KEF is a brand that specializes in high-quality audio equipment, particularly loudspeakers and headphones.

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Epic Games' Fortnite has once again pushed the boundaries of gaming and music, introducing a groundbreaking collaboration with the iconic artist, The Weeknd. The Fortnite Festival update, launched on December 9, 2023, offers an immersive experience that combines the thrill of Fortnite with the pulsating rhythms of a live concert, akin to Guitar Hero’s interactive gameplay.

#### An Audiophile's Dream in a Virtual World

For audiophiles, this update is nothing short of a sonic paradise. Fortnite's already robust sound design reaches new heights with crystal-clear audio quality that brings The Weeknd's tracks to life in the virtual world. Whether you're maneuvering through the game's landscapes or engrossed in the musical challenges, every beat, and tune is rendered with an impeccable fidelity that audiophiles will deeply appreciate.

#### Gameplay Innovation: Mixing Beats and Battling It Out

Players can now don the virtual hats of bassists, singers, and even DJs, mixing tracks from various artists, including The Weeknd. This feature not only adds a layer of musical creativity but also makes each gaming session unique, echoing the dynamic nature of live performances. The challenge intensifies at different levels, providing both casual players and seasoned gamers with an engaging experience.

#### The Catch: High-Quality Comes at a Price

While the update has been generally well-received, it's not without its drawbacks. The additional costs for accessing certain tracks and skins, especially The Weeknd’s exclusive content, have raised eyebrows. Players have expressed concerns over the pricing, particularly in regions like Argentina, where economic factors make such expenses more burdensome.

#### The Verdict: A Unique Blend for Gamers and Music Lovers

Fortnite's Festival update with The Weeknd stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of gaming and entertainment. It's a unique blend that caters not just to gaming enthusiasts but also to music lovers and audiophiles. While the cost aspect may deter some, the update remains a significant milestone in how games can transcend traditional boundaries, offering an experience that's both audibly enriching and visually spectacular.

As Fortnite continues to innovate, it sets a new standard for what's possible in the realm of interactive entertainment, promising more thrilling collaborations and immersive experiences in the future. For now, Fortnite and The Weeknd's alliance is a vivid reminder of the powerful synergy between music and gaming.

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Game On, Audiophiles: Fortnite's The Weeknd Collaboration Strikes a High Note

Fortnite & The Weeknd unite! Dive into a musical battle royale in Epic's latest update.


Korf Audio is set to make a significant impact at this year's Munich High End Expo, scheduled for May 9-12, 2024. The company will introduce its new flagship TA-AF series of tonearms, which incorporate advanced ceramic materials and aerospace-grade technology to enhance the vinyl listening experience.

**Innovative Design for Enhanced Audio Performance**

The TA-AF series, including the 9-inch TA-AF9 and the 10-inch TA-AF10 models, features significant advancements in design and materials. These tonearms use ceramic components for critical parts and aerospace-grade flexure bearings, aiming to provide vinyl enthusiasts with playback of unmatched smoothness and depth. Alex Korf, co-founder of Korf Audio, explained that these innovations offer a grain-free smooth sound, with increased clarity, better low-frequency response, and deeper silences. These improvements expand the breadth and depth of the stereo image, enhancing the overall listening experience.

**Accessible High-End Audio Solutions**

Aligning with the growing vinyl market, which is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, Korf Audio's new series makes high-quality analogue sound more accessible. Through innovative design and strategic industry collaborations, Korf Audio has managed to lower the entry price, making top-tier vinyl playback achievable for a broader audience. This initiative allows more enthusiasts worldwide to enjoy perfectionist vinyl reproduction without the high cost typically associated with similar high-end audio equipment.

**Experiencing Korf Audio at the Munich High End Expo**

Visitors to the Munich High End Expo can explore the full range of Korf tonearms at Halle 2, booth G08. Additionally, the TA-AF9 model will be featured in the Engstrøm room, A4.2 F219, showcasing the synergy between Korf's tonearms and high-quality audio systems. The new series is available for immediate ordering through Korf Audio’s worldwide network of dealers and directly from their website, with prices starting at 3200 Euro.

