Fyne Audio is a manufacturer of high-quality loudspeakers for audio systems.

Fyne Audio

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The F1-12S, a grand evolution from the previous F1-12 model, stands as the pinnacle of Fyne Audio’s floorstanding loudspeaker series. This flagship model encapsulates Fyne Audio's core philosophy and showcases their technical mastery through advancements and fine engineering. The speaker features a robust twin cavity cabinet, which is sturdily supported by a 20kg machined aluminium plinth. This plinth incorporates Fyne’s top-tier BassTrax LF diffuser, an innovation aimed at enhancing the bass response through advanced acoustical engineering.

Through the dedicated efforts of Dr. Paul Mills and his expert team, the F1-12S has seen significant enhancements, particularly in its heart—the crossover system—and the 300mm (12-inch) IsoFlare driver, now equipped with FyneFlute technology. These improvements facilitate an improved low-frequency output, ensuring rich and deep bass tones. Moreover, the incorporation of a 75mm titanium dome compression tweeter merged with the 12-inch IsoFlare driver provides a flawlessly time-aligned high-frequency response that extends up to over 26kHz, promising unprecedented realism and immersive listening experiences.

F1-12S

Anyone who appreciates high-fidelity sound understands that a good set of speakers or headphones is just the tip of the iceberg. The room in which you're listening can either enhance your audio experience or detract from it, turning a masterpiece into a muddled mess. Three common issues often undermine acoustic quality: echo, flutter echo, and phase issues. Each of these problems has its own set of complexities and solutions. Addressing them is not just beneficial but essential for anyone who seeks an optimal auditory experience.

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## The Echo Factor

#### What is Echo?

Echo is the time-delayed repetition of sound that occurs when sound waves reflect off surfaces such as walls, ceilings, or floors. In a nutshell, when you hear an echo, you're hearing the same sound more than once because it took different amounts of time to reach your ears.

#### Real-World Examples

-   **Domestic Settings**: In large living rooms with bare walls, echoes can distort TV audio, making dialogue difficult to understand.
    
-   **Professional Settings**: In conference rooms or theaters, the issue of echo can interfere with clarity and disrupt the communication process.
    

#### The Effects on Sound Quality and Experience

Echo doesn't just add an extra layer of sound; it creates confusion. Musical notes can blur into one another, and vocal clarity can become muddled. The original intent and emotion of the audio get lost, reducing the overall enjoyment and appreciation of the sound.

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## Flutter Echo – The Accelerated Echo

#### What is Flutter Echo?

Flutter echo is a specific kind of echo characterized by a series of rapid, repeated echoes. It’s like an echo on fast-forward and generally occurs between two parallel reflective surfaces.

#### How Flutter Echo Amplifies the Problems Caused by Regular Echo

Regular echoes may go unnoticed or be mildly irritating, but flutter echoes create a jarring auditory experience. Imagine hearing a sound and then almost immediately hearing it repeated several times, rapidly — this is flutter echo.

#### Common Environments Where Flutter Occurs and Its Impact

-   **Recording Studios**: With highly reflective surfaces, studios can become a nightmare for flutter echo if not treated properly. This leads to compromised recording quality.
    
-   **Auditoriums and Cinemas**: In these venues, the audience may perceive the rapid repetition of sound as a strange, unnatural effect, thereby negatively impacting the experience.

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## Phase Issues – The Complex Interference

#### What Are Phase Issues?

Phase issues occur when two or more sound waves meet and either amplify or cancel each other out, based on their phase relationship. This can significantly alter the character of the audio, resulting in a "phasey" or "hollow" sound.

#### Technical Explanation

In audio, 'phase' refers to the position of a point within the cycle of a waveform, usually in degrees (0-360). If two identical signals are 'in-phase' (both signals reach their peak and trough at the same time), they will amplify each other. If they are 'out-of-phase' (one signal reaches its peak while the other reaches its trough), they will cancel each other out.

