Børresen is a brand that specializes in audio products.

Børresen

Z2 Cryo Edition


Canadian hi-fi brand MOON has set a new benchmark in the audio world with its North Collection, introducing six innovative products: the 641 Integrated Amplifier, 681 Network Player/DAC, 761 Power Amplifier, 791 Network Player/Preamplifier, 861 Power Amplifier, and 891 Network Player/Preamplifier. This collection marks a significant evolution in MOON's product line, emphasizing superior audio quality and design.

**Innovative Technologies and Design:**

-   The collection incorporates MOON's Distortion Cancelling Amplifier (MDCA) circuit to minimize noise and distortion.
-   Enhanced mechanical isolation is achieved through the MOON Damping Base (MDB).
-   The 641 Integrated Amplifier provides robust power, offering 125W at 8 ohms and 250W at 4 ohms.
-   The 681 Network Player/DAC features advanced digital technologies, including the MDE1 re-clocking FPGA.

**A Step Up in Performance:**

-   The North Collection reflects MOON's commitment to merging traditional sound quality with contemporary technological advancements.
-   Handcrafted details and iconic design elements make the collection stand out, both aesthetically and functionally.
-   The introduction of these products signals MOON's continuous pursuit of pushing the boundaries in high-fidelity audio.

**Market Impact and Availability:**

-   With its launch, MOON reinforces its standing as a pioneer in the high-fidelity audio market, offering a range of products that cater to audiophiles and music enthusiasts seeking premium audio experiences.
-   The North Collection is poised to attract significant attention and acclaim from both industry professionals and consumers for its combination of innovative features and exceptional audio performance.

MOON's North Collection represents not just a series of products but a new era in high-fidelity audio, blending state-of-the-art technology with luxurious design to offer an unparalleled listening experience.

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MOON Unveils North Collection: A New Benchmark in Hi-Fi Audio

Where luxury meets technology in high-end audio. Six revolutionary products setting new standards in sound quality and design.

Recently, we got a unique product to test. Currently, there are only two models of keyboards with a built-in DAC and headphone amplifier in the world, and one of them is the Fiio KB3. We will talk about it today.

This keyboard has several unique features, and we want to figure out who it is for, how it sounds, and whether it is worth the money. Given its uniqueness, let's start with an analysis of the features and sound.

## Feature Overview

It is important to define the methodology for comparison and identification of key points for Fiio KB3, given its niche. Let's start with the fact that two Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs and two SGM8262 operational amplifiers are installed inside the device.

The Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs in the Fiio KB3 are known for their ability to provide clear and detailed sound, which is especially important when listening to high-resolution music. These DACs, typically used in high-end portable audio devices, are used here to improve sound quality directly at your workplace. And the SGM8262 operational amplifiers help to minimize distortion and noise, providing a richer and more emotional sound, making each listened composition more alive and realistic.

## Sound Analysis

The starting point in our comparison will be a quick test of the MacBook Pro, which already has a decent built-in DAC. Headphones worth about 2,000 euros were chosen as headphones to avoid sound limitations and at the same time to check the efficiency of the amplifier.

We created [a playlist on Qobuz](https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/19379861) that includes tracks that we believe are suitable for testing this keyboard. The playlist features various genres, but we consciously did not focus on jazz and classical music, as we assume that KB3 is aimed at a slightly different audience.

During a quick test of the MacBook Pro DAC with the tracks "Blinding Lights" and "Crew Love", it was noticed that, despite the good bass in "Blinding Lights", the sound seems a bit closed. "Crew Love" demonstrates the purity of the sound, but there is a lack of spaciousness and resolution. In general, the sound through the MacBook Pro is clear, but not as detailed and rich as we would like.

Now we move on to the most exciting stage: we connect the headphones to the 3.5mm jack of the Fiio KB3. Conveniently, no additional drivers are required. We listened to the same and other tracks:

- **The Dark Knight, Hans Zimmer**: There is a noticeable improvement in resolution, although the bass seems a bit restrained.
- **Hotel California, Eagles**: The sound becomes more natural and full, with good transmission of nuances.
- **Blinding Lights, The Weeknd**: The bass has improved significantly. Even at maximum volume, the sound is not tiring, maintaining its dynamics and development.
- **Crew Love, Drake**: Good clarity and nuance, great separation of voices.
- **Enter Sandman, Metallica**: Excellent drums that create a sense of closeness.
- **Moth to a Flame, Swedish House Mafia**: While listening, we unknowingly turned up the volume to maximum - the sound is captivating, without any complaints.

The use of two Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs in the Fiio KB3 keyboard significantly improves the soundstage, making it more spacious and detailed. This is especially noticeable when listening to complex musical compositions, where each instrument and voice sounds clear and separate. Thanks to this, the use of the Fiio KB3 keyboard turns ordinary listening to music into a deeper and more immersive experience.

