High-End Show Munich

New LEAK Sandwich Speakers A Legacy Reborn in Hi-Fi