
KEF, a leader in acoustic innovation, has recently introduced a new color variant for its celebrated LS60 Wireless Speakers - the striking Carbon Black. This addition expands the color palette to five, including mineral white, royal blue, titanium grey, and British Racing Green. Launched initially in 2022 as part of KEF's 60th-anniversary celebration, these speakers are priced at $6,999.

The LS60 Wireless is not just a visual treat but a marvel of audio engineering. It's the world's first Single Apparent Source wireless system, meaning low, mid, and high frequencies emanate from a single point for precise imaging and accurate sound across a broader area. Central to its design is the 12th Generation Uni-Q with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT™) driver array, ensuring natural sound with minimal distortion.

Critics rave about the LS60's reference-grade sound quality, dynamics, and full-range extension. The speakers offer comprehensive connectivity, including Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast, and stream directly from platforms like Spotify Connect, Tidal, and QPlay. However, they lack multichannel integration and a phono input.

The LS60's design includes a heavy alloy base for stability and simple setup via the KEF Connect app. With onboard amplifiers delivering substantial power, these speakers are an embodiment of high-end audio's future, combining innovative technology, superior sound quality, and a sleek design.

large_pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-042_1080x.png

medium_pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-042_1080x.png

small_pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-042_1080x.png

thumbnail_pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-042_1080x.png

pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-042_1080x.png

large_pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-046_1024x1024.png

medium_pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-046_1024x1024.png

small_pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-046_1024x1024.png

thumbnail_pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-046_1024x1024.png

pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-046_1024x1024.png

large_pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-044_1024x1024.png

medium_pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-044_1024x1024.png

small_pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-044_1024x1024.png

thumbnail_pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-044_1024x1024.png

pdt-ls60w-stn-pks-044_1024x1024.png

large_Screenshot 2023-11-30 at 13.13.28.png

medium_Screenshot 2023-11-30 at 13.13.28.png

small_Screenshot 2023-11-30 at 13.13.28.png

thumbnail_Screenshot 2023-11-30 at 13.13.28.png

Screenshot 2023-11-30 at 13.13.28.png

KEF's Carbon Black LS60 Redefines Wireless Sound

KEF's Carbon Black LS60: Redefining wireless sound with its groundbreaking technology and elegant appearance


In an era where our music choices are merely a few clicks away, the digital vs physical media debate takes center stage among audiophiles. As traditional physical formats like CDs and vinyl contend with digital music libraries and streaming services, each format vies for its claim to sonic supremacy. This in-depth article evaluates the pros and cons of each approach, from the ritualistic joys of physical media to the unmatched convenience of digital libraries.

### Physical Media: The Resurgence and the Nostalgia

#### Quality and Rituals

For many, physical formats like CDs and vinyl aren't merely a medium for listening to music; they're an experience. A CD or vinyl record is tactile, ritualistic, and provides a form of interaction that digital media cannot replicate. Brands like Harman/Kardon offer high-end CD transports that, when paired with a top-tier DAC, can reveal layers of audio depth that may escape even high-bitrate digital formats.

#### Reliability and Ownership

A significant advantage of physical media is its long-lasting nature. Properly cared for CDs and vinyl can last decades without losing their original quality. Additionally, owning a physical copy provides a sense of ownership and permanence that digital platforms can't always guarantee, given the terms and conditions that may lead to the removal of particular albums or tracks.

### Digital Media: The Age of Convenience

#### Instant Access and Versatility

Digital formats have fundamentally transformed the way we consume music. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have democratized access to extensive music libraries that can be streamed on-demand. Software like PlexAmp takes this a step further with features such as "Sonic Adventure" and AI-driven playlist tools, offering a tailored listening experience.

#### Storage and Organization

Digital media can be stored in various forms of Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems or specialized audio equipment like Eversolo DMP-A6 or Bluesound Node. These devices, equipped with large-capacity drives, can host ripped FLAC libraries or even high-resolution SACD rips, offering a level of quality and convenience that is hard to beat.

### Cost vs Quality: A Balancing Act

#### The Financial Angle

Streaming services can appear cheaper initially, but they require ongoing subscriptions. Meanwhile, establishing a high-quality digital library or accumulating a vast physical collection also comes with costs. Devices like the SMSL SD-9 offer a mid-range digital option at around $450, but keep in mind that storage can get expensive. On the flip side, physical media also have their costs, especially when factoring in high-end playback equipment.

