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

The KEF C40 is a speaker model produced by KEF, a British loudspeaker manufacturer. It was part of KEF's C Series, which was introduced in the 1990s. The C40 is a bookshelf-sized speaker designed for home audio use. It features a two-way design with a 6.5-inch woofer and a 0.75-inch tweeter, providing a balanced and detailed sound reproduction. The C40 has a wood or black vinyl cabinet finish and was well-regarded for its performance and build quality during its time.

Today at the High End Munich event, DALI introduced their latest offering in high-fidelity audio, the RUBIKORE series loudspeakers. For enthusiasts and attendees, a firsthand experience of these speakers is available in room D108, Atrium 3.1.

The RUBIKORE series encompasses five distinct models: the RUBIKORE 8 and RUBIKORE 6 floorstanders, the compact RUBIKORE 2 bookshelf speaker, the RUBIKORE ON-WALL, and the RUBIKORE CINEMA designed specifically for home theater setups. Each model is crafted to provide a blend of sophisticated design and audio performance that seeks to set new benchmarks in the industry.

Leveraging over four decades of loudspeaker innovation and the heralded design cues of their flagship KORE, the RUBIKORE series incorporates several advanced audio technologies. Notably, the series features the Clarity Cone™ Technology SMC Drivers which are designed to enhance sound clarity through innovative material use and design. The SMC-KORE™ Inductors aim to minimize signal loss and improve audio purity.

Additionally, the series boasts Hybrid Tweeter Modules that integrate a new Low-Loss Dome Tweeter, promising improved high-frequency response with reduced distortion. The design is rounded off with Continuous Flare Bass Reflex Ports, engineered to deliver smoother, more dynamic bass response by optimizing airflow within the speaker cabinets.

Further details on the RUBIKORE series will be disclosed in the upcoming days, including technical specifications and availability. Meanwhile, images and preliminary information can be accessed through DALI's dedicated event link. This launch not only highlights DALI’s commitment to innovation but also marks a significant moment for audiophiles seeking the next level of sonic excellence.

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DALI Unveils RUBIKORE Series at High End Munich

DALI is a Danish company that specializes in the production of high-quality audio speakers and headphones.

DALI

DALI’s RUBIKORE Series debuts at High End Munich, featuring luxurious design and the latest audio technologies for an unparalleled listening experience. Learn more!


**  Leema Acoustics Unveils the Quantum Series, Revolutionizing High-End Audio**

In a significant move that marks its first major launch in over a decade, Leema Acoustics has unveiled the Quantum series, a new line of high-end audio equipment that promises to make premium sound more accessible. This groundbreaking series includes the Neutron preamplifier and the Graviton power amplifier, both of which are built on the expertise and innovation that have become synonymous with Leema Acoustics.

**A Blend of Innovation and Affordability**

The Quantum series, a project 25 years in the making, represents a pivotal moment for Leema Acoustics. Founded by ex-BBC engineers, the company has always been at the forefront of audio technology. With the Quantum series, they've taken cues from their flagship Constellation series but have streamlined the design and manufacturing process to offer these products at a more accessible price point. Despite the focus on affordability, no compromises have been made in areas that count the most, such as the quality of components and sound fidelity​​​​.

**Neutron Preamplifier: A Hub of Connectivity and Quality**

The Neutron preamplifier is a modern marvel that combines transparency with flexibility. It boasts a high-quality MM/MC phono stage based on Leema Acoustics’ proprietary design, an advanced ESS 24-bit/192 kHz USB DAC, and a dedicated headphone amplifier. With an impressive 13 inputs, including USB, phono, optical, and coaxial, the Neutron facilitates easy integration into various systems. The preamplifier is designed to be as transparent as possible, offering a high-end Burr-Brown analogue volume control and ensuring minimal crosstalk for enhanced sound clarity​​​​.

**Graviton Power Amplifier: Power and Precision**

The Graviton power amplifier is a class A/B design offering 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 260 watts into 4 ohms. It features a large toroidal power supply, providing exceptional control over a wide range of loudspeakers. The high-current topology of the Graviton, employing six Toshiba output transistors per channel, ensures dynamic ability and detailed sound reproduction. The amplifier includes both balanced and unbalanced inputs, dual speaker binding posts for easy bi-wiring, and line-level loop through-outputs for bi-amping​​​​.

**Pricing and Design**

Both the Neutron preamp and Graviton power amplifier are priced at £1,500 each, with a combined price of £2,800 when purchased together, making the Quantum series an attractive proposition for audiophiles seeking quality audio equipment without a hefty price tag. The devices feature UK-made casework available in brushed black or silver finishes, with precision-machined front panels and control dials, reflecting Leema Acoustics' commitment to craftsmanship and aesthetic elegance​​​​.

**In Conclusion**

The Quantum series from Leema Acoustics stands as a testament to the company's ability to innovate and adapt, bringing high-end audio within reach of a broader audience. With its combination of advanced technology, simplified design, and competitive pricing, the Quantum series is poised to redefine the landscape of high-end audio equipment.

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Leema Acoustics Quantum Series Unveils Neutron and Graviton with Premium Sound Features

The company was founded in 1998 by two former BBC sound engineers, Lee Taylor and Mallory Nicholls. Their shared passion for audio reproduction led them to embark on a journey to push the boundaries of loudspeaker design, eventually leading to the creation of the brand Leema Acoustics.

The founders' initial project was a bold endeavor to design a miniature loudspeaker capable of outperforming larger systems, a challenge that spurred four years of intense work. This culminated in the development of the Xen micro monitor, a product that achieved technical and musical excellence. Originally targeted at the professional audio market, the Xen eventually gained traction in the domestic market as audiophiles recognized the quality of Leema's products.

Following the success of the Xen, Leema Acoustics expanded its expertise into audio electronics. Their first foray in this area, the Tucana integrated amplifier, was released in early 2006. It quickly garnered acclaim, winning the prestigious Hi Fi News amplifier of the year award. This was soon followed by another successful product, the Antila CD player, which won the best CD player award in 2007.

Leema Acoustics' range of products continued to grow, including their Reference and Elements Ranges, and later, the Essentials line. These products have consistently attracted international acclaim, earning numerous awards and “best in class” reviews.

In 2007, to meet the increasing demand for its products, Leema Acoustics began collaborating with Davlec, a local Welsh manufacturer established in 1983, initially focusing on electronics for the dairy industry but later expanding into automotive and metrology. This partnership led to a formal merger in 2014, bringing together the production and design teams under one roof to continue manufacturing products to the high standards Leema Acoustics is known for.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, Leema Acoustics unveiled an entire new product range, the Quantum series, which includes the Electron CD player, Positron streamer, Neutron DAC/preamp, and Graviton power amp. These products demonstrate the brand's continued commitment to innovation and excellence in audio engineering.

The founders' initial vision and commitment to exploring the depths of audio reproduction have firmly established Leema Acoustics as a revered name in the hi-fi audio industry, known for its high-quality, UK hand-built products

Leema Acoustics

Leema's Quantum Series revolutionizes audio with Neutron and Graviton, offering elite sound fidelity and advanced features in an affordable package.

Neutron

Graviton

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.

C40

by KEF

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Interesting articles

DALI Unveils RUBIKORE Series at High End Munich

Leema Acoustics Quantum Series Unveils Neutron and Graviton with Premium Sound Features

Marantz CD 50n & MODEL 50: Reinventing Audio Fidelity