Lyngdorf is a Danish audio brand that specializes in high-end audio products.

Lyngdorf

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The BW-20, known for its unique Boundary Woofer technology from Lyngdorf, represents the pinnacle of this series, designed specifically for placement near wall boundaries such as corners to optimize bass response by utilizing room acoustics effectively. Unlike typical subwoofers, the BW-20 extends its capabilities beyond just providing low-end support; it boasts an impressive frequency range from 19Hz to 500Hz, ensuring flawless integration with any front speakers regardless of their size or the type of crossover filter used. This design strategy eliminates the potential for gaps in sound performance, creating a comprehensive audio environment.

Featuring dual woofers on a single side and a sleek, shallow cabinet with a satin-matte finish, the BW-20 is versatile enough to be installed in-wall, on-wall, or in-room. This flexibility allows it to perform exceptionally well as an in-wall woofer aligned with in-wall speakers, optimizing its sound capabilities and seamless integration into any space. Additionally, the design supports on-wall and particularly in-room placement, serving effectively as a free-standing boundary woofer that can fire into the room or against the wall, thus adapting to varied spatial and aesthetic needs without compromising on sound quality.

BW-20


There's a new spot in town that's got audiophiles and music lovers talking: The Ibis HiFi Cocktail & Coffee Bar. Tucked away in the Soda Pop District, this place is doing something different – it's blending the vibes of a coffee shop with the buzz of a cocktail bar, and it's all about the sound.

**Coffee by Day, Cocktails by Night**: What's cool about The Ibis is how it switches gears. You can grab a coffee in the morning in a chill environment, and then come evening, it transforms into this laid-back bar with a great selection of drinks.

**A Nod to Japanese Listening Bars**: The Ibis has taken a page out of Japan’s book, focusing on top-notch sound quality. It's not just background music here; the sound is a major part of the experience, something any music enthusiast will appreciate.

**Sound System That Hits the Right Notes**: Partnering with Gravity Records, The Ibis has set up a sound system that’s a dream for audiophiles. We're talking tube amps, vintage speakers, and turntables that are a cut above what you'd find in a typical bar or café.

**Music That Matters**: The playlist at The Ibis isn’t just thrown together – it's a thoughtfully crafted mix, thanks to DJ RizzyBeats. Each night, the music takes you on a different journey, making it a fresh experience every time you drop by.

**Local at Heart**: The Ibis keeps it close to home. They’ve got their own coffee blend from Casa Blanca, and the snacks are from local spots. It’s a nice touch that adds to the whole local community vibe.

**Drinks with a Twist**: Sure, you can get a classic martini here, but there's more. The cocktails have a bit of creativity to them, and there are some solid non-alcoholic options too.

**Sit Back and Relax**: The place is set up for comfort. Whether you're booking a spot for your group or just walking in, they’ve made sure it’s a space where you can really settle in and enjoy the tunes.

So, for anyone in Wilmington who loves good music and a good drink, The Ibis HiFi is a spot worth checking out. It's more than just a bar or a café; it's a place where the sound is just as important as the taste and the atmosphere. In a city with plenty of spots to choose from, The Ibis stands out as a haven for audiophiles and anyone who wants to enjoy their drink with a side of quality sound.

[The Ibis HiFi](https://www.instagram.com/theibisbar/?hl=en)

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Japanese Inspired Ambiance at The Ibis HiFi in Wilmington

Experience the blend of coffee culture and cocktail artistry at The Ibis HiFi, inspired by Japanese listening bars

Recently, we got a unique product to test. Currently, there are only two models of keyboards with a built-in DAC and headphone amplifier in the world, and one of them is the Fiio KB3. We will talk about it today.

This keyboard has several unique features, and we want to figure out who it is for, how it sounds, and whether it is worth the money. Given its uniqueness, let's start with an analysis of the features and sound.

## Feature Overview

It is important to define the methodology for comparison and identification of key points for Fiio KB3, given its niche. Let's start with the fact that two Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs and two SGM8262 operational amplifiers are installed inside the device.

The Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs in the Fiio KB3 are known for their ability to provide clear and detailed sound, which is especially important when listening to high-resolution music. These DACs, typically used in high-end portable audio devices, are used here to improve sound quality directly at your workplace. And the SGM8262 operational amplifiers help to minimize distortion and noise, providing a richer and more emotional sound, making each listened composition more alive and realistic.

## Sound Analysis

The starting point in our comparison will be a quick test of the MacBook Pro, which already has a decent built-in DAC. Headphones worth about 2,000 euros were chosen as headphones to avoid sound limitations and at the same time to check the efficiency of the amplifier.

We created [a playlist on Qobuz](https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/19379861) that includes tracks that we believe are suitable for testing this keyboard. The playlist features various genres, but we consciously did not focus on jazz and classical music, as we assume that KB3 is aimed at a slightly different audience.

During a quick test of the MacBook Pro DAC with the tracks "Blinding Lights" and "Crew Love", it was noticed that, despite the good bass in "Blinding Lights", the sound seems a bit closed. "Crew Love" demonstrates the purity of the sound, but there is a lack of spaciousness and resolution. In general, the sound through the MacBook Pro is clear, but not as detailed and rich as we would like.

Now we move on to the most exciting stage: we connect the headphones to the 3.5mm jack of the Fiio KB3. Conveniently, no additional drivers are required. We listened to the same and other tracks:

- **The Dark Knight, Hans Zimmer**: There is a noticeable improvement in resolution, although the bass seems a bit restrained.
- **Hotel California, Eagles**: The sound becomes more natural and full, with good transmission of nuances.
- **Blinding Lights, The Weeknd**: The bass has improved significantly. Even at maximum volume, the sound is not tiring, maintaining its dynamics and development.
- **Crew Love, Drake**: Good clarity and nuance, great separation of voices.
- **Enter Sandman, Metallica**: Excellent drums that create a sense of closeness.
- **Moth to a Flame, Swedish House Mafia**: While listening, we unknowingly turned up the volume to maximum - the sound is captivating, without any complaints.

