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

Lyngdorf

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Lyngdorf Audio, renowned for its digital amplifiers, also brings a strong tradition in loudspeaker design, evidenced by their latest creation, the Cue-100. This high-end audio loudspeaker embodies a seamless fusion of modern Danish design with cutting-edge speaker technology. Crafted in Skive, Denmark, the Cue-100 appeals to both audiophile enthusiasts and those who value aesthetics in their audio equipment.

The standout feature of the Cue-100 is its incorporation of Purifi technology from Denmark, which is lauded for revolutionizing speaker technology with ultra-low-distortion long-stroke woofers. This technology enables incredibly low levels of distortion, ensuring supreme sound purity and an unparalleled clarity that Purifi claims sets a new benchmark in audio performance. Lyngdorf’s own Air Motion Transformer complements this, enhancing the speaker's performance across higher frequencies.

Physically, the Cue-100 sports a unique triangular shape with its three sides tapered and slightly rounded, constructed from 35mm thick, CNC-machined MDF. This design not only offers aesthetic appeal but also plays a crucial role in reducing resonance and internal standing waves. The base of the speaker can be crafted from solid oak or MDF, adding to its structural rigidity and visual elegance. Customizability is key with the Cue-100, available in four different cabinet combinations and five optional fabric covers from Gabriel, Denmark, creating a total of 24 distinct color combinations.

A perfect synergy with Lyngdorf’s audio technology is achieved when the Cue-100 is paired with either a Lyngdorf TDAI amplifier or an MP multichannel processor. This combination utilizes the company's proprietary RoomPerfect™ technology, allowing the speakers to adapt acoustically to their environment. This not only ensures optimal sound performance regardless of the room’s characteristics but also offers flexibility in speaker placement, catering to both superior audio needs and sophisticated interior design preferences.

CUE-100


iFi Audio has recently launched the hip-dac 3, a portable DAC/headphone amplifier, garnering attention in the audiophile community. The third-generation device comes in a sleek Titanium Shadow finish, housed in a robust aluminum enclosure. This latest iteration is not just a step up in aesthetics but also in functionality and performance.

#### Compact Design Meets Superior Performance

The hip-dac 3's design is noteworthy for its compactness, easily fitting into pockets or bags, making it an ideal travel companion for music enthusiasts. Its primary function is to replace the subpar DAC and amp circuitry in smartphones, tablets, and computers, thereby significantly enhancing headphone sound quality. Whether at home, office, or on the move, the hip-dac 3 promises to engage listeners with its dynamic and refined sound.

#### Key Technical Enhancements

One of the standout features of the hip-dac 3 is its ability to deliver up to 400mW for 32Ω headphones, ensuring wide compatibility across various headphone types. It also supports high-impedance headphones up to 600Ω. The device's balanced circuit design is a rarity at its price point, effectively reducing signal distortion for a purer sound.

Incorporating high-quality components such as a custom iFi OV op-amp and a low-noise power supply IC from Texas Instruments, the hip-dac 3 also features a high-quality analogue volume pot. This combination results in a significant improvement in sound quality, setting it apart from other portable DAC/amp options.

#### User-Centric Features

The hip-dac 3 is tailored for user convenience with its PowerMatch and iEMatch features. PowerMatch optimizes power delivery to the headphones, ensuring optimal performance regardless of headphone type. The iEMatch feature is particularly beneficial for high-sensitivity headphones, reducing hiss and enhancing detail. Another user-friendly addition is the XBass feature, which boosts bass frequencies without compromising midrange clarity.

#### Advanced Connectivity and Battery Life

The device's USB-C audio input handles audio data up to 32-bit/384kHz and offers asynchronous data transfer for jitter-free sound. The separate USB-C charging port allows for uninterrupted usage while charging. The hip-dac 3 offers two outputs: a 3.5mm socket for single-ended headphones and a 4.4mm balanced output. The device’s battery life lasts for approximately 7-12 hours, depending on usage, and includes essential cables for connectivity.

#### Pricing and Availability

The hip-dac 3 is priced at £199, €199, and US$199, making it an attractive option for those seeking high-quality audio in a portable form. It stands out as a perfect option for music lovers who use corded headphones or earphones and seek a significant upgrade in their audio experience.

#### Community Reception

The hip-dac 3 has received a positive response from users and enthusiasts, particularly for its upgraded features and improved functionality over previous models. The switch to USB-C connectivity has been a major highlight, aligning with modern device standards and user preferences. The community's feedback reflects a strong appreciation for the device's enhanced audio quality, portable convenience, and the thoughtful inclusion of user-centric features.

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Enhanced Bass with the New XBass Feature in iFi's hip-dac 3

Discover 400mW power with the hip-dac 3: iFi Audio's latest innovation for a dynamic, immersive audio experience.