The amplifier in the Fiio KB3 really proved to be powerful and effective, doing an excellent job of maintaining sound quality even at maximum volume. This is an important aspect for any audio device, especially when it comes to listening to music through high-end headphones.

## Functionality

Sound control on the Fiio KB3 is significantly more convenient and enjoyable than the standard volume control on the keyboard. This is ensured by the built-in volume knob, which allows you to accurately and easily adjust the volume level. Additionally, the keyboard is equipped with two USB ports, which expands its functionality, allowing you to connect additional devices, such as a mouse or flash drive, directly to the keyboard, which is convenient and practical, especially with a limited number of free ports on the computer.

In addition, the Fiio KB3 is equipped with mechanical keys with Gateron G Pro 3.0 yellow switches, providing pleasant tactile sensations when typing. RGB backlighting adds aesthetic appeal and provides customization options, which will be valuable for users who want to give their workspace a personal touch. And the compact 75% design makes the keyboard ideal for saving space on your desktop.

## Appearance and Packaging

The outer packaging of the Fiio KB3 looks presentable and modern, decorated with the company's slogan "Born for Music". The keyboard comes with a long enough USB cable for connection, as well as a simple instruction manual. It is worth noting the absence of a specialized cable for connecting to Mac devices, which will require the use of an adapter. However, overall, the first impression of the keyboard was very positive, and there was an immediate desire to connect it and evaluate its sound.

## Verdict

The Fiio KB3 is an excellent purchase at an affordable price. For 110+ euros, you get not only a gaming keyboard, but also a built-in DAC and headphone amplifier. This is a great offer for those looking for a solution to improve sound quality without adding external devices. The Fiio KB3 is ideal for optimizing your workspace and reducing the number of cables, while it is not only attractive for audiophiles, but also enriches the gaming experience for gamers, improving the sound of dialogues and special effects.

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Fiio KB3 Review: The Keyboard That Makes Your Music and Games Come Alive

FiiO is a company that specializes in the design and production of audio products.

FiiO


In this article, we're diving into the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8, a speaker that's as much about style as it is about sound. Here's a quick rundown of what we'll cover:

-   **Beam Width Control**: Tailoring sound to your environment.
-   **Adaptive Bass**: Keeping the bass balanced at any volume.
-   **Room Compensation**: Smart sound adjustments for your specific room.
-   **Ultra-Wideband Tech**: Sound that follows you, not just sits there.
-   **Eco-Friendly Approach**: A nod to sustainable design.

Interested? Keep reading for the details...

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First off, the Beolab 8 is pretty sleek. It's got this modern look with a choice between wooden or fabric covers, which is cool because it can fit into different room styles. The top part is made of glass, which isn't just for looks; it's actually a touch panel for controlling the speaker.

Now, about its sound capabilities – it's quite versatile. There's this thing called Beam Width Control that lets you change how the sound spreads in the room. You can either have it focused directly at you for a more personal experience or spread it out to fill the room, great for when you have friends over.

The bass quality is worth noting. It's got this Adaptive Bass Linearisation tech, meaning the bass adjusts itself based on the volume. So, at lower volumes, you get a nice bass boost, but it doesn't go overboard when you crank up the volume.

Another interesting feature is its room compensation ability. Essentially, the Beolab 8 can figure out the acoustics of the room it's in and adjust its sound to fit the space. That's pretty handy because not everyone has the perfect room setup for speakers.

For those who are into tech, it uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, which is a fancy way of saying the speaker can adjust its sound based on where you are in the room, as long as you have your smartphone on you.

In terms of connectivity, it's got you covered with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even some legacy Bang & Olufsen connections. So, whether you're streaming music from your phone or hooking it up to an older system, it should work just fine.

Bang & Olufsen also seems to be thinking about the environment. They've made the Beolab 8 with materials that are supposed to be more degradable, reducing electronic waste. Plus, it's designed to be upgradable, so it's not just a one-and-done kind of purchase.

The catch? Well, it's pretty pricey. You're looking at a significant investment, but if you're after a speaker that combines good sound with a stylish design and some neat features, it could be worth it.

In short, the Beolab 8 is a mix of style, sound quality, and some smart features. If you're into your music and want a speaker that's a bit of a conversation piece, this could be a good pick.

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Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8: A Convergence of Innovation and Elegance

Bang & Olufsen is a Danish audio company that designs and manufactures high-end audio products. Their products are known for their sleek design and exceptional sound quality.

Bang & Olufsen

Get to know how the Beolab 8 adapts its sound to fit your room's acoustics, enhancing your listening pleasure

Z2 Cryo Edition

by Børresen

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Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8: A Convergence of Innovation and Elegance