#### Audio Quality Debates

Services like Tidal and Qobuz offer high-fidelity, near-lossless audio streaming, but these usually come at a premium price. The ongoing debate remains whether the human ear can truly discern these nuances in audio quality, particularly when listening through high-end equipment like McIntosh systems.

### Conclusion

The physical vs digital debate among audiophiles is likely to continue as technology evolves and listening habits change. Whether you're an enthusiast who enjoys the tactile experience of handling a vinyl record or someone who values the convenience of accessing thousands of tracks within seconds, each medium offers its unique set of advantages and compromises. The best choice, as it often turns ou

the digital vs physical media debate in music

the digital vs physical media debate in music.png

The Debate Over Physical vs Digital Media for Audiophiles

Explore the nuanced debate between physical and digital audio formats. This article dissects the pros and cons of CDs, vinyl, and digital libraries, providing invaluable insights for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.


In recent times, the landscape of music streaming services has become a battleground for audio quality. With Spotify's rumored "Supremium" tier, a volley has been fired that adds a complex layer to the ongoing conversations about sound quality, value, and the features that users genuinely desire.

## The Value of Quality: Spotify vs. Competitors

Deezer offers Redbook quality FLAC at $11 a month. Meanwhile, Apple Music is comparably priced and boasts hi-res audio. Users often argue that the quality of Apple Music far exceeds that of Spotify, even in standard AAC formats. However, others appreciate Spotify's robust feature set, particularly its music discovery algorithms.

### AAC vs. OGG Vorbis

The encoding format also plays a significant role in audio quality. While Spotify uses a mix of OGG Vorbis and AAC across platforms, many audiophiles believe AAC provides superior quality over MP3. The effectiveness of OGG Vorbis is debatable, especially on Android devices where AAC hasn't been implemented well.

## What's in a Price? 

The proposed price for Spotify's "Supremium" tier is causing a stir. While some users think $20 a month isn't unreasonable, others find it steep, especially when compared to offerings from Deezer, Apple Music, and Amazon. What complicates matters is Spotify's attempt to justify the higher price by bundling in additional features like audiobooks, which don't appeal to everyone.

### The Playlist Limit Woes

Deezer also comes under scrutiny for its playlist limitations. In contrast, Spotify offers greater flexibility, allowing users to create extensive playlists with thousands of songs.

## The Algorithm Game

Where Spotify often wins is in its sophisticated algorithms for music discovery. The platform introduces users to a wide range of new music, which is seen as one of its strongest points. However, some users argue that the algorithms have become less effective, circling back to music they've already listened to.

### The Convenience Factor

When it comes to multi-room and multi-device experiences, Spotify tends to win out. The convenience of Spotify Connect, which seamlessly finds speakers on your network, often trumps the audio quality debate for casual listening scenarios.

## Can You Even Tell the Difference?

Many are skeptical about the perceptible differences between high-res audio and Spotify's current maximum of 320 kbps. While the debate rages on, even among audiophiles, it remains a critical point for potential subscribers. Can most people discern the difference, and even if they can, is it worth the additional cost?

## Conclusion

The forthcoming Spotify "Supremium" tier is bound to shake up the existing landscape of music streaming services. However, whether it will fulfill the audiophile's dream or become a jack-of-all-trades offering that dilutes the brand's musical focus remains to be seen. In the end, the choice may boil down to what users prioritize most: is it audio quality, algorithmic discovery, convenience, or price?

As the world of streaming services continues to evolve, users are left to navigate this complex landscape, weighing the pros and cons to find their ideal musical home.

folder_920_201707260845-1.png

A Look at Spotify's "Supremium" Tier

Explore the nuances of the music streaming wars as Spotify introduces its "Supremium" tier. Learn how it stacks up against competitors like Apple Music and Deezer in audio quality, features, and pricing. Is the higher cost justified by its offerings? Dive in to find out.

## The Dawn of Digital Audio Conversion: A Luxury For Audiophiles

### The Genesis of DACs

In the early years of digital audio, the conversion process from digital to analog signals was performed by rudimentary chips embedded within audio playback devices like CD players. These inbuilt DACs were often basic, utilizing Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM) to transform the 1s and 0s of digital audio into an electrical signal that could be amplified and played through speakers. However, the quality of these early DACs left much to be desired, especially when you consider factors like bit-depth, sampling rate, and the presence of digital artifacts like jitter.