#### Impacts on Sound Imaging and Fidelity

Phase issues can ruin stereo imaging, making it difficult to localize sound sources. They also affect tonality, making certain frequencies inaudible and causing a general loss of fidelity.

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## Diagnosing and Measuring Acoustic Problems

#### Tools and Methods

-   **RTA (Real-Time Analyzer)**: Measures the frequency response of a room in real-time.
    
-   **Impulse Response Measurement**: Helps in identifying reflection points in the room.
    

#### Utilizing Acoustic Panels, Diffusers, and Software

-   **Acoustic Panels**: Use NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) ratings to choose the most effective panels.
    
-   **Diffusers**: Opt for QRD (Quadratic Residue Diffuser) or PRD (Primitive Root Diffuser) types for optimal scattering of sound.
    
-   **Software**: Softwares like SMAART or Room EQ Wizard can identify room modes, comb filtering, and other phase issues.
    
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## Solutions and Treatments

#### Comprehensive Solutions

-   **For Echo**: Use absorptive materials like acoustic foam or fiberglass panels with high NRC ratings.
    
-   **For Flutter Echo**: Incorporate diffusers or 3D geometric surfaces to disrupt the pattern of the sound wave reflections.
    
-   **For Phase Issues**: Time-align your speakers and employ phase correction via digital signal processing (DSP).
    

#### Importance of a Combined Approach

A balanced combination of absorption, diffusion, and reflection is often the best approach. For instance, mixing absorptive panels with diffusers can work well to treat a variety of acoustic problems.

#### When to Consult an Acoustics Professional

Despite your best DIY efforts, some acoustic problems may persist, requiring specialized solutions such as room tuning or custom-built acoustic treatments. In such cases, a consultation with an acoustics professional is advisable.


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Problems Caused by Poor Room Acoustics: Echo, Flutter, Phase Issues

Inadequate acoustics can lead to various problems, such as echo, flutter, and phase issues. Echo is a time-delayed repetition of sound, while flutter is a series of rapid, repeated echoes. Phase issues occur when sound waves interact in a way that causes them to either reinforce or cancel each other out.


In this article, we'll dive into:

-   The launch of the new PS5 Pulse Elite Headset that's set to revolutionize gaming audio.
-   How magnetic planar drivers deliver unbelievably clear and detailed sound.
-   The cutting-edge PlayStation Link™ technology for super-fast, lossless connectivity.
-   AI-powered noise cancellation to ensure your voice comes through loud and clear.
-   The convenience features, including dual connectivity and a charging stand, plus up to 30 hours of battery life.

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Well, friends, let's figure out what's happening in the world of gaming accessories. Sony has announced its new PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset, which is set to go on sale on February 21, 2024, and it's already generated a lot of buzz. With a price tag of €149.99, it's evident that Sony's goal isn't simply to release another headset, but to truly change the game audio experience.

First and foremost, this isn't a minor update to the familiar Pulse 3D. The Pulse Elite takes things to a new level with some quite fascinating technological solutions, especially the inclusion of planar magnetic drivers. For those in the know, this is the kind of thing you typically find in very expensive audiophile headphones. We're talking about delivering cleaner, more detailed sound. Imagine being able to hear things like quiet footsteps creeping up on you in a game – that's the idea here.

Sony is also serious about ensuring the cleanest sound without delays thanks to PlayStation Link™ technology. And let's not forget the enhanced AI-powered noise cancellation feature; it's there to make sure your team hears you loud and clear, bypassing any background noise from your side.

But here's where it gets even more interesting: The Pulse Elite is designed to be versatile. You can connect it to your phone via Bluetooth and manage calls without interrupting your game. Plus, it comes with a charging stand, so your headset won't just be lying around when you're not using it. In addition, with up to 30 hours of battery life and fast charging, this headset will always be ready when you are.