The use of two Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs in the Fiio KB3 keyboard significantly improves the soundstage, making it more spacious and detailed. This is especially noticeable when listening to complex musical compositions, where each instrument and voice sounds clear and separate. Thanks to this, the use of the Fiio KB3 keyboard turns ordinary listening to music into a deeper and more immersive experience.

The amplifier in the Fiio KB3 really proved to be powerful and effective, doing an excellent job of maintaining sound quality even at maximum volume. This is an important aspect for any audio device, especially when it comes to listening to music through high-end headphones.

## Functionality

Sound control on the Fiio KB3 is significantly more convenient and enjoyable than the standard volume control on the keyboard. This is ensured by the built-in volume knob, which allows you to accurately and easily adjust the volume level. Additionally, the keyboard is equipped with two USB ports, which expands its functionality, allowing you to connect additional devices, such as a mouse or flash drive, directly to the keyboard, which is convenient and practical, especially with a limited number of free ports on the computer.

In addition, the Fiio KB3 is equipped with mechanical keys with Gateron G Pro 3.0 yellow switches, providing pleasant tactile sensations when typing. RGB backlighting adds aesthetic appeal and provides customization options, which will be valuable for users who want to give their workspace a personal touch. And the compact 75% design makes the keyboard ideal for saving space on your desktop.

## Appearance and Packaging

The outer packaging of the Fiio KB3 looks presentable and modern, decorated with the company's slogan "Born for Music". The keyboard comes with a long enough USB cable for connection, as well as a simple instruction manual. It is worth noting the absence of a specialized cable for connecting to Mac devices, which will require the use of an adapter. However, overall, the first impression of the keyboard was very positive, and there was an immediate desire to connect it and evaluate its sound.

## Verdict

The Fiio KB3 is an excellent purchase at an affordable price. For 110+ euros, you get not only a gaming keyboard, but also a built-in DAC and headphone amplifier. This is a great offer for those looking for a solution to improve sound quality without adding external devices. The Fiio KB3 is ideal for optimizing your workspace and reducing the number of cables, while it is not only attractive for audiophiles, but also enriches the gaming experience for gamers, improving the sound of dialogues and special effects.

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Fiio KB3 Review: The Keyboard That Makes Your Music and Games Come Alive

FiiO is a company that specializes in the design and production of audio products.

FiiO


The recent introduction of the WiiM Amp by WiiM marks a significant milestone in the realm of home audio technology. Priced at an accessible $300, the WiiM Amp is a compact, yet mighty streaming amplifier housed in a sleek aluminum shell, signaling a blend of elegant design and robust functionality. It is designed to deliver 60 Watts per channel at 8 ohms and 120 Watts at 4 ohms, making it a powerful solution for a range of audio setups.

What sets the WiiM Amp apart is its all-in-one functionality. It comes equipped with HDMI ARC, Sub Out, and a USB port, allowing it to easily connect with a variety of audio sources, from passive speakers to home theater systems. This versatility is further enhanced by its ability to function as an always-on media server, streaming high-quality audio to multiple devices throughout your space.

The WiiM Amp also boasts superior sound quality, with a Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) of just 0.002% and a 98 dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) at 5W. These technical specifications ensure that users enjoy a nearly flawless audio experience, hearing the music exactly as the artist intended, without any distracting noise or distortion.

In terms of user interface and control, the WiiM Amp is a standout. It includes a Bluetooth remote with built-in Alexa for voice commands, offering seamless control over playback, volume adjustments, and more. The device also supports streaming from top music services like Spotify, iHeartRadio, Tidal, Amazon Music, and others, managed effortlessly via the WiiM Home App. This app not only connects you to a universe of music but also offers extensive EQ customization options, allowing users to tailor the audio output to their preferences.

A key aspect of the WiiM Amp is its ability to enhance the home theater experience. With its HDMI ARC port, users can plug in their TVs and enjoy rich stereo sound for shows, movies, and video games. The addition of a powered subwoofer can elevate this experience to cinematic levels, making the WiiM Amp a versatile and powerful addition to any entertainment setup.

User feedback and reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Audiophiles appreciate the WiiM Amp for its high-end features, user-friendly design, and affordability. Its comparison to more expensive products like the Sonos Amp, but at a significantly lower price point, highlights its value in the market. Users are excited about the possibilities this device opens up, from integrating ceiling speakers to reviving vintage audio gear, or optimizing TV sound. The WiiM Amp is seen as a game-changer in the streaming amplifier market, offering a high-quality, versatile audio solution that is accessible to a broader audience.

In conclusion, the WiiM Amp represents a significant step forward in streaming amplifier technology. It combines high-quality audio performance with smart functionality and user-friendly design, all packaged in a compact and elegant form factor. Whether for casual listeners or serious audiophiles, the WiiM Amp is poised to transform the home audio experience, making superior sound quality more accessible than ever before.

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Stream and Amplify with Elegance: Introducing the WiiM Amp - Your Compact High-Fidelity Solution

A sleek, powerful streaming amplifier offering 60W per channel, versatile connectivity, and seamless integration for an enhanced audio experience

BW-20

by Lyngdorf

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Japanese Inspired Ambiance at The Ibis HiFi in Wilmington

Fiio KB3 Review: The Keyboard That Makes Your Music and Games Come Alive

Stream and Amplify with Elegance: Introducing the WiiM Amp - Your Compact High-Fidelity Solution