Monitor Audio is a well-known and reputable brand in the HiFi industry that specializes in the design and manufacturing of high-quality audio equipment. The company was founded in 1972 by Mo Iqbal and since then has been dedicated to delivering superior sound experiences to audiophiles and music enthusiasts. With a focus on innovation, engineering excellence, and attention to detail, Monitor Audio has established itself as a leading brand in the HiFi market.

Monitor Audio

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Let's discuss this new thing that recently appeared - the FiiO CP13 cassette player. It's really something unusual, if you think about it. In a world where everything has become digital and streaming dominates, FiiO made an unexpected move by bringing back cassette players.

Remember the Walkman? That little gadget from the past? The CP13 is a kind of salute to this old Sony classic. It has a vintage look with a silvery-blue case and a design straight from the late 70s. But not only the appearance is important - FiiO added modern elements, such as a USB-C port for charging and a headphone jack. True, there is no Bluetooth in it. Apparently, they really wanted to keep the retro style.

But here's what's interesting - people are really talking about this device. Some admire the nostalgia, contemplating the possibility of using their old cassette collections again. Others are skeptical about it. They wonder why go back to cassettes in an era when you can play millions of songs on your phone. And let's be honest, cassettes weren't known for their high sound quality.

There are also questions about what's inside this player. There are concerns that it may use the same cheap mechanisms as many modern cassette players, which are not considered to be the best. I think we just have to wait and see how it performs.

So yes, it's definitely a "didn't expect that" moment. The return of cassette players in the digital age is like choosing between a horse-drawn carriage and a Tesla. But, you know, everyone has their own tastes. Some people love that nostalgia, the feeling of inserting a cassette, pressing the play button, and simply enjoying music in the old-fashioned way. Let's see if this will be the start of a new/old trend or if it's just a passing interest in retro.


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FiiO CP13 Launches, Reviving the Classic Cassette Era

Reviving the classic cassette player, FiiO's CP13 offers a unique mix of old-school charm and modern functionality.

Recently, Focal caused a real stir at the CES 2024 show, presenting an updated line of its famous Aria series - Aria Evo X. Several models were presented from Aria Evo X N°1 to N°4, as well as a center speaker for home theaters. The main thing is to meet the needs of both movie lovers and true music lovers.

The main feature of the new series is the 'M'-shaped tweeter with an inverted TAM housing. This is a step forward compared to the old TNF tweeter and is designed to bring more clarity to the high frequency range - up to 30 kHz. For those who are not in the know, this means that the sound should be sharper and more detailed, especially on high notes.

The TMD® technology has also been added for the midrange range. Simply put, this technology is designed to reduce distortion and maintain a clean and balanced sound. It is like a guarantee that everything sounds exactly the way it should, without annoying noises or hum.

Focal did not stop at the sound and updated the appearance of the speakers. Now there is a Moss Green High Gloss finish, in addition to the classic black and walnut colors.

The Aria Evo X series continues to use the flax cone, a feature that Focal fans may remember from the Aria 900 series. This part is known for making the sound more natural, especially in the midrange and low frequency ranges.

Since its launch, the Aria Evo X series has generated a lot of interest among audiophiles and ordinary listeners. The new tweeter and its impact on sound quality are especially discussed. However, along with technological improvements came a price increase, and this has become a topic of discussion. Some are wondering if such a price hike is justified, especially when comparing these new models to previous versions of Aria or to products from other brands.

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Focal's Flax Cone Feature Takes Center Stage in Aria Evo X Series

Focal is a brand that specializes in high-fidelity audio equipment.

Focal

Aria Evo X integrates TMD technology for a perfectly balanced and distortion-free audio experience


This year's High End Munich expo introduces an exciting development: the Gaming Zone. In collaboration with konsolenfan.de, High End Munich has for the first time created a dedicated area for gaming enthusiasts in Hall 1 (Stand A10/B09). This zone allows visitors to explore and interact with advanced audio setups configured for popular gaming consoles including the PS5, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch.

**Innovative Audio Solutions for Gamers**

The Gaming Zone features a variety of cutting-edge audio equipment designed to enhance the gaming experience:

-   **Mission LX Connect** and **Yamaha True-X Bar 50A**: These systems offer dynamic audio that enhances the gaming atmosphere.
-   **Polk Signature ES50** and **Piega ACE 30 Wireless Speakers**: Set to deliver immersive sound that dramatically enhances gameplay.
-   **Audeze Maxwell Gaming Headphones**: These high-end headphones are designed to provide deep immersion into game worlds, offering clarity and depth that elevate the gaming experience.

Additionally, tech contributions from **Mifcom** with a high-end gaming PC and **Nubert** with the debut of its nuBoxx A-125 sound system from the new nuGame series enrich the auditory experience further.

**Interactive Gaming Demonstrations**

Highlighting the interactive element of the Gaming Zone, live gaming sessions will take place, featuring prominent members from Germench, Germany’s leading speedrun community. Visitors can witness live gaming and streaming events, including playthroughs of popular titles such as "Horizon Zero Dawn – The Frozen Wilds," "Baldur's Gate 3," and "Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze," starting at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 11th.

**Bridging Gaming with High-End Audio**

The Gaming Zone initiative represents a strategic move to integrate the world of high-end audio with the dynamic and growing gaming industry. This approach not only showcases the potential of top-tier audio to enhance gaming but also serves as a gateway for gamers to explore high-quality sound systems they might not typically consider. It's an opportunity to demonstrate that superior sound can profoundly enrich the gaming experience, potentially attracting a younger demographic to the high-end audio community.

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High End Munich Adds Exciting Gaming Zone to 2024 Expo

Yamaha is a Japanese brand known for manufacturing a wide range of products, including musical instruments, audio equipment, electronics, and motorcycles.

Yamaha

Mission is a brand that specializes in the design and manufacture of high-fidelity audio equipment.

Mission

Polk Audio is a company known for manufacturing high-quality audio equipment.

Polk Audio

Piega is a Swiss audio brand specializing in high-end speakers known for their ribbon tweeter technology.

Piega

Audeze is a brand of high-end headphones and audio equipment.

Audeze

Mifcom is a company that specializes in high-performance gaming PCs and components.

Mifcom

Nubert is a German audio brand known for producing high-quality speakers and audio equipment.

Nubert

Sony is a Japanese company that specializes in various electronics products, including HiFi audio equipment.

Sony

High End Munich 2024 debuts its Gaming Zone, featuring immersive sound systems for next-gen consoles—discover the ultimate gaming experience

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by Monitor Audio

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Interesting articles

FiiO CP13 Launches, Reviving the Classic Cassette Era

Focal's Flax Cone Feature Takes Center Stage in Aria Evo X Series

High End Munich Adds Exciting Gaming Zone to 2024 Expo