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 4400 is a reel-to-reel tape recorder manufactured in the 1970s. It is a 4-track stereo tape deck that operates at a speed of 7.5 or 3.75 inches per second. The unit features a built-in amplifier and speakers, allowing for standalone playback. It has various input and output options, including microphone input and headphone output. The Akai 4400 also has a recording level control and a VU meter for monitoring levels. It was a popular choice among audio enthusiasts and home recording enthusiasts during its time.

4400


This May, Apertura Audio takes center stage at the Munich High End Show with the unveiling of their latest masterpiece, the Enigma mkII loudspeaker. Celebrating 40 years of acoustic innovation, Apertura Audio introduces this model as the epitome of their commitment to exceptional sound and sophisticated design.

The Enigma mkII stands out for its elegant proportions and a heavily braced, asymmetrical cabinet that enhances audio fidelity. This innovative design integrates sophisticated damping, expertly selected and matched drivers, and a unique crossover topology. Such detailed craftsmanship ensures that the Enigma mkII delivers precise dimensions, explicit rhythms, and dynamic expressions, inviting listeners to delve deeper into the nuances of musical performances.

**Technical Mastery and Artistic Design**

The Enigma mkII is equipped with dual 22 cm mid-woofers developed by SEAS in Norway and modified extensively at Apertura's facility to enhance motor function and mechanical damping. The highlight is its professional-grade 15x145 mm ribbon tweeter—one of the largest available—ensuring expansive sound delivery with exceptional clarity.

Its advanced crossover system is divided into two independent circuit boards for low-pass and high-pass sections, using high-end audio components from Jantzen, Denmark. The speaker also features Apertura's proprietary "DRIM" structure with triple attenuation slopes, optimizing sound across various frequencies.

The design cleverly merges a bass-reflex system with an acoustic line, incorporating a vent tube located beneath the speaker. This complex load allows for a detailed and rich bass response, complemented by the speaker's unique shape that includes two curved sides of different lengths and non-parallel front and back panels.

**Join Apertura Audio in Munich**

Apertura Audio invites all audiophiles and music lovers to experience the Enigma mkII first-hand at the Munich High End Show, Room F204 - A4.2. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience this outstanding speaker in a new and popular finish: American Walnut high gloss, adding to its visual appeal.

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Apertura Audio Showcases Enigma mkII at Munich High End Show 2024

Apertura Audio

Apertura Audio introduces the Enigma mkII at Munich High End Show 2024, an epitome of high-fidelity sound with a stylish American Walnut high gloss finish

In the world of high-fidelity audio, the quest for smaller yet powerful devices continues to fascinate audiophiles and tech enthusiasts alike. Periodic Audio has stepped into this arena with the launch of its Silicon Micro DAC/AMP, a device that's stirring conversations and raising eyebrows with its diminutive size and impressive capabilities.

Dubbed as the ultimate portable DAC, the Silicon Micro DAC/AMP measures merely 27.7mm in length, 10.1mm in thickness, and 12.4mm in width, making it smaller than many 3.5mm headphone plugs. Despite its size, this device doesn't skimp on power. It offers a robust 150+ mW RMS/channel stereo amp and supports PCM formats up to 32 bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD256. This means it can handle nearly any high-resolution music format currently available, promising an uncompromised listening experience.

Users are taking notice of its ability to drive nearly any headphone, from in-ears to over-ears, with some highlighting the 150mW per channel into 32 ohms as a particularly impressive feat for such a compact device. There's a buzz about the power and clarity it delivers, especially considering its size.

However, it's not just the power that's drawing attention. Enthusiasts appreciate the Silicon Micro DAC/AMP's simplicity and ease of use — plug in and play without the hassle of switches, knobs, and LEDs. Its design, featuring a black anodized aluminum extrusion and caps molded from Eastman Tritan™, speaks to its durability and the brand's commitment to quality.

While many are excited about this leap in portable audio technology, some discussions turn technical, diving into the DAC's performance characteristics. For instance, there's talk about its amp stage and how it compares to other options in the market. Some users have pointed out specific behaviors under certain conditions, sparking a deeper analysis among the audiophile community.

