B&W is a British audio brand known for its high-quality speakers and headphones.

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Recently, Focal caused a real stir at the CES 2024 show, presenting an updated line of its famous Aria series - Aria Evo X. Several models were presented from Aria Evo X N°1 to N°4, as well as a center speaker for home theaters. The main thing is to meet the needs of both movie lovers and true music lovers.

The main feature of the new series is the 'M'-shaped tweeter with an inverted TAM housing. This is a step forward compared to the old TNF tweeter and is designed to bring more clarity to the high frequency range - up to 30 kHz. For those who are not in the know, this means that the sound should be sharper and more detailed, especially on high notes.

The TMD® technology has also been added for the midrange range. Simply put, this technology is designed to reduce distortion and maintain a clean and balanced sound. It is like a guarantee that everything sounds exactly the way it should, without annoying noises or hum.

Focal did not stop at the sound and updated the appearance of the speakers. Now there is a Moss Green High Gloss finish, in addition to the classic black and walnut colors.

The Aria Evo X series continues to use the flax cone, a feature that Focal fans may remember from the Aria 900 series. This part is known for making the sound more natural, especially in the midrange and low frequency ranges.

Since its launch, the Aria Evo X series has generated a lot of interest among audiophiles and ordinary listeners. The new tweeter and its impact on sound quality are especially discussed. However, along with technological improvements came a price increase, and this has become a topic of discussion. Some are wondering if such a price hike is justified, especially when comparing these new models to previous versions of Aria or to products from other brands.

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Focal's Flax Cone Feature Takes Center Stage in Aria Evo X Series

Focal is a brand that specializes in high-fidelity audio equipment.

Focal

Aria Evo X integrates TMD technology for a perfectly balanced and distortion-free audio experience


Recently, JBL introduced their newest portable speaker, the Xtreme 4, and it's catching a lot of attention. Revealed at CES 2024, this speaker isn't just another loud box – it's packed with some pretty neat features that make it stand out.

#### What's New and Cool About It?

**Auracast™ Technology**: This is a big deal because it lets you connect multiple speakers, even different models, to create a bigger and more immersive sound. Imagine having a few of these at a BBQ or a beach day, all synced up. That's a serious upgrade to your music experience.

**AI Sound Boost**: Here's where it gets a bit techy but in a good way. The speaker uses AI to make the music sound better, adjusting the audio in real-time. So, whether you're listening to rock, jazz, or podcasts, it promises clearer, less distorted sound.

#### Environmentally Friendly

JBL is also thinking about the planet with this one. A large part of the Xtreme 4 is made from recycled materials, which is a step in the right direction for tech products. It's good to see a big brand taking environmental concerns seriously.

#### Designed for Real Life

The Xtreme 4 is built to last. It has a big battery that can keep the tunes going for up to 24 hours, and you can even use it to charge your phone. Plus, if the battery starts to wear out, you can just replace it instead of buying a new speaker.

And if you're clumsy like me, you'll appreciate that it's waterproof and dustproof. No worries if it gets splashed at the pool or caught in a bit of rain.

#### Bluetooth and More

With Bluetooth v5.3, it connects easily to your devices, and the connection is solid. No more annoying dropouts in the middle of your favorite song.

#### In Summary

The JBL Xtreme 4 isn't just another speaker. It's got some cool features that make listening to music more fun and convenient, and it's built in a way that's better for the environment. It's a solid choice if you're in the market for a portable speaker that can handle a variety of situations, from outdoor adventures to just chilling at home.

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Discover the AI Sound Boost Feature in the JBL Xtreme 4

JBL is a brand that specializes in audio equipment and is known for its high-quality speakers and headphones.

Never miss a beat with the JBL Xtreme 4's incredible 24-hour battery life, perfect for all-day audio


Audiophiles and audio engineers often invest a considerable amount of money in high-fidelity equipment, seeking the utmost clarity, detail, and realism in sound reproduction. However, an often-underestimated aspect that plays a crucial role in both recording and playback is room acoustics. No matter how sophisticated the equipment, the physical properties of the room can either uplift or undermine sound quality. This article delves into the science of room acoustics, its impact on sound quality, and why it is pivotal in both recording studios and playback rooms.

