Periodic Audio is an audio brand that specializes in creating high-performance in-ear monitors (IEMs) and headphones. They are known for their dedication to precision engineering and creating high-quality audio products.

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The ISA Yachts' 45m MY UV II, crafted for an Australian music enthusiast, is a remarkable example of advanced maritime technology and design, with a special focus on audio and video capabilities. This yacht, executed by Videoworks, offers a unique blend of luxury and high-tech features, emphasizing audio excellence. Here are some of its standout aspects:

**K-Array Audio System**: The yacht is equipped with a formidable 20,000-watt K-Array Audio System. Managed by Symetrix’s Dante technology, this system ensures high-fidelity audio across various zones of the yacht, offering a professional-grade sound experience.

**Extron Processors**: These processors are used to manage surround sound systems in the main hall and the owner's lounge, indicating a focus on delivering an immersive audio experience in key communal areas of the yacht.

**HDMI 4K over IP**: With ZeeVee devices enabling this feature, the yacht ensures high-quality, seamless video distribution throughout, providing an exceptional visual media experience.

**5G Connectivity**: The integration of Peplink dual modems and a Starlink antenna demonstrates a commitment to ensuring high-speed internet access across the oceans, enhancing the yacht's connectivity capabilities.

**Party Mode on Sundeck**: This feature is tailored for social gatherings, with DJ inputs and amplified speakers, transforming the sundeck into a dynamic entertainment zone.

**Soundproof Multimedia Room**: A dedicated space for private music enjoyment, equipped with a top-notch 5.1 surround sound system, allowing for an intimate and undisturbed auditory experience.

**Interior Design**: Luca Dini’s design provides a chic and stylish ambiance, featuring backlit panels, mirrored TVs, and textured ceilings. The yacht also integrates Videoworks' innovative lighting system, controllable via the ItwModeX app, offering dynamic color options for various moods and settings.

**Palumbo Superyachts Legacy**: As part of Palumbo Superyachts, which encompasses brands like ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine, and Palumbo SY Refit, this yacht exemplifies the company's expertise in luxury yacht manufacturing. Palumbo Superyachts, with its extensive network and representative office in Monaco, has been a significant player in the industry since the launch of its first 54m superyacht, Prima, in 2011.

The MY UV II stands as a pinnacle of maritime entertainment technology, showcasing the owner's dedication to audio-visual excellence and Videoworks' 25 years of expertise in executing such visionary projects.

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ISA Yachts Launches UV II: A Symphony at Sea with a 20,000-Watt K-Array Audio System

Explore the ISA Yachts' UV II, a 45m luxury vessel blending high-end audio with maritime elegance, featuring a 20,000-watt K-Array system and advanced 5G connectivity.


### Revolutionizing Sustainability with Hi-Fi Technology

Hi-Fi technology is not just enhancing audio experiences but also contributing to environmental solutions. A French startup's innovation in using Hi-Fi speakers for eco-friendly heat pumps exemplifies this trend. These heat pumps employ thermo-acoustics, a technique where sound waves are harnessed to generate thermal energy, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional heating methods. This technology, blending audio fidelity with environmental consciousness, opens up new avenues for sustainable energy solutions.

### Green Manufacturing in Hi-Fi

The Hi-Fi industry is addressing its environmental impact by evolving its manufacturing processes. High energy consumption and the intensive use of resources are significant challenges. To combat these, manufacturers are adopting more sustainable practices. This includes the use of eco-friendly materials like recycled plastics and natural fibers, which not only minimize resource depletion but also reduce the overall ecological footprint. Additionally, energy-efficient production techniques are being implemented to cut down on energy use and emissions during the manufacturing process.

### Energy Efficiency and Hi-Fi Design

In the Hi-Fi sector, there's a growing emphasis on energy-efficient designs. This shift is largely driven by consumer awareness and technological innovations. Modern Hi-Fi devices are integrating energy-efficient amplifiers and integrated circuits, focusing on lowering power consumption while maintaining high-quality audio output. These advancements play a vital role in reducing the carbon footprint of audio devices. Moreover, they contribute to operational energy cost savings, making them an attractive choice for environmentally conscious consumers. This trend towards low-energy devices is a significant step towards more sustainable audio technology.

### The Impact of Digital Transformation on Sustainability

Digital transformation in audio is significantly reducing the environmental impact of the industry. By shifting from analog to digital formats, there's a marked decrease in the need for physical media like CDs and vinyl records, leading to less material use and waste. Streaming services have furthered this impact, eliminating the production and distribution of physical media. This digital shift not only saves resources but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and logistics, aligning the Hi-Fi industry more closely with eco-friendly practices.

### Consumer Trends and Market Dynamics in Eco-Friendly Audio

The growing consumer interest in sustainability is reshaping the audio industry. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases, leading to a demand for products that are both high-performing and sustainable. In response, manufacturers are developing audio products that prioritize energy efficiency and use recyclable materials. This trend reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior towards responsible consumption. Manufacturers who can innovate to meet these eco-conscious preferences are likely to see increased consumer support, driving further advancements in sustainable audio technology.

