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 3 is a vintage turntable manufactured by Braun. It was part of the Atelier series of audio equipment produced in the late 1970s to early 1980s. The turntable featured a belt-driven mechanism and a high-quality tonearm for precise tracking. It was known for its sleek and minimalist design, typical of Braun products of that era.

Atelier P 3


The term "remastered" often captures the attention and imagination of audiophiles and casual listeners alike. The promise of a cleaner, richer, and more detailed sound experience is compelling. However, remastering is a complex process that can either enhance or deteriorate the quality of an audio track. It's essential to understand what remastering entails and how to sift through the good, the bad, and the ugly of remastered versions.

### The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Remasters

#### The Process of Remastering

Remastering involves taking original audio tapes and transferring them to a digital format. The process can correct errors, improve sound quality, and sometimes even add new elements. However, these improvements are not guaranteed; the end result is contingent on the skill and intent of the engineers.

#### The Loudness War

One of the most contentious issues surrounding remasters is the so-called "loudness war." This refers to the tendency of producers to compress the dynamic range of a track to make it as loud as possible, sacrificing audio quality for volume. This can be especially jarring for audiophiles who have high-end equipment capable of capturing a wide dynamic range.

#### The "Sacriligious" Alterations

Beyond the loudness war, some remasters take the liberty of altering the original tracks in ways that many consider disrespectful to the original work. The use of auto-tune on classic vocal performances or changing the instrumentation are examples of these kinds of alterations.

### Vintage Pressings and Audiophile Labels

#### The Allure of Original Pressings

For those cautious of the possible pitfalls in remastered versions, vintage pressings—especially from periods like the early '80s—are highly prized. These pressings were often made with a greater dynamic range and are generally considered to offer a more authentic listening experience.

#### Specialty Audiophile Labels

Companies like MoFi (Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab) specialize in high-quality remastering that respects the original audio. They often use the original master tapes and employ meticulous care in the remastering process, making them a preferred choice for audiophiles.

### The Role of Equipment

The equipment used for playback can significantly affect how a remastered track sounds. Higher-end equipment can make a poor remaster sound decent, or a good remaster sound extraordinary. For example, using a quality DAC and network streamer like the Eversolo DMP-A6 can dramatically improve your listening experience.

### Conclusion

In the intricate world of audio remastering, not all remasters are created equal. For audiophiles and discerning listeners, the key is to sift through the multitude of options to find those that respect and enhance the essence of the original recording. Whether you find solace in vintage pressings or place your trust in reputable audiophile labels, understanding the nuances of remastering can help you make informed choices that elevate your auditory experience.

Photo montage showcasing a vintage vinyl record on the left and a digital audio workstation on the right.

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The Complex World of Audio Remastering

Delve into the intricacies of audio remastering. Learn what makes a remaster truly great, how to navigate the pitfalls of poor remasters, and discover the role of equipment in shaping your auditory experience.


In the realm of high-fidelity audio, creating an acoustically pleasant environment is as paramount as having high-quality audio equipment. Sound absorption plays a vital role in achieving this objective by minimizing unwanted reflections and reverberations that can muddy the sonic clarity. This article explores the science of sound absorption and delves into the acoustic properties of various materials, shedding light on their effectiveness in room treatment.

**The Mechanism of Sound Absorption**
Sound absorption is a phenomenon where acoustic energy is transformed into heat as it strikes a material. The efficacy of this process is determined by the material’s acoustic impedance, a measure of resistance against the propagation of sound waves. A material with an acoustic impedance that closely matches that of air is generally more effective at absorbing sound.

**Different Materials and Their Sound Absorption Capabilities**
Various materials exhibit distinct sound-absorbing properties, primarily influenced by their density, thickness, and porosity. Let's dive into some of these materials:

## Fiberglass Panels

Fiberglass panels are known for their excellent sound-absorption properties, particularly in the mid to high-frequency range. These panels are manufactured from fine fibers of glass that are woven intricately into a mat. This porous structure enables them to trap sound waves effectively, reducing echo and reverberation in a space. Besides their acoustic advantages, fiberglass panels are lightweight, easy to install, and come in various sizes and thicknesses to suit different applications.

Technical Specification: The Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of fiberglass panels ranges between 0.70 to 1.20, indicating a high sound absorption efficiency across a significant frequency range.

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## Rockwool

Rockwool, made from spun minerals and basalt rock, is revered for its broad spectrum sound absorption capabilities. Its dense, fibrous structure allows it to capture sound waves efficiently, making it a preferred choice for soundproofing in various settings including home theaters, studios, and industrial sites. Moreover, Rockwool is fire-resistant and water-repellent, adding to its desirability as a sound-absorbing material.

Technical Specification: With a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) ranging from 0.90 to 1.10, Rockwool demonstrates a strong ability to absorb a substantial portion of incident sound energy.

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## Foam Panels

Foam panels, especially those of open-cell design, are effective in taming higher frequency sounds. They provide an affordable and easy-to-install solution for treating spaces with sound reflection issues. However, their effectiveness diminishes as the frequency lowers, making them less suitable for addressing low-frequency sound problems.

Technical Specification: The NRC of foam panels varies from 0.20 to 0.80, contingent on factors like density and thickness.