In essence, the Periodic Audio Silicon Micro DAC/AMP is more than just a piece of tech; it's a conversation starter, a statement in the continuous evolution of portable audio. It represents a blend of miniaturization and power, appealing to those who want no compromise in their audio experience, regardless of where they are. As this device continues to make waves, it's clear that the balance of size and performance will remain a pivotal point in the audio world.

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Tiny Titan: The Periodic Audio Silicon Micro DAC/AMP Packs Performance in a Petite Package

Periodic Audio is an audio brand that specializes in creating high-performance in-ear monitors (IEMs) and headphones. They are known for their dedication to precision engineering and creating high-quality audio products.

Periodic Audio

Experience portable power with Periodic Audio's compact, high-performance DAC/AMP

Silicon Micro DAC/AMP

Marantz, a stalwart in the audio equipment landscape, has once again demonstrated their commitment to melding classic design with contemporary technology in the form of two new offerings: the CD 50n Premium CD and Network Audio Player, and the MODEL 50 Premium Integrated Stereo Amplifier.

The CD 50n emerges as a testament to Marantz's 70-year evolution, boasting an ability to handle ultra-high resolution audio—supporting PCM up to 384 kHz/32 bit and DSD 128. This feature is a boon for enthusiasts seeking to experience the full breadth of their high-resolution recordings. Its inclusion of HDMI ARC allows listeners to enjoy their TV, movies, and games with the warmth and spaciousness that Marantz is known for. True to their legacy, Marantz integrates custom digital filters to ensure their sound signature is preserved throughout the digital to analog conversion process.

This player is not just a treat for the ears but also the eyes, with its elegant design embodying a balance between timeless aesthetics and modern needs. Furthermore, it is engineered for seamless streaming, courtesy of HEOS® Built-in, which incorporates services like Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, and TuneIn Radio, among others.

Complementing the CD 50n is the MODEL 50 Integrated Amplifier, designed to drive loudspeakers with total control through its 70 watts per channel capability. It features a Class A/B amplifier and a collection of six analog inputs, including a Moving Magnet Phono stage that amplifies the nuanced tones of vinyl records. The MODEL 50's design omits digital audio to prioritize analog purity and simplicity, ensuring intuitive operation and eliminating the risk of interference from digital circuitry.

Both the CD 50n and MODEL 50 share a promise of quality, with Marantz affirming that every unit is a product of meticulous craftsmanship, aimed at delivering the 'Most Musical Sound'. Each comes with a generous 5-year warranty, a testament to the confidence Marantz has in its products' longevity.

For the prospective buyer, the decision between these two might come down to personal need and the existing components in their audio setup. Marantz encourages customers to trust their own ears when considering these products, as personal preference is paramount in the experience of music.

In the conversation around these new releases, questions have arisen regarding their interoperability and whether the advanced converters in the CD 50n make a significant difference when paired with the likes of the Marantz Cinema 50, or if it's compatible with Blu-ray disc playback (it is not, as it's designed solely for Compact Discs).

As for the MODEL 50, queries have been addressed regarding its amplifier stage and power output compared to other models like the Stereo 70s. Marantz clarifies that the Model 50 boasts a more refined amplifier stage with advanced power supplies that can manage more demanding speaker loads, ensuring compatibility with a broader range of loudspeakers and better control across various volume levels.

In conclusion, both the CD 50n and MODEL 50 represent Marantz's unwavering pursuit of audio excellence, merging their historic attention to sonic detail with the demands of modern audio environments. Whether one is diving into the depths of streaming audio or seeking the authoritative drive of a robust amplifier, these new entries into the Marantz family stand ready to enhance the listening experience.

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Marantz CD 50n & MODEL 50: Reinventing Audio Fidelity

Meet Marantz's latest masterpieces: the CD 50n and MODEL 50. These state-of-the-art audio components.

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Interesting articles

Apertura Audio Showcases Enigma mkII at Munich High End Show 2024

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Marantz CD 50n & MODEL 50: Reinventing Audio Fidelity