Hitachi is a Japanese multinational conglomerate company with a diverse range of products and services. It was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company operates in various sectors including electronics, construction machinery, power systems, automotive systems, and more.

Hitachi

The Hitachi D-2500 is a vintage cassette deck that was manufactured in the 1970s. It features a silver brushed aluminum faceplate with black accents and controls for playback, fast forward, rewind, and record functions. The cassette deck also has a wood cabinet for enhanced aesthetics.

D-2500


We're diving into the world of high-end audio with a look at Alta Audio's latest creation, the Aphrodite speakers. Here's a snapshot of what we'll cover:

-   The hefty price tag of $50,000 and what makes these speakers worth the investment.
-   A breakdown of the tech inside, like their unique driver setup and patented sound-enhancing technologies.
-   How these speakers double as a piece of art with their bold design and customizable colors.

Interesting? Continue reading ...

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In the world of high-fidelity audio, Alta Audio has once again set the bar high with the introduction of their latest masterpiece, the Aphrodite speakers. Priced at a premium, these floor-standing speakers embody the pinnacle of audio engineering and aesthetic design, marking a significant milestone in the audiophile landscape.

### Unveiling the Aphrodite: A New Era for Audiophiles

The Aphrodite speakers, named after the Greek goddess of love and beauty, are a testament to Alta Audio's dedication to merging form with function. These speakers are not just audio equipment; they are a piece of art designed to deliver an unparalleled listening experience.

### The Engineering Marvel Behind the Sound

At the heart of the Aphrodite speakers lies a meticulously crafted four-way design, featuring an array of drivers including a titanium former 10” woofer, an 8 3/4” titanium former lower midrange, dual hex cone 6” upper midrange drivers, and an amorphous core transformer high-output ribbon tweeter. This combination ensures a broad frequency response from 26Hz to 47kHz +/- 3dB, sensitivity of 90 dB, and an impedance of 4 Ohms, making them suitable for a wide range of amplifiers and music genres​​​​.

### Advanced Technologies for Superior Sound

Alta Audio has incorporated several proprietary technologies into the Aphrodite speakers, including the patented XTL II bass transmission line and DampHard construction. These innovations work together to enhance power handling, reduce distortion, and extend bass frequencies while eliminating resonances to maximize dynamic range. The result is a sound that is not only powerful and deep but also exceptionally clear and detailed across the entire sound spectrum​​​​.

### Aesthetic Design Meets Acoustic Excellence

Beyond their acoustic capabilities, the Aphrodite speakers are a marvel of design. With a true Dipole/D’Appolito (Dipolito) driver layout and an open-back design, they offer not just an accurate soundstage but also a striking visual presence in any room. Available in Alta Audio’s super high-gloss black onyx finish, with the option for special order Pantone colors, these speakers can be personalized to fit any interior design aesthetic​​.

### The Ultimate Statement in High-End Audio

Priced at $50,000 per pair, the Aphrodite speakers are undeniably a significant investment. However, for those who seek the ultimate in audio fidelity and craftsmanship, they represent a worthwhile pursuit of acoustic perfection. As Alta Audio's founder, Michael Levy, states, the Aphrodite speakers are the culmination of a career dedicated to creating the most memorable listening environments. They are not just speakers; they are an experience, designed to bring music to life like never before​​​​.

In summary, the Alta Audio Aphrodite speakers stand as a beacon of excellence in the high-fidelity audio market. Combining advanced audio technology, unparalleled design, and meticulous craftsmanship, they offer a listening experience that is as visually stunning as it is sonically captivating. For the discerning audiophile, the Aphrodite speakers are not just a purchase but an investment in a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

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Alta Audio's Aphrodite: A love song for your ears (and eyes)

Alta Audio is an audio brand that specializes in high-end speakers.

Alta Audio

XTL II technology in Aphrodite speakers delivers bass that's felt, not just heard

In the world of high-fidelity audio, the quest for smaller yet powerful devices continues to fascinate audiophiles and tech enthusiasts alike. Periodic Audio has stepped into this arena with the launch of its Silicon Micro DAC/AMP, a device that's stirring conversations and raising eyebrows with its diminutive size and impressive capabilities.

Dubbed as the ultimate portable DAC, the Silicon Micro DAC/AMP measures merely 27.7mm in length, 10.1mm in thickness, and 12.4mm in width, making it smaller than many 3.5mm headphone plugs. Despite its size, this device doesn't skimp on power. It offers a robust 150+ mW RMS/channel stereo amp and supports PCM formats up to 32 bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD256. This means it can handle nearly any high-resolution music format currently available, promising an uncompromised listening experience.

Users are taking notice of its ability to drive nearly any headphone, from in-ears to over-ears, with some highlighting the 150mW per channel into 32 ohms as a particularly impressive feat for such a compact device. There's a buzz about the power and clarity it delivers, especially considering its size.

However, it's not just the power that's drawing attention. Enthusiasts appreciate the Silicon Micro DAC/AMP's simplicity and ease of use — plug in and play without the hassle of switches, knobs, and LEDs. Its design, featuring a black anodized aluminum extrusion and caps molded from Eastman Tritan™, speaks to its durability and the brand's commitment to quality.

