Chord Electronics is a British audio engineering marvel that stands at the intersection of innovation and unparalleled quality. Founded in 1989, the company's roots are deeply embedded in the aviation industry's commitment to engineering without limits. Initially, their groundbreaking amplifiers caught the attention of major organizations like the BBC, Abbey Road Studios, and Sony Music in New York. Today, Chord's reputation extends beyond professional studios to audiophiles around the world.

The brand is renowned for its ULTIMA range, showcasing the expertise of its owner and chief designer, John Franks. The ULTIMA INTEGRATED, a recent addition to this line, offers 125 watts per channel and represents the series' first integrated amplifier. Leveraging cutting-edge topology and low-distortion power supplies, it delivers incredibly low noise and exceptional amplification performance. This kind of innovation is in line with Chord's commitment to reproducing music just as the artist intended, without any limitations.

Another highlight from the brand is their Table Top range, featuring BerTTi, a 75-watt stereo amplifier debuted at High End Munich 2023. Like the ULTIMA amplifiers, BerTTi employs proprietary components to ensure top-notch performance. Amidst component shortages and rising costs, Chord has managed to maintain their high-quality offerings and even announced price reductions on popular models like the Mojo 2, Poly, Qutest, Hugo TT 2, and Hugo M Scaler.

In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, Chord Electronics continues to adapt and innovate. Their latest Poly firmware update (v3.2) offers enhanced convenience and functionality, further solidifying the brand's position as a leader in high-fidelity audio solutions.

From its inception, Chord Electronics has been committed to setting new performance standards, whether for professional studios or individual audiophiles. The brand brings its studio-grade audio performance into domestic spaces, delivering a truly unparalleled listening experience.

small_chord_logo.png

thumbnail_chord_logo.png

chord_logo.png

Chord

The Chord CPM 2600 is an integrated amplifier known for its powerful performance and high quality audio output. It features a sleek and modern design, along with multiple input options for versatile connectivity.

CPM 2600


Creating acoustic panels at home is a highly rewarding DIY project that offers both financial savings and a chance to tailor your acoustic solutions to the unique characteristics of your space. This comprehensive guide is designed to walk you through the process of creating these panels, from the initial planning stages to the final touches of assembly. Whether you're an audiophile, a recording enthusiast, or simply looking to improve your listening experience, this guide will provide the insights and step-by-step instructions you need.

## Introduction to Acoustic Panels

Acoustic panels play a vital role in improving the sound quality within a room. They work by absorbing sound waves, reducing echo, and minimizing unwanted reverberations. This can significantly enhance the clarity of sound in home theaters, recording studios, or even in a living space. The beauty of DIY panels lies in their customization – allowing you to choose materials that not only perform well acoustically but also blend seamlessly with your room’s aesthetics.

## Materials and Tools Needed

-   **Absorbent Material:** The effectiveness of an acoustic panel largely depends on the absorbent material used. Fiberglass and mineral wool are popular choices due to their high density and excellent sound absorption properties. The thickness and density of these materials can be tailored to the specific acoustic needs of your space.
-   **Wood for Frames:** The frame holds the absorbent material and gives the panel its structure. Pine is a lightweight and easy-to-work-with option, while MDF offers a denser and more solid construction. The size and thickness of the frame will dictate the amount of absorbent material it can hold, affecting the panel's overall acoustic performance.
-   **Fabric:** The fabric is the visible part of the panel, so its aesthetic and acoustic properties are crucial. Acoustically transparent fabrics allow sound waves to pass through without significant reflection or absorption. Common choices include lightweight linen, muslin, and burlap. The fabric should also complement the room's design and color scheme.
-   **Basic Tools:** Accurate cutting and assembly require tools such as a saw (hand saw or circular saw), a staple gun for attaching the fabric, a measuring tape for precision, scissors for cutting fabric, and a drill for assembling the frame.
-   **Safety Considerations:** Safety is paramount, especially when working with materials like fiberglass. Use protective gear such as gloves and masks. Additionally, consider fireproofing the fabric with a spray, especially if you're using fiberglass insulation, to add an extra layer of safety.

## Measuring and Cutting

-   **Room Analysis:** Start by analyzing your room to determine the optimal size and number of panels. Use a sound meter app or simply clap in the room to identify areas with excessive echo or reverberation. This will guide where and how many panels you'll need.
-   **Designing Your Panels:** Once you have an idea of the number and placement of the panels, design their size. Common dimensions are 2x4 feet or 4x4 feet, but you can customize this based on your space.
-   **Cutting the Frame:** Precision is key when cutting the wood for the frame. Measure twice and cut once to ensure all pieces are of equal length and the corners are at right angles. Sand the edges for a smooth finish, preventing any fabric tears during assembly.

## Assembling the Frame

-   **Frame Construction:** Assemble the cut pieces into a rectangular or square frame based on your design. Use screws or nails for joining the pieces. For added stability, especially in larger panels, consider reinforcing the corners with L-brackets or corner braces.
-   **Inserting the Absorbent Material:** Cut the absorbent material to fit inside the frame. It should be slightly larger than the frame for a snug fit. Avoid compressing the material too much, as this can reduce its sound-absorbing efficiency.
-   **Securing the Material:** Once the material is in place, you can optionally cover the back of the panel with a thin layer of fabric or paper to protect the insulation and provide a clean look from the back.

