Ortofon is a Danish company that specializes in the design and production of high-quality audio equipment, particularly phono cartridges and styli. They are known for their precision engineering and superior sound reproduction.

Ortofon

2M Black LVB Anniversary

Marantz, a stalwart in the audio equipment landscape, has once again demonstrated their commitment to melding classic design with contemporary technology in the form of two new offerings: the CD 50n Premium CD and Network Audio Player, and the MODEL 50 Premium Integrated Stereo Amplifier.

The CD 50n emerges as a testament to Marantz's 70-year evolution, boasting an ability to handle ultra-high resolution audio—supporting PCM up to 384 kHz/32 bit and DSD 128. This feature is a boon for enthusiasts seeking to experience the full breadth of their high-resolution recordings. Its inclusion of HDMI ARC allows listeners to enjoy their TV, movies, and games with the warmth and spaciousness that Marantz is known for. True to their legacy, Marantz integrates custom digital filters to ensure their sound signature is preserved throughout the digital to analog conversion process.

This player is not just a treat for the ears but also the eyes, with its elegant design embodying a balance between timeless aesthetics and modern needs. Furthermore, it is engineered for seamless streaming, courtesy of HEOS® Built-in, which incorporates services like Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, and TuneIn Radio, among others.

Complementing the CD 50n is the MODEL 50 Integrated Amplifier, designed to drive loudspeakers with total control through its 70 watts per channel capability. It features a Class A/B amplifier and a collection of six analog inputs, including a Moving Magnet Phono stage that amplifies the nuanced tones of vinyl records. The MODEL 50's design omits digital audio to prioritize analog purity and simplicity, ensuring intuitive operation and eliminating the risk of interference from digital circuitry.

Both the CD 50n and MODEL 50 share a promise of quality, with Marantz affirming that every unit is a product of meticulous craftsmanship, aimed at delivering the 'Most Musical Sound'. Each comes with a generous 5-year warranty, a testament to the confidence Marantz has in its products' longevity.

For the prospective buyer, the decision between these two might come down to personal need and the existing components in their audio setup. Marantz encourages customers to trust their own ears when considering these products, as personal preference is paramount in the experience of music.

In the conversation around these new releases, questions have arisen regarding their interoperability and whether the advanced converters in the CD 50n make a significant difference when paired with the likes of the Marantz Cinema 50, or if it's compatible with Blu-ray disc playback (it is not, as it's designed solely for Compact Discs).

As for the MODEL 50, queries have been addressed regarding its amplifier stage and power output compared to other models like the Stereo 70s. Marantz clarifies that the Model 50 boasts a more refined amplifier stage with advanced power supplies that can manage more demanding speaker loads, ensuring compatibility with a broader range of loudspeakers and better control across various volume levels.

In conclusion, both the CD 50n and MODEL 50 represent Marantz's unwavering pursuit of audio excellence, merging their historic attention to sonic detail with the demands of modern audio environments. Whether one is diving into the depths of streaming audio or seeking the authoritative drive of a robust amplifier, these new entries into the Marantz family stand ready to enhance the listening experience.

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Marantz CD 50n & MODEL 50: Reinventing Audio Fidelity

Meet Marantz's latest masterpieces: the CD 50n and MODEL 50. These state-of-the-art audio components.


Music Hall Audio, a renowned brand recognized for its affordable yet high-quality audio components and turntables, has recently been acquired by Turntable USA. This new venture, led by industry veterans James Davis, Norbert Schmied, and Jonathan Derda, marks a significant shift in the audio industry. This acquisition aligns Music Hall with MoFi Distribution, part of the same ownership group as Music Direct, which is a major online retailer of high-end turntables worldwide.

Roy Hall, the founder of Music Hall, has expressed his approval and confidence in the new ownership, ensuring that the brand's legacy of offering value-driven audio products will continue. He will remain involved with Music Hall as a consultant to facilitate a smooth transition. The new owners, underlining their commitment to maintain the brand's reputation, are focused on upholding the mission of delivering premium audio products at reasonable prices.

Established in 1998, Music Hall has developed an extensive product line, including the Classic Belt Drive Turntable and the Stealth model, along with updated electronics like the a25.3 integrated amplifier and the cd25.3 CD player. This acquisition opens the door to new synergies and product development opportunities within the audio industry, particularly leveraging Music Hall's partnership with Bellari, known for its phono preamplifiers, step-up transformers, and headphone amplifiers.

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Harmonizing Heritage and Innovation in Music Hall Audio's New Ownership Era

Music Hall is an audio brand that specializes in manufacturing turntables, amplifiers, speakers, and other audio equipment.

Music Hall

Music Hall Audio, a leader in affordable, quality audio components, embarks on a new journey with Turntable USA's acquisition.


The Brian Eno Turntable II is not just a vinyl record player, it is a true work of visual art. With its color-changing LED lighting, it is designed to make listening to vinyl an experience that is not only about the music, but also about the visual experience. This is not just another turntable; it is a limited edition of only 150 units and has a hefty price tag of £20,000. Yes, you heard that right. It is priced comparably to a luxury car, making it a desirable acquisition for serious art and music lovers.

From a technical standpoint, this turntable does not compromise on quality. It features a white aluminum tonearm from Pro-Ject, renowned for its precision and sound quality. It is paired with an Ortofon 2M cartridge, which is popular among audiophiles for its excellent ability to capture all the nuances of vinyl records. The turntable uses a belt drive system, ensuring smooth playback and minimal vibrations. It also supports standard playback speeds of 33 1/3 and 45 RPM, covering the needs of most vinyl records.

The Turntable II has a circular design, which is a departure from the more traditional square or rectangular turntables, and adds to its unique charm. This design choice is not only pleasing to the eye; it symbolizes the continuous nature of music and art, blending form and function in a way that is unique to Eno.

In essence, if you like the idea of your turntable being a modern work of art that also delivers high-quality sound, then the Turntable II could be your dream come true. Of course, it is a significant investment, but for the right person, this combination of technology and art is hard to beat.

Here are some additional details about the Brian Eno Turntable II:

-   It is made from translucent acrylic and has a white tonearm.
-   It has a diameter of 450mm and a height of 120mm.
-   It weighs 10kg.
-   It comes with a remote control.
-   It is available in a limited edition of 150 units.
-   It is priced at £20,000.

The Brian Eno Turntable II is a unique and luxurious product that is sure to appeal to serious audiophiles and art collectors. It is a beautiful and functional piece of art that will provide years of enjoyment.

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Brian Eno's £20,000 LED Turntable: A Visual Symphony That Changes Colors with Your Music

Brian Eno's latest turntable lights up your music collection with its unique color-changing LED feature

2M Black LVB Anniversary

by Ortofon

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Interesting articles

Marantz CD 50n & MODEL 50: Reinventing Audio Fidelity

Harmonizing Heritage and Innovation in Music Hall Audio's New Ownership Era

Brian Eno's £20,000 LED Turntable: A Visual Symphony That Changes Colors with Your Music