Braun is a German brand that specializes in designing and manufacturing various consumer products. They are not specifically known for audio products.

Braun

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Sony's acquisition of Audeze, a renowned name in high-end audio, has stirred a blend of excitement and speculation. The official statement from Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC (SIE) emphasizes their intent to innovate within the PlayStation audio realm, with Audeze continuing its independent operations. This raises pertinent questions: Will Audeze's high-fidelity expertise be the new driving force in PlayStation's audio experiences? How will this affect Audeze's legacy in the audiophile market?

Reactions to the acquisition range from optimism about the potential for improvements and collaborations to concerns regarding Audeze's focus shifting away from its traditional audiophile audience. While some anticipate enhanced gaming headsets infused with Audeze's high-end audio technology, others ponder the future of Audeze's commitment to pure, high-fidelity sound.

The integration of Audeze's patented technologies and planar magnetic drivers with Sony's gaming prowess, especially with the PlayStation 5's Tempest 3D AudioTech, suggests a future where gaming audio standards are elevated. This merger could signify a landmark shift in both high-end audio and gaming experiences, marrying Audeze's audiophile-grade sound with Sony's expansive gaming ecosystem.

In the midst of cautious optimism, attention is focused on the potential outcomes of this partnership. Will it pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in gaming and hi-fi audio, or might it redirect Audeze into a new path? The answers lie ahead as we witness the unfolding of this intriguing union between a gaming giant and a hi-fi legend.

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Sony Acquires Audeze: A New Era for High-End Audio and Gaming

Unveiling the future of high-fidelity sound and gaming with Sony's strategic acquisition of Audeze


## Introduction to Acoustic Metrics

### Why Acoustic Metrics Matter

Sound is more than just what we hear; it's a wave that behaves in specific ways in different environments. To better understand and control how sound behaves in a space—be it a home theater, recording studio, or an open-office layout—we use acoustic metrics. These metrics provide us with a quantitative means of assessing and improving a room's acoustical properties.

### Brief Overview of NRC and STC

Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) and Sound Transmission Class (STC) are two of the most commonly used acoustic metrics. NRC tells us how well a material absorbs sound, thereby reducing echo and reverberation. STC, on the other hand, measures how effectively a material can block sound from traveling from one space to another. Both metrics are crucial for anyone interested in acoustics, from audiophiles to architects.

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## Exploring NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient)

### What is NRC?

NRC, or Noise Reduction Coefficient, is a number between 0 and 1 that represents the fraction of sound energy absorbed by a material. A score close to 1 indicates that the material is very effective at absorbing sound, while a score near 0 means it reflects most of the sound hitting it.

### How to Interpret NRC Ratings

NRC ratings are often found on products like acoustic panels, carpets, and ceiling tiles. A material with an NRC rating of 0.75, for example, would absorb 75% of sound energy and reflect the remaining 25%. In spaces where clear, detailed sound is essential—such as recording studios or home theaters—an NRC rating closer to 1 is generally desired.

### Practical Applications of NRC

Understanding NRC is essential when you are looking to control sound within a space. In recording studios, materials with high NRC ratings are used to reduce ambient noise and improve recording quality. In home theaters, NRC-rated panels can significantly enhance the viewer's experience by cutting down on distracting echoes and reverberations. Even in noisy industrial settings, NRC can play a role in creating a more acoustically pleasant environment.

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## The Importance of STC (Sound Transmission Class)

### What is STC?

Sound Transmission Class (STC) is a metric that measures a material's ability to block sound from traveling through it. Unlike NRC, which focuses on absorption within a single space, STC helps us understand how soundproof a material is between two distinct spaces.

### Factors Affecting STC Ratings

Several factors can affect a material's STC rating, including its density, thickness, and how it's installed. Generally, materials like concrete and brick have high STC ratings, making them excellent for soundproofing. However, even a high-STC material can underperform if it's installed poorly, such as with gaps or cracks that allow sound to seep through.

### STC in Real-world Scenarios

In residential buildings, understanding STC can help you create a quieter and more private living environment by choosing walls, floors, and doors with higher STC ratings. In commercial settings, like offices or hospitals, STC-rated partitions can greatly enhance privacy and reduce noise pollution.

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## NRC vs STC - Knowing When to Use Which

### Different Goals, Different Metrics

While both NRC and STC are instrumental in shaping a room's acoustic properties, they serve different purposes. NRC is used for improving sound quality within a room by minimizing echo and reverberation. STC is used for isolating rooms from each other, ensuring that sound doesn't leak from one space to another. Knowing which metric to focus on is crucial for effective acoustic treatment.

