Dynaudio is a brand known for producing high-quality audio equipment, including speakers and headphones.

Dynaudio

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The Contour 60i from Dynaudio is a perfect choice for those with large listening spaces or who prefer their music loud. Despite its size, the speaker's performance surpasses standard expectations not only in volume but also in sound quality. It uses a three-way floorstander design to deliver an expansive soundstage that captures everything from the precise orchestration of classical music to the dynamic effects in movies, doing so without relying on overpowering bass.

At the heart of the Contour 60i lies the Esotar 2i tweeter, a refined version of the earlier Esotar 2, which incorporates technologies from Dynaudio's top-tier Confidence range and professional Core series. These improvements help in decreasing resonance and enhancing the treble clarity dramatically. Unique to this model is a dedicated midrange driver equipped with a neodymium magnet and an aluminum voice-coil, originally designed for the 2016 Contour 60, ensuring consistent, high-quality audio reproduction.

The mounting of the midrange driver in the Contour 60i incorporates advanced technology from the Core series to enhance midrange clarity through a specialized, resonance-defeating housing. The dual woofers of the speaker have been updated with larger magnet systems and a new voice-coil design that uses glass fibers, a technology first seen in Dynaudio's Confidence range and Sub 6 subwoofer. The use of copper in these woofers allows for deeper bass without affecting the midrange.

Further refinement is found in the crossover redesign, adjusted to complement the enhanced driver components and housing. This adjustment allows it to handle higher frequencies and maintain a flatter frequency curve in critical midrange areas, resulting in simpler and more effective sound distribution.

The cabinet's multi-layer curved design and the sturdy aluminium baffle are engineered not just for aesthetics but to provide a solid acoustic base that complements the mixed audio typically used in studio settings. This design philosophy ensures that the speakers effortlessly blend into their environment, allowing listeners to immerse fully in the pure audio experience provided by the Contour 60i.

Contour 60i


Back in the early days of hi-fi, around 1961, LEAK wasn't just making speakers—they were making history. Their original Sandwich speaker was a game-changer because it solved a big problem of the time: speaker cones that weren't stiff enough. You see, back then, the stiffness of the speaker cone was a make-or-break factor for sound quality. If the cone wasn't rigid enough, the sound got distorted, which was pretty common and a real buzzkill for music lovers.

So what LEAK did was kind of like what tech companies today do when they come up with a new smartphone or gadget—they found a clever workaround. They took expanded polystyrene, which is light and has good damping properties, and they sandwiched it between two aluminum sheets. This wasn't just for kicks—it was to give the cone the stiffness it lacked without adding too much weight. That way, the speaker could move back and forth really fast without bending out of shape. And just like that, the sound got a lot clearer, the bass felt right, and music had more punch to it.

Now, let's fast forward to our time. The new Sandwich 150 and 250 speakers from LEAK take that original stroke of genius and dial it up. They're leveraging all the advances we've made in materials and engineering to make something that's true to the spirit of the original but performs like a modern champ. We're talking about materials that didn't even exist back in the day, like aircraft-grade foam, which makes the new cones even stiffer and keeps the sound super crisp.

Why does this matter, you ask? Because music isn't just about noise; it's about feeling every strum, every beat, and every note exactly as it was intended. And that's what LEAK's new speakers aim to deliver, just like the original did all those years ago. It's about honoring the past not by staying stuck in it, but by building on it, improving it, and making sure the music always gets the respect it deserves.

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New LEAK Sandwich Speakers A Legacy Reborn in Hi-Fi

LEAK, a brand with deep roots in the history of audio innovation, was established by Harold Joseph Leak in 1934 in London, England. Known for its high-quality audio components, LEAK carved out a reputation for affordability combined with high performance, a hallmark that defined the brand for decades.

Harold Leak, identifying himself as a 'Sound Engineer – Technician,' alongside Ted Ashley, who became Chief Engineer, propelled LEAK to the forefront of the home audio equipment market. Together, they led the company through an era of significant technological advancements in amplifiers, loudspeakers, pickups, and turntables.

The mid-20th century was a transformative period for LEAK, as the brand navigated the challenges of wartime disruption to focus on developing purposeful audio technology. Post-war, the emphasis shifted towards high-fidelity systems, marking LEAK's entry into an era of low-noise, high-performance products that gained international acclaim.

A pivotal moment came in 1945 with the introduction of the LEAK Type 15 amplifier, which featured innovative 'negative feedback' and 'push-pull' triode connected KT66 valves, achieving an impressive 15 watts output. This product laid the groundwork for the brand's reputation in high-fidelity sound reproduction.

The late 1940s and 1950s saw LEAK introducing groundbreaking products like the TL/12, which became a standard for high-fidelity sound, and embarking on marketing campaigns that directly compared live versus reproduced music, showcasing the superior quality of LEAK systems. These efforts culminated in LEAK's products being adopted by prestigious institutions like the BBC.

Innovation continued with the introduction of the LEAK Sandwich loudspeaker in 1961, a design that utilized a novel approach to reduce vibrations and resonance, leading to more dynamic audio reproduction. This period also saw the development of the LEAK Stereo 30, a transition to transistor amplifiers that offered a more accessible price point to a broader audience.

Despite its innovations and contributions to the audio industry, LEAK faced challenges from global competition and changing market dynamics, eventually leading to the brand's acquisition by the Rank Organization in 1969 and a gradual fade from the forefront of the audio market.

After years of dormancy, LEAK was revived by the IAG Group, bringing the brand back to the market with a focus on blending classic styling with modern audio technology, ensuring LEAK's legacy continues for new generations of audiophiles.