While many are excited about this leap in portable audio technology, some discussions turn technical, diving into the DAC's performance characteristics. For instance, there's talk about its amp stage and how it compares to other options in the market. Some users have pointed out specific behaviors under certain conditions, sparking a deeper analysis among the audiophile community.

In essence, the Periodic Audio Silicon Micro DAC/AMP is more than just a piece of tech; it's a conversation starter, a statement in the continuous evolution of portable audio. It represents a blend of miniaturization and power, appealing to those who want no compromise in their audio experience, regardless of where they are. As this device continues to make waves, it's clear that the balance of size and performance will remain a pivotal point in the audio world.

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Tiny Titan: The Periodic Audio Silicon Micro DAC/AMP Packs Performance in a Petite Package

Periodic Audio is an audio brand that specializes in creating high-performance in-ear monitors (IEMs) and headphones. They are known for their dedication to precision engineering and creating high-quality audio products.

Periodic Audio

Experience portable power with Periodic Audio's compact, high-performance DAC/AMP

Silicon Micro DAC/AMP


High-fidelity audio systems have long been associated with a maze of cables, connectors, and adapters. While traditional wired connections still dominate the world of high-end audio, a wave of modern wireless technologies is starting to make its mark. These innovations aim to provide the audiophile community with more convenience without compromising sound quality. This article explores the latest developments in wireless technologies that could be implemented between an amplifier and high-end speakers.

## A New Horizon for High-Fidelity Audio

The critical link in any high-fidelity audio system is the connection between the amplifier and the speakers. Traditionally, this has been a hard-wired connection, utilizing various kinds of cables and connectors. While these wired connections offer superb sound quality, they can be cumbersome and limiting in terms of setup and aesthetics. Enter modern wireless technologies designed to achieve the same level of audio fidelity, but with the added convenience of a wireless setup.

## Breaking Down the Technologies

### Wi-Fi 6E

As one of the most exciting developments in wireless technologies, Wi-Fi 6E provides an ultra-fast, reliable medium for high-end audio transmission. Operating on the 6 GHz band, it offers unprecedented bandwidth and minimal congestion compared to older Wi-Fi standards. This makes Wi-Fi 6E a promising solution for transmitting lossless audio signals with reduced latency.

### High-End Audio Codec (HEAC) by Qualcomm

A technology still in its infancy, HEAC aims to revolutionize the high-fidelity audio world by providing a wireless transmission alternative that doesn’t compromise sound quality. Though not yet widely available, the codec promises a future where wireless setups can rival their wired counterparts in delivering high-resolution audio.

### WISA Standards

The Wireless Speaker and Audio Association (WISA) has been working on setting industry standards for high-performance wireless audio. WISA technology is designed to transmit 24-bit audio at frequencies as high as 96 kHz. With minimized latency, it’s becoming an increasingly attractive option for audiophiles keen on a wireless setup.

### Auralic Air by AudioQuest

This is another proprietary technology specifically targeting audiophiles. Auralic Air aims to deliver low-latency, high-quality audio wirelessly. Though it's not yet widely adopted, it is designed to be compatible with a range of high-end audio systems and offers a promising glimpse into the future of high-fidelity audio.

### Proprietary Transmitter-Receiver Pairs

Some manufacturers are developing proprietary wireless transmitter and receiver sets that utilize unique protocols to achieve both low latency and high fidelity. While they might require investment in a specific ecosystem, these technologies can function as wireless bridges between your amplifier and high-end speakers.

### Multi-Channel Streaming and Synchronization

The ability to stream high-quality audio to multiple channels or rooms without latency or degradation is another technological advancement. Synchronization technologies are evolving to ensure that various wireless components in complex audio setups work in perfect harmony.

### Emerging and Future Technologies

Bluetooth LE Audio and Li-Fi are experimental technologies still under development, but they hold promise as potential game-changers in wireless high-fidelity audio transmission.

## The Conclusion: A Paradigm Shift in High-Fidelity Audio

While traditional wired methods remain the benchmark for audio quality, modern wireless technologies are closing the gap fast. These innovative solutions offer compelling alternatives to the limitations of cables without sacrificing the quality that audiophiles demand. As these technologies mature and become more accessible, we could be looking at a true paradigm shift in the world of high-fidelity audio.

Whether you're setting up a new high-end system or thinking about upgrading your existing one, keeping tabs on these advancements could lead you to the perfect wireless solution you never knew you needed.

advanced high-fidelity audio technology, focusing on the future of wireless connections

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Tech for Wireless Transmission Between Amps and Speakers

Explore the latest wireless technologies changing the game in high-fidelity audio. From Wi-Fi 6E to proprietary codecs, discover how modern solutions are offering audiophiles both quality and convenience.

D-2500

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Alta Audio's Aphrodite: A love song for your ears (and eyes)

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Tech for Wireless Transmission Between Amps and Speakers