Now, it's not all perfect – there are some critiques worth mentioning. Some people miss the dedicated chat volume buttons that were present on the Pulse 3D. And there are questions about the build quality, particularly the attachment of the earcups to the headband. But Sony is listening to its users; they've already released an update adding an equalizer function for those who want to further fine-tune their audio experience.

So, where does that leave us? The PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset promises to be a compelling choice for those who strive to get more out of their gaming audio. It's packed with features that demonstrate Sony is truly considering what gamers desire. Sure, there are a couple of areas for improvement, but don't all products have their drawbacks? If you're fully immersed in your games and want the audio to match, this headset is definitely worth your consideration.

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The PS5 Pulse Elite Brings AI Driven Sound Technology to Your Gaming Setup

Sony is a Japanese company that specializes in various electronics products, including HiFi audio equipment.

Sony

Enjoy clear communication in every battle with the AI-enhanced noise cancellation of PS5 Pulse Elite.

Sony PULSE Elite


The news that Lenbrook, the Canadian conglomerate owning NAD, PSB, and Bluesound, now also owns MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) has raised quite a stir in the high-fidelity audio realm. MQA has always been a subject of fascination, but now that it is under the umbrella of a significant player in the audio industry, it begs the question: Does MQA still have relevance in today's world of gigabit internet and nearly limitless storage solutions?

## The Background on MQA

MQA aims to deliver studio-quality audio in a file small enough to stream. For a while, it appeared as a golden ticket for those with limited internet bandwidth or data caps. However, as more people gain access to high-speed, unlimited internet, the need for smaller file sizes diminishes. Moreover, with the advent of other lossless audio formats like FLAC and WAV that don't require additional licensing fees, the benefits of MQA are increasingly called into question.

## The Perceived Value

One common sentiment is that MQA's primary goal is to gather as many licensing dollars as possible without necessarily offering something of concrete value. While this might appear cynical, it captures the essence of many conversations surrounding MQA. Why invest in a technology that doesn't significantly outperform its rivals?

## More Than Just Licensing Schemes?

In defense of the acquisition, some argue that Lenbrook’s primary motive is to protect its other business interests. As one of the largest licensees of MQA, purchasing the company could be a strategic move to prevent competitors from gaining control and potentially leveraging the technology against them. However, this perspective doesn't necessarily justify the continued use of MQA over alternative formats that offer similar or better quality without the added costs.

## The Importance of Interoperability

One of the defining features of high-fidelity audio equipment and software is interoperability. Most components can connect via RCA cables, and audio files can be converted into a variety of formats. With the proliferation of non-proprietary, user-serviceable technologies, there seems little room left for proprietary solutions like MQA. High-quality audio is already accessible in various formats without the need for additional licenses or specialized equipment.

## Questionable Quality?

Another point of contention is the actual audio quality delivered by MQA. Some experts argue that MQA degrades sound quality, making it even less appealing than "snake oil" solutions that merely do nothing. Given the vast range of alternatives that capture the full audio spectrum without compromise, MQA's role becomes increasingly limited.

## Conclusion

The acquisition of MQA by Lenbrook has added fuel to an already fiery discussion. While some see the buyout as a business strategy, others view it as an attempt to further a technology that has little benefit in today's high-speed, data-rich environment. It remains to be seen whether MQA will find a more substantial role in the evolving landscape of high-fidelity audio, but for now, the consensus leans toward skepticism.

So, does MQA still matter in today's high-fidelity audio ecosystem? Given the current state of technology and the trends in consumer behavior, the answer seems increasingly to be a resounding "no."

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The Future of MQA: Impact and Questions Surrounding Its Necessity

Explore the growing debate around MQA technology in the age of gigabit internet and the role it plays in the consumer audio industry. Understand the diverse perspectives on MQA's true value and utility.

F1-12S

by Fyne Audio

Interesting articles

Problems Caused by Poor Room Acoustics: Echo, Flutter, Phase Issues

The PS5 Pulse Elite Brings AI Driven Sound Technology to Your Gaming Setup

The Future of MQA: Impact and Questions Surrounding Its Necessity