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

Braun

The Braun Atelier P 1 is a stereo turntable manufactured by Braun in the early 1970s. It features a belt drive mechanism, a suspended sub-chassis design for reduced vibration, and an aluminum tonearm. The turntable is known for its sleek and minimalist design, characteristic of Braun products during that time. It was designed by Dieter Rams and Hans Gugelot.

Atelier P 1


In the world of high-end audio, innovation is a continuous journey. The latest milestone in this journey is the introduction of the HiFi Rose RS130, a network audio player that has been creating waves among audio enthusiasts and industry experts alike. This flagship product from the Korean high-end audio manufacturer HiFi Rose represents a significant leap forward in network audio technology, combining cutting-edge features with luxurious design.

**Unrivaled Technological Excellence**

The RS130 stands out with its impressive array of technological advancements. Key among these is the use of Fiber Optic Ethernet and USB connections, which effectively isolate network digital noise. This ensures that the sound reaching the DAC is flawless, devoid of any interference typically caused by network equipment. Additionally, the player boasts an ultra-high-precision OCXO (Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillators) clock, which guarantees an exceptionally precise digital audio signal across all digital outputs.

An overbuilt linear power supply featuring high capacity supercapacitors, coupled with a specially processed all-aluminum chassis, virtually eliminates all vibrations. The player also includes an internal NVMe SSD memory caching system for stable playback, mitigating issues associated with network instabilities.

**A Blend of Luxury and User-Friendly Design**

Aesthetically, the RS130 is a masterpiece. It features a 15.4-inch wide full-color touchscreen, offering a high-resolution interface that runs the entire width of the front panel. Its user-friendly interface, based on a heavily customized Android 7.1 OS, allows for easy navigation and control. The streaming protocols supported include AirPlay, DNLA, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready. Furthermore, the player is equipped with onboard apps such as Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify, all accessible via the ROSE Connect controller app.

**Enhancing the Audiophile Experience**

The RS130 is not just about technological prowess; it's about enhancing the overall listening experience. Its design and features reflect a deep understanding of audiophiles' needs. From its Fiber Optic Ethernet that blocks physical noise sources, to the specialized all-aluminum chassis that eliminates vibrations, every aspect of the RS130 is crafted to deliver pure, unadulterated sound.

**Setting New Standards**

The HiFi Rose RS130 is more than just a network player; it's a statement of luxury, innovation, and unparalleled audio performance. With its introduction, HiFi Rose has set a new benchmark in the world of high-end audio, offering an experience that transcends the ordinary. As the brand continues to refine its products and push the boundaries of audio technology, the RS130 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when luxury meets technological innovation.

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 HiFi Rose RS130: A New Benchmark in Network Audio Players

Explore the HiFi Rose RS130: a luxurious, high-end network audio player with advanced Fiber Optic tech, precision OCXO clock, and a user-friendly interface

There are audiophiles, and then there's Ken Fritz.  His story isn't just about finding the perfect stereo – it's about building it. Fritz poured decades of his life into creating a system that would become legend, a shrine to the power of music, and proof of what happens when obsession meets brilliant engineering.

His centerpiece? Custom nine-foot speakers – monsters of audio fidelity. These aren't about looking impressive (though they certainly do); they're about feeling the music in your bones, about recreating the visceral thrill of a live concert within your own four walls. It takes insane, meticulous craftsmanship to get that kind of sound.

Then there's the turntable, a 1,500-pound behemoth built with one purpose: to be the enemy of vibration.  For vinyl lovers, vibration is music's kryptonite. Fritz knew that, so he built this beast to fight back, to make sure every nuance on a record shines through with crystal clarity.

Dedication like this goes beyond gear. Fritz understood that even the finest speakers in the world can be ruined by a bad room. So, he obsessed over his listening space, channeling the acoustic wisdom of the world's greatest concert halls into its design. Every angle, every surface, all of it tuned to deliver a flawless audio experience.

Numbers tell part of the story – 35,000 watts of sheer power, and countless hours poured into the system's creation.  But this wasn't about specs for Fritz. His system is about capturing the soul of music – every breath, every crescendo, the full emotional impact that we often lose in convenient, digital formats.

Ken Fritz reminds us what is possible when music becomes all-consuming. His creation is a rebuke to the idea that convenience equals quality. It's a work of art, both the equipment and the musical experience it delivers.

This isn't just a stereo system. It's a reminder that some journeys are as magnificent as the destination, and that music, when truly honored, can change how we feel the world around us.

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 The audiophile's dream: Ken Fritz's ultimate stereo system

Feel the emotional resonance of music like never before through Ken Fritz's high-end audio setup


In recent times, the landscape of music streaming services has become a battleground for audio quality. With Spotify's rumored "Supremium" tier, a volley has been fired that adds a complex layer to the ongoing conversations about sound quality, value, and the features that users genuinely desire.

## The Value of Quality: Spotify vs. Competitors

Deezer offers Redbook quality FLAC at $11 a month. Meanwhile, Apple Music is comparably priced and boasts hi-res audio. Users often argue that the quality of Apple Music far exceeds that of Spotify, even in standard AAC formats. However, others appreciate Spotify's robust feature set, particularly its music discovery algorithms.

### AAC vs. OGG Vorbis

The encoding format also plays a significant role in audio quality. While Spotify uses a mix of OGG Vorbis and AAC across platforms, many audiophiles believe AAC provides superior quality over MP3. The effectiveness of OGG Vorbis is debatable, especially on Android devices where AAC hasn't been implemented well.

## What's in a Price? 

The proposed price for Spotify's "Supremium" tier is causing a stir. While some users think $20 a month isn't unreasonable, others find it steep, especially when compared to offerings from Deezer, Apple Music, and Amazon. What complicates matters is Spotify's attempt to justify the higher price by bundling in additional features like audiobooks, which don't appeal to everyone.

### The Playlist Limit Woes

Deezer also comes under scrutiny for its playlist limitations. In contrast, Spotify offers greater flexibility, allowing users to create extensive playlists with thousands of songs.

## The Algorithm Game

Where Spotify often wins is in its sophisticated algorithms for music discovery. The platform introduces users to a wide range of new music, which is seen as one of its strongest points. However, some users argue that the algorithms have become less effective, circling back to music they've already listened to.

### The Convenience Factor

When it comes to multi-room and multi-device experiences, Spotify tends to win out. The convenience of Spotify Connect, which seamlessly finds speakers on your network, often trumps the audio quality debate for casual listening scenarios.

## Can You Even Tell the Difference?

Many are skeptical about the perceptible differences between high-res audio and Spotify's current maximum of 320 kbps. While the debate rages on, even among audiophiles, it remains a critical point for potential subscribers. Can most people discern the difference, and even if they can, is it worth the additional cost?

## Conclusion

The forthcoming Spotify "Supremium" tier is bound to shake up the existing landscape of music streaming services. However, whether it will fulfill the audiophile's dream or become a jack-of-all-trades offering that dilutes the brand's musical focus remains to be seen. In the end, the choice may boil down to what users prioritize most: is it audio quality, algorithmic discovery, convenience, or price?

As the world of streaming services continues to evolve, users are left to navigate this complex landscape, weighing the pros and cons to find their ideal musical home.

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A Look at Spotify's "Supremium" Tier

Explore the nuances of the music streaming wars as Spotify introduces its "Supremium" tier. Learn how it stacks up against competitors like Apple Music and Deezer in audio quality, features, and pricing. Is the higher cost justified by its offerings? Dive in to find out.

Atelier P 1

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HiFi Rose RS130: A New Benchmark in Network Audio Players

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A Look at Spotify's "Supremium" Tier