Leak

The latest LEAK Sandwich speakers deliver crisp, precise audio with a nostalgic twist

In an ambitious move that underscores its commitment to innovation and quality in the audio industry, Canada's The Lenbrook Group of Companies has announced the creation of Lenbrook Media Group, a new business unit dedicated to revolutionizing the way high-resolution music is commercialized and delivered. This announcement, made at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 4, 2024, marks a significant milestone for Lenbrook and the wider audio technology industry.

Lenbrook, the parent company of globally recognized high-fidelity brands like NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, and Bluesound, as well as the architect behind the renowned BluOS high-resolution multiroom platform, is no stranger to the audiophile community. Its latest venture, the Lenbrook Media Group, aims to harness and further develop the company's existing content management solutions, BluOS, MQA, and SCL6, to offer unparalleled audio experiences to music fans and enthusiasts across the globe.

The strategic formation of the Lenbrook Media Group is a testament to Lenbrook's foresight in recognizing the evolving landscape of the audio industry. As consumers increasingly demand higher quality and more immersive audio experiences, there is a clear need for innovative solutions that can deliver content that is both high in quality and easily accessible. By focusing on the commercialization of these advanced technologies, Lenbrook is positioning itself at the forefront of this burgeoning market.

Leading the charge of this new division is Mike Jbara, the former CEO of MQA and a respected figure with extensive experience in the music industry. Jbara's appointment is a strategic move, leveraging his deep understanding of music technology, licensing-oriented business activities, and his exceptional people skills. Under his leadership, Lenbrook Media Group is expected to drive significant advancements in the performance audio industry, fostering opportunities that empower creators, distributors, fans, broadcasters, and hardware manufacturers alike.

Gordon Simmonds, President and CEO of The Lenbrook Group, has articulated the vision behind this initiative, emphasizing the company's commitment to capturing and delivering the highest quality art directly into the homes of music lovers. The acquisition of MQA’s assets, which complements their existing BluOS platform, is a cornerstone of this strategy, allowing Lenbrook to fully capitalize on its unique position by providing the necessary focus, strategies, structure, and resources.

As the Lenbrook Media Group takes its first steps, it is clear that the company is not just content with maintaining its reputation for quality but is actively seeking to redefine what is possible in the audio industry. The focus on BluOS, MQA, and SCL6 technologies is particularly noteworthy, as these are seen as key to unlocking new levels of audio fidelity and user experience.

As the industry watches on, Lenbrook's move could very well signal a new era of innovation and quality in audio technology. By creating a dedicated unit for content delivery, the company is freeing itself to explore and exploit new opportunities in this space, potentially setting new standards for audio quality and distribution. As Mike Jbara and his team prepare to take the helm of this exciting new venture, the message is clear: Lenbrook is not just playing music; it's setting the tempo for the industry's future.

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Lenbrook Announces New Independent Media Business Unit

NAD is a brand that specializes in high-fidelity audio equipment and electronics.

Bluesound is a brand that specializes in high-quality wireless audio systems.

Bluesound

Join the journey of hi-fi sound and discover how Lenbrook's audio solutions are changing the game

In the ever-evolving landscape of high-fidelity audio, the Shanling CD-T35 stands as a beacon of technological advancement and a nod to the nostalgic past. This flagship CD player and streamer has stirred a mix of emotions within the audiophile community, with discussions ranging from its design and features to its price and market positioning.

The design of the CD-T35, with its unique three-legged structure, has caught the eye of many enthusiasts. Some see it as a beautiful homage to the legendary CD-T300, appreciating the bold aesthetic that differentiates it from the crowd. Others, however, have likened it to artifacts from science fiction, humorously comparing it to early console designs or futuristic gadgets. Regardless of the varied opinions, it's clear that the CD-T35's design has made a strong impression, eliciting reactions that span the spectrum from awe to amusement.

The inclusion of the Philips CD-Pro 2 transport and AKM AK4499EQ DACs has been a point of significant discussion. The choice of these components has been lauded by many as a wise decision, given their reputable history and proven performance in delivering top-notch sound quality. This blend of vintage and modernity is seen as a testament to Shanling's dedication to providing an unrivaled listening experience.

However, the CD-T35's hefty price tag has sparked debates on value and accessibility. Some audiophiles express that while the device is intriguing and potentially groundbreaking, the absence of features like SACD support and the high cost make it less compelling. There's a sense that for such a premium, one would expect a more comprehensive feature set to justify the investment.

The limited availability of only 99 units has also been a topic of conversation. For some, this exclusivity adds to the allure, making the CD-T35 a coveted item among collectors and enthusiasts. Others view it as a marketing strategy, questioning the practicality and demand for such a niche product in a market filled with alternatives.

Shanling's venture into the super high-end space with the CD-T35 has raised eyebrows. While some appreciate the bold move and the company's long-standing reputation in the industry, others are skeptical about its success in a segment dominated by more established and traditional high-end brands. The concern is whether Shanling can truly compete and whether the CD-T35 can find its place among the discerning ears of high-end audiophiles.

Despite the mixed reactions, the CD-T35 has undeniably ignited a conversation about what the future of high-fidelity audio should look like. It challenges the norms, combining the charm of the past with the possibilities of the future. As it stands, the CD-T35 is a polarizing figure in the audiophile community, a symbol of Shanling's ambitious vision, and a topic of lively debate among those who appreciate the finer nuances of sound. Whether it will soar to the heights of its predecessors or not, the CD-T35 has already made its mark as a controversial yet fascinating addition to the world of high-end audio.

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The Exclusive World of Shanling CD-T35 Limited Edition Marvel

Shanling is a brand known for its high-fidelity audio products, including portable music players, amplifiers, and DACs.

Shanling

Shanling CD-T35, where every note tells a story, and every song is a journey into pure sound

Contour 60i

by Dynaudio

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