## Choosing and Attaching the Fabric

-   **Selecting the Right Fabric:** The fabric's acoustic transparency is critical. Test this by blowing through the fabric; if air passes easily, it's a good choice. The fabric should also align with your room's aesthetic. Lightweight linen, muslin, and burlap are popular for their breathability and wide range of designs.
-   **Covering the Panel:** Lay the fabric on a flat surface and place the frame (with the absorbent material) on top of it. Ensure there is enough fabric around the edges to wrap around to the back.
-   **Stapling the Fabric:** Begin by stapling one side of the fabric to the back of the frame. Then stretch the fabric to the opposite side, ensuring it is taut and free of wrinkles, and staple it. Repeat for the remaining sides, working from the middle outwards to the corners for an even finish.

## Mounting the Panels

-   **Determining the Best Location:** Placement is crucial for optimal sound absorption. Common areas include first reflection points, behind speakers, or on opposite walls. Use your room analysis to decide the most effective locations.
-   **Mounting Techniques:** Depending on the panel weight and wall type, you can use brackets, picture hangers, or adhesive strips for lighter panels. Ensure the mounting method is secure and won't damage your walls.

## Community Insights and Professional Tips

-   **Effectiveness of DIY Panels:** Community discussions often highlight that with the right materials and construction, DIY panels can match the performance of commercial ones. The key factors are the quality of the absorbent material and the precision of the build.
-   **Cost Considerations:** While DIY can be more cost-effective, the true savings depend on the materials used and whether you already have the necessary tools.
-   **Safety Precautions:** Always prioritize safety, especially when working with fiberglass. Wearing protective gear and using fireproof materials can prevent accidents.

### Conclusion

Building your own acoustic panels is a fulfilling project that can significantly enhance the acoustic quality of your space. This guide has walked you through each step of the process, from selecting materials to mounting the panels. By following these instructions, you can create custom panels that not only improve sound quality but also add a personal touch to your room's decor. Remember, the effectiveness of these panels is not just in their construction but also in their placement and the quality of materials used. With patience and attention to detail, you can achieve professional-level acoustics in your own space.

DIY Acoustic Panels.png

DIY Acoustic Panels: A Step-by-Step Guide

Home Studio Soundproofing: Crafting Acoustic Panels Yourself


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...

---

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.

Screenshot 2024-01-31 at 11.50.06.png

Beautyshot_Beolab_8_Natural_Oak_10161_S2000x2000px.webp

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


In a notable advancement in the realm of analogue audio, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, renowned for its contributions to high-fidelity sound, recently unveiled two transformative additions to their product line: the MC Step-Up Box DS3 B and the MC Step-Up Box S3. These introductions mark a new venture for the Austrian manufacturer, reflecting their dedication to enriching the auditory experiences of vinyl enthusiasts across the globe.

**MC Step-Up Box DS3 B: Harmonizing Innovation and Fidelity**

The DS3 B stands out as a sophisticated choice, crafted for systems embracing balanced turntable connections. It incorporates the highly regarded Lundahl LL1678 audio transformers, adept at capturing and conveying every nuance of sound. The design principle behind this transformer passively increases the output from moving coil cartridges, thus maintaining the purity of the audio signal and lessening the reliance on the phono stage's electrical output.

Highlighted Features:

-   Balanced XLR inputs and outputs, offering a pristine and interference-free signal pathway.
-   Selectable gain settings (24dB or 30dB) for compatibility with diverse cartridges.
-   User-friendly front panel adjustments for cartridge impedance and gain.
-   Assembled in Europe, the DS3 B exemplifies top-notch craftsmanship and is available in both silver and black finishes.

**MC Step-Up Box S3: Bridging Affordability with Quality**

The S3, designed as an accessible yet high-performance solution, adopts a dual mono design with a 1:16 transformer ratio. It features gold-plated RCA terminals and accommodates two settings for cartridge impedance, catering to individuals embarking on their high-fidelity audio journey.

Essential Features:

-   Passive amplification system, enhancing the audio output from moving coil cartridges.
-   High channel separation, ensuring an unadulterated stereo sound.
-   European craftsmanship, symbolic of enduring quality and reliability.
-   Offered in silver or black aluminum housing, aligning with various aesthetic preferences.

**Pricing and Distribution**

-   MC Step Up Box DS3 B: Priced at £799.00 (UK SRP).
-   MC Step Up Box S3: Priced at £399.00 (UK SRP).
-   Both models began distribution in November 2023.

With the launch of the MC Step-Up Box DS3 B and S3, Pro-Ject Audio Systems continues to blend their historical prowess in audio engineering with contemporary technological advancements. These devices are not merely tools but gateways to an enriched vinyl listening experience, catering to the nuanced needs of today’s audiophiles.

MC-Step-Up-Box-DS3-B-1.webp

MC-Step-Up-Box-S3-1.webp

Pro-Ject Introduces MC Step-Up Boxes DS3 B and S3, Elevating the Vinyl Listening Experience

Breaking down Pro-Ject's MC Step-Up Boxes DS3 B and S3: Understand the features, design, and impact on your audio experience. 

CPM 2600

by Chord

Interesting articles

DIY Acoustic Panels: A Step-by-Step Guide

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

Pro-Ject Introduces MC Step-Up Boxes DS3 B and S3, Elevating the Vinyl Listening Experience