Rega, a pioneer in turntable technology, has announced the launch of the Naia, an embodiment of years of innovation and meticulous engineering. This groundbreaking turntable, deriving from the esteemed 'Naiad' project, introduces a new era in vinyl playback quality. The Naia is constructed with a graphene impregnated carbon fiber skeletal plinth, featuring a Tancast 8 foam core. This design, a hallmark of Rega's commitment to low mass and high rigidity, is further enhanced with ceramic aluminum oxide braces, ensuring unparalleled sound fidelity and durability.

The Naia's remarkable RB Titanium tonearm is a testament to precision engineering. Designed for minimal mechanical joints and maximum stiffness, this tonearm promises near-frictionless movement, essential for capturing the finest nuances of vinyl recordings. Alongside this, the Naia incorporates a custom aluminum sub-platter with a Zirconium toughened alumina central bearing, offering exceptional resistance to abrasion and ensuring the longevity of the turntable.

Audiophile circles are buzzing with excitement over the Naia's launch. The community has lauded its sophisticated design and advanced technological features, which include a reference power supply for stable motor control, an EBLT triple belt drive for speed stability, and double brace technology to minimize energy absorption and resonance. This turntable is not just a piece of audio equipment; it's an artful culmination of Rega's dedication to audio perfection, offering a rich, immersive vinyl listening experience that promises to delight audiophiles worldwide.

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Rega Launches the Naia: A New Benchmark in Turntable Innovation

Rega Naia: Elevate your music with groundbreaking features, ultra-rigid structure, and superior sound quality in vinyl playback.

Blue Note Records, the iconic jazz label that has been at the forefront of shaping the direction and sound of jazz music, celebrates its 85th anniversary this year. Founded on January 6, 1939, by Alfred Lion, a German-Jewish immigrant and jazz enthusiast, Blue Note has become synonymous with jazz excellence, nurturing generations of musicians and producing some of the most influential recordings in the history of music. As 2024 unfolds, the label has announced a series of events and releases that promise to honor its rich legacy while continuing to forge the path of jazz innovation.

The Blue Note Quintet Takes Center Stage
At the heart of the celebrations is the 85th Anniversary Tour by The Blue Note Quintet. This ensemble, comprising Blue Note's contemporary torchbearers — pianist Gerald Clayton, alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, drummer Kendrick Scott, and bassist Matt Brewer — is set to embark on an extensive 35-date North American tour. The tour promises to be a journey through the label's storied history and its current vibrancy, reflecting the continuous thread of innovation and excellence that Blue Note is known for.

Preserving Photographic History: The Francis Wolff Collection
The Francis Wolff Collection, a series of limited-edition fine art photography, will highlight the visual aspect of Blue Note's legacy. Francis Wolff, co-founder and the man behind the lens for many of the label's most iconic session photographs, captured moments that are as historically significant as the music itself. The collection will feature rare and previously unseen images, offering fans a tangible piece of jazz history.

Reviving the Classics: Vinyl Reissue Series
In an age where vinyl has regained its crown as the preferred medium for audiophiles, Blue Note doesn't disappoint. The Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series, produced by Joe Harley and mastered from the original master tapes, promises an unmatched sonic experience. These reissues are not mere replicas; they are monuments to the label's unwavering commitment to quality.

Similarly, the Classic Vinyl Reissue Series, curated by Don Was and Cem Kurosman, offers a dive into the extensive Blue Note catalog, with all-analog 180g vinyl reissues that bring the past into the present with stunning clarity.

The Return of Blue Note Review
Adding to the excitement, the Blue Note Review, a vinyl boxset subscription series, makes a comeback. Each volume is a collector's delight, featuring a blend of new recordings and historic gems, accompanied by physical items and writings that reflect Blue Note's cool, sophisticated aesthetic.

An Anthology and Artistic Celebrations
The VMP Anthology: The Story of Blue Note Records will get a second pressing, offering a comprehensive narrative of the label's evolution. For those who wish to bring a piece of Blue Note into their living spaces, new canvas wall art featuring Reid Miles's legendary album designs will be available.

Engaging the Community: Sales and Playlists
The Blue Note Store is not only launching an 85th Anniversary Sale but also introducing a rewards program for its most loyal customers. Meanwhile, curated playlists available on various streaming platforms will provide a sonic journey through the different eras and styles that have defined Blue Note.

Looking Ahead
As Blue Note Records commemorates this significant milestone, it's clear that the celebration is as much about looking forward as it is about honoring the past. Through tours, releases, and various initiatives, Blue Note continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering the future of jazz, ensuring that the genre remains as dynamic and relevant as ever. In 2024, Blue Note isn't just reminiscing about 85 years of history; it's actively shaping what the next 85 might sound like.

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Blue Note Records Celebrates 85 Years of Jazz Excellence

Celebrate 85 years of Blue Note, where jazz legends and modern melodies meet in a timeless symphony.

CUE-100

by Lyngdorf

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