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## Bass Traps

Bass traps are specialized acoustic treatments designed to control low-frequency sounds. They are crucial for rooms with boomy acoustics and are typically installed in corners where low-frequency build-up is most pronounced. Bass traps come in various designs, including resonant absorbers and porous absorbers, each catering to specific low-frequency issues.

Technical Specification: Bass traps are effective in the frequency range of 50 Hz to 500 Hz, significantly mitigating low-frequency reverberations.

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## Perforated Wood Panels

Perforated wood panels marry aesthetic elegance with acoustic functionality. They are effective in treating mid to high-frequency sounds, with the degree of sound absorption being influenced by the size and pattern of perforations. These panels are ideal for environments where both visual appeal and acoustic comfort are desired.

Technical Specification: The NRC of perforated wood panels varies between 0.60 to 0.90, influenced by the perforation dimensions and pattern.

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## Effective Room Treatment
 
Understanding the sound-absorbing properties of materials is critical for effective room treatment. By strategically placing sound-absorbing materials in a room, one can significantly improve the acoustical environment, rendering a cleaner, more defined sound output.

**Conclusion** 
The journey towards impeccable sound quality is multifaceted, with sound absorption being a cornerstone. A deep understanding of the acoustic properties of various materials and their strategic placement within a space can substantially enhance the auditory experience, bringing one closer to the elusive goal of true high-fidelity sound reproduction.

room setup with a distinct section of the wall covered in fiberglass panels.png

Analyzing Material Sound Absorption: A Path to Acoustic Harmony

Material sound absorption is a pivotal step towards high-fidelity sound reproduction. Understand the technical and practical aspects of various sound-absorbing materials to enhance sonic clarity and acoustic comfort.

In this article, we dive into the heart of Naim's latest sonic masterpiece, the Uniti Nova Power Edition, designed to transform your home into a concert hall. Here's what we'll uncover:

-   **Power and Precision**: Discover how 150 watts per channel make this system a powerhouse for any speaker setup.
-   **Tech-Savvy Amplification**: Learn about the cutting-edge Class D amplification that keeps the music punchy and precise.
-   **All About Connectivity**: From vinyl to digital, see how it connects to practically anything.
-   **Streaming Made Easy**: Explore seamless integration with top music services and multi-room setups.
-   **Sleek Design, Smart Control**: Admire its brushed aluminum beauty and discover how easy it is to control with just your smartphone.

Interesting? Continue reading to find out how the Uniti Nova Power Edition is redefining the home audio experience.

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Diving into the world of Naim's Uniti Nova Power Edition feels like stepping into a concert hall, where every note and beat is crafted with precision. This isn't just a music player; it's a technological marvel designed for those who don't just listen to music, but experience it. With 150 watts per channel into 8 Ohms, the power at your fingertips is immense, capable of driving the most power-hungry speakers to fill your space with sound that's not just heard, but felt.

The heart of its performance lies in its Class D amplification. This isn't your everyday audio tech; it's a cutting-edge approach that delivers efficiency and power without the bulk or the energy drain of traditional amps. Think of it as the electric car of the audio world: sleek, powerful, and environmentally friendly. It's designed to deliver every strum, beat, and note with clarity that makes you rethink what your music can sound like.

Beyond its powerhouse core, the Uniti Nova PE is a hub of connectivity. Vinyl enthusiasts, digital natives, and streaming aficionados will find something to love. With inputs for everything from turntables (via RCA or 5-pin DIN connectors) to digital sources (coaxial, optical, and even HDMI ARC for your TV), it integrates seamlessly into any setup. It's ready for the future too, with high-resolution audio support up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD 64, making sure that whatever you're listening to is as close to the original recording as possible.

For those who've embraced streaming, the Uniti Nova PE is a dream. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth aptX HD, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Roon Ready capabilities mean you're just a few taps away from music across the globe. Services like Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple Music are all in the mix, offering endless playlists and tracks in studio-quality sound.

Control is where the Uniti Nova PE really stands out. The included ZigBee RF bi-directional remote and the Naim app transform your smartphone or tablet into a remote control, giving you the power to dive into your music collection without getting off the couch. And for those who love a multi-room setup, this player syncs beautifully with other Naim devices, allowing you to spread the joy of music from the living room to the kitchen and beyond, all without skipping a beat.

The design of the Uniti Nova PE mirrors its technical prowess. Clad in brushed aluminum, it's not just a piece of audio equipment; it's a statement piece that looks as good as it sounds. The attention to detail extends to its eco-friendly design, featuring a low standby power consumption and a dual power supply system that ensures optimum performance while keeping energy use in check.

In essence, the Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition is more than just a music player; it's a gateway to experiencing your favorite music in a way that's as dynamic and vibrant as a live performance. It's a testament to Naim's commitment to bringing the concert hall into your home, wrapped up in a package that's as technologically advanced as it is beautiful.

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Why Naim's Uniti Nova PE is the Heart of Modern Sound Systems

Naim is a brand that specializes in high-end audio products.

Naim

The Naim Uniti Nova PE is revolutionizing home sound systems with its blend of power, design, and connectivity.

Atelier P 3

by Braun

Interesting articles

The Complex World of Audio Remastering

Analyzing Material Sound Absorption: A Path to Acoustic Harmony

Why Naim's Uniti Nova PE is the Heart of Modern Sound Systems