**About Korf Audio**

Founded in Klosterneuburg, Austria, Korf Audio has consistently merged traditional high-fidelity principles with contemporary technology to offer superb quality sound reproduction at competitive prices. The company's dedication to innovation continues to influence the global audiophile community and set new standards in the audio industry.

This year's Munich High End Expo is an excellent opportunity for audiophiles and industry professionals to experience firsthand the latest advancements from Korf Audio, further solidifying the company's position as a leader in high-end audio solutions.

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Korf Audio Introduces New Flagship Ceramic Tonearms at Munich High End Expo

Korf Audio is a boutique audio brand specializing in high-end audio equipment.

Korf Audio

Korf Audio unveils the TA-AF series at the Munich High End Expo, setting new standards in vinyl playback with ceramic tonearms and aerospace technology

Marantz, a stalwart in the audio equipment landscape, has once again demonstrated their commitment to melding classic design with contemporary technology in the form of two new offerings: the CD 50n Premium CD and Network Audio Player, and the MODEL 50 Premium Integrated Stereo Amplifier.

The CD 50n emerges as a testament to Marantz's 70-year evolution, boasting an ability to handle ultra-high resolution audio—supporting PCM up to 384 kHz/32 bit and DSD 128. This feature is a boon for enthusiasts seeking to experience the full breadth of their high-resolution recordings. Its inclusion of HDMI ARC allows listeners to enjoy their TV, movies, and games with the warmth and spaciousness that Marantz is known for. True to their legacy, Marantz integrates custom digital filters to ensure their sound signature is preserved throughout the digital to analog conversion process.

This player is not just a treat for the ears but also the eyes, with its elegant design embodying a balance between timeless aesthetics and modern needs. Furthermore, it is engineered for seamless streaming, courtesy of HEOS® Built-in, which incorporates services like Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, and TuneIn Radio, among others.

Complementing the CD 50n is the MODEL 50 Integrated Amplifier, designed to drive loudspeakers with total control through its 70 watts per channel capability. It features a Class A/B amplifier and a collection of six analog inputs, including a Moving Magnet Phono stage that amplifies the nuanced tones of vinyl records. The MODEL 50's design omits digital audio to prioritize analog purity and simplicity, ensuring intuitive operation and eliminating the risk of interference from digital circuitry.

Both the CD 50n and MODEL 50 share a promise of quality, with Marantz affirming that every unit is a product of meticulous craftsmanship, aimed at delivering the 'Most Musical Sound'. Each comes with a generous 5-year warranty, a testament to the confidence Marantz has in its products' longevity.

For the prospective buyer, the decision between these two might come down to personal need and the existing components in their audio setup. Marantz encourages customers to trust their own ears when considering these products, as personal preference is paramount in the experience of music.

In the conversation around these new releases, questions have arisen regarding their interoperability and whether the advanced converters in the CD 50n make a significant difference when paired with the likes of the Marantz Cinema 50, or if it's compatible with Blu-ray disc playback (it is not, as it's designed solely for Compact Discs).

As for the MODEL 50, queries have been addressed regarding its amplifier stage and power output compared to other models like the Stereo 70s. Marantz clarifies that the Model 50 boasts a more refined amplifier stage with advanced power supplies that can manage more demanding speaker loads, ensuring compatibility with a broader range of loudspeakers and better control across various volume levels.

In conclusion, both the CD 50n and MODEL 50 represent Marantz's unwavering pursuit of audio excellence, merging their historic attention to sonic detail with the demands of modern audio environments. Whether one is diving into the depths of streaming audio or seeking the authoritative drive of a robust amplifier, these new entries into the Marantz family stand ready to enhance the listening experience.

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Marantz CD 50n & MODEL 50: Reinventing Audio Fidelity

Meet Marantz's latest masterpieces: the CD 50n and MODEL 50. These state-of-the-art audio components.

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by KEF

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Interesting articles

Game On, Audiophiles: Fortnite's The Weeknd Collaboration Strikes a High Note

Korf Audio Introduces New Flagship Ceramic Tonearms at Munich High End Expo

Marantz CD 50n & MODEL 50: Reinventing Audio Fidelity