## What is Room Acoustics?

Room acoustics refers to the behavior of sound in an enclosed space. The study of this phenomenon aims to understand how sound waves interact with room surfaces and how these interactions affect what we hear. Acoustic properties of a room, such as reflections, diffractions, absorption, and resonances, significantly influence the perceived sound quality. These properties can be managed through room treatments like bass traps, diffusers, and absorptive materials.

## The Physics of Sound and Room Interactions

When sound emanates from a speaker or an instrument, it travels as pressure waves. These waves interact with surfaces—walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and even air. Based on the properties of these surfaces, sound waves can be:

1.  **Absorbed**: Materials like foam panels and thick curtains can absorb sound waves, reducing reverberation.
2.  **Reflected**: Hard surfaces like concrete walls will reflect sound waves. This reflection can create echo and reverb.
3.  **Diffracted**: When sound waves encounter edges or obstacles, they bend around them, affecting the sound's clarity and direction.
4.  **Transmitted**: In some instances, sound waves pass through materials, a phenomenon more common in walls that are not soundproof.

These interactions cumulatively contribute to the room's sonic signature, which can color the sound in ways that might be undesirable.

## Importance in Recording Studios

### Reflection Points and Phase Issues

In a recording studio, poor acoustics can be detrimental. For example, sound reflections can collide with direct sound from instruments, creating phase issues that muddy the recording. Phase issues occur when two sound waves of the same frequency are out of alignment, resulting in either a boost or cut in that frequency.

### Isolation and Leakage

Sound isolation is another critical consideration. Without proper room treatment, sound can leak into or out of the recording area, contaminating recordings with unwanted noise. High-density materials and specially-designed walls can help isolate sound within the room.

### Room Modes and Frequency Response

Room modes, or standing waves, occur at specific frequencies where the dimensions of the room cause the sound waves to reinforce or cancel each other out. This phenomenon can lead to "boomy" or "dead" spots in the room, affecting the accuracy and flatness of the frequency response.

## Importance in Playback Rooms

### Imaging and Soundstage

In playback scenarios, room acoustics affect the precision of imaging and the expansiveness of the soundstage. Poor room acoustics can cause sound waves to arrive at the listener's ears at different times, smearing details and ruining the stereo or multi-channel imaging.

### Low-End Control

Acoustic treatments like bass traps can help control low-frequency resonances, which are usually more challenging to manage due to their longer wavelengths. Untamed low frequencies can result in a boomy or muddy sound, detracting from playback quality.

### Listener Fatigue

A room with poor acoustics can also contribute to listener fatigue. When our ears and brain have to work harder to make sense of a poorly-defined auditory image, it can quickly become exhausting.

## How to Improve Room Acoustics

1.  **Room Analysis**: Use tools like Real-Time Analyzer (RTA) to measure the room's frequency response.
2.  **Bass Traps**: Place bass traps in room corners to control low-frequency resonances.
3.  **Diffusers**: Install diffusers on the rear wall to scatter reflected sound and improve imaging.
4.  **Absorption Panels**: Use these to control mid and high-frequency reflections, usually placed at first reflection points.
5.  **Room Calibration Software**: Some advanced HiFi systems come with room calibration software that adjusts the output based on room acoustics.

## Conclusion

While high-quality recording and playback equipment are essential for optimal sound reproduction, they can only perform to their full potential in a well-treated room. Understanding and addressing room acoustics can elevate your listening experience from ordinary to extraordinary and can make the difference between a good recording and a great one.

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The Importance of Room Acoustics in Recording and Playback

Explore the critical role of room acoustics in shaping sound quality for both recording and playback. Learn about the physics of sound interactions, the challenges posed by poor acoustics, and effective solutions for achieving optimal sound performance.

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by B&W

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Focal's Flax Cone Feature Takes Center Stage in Aria Evo X Series

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The Importance of Room Acoustics in Recording and Playback