### Complementary but Not Interchangeable

It's important to note that a material with a high NRC rating won't necessarily have a high STC rating, and vice versa. For example, foam panels may have excellent sound absorption properties but may not be effective in soundproofing between rooms.

### Case Examples

-   **Home Theater**: You'd likely be concerned with both NRC (to improve sound quality within the room) and STC (to prevent sound leakage into other parts of the home).
-   **Recording Studio**: NRC would be critical here to capture clean recordings, but STC would also be important to ensure external noises don't contaminate the recording.

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## Measuring and Evaluating Acoustic Metrics

### Tools of the Trade

Sound level meters, room analysis software, and specialized microphones can be used to measure and analyze acoustic metrics. These tools can provide a quantitative evaluation that can guide you in choosing the right materials.

### DIY vs Professional Analysis

Simple mobile apps can give you a basic understanding of a room's acoustics, but for critical applications like studios or professional theaters, you may need to consult with acoustics professionals for a more detailed evaluation.

### Understanding the Numbers

-   **NRC**: Generally, an NRC rating of 0.6 or higher is considered good for most indoor environments.
-   **STC**: An STC rating of 50 or higher is considered excellent for blocking out most everyday noises.

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## Practical Applications and Recommendations

### Tailoring to Your Needs

Your specific needs will dictate whether you should prioritize NRC, STC, or both. Are you trying to improve the acoustics of an open office, or are you more concerned with soundproofing an in-home cinema?

### Material Selection

-   For high NRC: Look for specialized acoustic panels, fabrics, and foams.
-   For high STC: Consider denser materials like mass-loaded vinyl, drywall, or even specialized acoustic doors.

### When to Consult an Expert

If you're dealing with complex acoustic challenges or need specialized solutions, it might be wise to consult an acoustics professional for a more in-depth analysis and tailored solutions.

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Introducing Acoustic Metrics: NRC , STC

Explore the essential acoustic metrics NRC and STC, learn their differences and applications, and discover how to measure and optimize them for better sound quality and isolation.


At this year's Munich Audio Show, Erzetich is showcasing significant updates to its acclaimed headphone lineup and previewing an upcoming amplifier, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and quality in audio design. The event highlights the latest advancements from Erzetich, a brand known for its dedication to enhancing the audio experience.

**Enhanced Headphone Models**

Erzetich has introduced refreshed versions of their original headphone models, including significant updates to a compact model which is being featured for the first time in Munich. These updates are the result of direct customer feedback and are aimed at improving both comfort and sound quality. Key enhancements include:

-   A shift to a carbon-fiber headband from the previous steel version to reduce weight and increase comfort.
-   The use of resin for the earcups, allowing for a more intricate internal geometry that enhances acoustic performance.
-   Larger and softer earpads to ensure comfort during extended listening sessions.
-   An upgraded 8-core silver-plated oxygen-free copper cable that enhances the overall sound detail and quality.

These improvements maintain the distinctive aesthetic of the headphones, including their octagonal cups, while elevating the user's audio experience.

**Refined Sound Signature**

The updated headphones are noted for their exceptional balance and detailed sound profile, building on the strengths of the original version, which was already praised for its deep bass, precise linearity, and broad soundstage. The new iteration enhances these features to offer a more balanced and intricate auditory experience, making it a favorite choice for the creator and users alike.

**Upcoming Amplifier: Bacillus Tilia Plus**

Looking forward, Erzetich is excited about the release of a new amplifier, the Bacillus Tilia Plus. This model is an evolution of the existing Bacillus Tilia and will feature a dual-mono, fully balanced design. Additionally, it will offer both balanced and unbalanced input/output options. Scheduled for release in the autumn, this amplifier is expected to appeal to a wide range of audiophiles, from enthusiasts to professional users, by providing a versatile and high-quality audio amplification solution.

Erzetich's presence at the Munich Audio Show not only underscores their ongoing innovation in sound technology but also sets new standards for the design and functionality of audio equipment. Attendees and audio enthusiasts are given a glimpse into the future of sound with Erzetich's latest offerings, which promise to enhance how we experience music.

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 Erzetich Debuts Updated Headphones and Teases New Amplifier at Munich Audio Show

Erzetich is a boutique audio brand that specializes in high-end headphones and amplifiers.

Erzetich

Discover the latest from Erzetich at Munich Audio Show: updated Mania, Phobos, and Thalia headphones with enhanced comfort and sound quality

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Interesting articles

Sony Acquires Audeze: A New Era for High-End Audio and Gaming

Introducing Acoustic Metrics: NRC , STC

Erzetich Debuts Updated Headphones and Teases New Amplifier at Munich Audio Show