### The Audiophile's Holy Grail

For audiophiles, the ultimate goal has always been an unparalleled auditory experience. In this pursuit, standalone DACs became highly coveted. These were specialized devices built with superior chipsets that employed intricate algorithms for Digital Signal Processing (DSP). In terms of technical details, early high-end DACs were often based on R-2R Ladder or multibit architectures and could support high-resolution audio formats like DSD (Direct Stream Digital). Moreover, premium DACs would have options for oversampling and noise-shaping, which could significantly improve audio fidelity by reducing digital noise and harmonic distortion.

### Cost vs. Quality

High-quality standalone DACs were initially expensive due to the costly components like Burr-Brown or ESS Sabre chipsets, capacitors, and even specialized power supplies designed to reduce electrical noise. Furthermore, they often included multiple inputs such as Coaxial, Optical, and USB, each requiring its own dedicated circuitry. All these factors contributed to the high cost, making these DACs a luxury reserved for those who could afford them.

### Democratization Through Technology

Over the years, the cost of manufacturing complex chipsets and other components has reduced, partly due to advancements in semiconductor technology. This has led to a wave of affordable yet high-quality DACs entering the market. Even DACs under the $100 mark today offer features like 32-bit processing and compatibility with high-resolution audio formats. The result is a broader range of options for consumers, making high-quality audio more accessible than ever before.

## The Evolution of Music Servers

### The Complexity of Early Systems

In the nascent stages, setting up a music server was no small feat. It often involved linking a Network Attached Storage (NAS) to a computer running server software like JRiver Media Center or Roon. Metadata management, network configurations, and compatibility with various file formats like FLAC, WAV, or ALAC were all hurdles to be overcome by the user. These setups were usually restricted to those with an in-depth knowledge of computer networking and audio file management.

### Seamless Integration and User-Friendly Options

Companies recognized the growing demand for simpler solutions and began to design dedicated music servers with built-in DACs. These were plug-and-play devices with pre-installed server software and an intuitive user interface. Some of these servers even offer built-in streaming service integration, and they support a wide range of audio formats including lossless and high-resolution options like FLAC and DSD.

### Technological Breakthroughs: From S/PDIF to USB-C

Over the years, the interfaces and connections employed by music servers have evolved dramatically. Earlier, the S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format) was commonly used for transmitting audio data. Now, we see USB-C connections becoming the standard, offering faster data transfer rates and lower latency. Some high-end music servers even offer I2S connections for a purer, more direct digital signal path.

## The Compact Revolution: Enter Mini PCs and Portable DACs

### The Trend of Miniaturization

If you look at the market trends, miniaturization stands out as a defining characteristic of modern Hi-Fi devices. Companies are increasingly investing in R&D to fit more features into smaller packages without sacrificing audio quality. This is made possible by advancements in microprocessor technology, which allows for more efficient data processing in a smaller space.

### Portable DACs: High-End Audio On-The-Go

The Dragonfly DACs by AudioQuest or the Mojo by Chord Electronics are prime examples of how compact these devices have become. Despite their small size, they offer features like MQA decoding and compatibility with high-resolution audio formats. In terms of technical details, these portable DACs often incorporate advanced chipsets like the ESS Sabre ES9038 or AKM AK4490, which are capable of 32-bit processing and sample rates of up to 768kHz for PCM and DSD512 support for DSD files.

### Mini PCs and All-in-One Solutions

Beyond DACs, we are seeing the rise of mini PCs capable of serving as both music servers and playback devices. Take the Beelink U59 Pro mini PC, for instance. Despite its compact form, it can handle 1080p video streaming, has 4K support, and can even run full-fledged server software. These PCs often come with Optical and Coaxial outputs, allowing them to be connected to external DACs for even better audio quality.

In sum, the landscape of high-fidelity audio is undergoing a transformation. The transition from bulky, specialized, and expensive setups to compact, user-friendly, and high-quality devices has made premium audio experiences accessible to a wider audience than ever before. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a casual listener, there's never been a better time to dive into the world of high-quality audio.

