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

Naim

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Stepping into the realm of high-quality sound without the usual marketing fluff, let's talk about what makes Fyne Audio's F700SP series, particularly the F702SP and F703SP models, stand out in the crowded speaker market. It's not just about the fancy terms or the hefty price tag; it's about what these speakers actually do to make your music listening experience something special.

First off, these speakers come with something called IsoFlare drivers. Imagine having a speaker that throws sound at you from a single point, blending different tones perfectly to make music sound more natural and lifelike. That's what these drivers aim to do. It's like the vocalist or the guitar player is right there in the room with you, not scattered around.

Then there's this cool feature known as the BassTrax porting system. Ever felt like the bass in some speakers just doesn't feel right or fills the room properly? This system is designed to spread out the bass in a 360-degree pattern, making it smoother and more integrated into your space. It's about feeling the depth of the music without it being too overpowering or muddy.

The technical side also gets pretty interesting with the F700SP series. These speakers undergo a process called deep cryogenic treatment, which is a fancy way of saying they freeze the crossover components to relieve stress. This supposedly makes the sound clearer and more transparent. They also pack in some high-quality internal components like ClarityCap capacitors and Neotech wiring, aiming to keep the audio signal as pure as possible.

Design-wise, they didn't hold back. Available in finishes like Piano Gloss Black, White, Walnut, and a satin Natural Walnut veneer, these speakers are made to be both a feast for the ears and the eyes. Plus, they have these heavyweight aluminum plinths that not only look good but help in sound dispersion too.

Now, for the elephant in the room – the price. The F702SP and F703SP models are definitely on the higher end, with price tags of £11,999.99 and £14,999.99 respectively. It's a hefty investment, but for those who are serious about their audio, it might just be worth considering.

In essence, the F700SP series from Fyne Audio is about bringing high-end, detailed, and immersive sound to those who are willing to pay for that premium listening experience. It's not just about the specs or the luxury finishes; it's about how all these elements come together to make your favorite tracks sound the best they possibly can.

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How Deep Cryogenic Treatment Elevates the F700SP Series to Audiophile Heaven

Fyne Audio is a manufacturer of high-quality loudspeakers for audio systems.

Fyne Audio

The BassTrax technology in Fyne Audio's F700SP series offers a revolutionary listening experience with smooth, room-filling bass.

The F702SP by Fyne Audio stands as a pinnacle of their ongoing pursuit of acoustic perfection, embodied in an elegantly designed floorstanding speaker. Crafted by hand in the UK, this model boasts a sophisticated 200mm IsoFlare driver from the F1-8, which benefits from an enhanced HF waveguide that ensures a smoother frequency response. This advanced driver is set within the celebrated and award-winning F702 cabinet that is uniquely configured with twin cavities and utilizes the BassTrax LF diffuser for superior bass distribution.

Improvements do not halt at mechanical design; the crossover circuitry of the F702SP has undergone a significant redesign. Through the use of computational modelling coupled with exhaustive auditory trials, the circuitry has been finely tuned. It now includes high-quality Claritycap capacitors and Neotech PC-OCC wiring, which work in tandem to deliver an exceptionally pure signal transfer. The commitment to preserving audio integrity is further evidenced by gold-plated WBT Nextgen 0703 terminals and a specialized cryogenic treatment process, aimed at maintaining the fidelity of every sonic detail.

Supporting its superior sound technology, the F702SP is anchored by a robust aluminium base. This base is outfitted with M12 threaded support cones, providing the speaker with unparalleled stability. This feature not only enhances the physical steadfastness of the speaker but also contributes to its ability to deliver articulate and powerful audio performance. Ideally suited for medium to large-sized rooms, the F702SP offers an auditory experience that is both immersive and expansive, reflecting Fyne Audio's reputation for producing cutting-edge audio solutions.

F702SP

The F703SP is a refined version of the original F703 from Fyne Audio, integrating advanced technology from the F1 Series into its design. Crafted in Scotland, this floorstanding speaker boasts a 250mm IsoFlare point source driver, similar to that found in the F1-10, and is enhanced with a robust Neodymium HF magnet system and a 3” titanium dome. This configuration ensures a dramatic reduction in distortion and a smoother frequency response across the board. The reinvention of the crossover network in the F703SP demonstrates meticulous engineering, with optimization achieved through comprehensive computer modeling and critical listening tests. High-quality components such as Claritycap capacitors and Neotech PC-OCC wiring are utilized to maintain signal integrity and transparency.

Enhancements do not stop at internal components. The terminals of the F703SP feature superior gold-plated WBT Nextgen 0703 connectors and the crossover benefits from a unique cryogenic treatment performed in Fyne Audio’s own facilities, which further refines signal clarity. Stability is paramount in a speaker of this caliber; thus, it is equipped with a robust F1 grade machined aluminum platform with M12 threaded support cones. This base not only grounds the speaker solidly but also aids in the precise articulation of low-frequency details, making every listen a deeply engaging experience. The combination of sophisticated design, high-quality materials, and meticulous engineering makes the F703SP a powerhouse that captures the essence of pure audio performance.

F703SP


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.


In a significant move that's stirring excitement in the audiophile community, Aavik, the renowned Danish audio brand, has unveiled its latest masterpiece – the Aavik SD-880 Streaming DAC. As the newest member of its flagship 880 series, the SD-880 marks Aavik's ambitious foray into the streaming DAC market.

**Innovative Technology for Unparalleled Sound**

The Aavik SD-880 is distinguished by its revolutionary Non-switching Continuum Processing DAC technology. This in-house developed method dramatically transforms the digital-to-analog conversion process. By upsampling digital signals to an astounding 22 MHz, the Aavik SD-880 maintains a continuous analog waveform, effectively eliminating the digital artifacts that often mar digital audio sources.

**Design: A Fusion of Art and Engineering**

The design of the SD-880 is a testament to Aavik's commitment to both aesthetic elegance and functional excellence. The unit is encased in solid copper, with a unique sandwich construction at its base, integrating copper, compact laminate, and titanium layers to minimize resonance. This meticulous attention to detail extends to the inclusion of Tesla coil arrangements and Ansuz Darkz resonance control devices, ensuring an audio output that's as pure as it is powerful.

**Connectivity and Specifications**

Addressing the needs of modern audiophiles, the Aavik SD-880 comes equipped with a comprehensive array of digital inputs, including BNC S/PDIF, optical TOSLINK, and USB-B, alongside various output options. The device also features network connectivity via an Ethernet RJ45 port and USB-A ports for external drives.

**Weighty in Both Presence and Performance**

The Aavik SD-880 is as substantial in its physical presence as it is in its audio performance, weighing in at 33 kg. Its dimensions are 580 x 155 x 510 mm, making it a commanding presence in any high-end audio setup.

**Pricing and Availability**

Reflecting its top-tier status, the Aavik SD-880 is priced at $70,000 in the US and £67,000 in the UK. This positions it as a premium offering in the high-end audio market.

**Closing Thoughts**

With the launch of the SD-880, Aavik not only cements its place in the high-end audio market but also pushes the boundaries of what's possible in digital audio reproduction. The Aavik SD-880 is more than just a piece of equipment; it's an artistic statement in the world of audiophile technology.

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Breaking the Bank for Sound Excellence Aavik SD-880 Priced at $70,000

Discover the Aavik SD-880 Streaming DAC: Revolutionary Non-switching Continuum Processing for unparalleled audio clarity

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Interesting articles

How Deep Cryogenic Treatment Elevates the F700SP Series to Audiophile Heaven

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

Breaking the Bank for Sound Excellence Aavik SD-880 Priced at $70,000