## Streaming Services: The Cloud-Based Revolution in Hi-Fi Audio

### A Digital Odyssey: From MP3 to FLAC and MQA

One can't talk about the evolution of high-fidelity audio without mentioning the rise of streaming services like Tidal, Qobuz, and Amazon Music HD. Gone are the days when compressed MP3 files were the standard. Today's top-tier streaming services offer FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) files with bit rates up to 1411 kbps, ensuring CD-quality audio. For those who demand even more, Tidal's Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) technology promises to deliver audio as the artist intended, using a form of "audio origami" to fold high-resolution files into more manageable sizes without sacrificing quality.

### Adaptive Streaming and Bitrate

One of the challenges in streaming high-quality audio is the need for high bandwidth. However, adaptive streaming technology has made it possible to stream high-quality audio even on slower connections by dynamically adjusting the bitrate. Services like Spotify use the Ogg Vorbis format, which offers variable bitrate streaming, adjusting between ~24 kbps to ~320 kbps depending on network conditions.

### Native Integration and Exclusivity Modes

The advent of native integration within DACs and music servers has enhanced the usability of streaming services. Users can now stream directly from services like Tidal or Qobuz, bypassing the need for a separate streaming device. Exclusive Mode, often found in streaming service apps, allows the DAC to take control of the system’s audio driver to minimize jitter and other distortions, ensuring that the audio path is as unadulterated as possible.

## The Future is Modular: Upgradability and Firmware Updates

### Modular Designs for Longevity

The modular nature of modern Hi-Fi equipment means that components like DACs and AMPs can often be upgraded without needing to replace the entire system. Companies like Schiit Audio are leading the charge in offering modular, upgradable designs. For instance, DACs like their Yggdrasil model feature replaceable USB boards, allowing users to keep up with technological advancements without the need to purchase a new DAC entirely.

### Firmware Upgrades

In addition to hardware modularity, firmware upgrades are making it possible to continually enhance the capabilities of existing devices. These updates often bring support for new audio formats, improved digital signal processing algorithms, and sometimes even entirely new features, adding longevity to your Hi-Fi setup.

### DIY Solutions

The DIY community has also been a significant contributor to the Hi-Fi scene. Open-source software platforms allow users to transform even a Raspberry Pi into a powerful music server. Custom firmware solutions like Rockbox can breathe new life into older devices, extending their utility and upgrading their audio capabilities.

## Bridging the Gap: From Audiophiles to the Everyday Listener

### Mainstreaming High-Resolution Audio

As high-resolution audio moves from the realm of audiophiles to mainstream consumers, device manufacturers are now integrating high-quality DACs even in mid-range smartphones and laptops. Whether it's Sony's LDAC codec offering high-resolution audio over Bluetooth or Apple's spatial audio feature, premium audio is no longer a niche market.

### Universal Compatibility and User Experience

The user experience has significantly improved, with many modern devices offering plug-and-play functionality. The USB Audio Class 2.0 standard, for example, has made it significantly easier to connect DACs to a wide range of devices without requiring specialized drivers.

### Concluding Thoughts: An Audiophile's Paradise

The technology driving high-fidelity audio has evolved tremendously over the years, resulting in a landscape that offers both luxury and accessibility. From standalone DACs and dedicated music servers to integrated streaming solutions and portable devices, there's an array of options to fit every budget and preference. While the journey towards audio nirvana is never-ending, there's never been a better time to be an audiophile or even just someone who appreciates good sound. The future promises even more exciting advancements, making high-quality audio an increasingly integral part of our digital lives.

Thus, whether you're just beginning your Hi-Fi journey or are a seasoned audiophile looking for the next upgrade, the burgeoning world of high-quality audio holds something for everyone.

physical representations of different music eras arranged in a straight timeline on a neutral background

physical representations.png

DACs, Music Servers, and the Rise of Compact Streaming Devices

What's next for high-fidelity audio? From modular designs to firmware upgrades, get a glimpse into the future of high-quality sound

KEF's Carbon Black LS60 Redefines Wireless Sound

The Debate Over Physical vs Digital Media for Audiophiles

A Look at Spotify's "Supremium" Tier

DACs, Music Servers, and the Rise of Compact Streaming Devices

Discussion

Other articles

The Debate Over Physical vs Digital Media for Audiophiles

A Look at Spotify's "Supremium" Tier

DACs, Music Servers, and the Rise of Compact Streaming Devices