### The Future of Eco-Friendly Hi-Fi

Looking ahead, the Hi-Fi industry is set to continue its journey towards greater sustainability. Future developments are likely to focus on integrating more energy-efficient technologies and exploring new, environmentally friendly materials. These innovations will not only reduce the ecological impact of audio products but also offer enhanced performance and user experience. Moreover, the principles and technologies developed for sustainable Hi-Fi are expected to influence other sectors, potentially leading to more widespread environmental benefits. The commitment to sustainability in Hi-Fi is thus a significant contributor to broader ecological goals.Eco-Soundwaves: Discover the Green Future of Hi-Fi!

sustainable and eco-friendly Hi-Fi technology

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Eco-Soundwaves: Discover the Green Future of Hi-Fi!

Recently, we got a unique product to test. Currently, there are only two models of keyboards with a built-in DAC and headphone amplifier in the world, and one of them is the Fiio KB3. We will talk about it today.

This keyboard has several unique features, and we want to figure out who it is for, how it sounds, and whether it is worth the money. Given its uniqueness, let's start with an analysis of the features and sound.

## Feature Overview

It is important to define the methodology for comparison and identification of key points for Fiio KB3, given its niche. Let's start with the fact that two Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs and two SGM8262 operational amplifiers are installed inside the device.

The Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs in the Fiio KB3 are known for their ability to provide clear and detailed sound, which is especially important when listening to high-resolution music. These DACs, typically used in high-end portable audio devices, are used here to improve sound quality directly at your workplace. And the SGM8262 operational amplifiers help to minimize distortion and noise, providing a richer and more emotional sound, making each listened composition more alive and realistic.

## Sound Analysis

The starting point in our comparison will be a quick test of the MacBook Pro, which already has a decent built-in DAC. Headphones worth about 2,000 euros were chosen as headphones to avoid sound limitations and at the same time to check the efficiency of the amplifier.

We created [a playlist on Qobuz](https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/19379861) that includes tracks that we believe are suitable for testing this keyboard. The playlist features various genres, but we consciously did not focus on jazz and classical music, as we assume that KB3 is aimed at a slightly different audience.

During a quick test of the MacBook Pro DAC with the tracks "Blinding Lights" and "Crew Love", it was noticed that, despite the good bass in "Blinding Lights", the sound seems a bit closed. "Crew Love" demonstrates the purity of the sound, but there is a lack of spaciousness and resolution. In general, the sound through the MacBook Pro is clear, but not as detailed and rich as we would like.

Now we move on to the most exciting stage: we connect the headphones to the 3.5mm jack of the Fiio KB3. Conveniently, no additional drivers are required. We listened to the same and other tracks:

- **The Dark Knight, Hans Zimmer**: There is a noticeable improvement in resolution, although the bass seems a bit restrained.
- **Hotel California, Eagles**: The sound becomes more natural and full, with good transmission of nuances.
- **Blinding Lights, The Weeknd**: The bass has improved significantly. Even at maximum volume, the sound is not tiring, maintaining its dynamics and development.
- **Crew Love, Drake**: Good clarity and nuance, great separation of voices.
- **Enter Sandman, Metallica**: Excellent drums that create a sense of closeness.
- **Moth to a Flame, Swedish House Mafia**: While listening, we unknowingly turned up the volume to maximum - the sound is captivating, without any complaints.

The use of two Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs in the Fiio KB3 keyboard significantly improves the soundstage, making it more spacious and detailed. This is especially noticeable when listening to complex musical compositions, where each instrument and voice sounds clear and separate. Thanks to this, the use of the Fiio KB3 keyboard turns ordinary listening to music into a deeper and more immersive experience.

The amplifier in the Fiio KB3 really proved to be powerful and effective, doing an excellent job of maintaining sound quality even at maximum volume. This is an important aspect for any audio device, especially when it comes to listening to music through high-end headphones.

## Functionality

Sound control on the Fiio KB3 is significantly more convenient and enjoyable than the standard volume control on the keyboard. This is ensured by the built-in volume knob, which allows you to accurately and easily adjust the volume level. Additionally, the keyboard is equipped with two USB ports, which expands its functionality, allowing you to connect additional devices, such as a mouse or flash drive, directly to the keyboard, which is convenient and practical, especially with a limited number of free ports on the computer.

In addition, the Fiio KB3 is equipped with mechanical keys with Gateron G Pro 3.0 yellow switches, providing pleasant tactile sensations when typing. RGB backlighting adds aesthetic appeal and provides customization options, which will be valuable for users who want to give their workspace a personal touch. And the compact 75% design makes the keyboard ideal for saving space on your desktop.

## Appearance and Packaging

The outer packaging of the Fiio KB3 looks presentable and modern, decorated with the company's slogan "Born for Music". The keyboard comes with a long enough USB cable for connection, as well as a simple instruction manual. It is worth noting the absence of a specialized cable for connecting to Mac devices, which will require the use of an adapter. However, overall, the first impression of the keyboard was very positive, and there was an immediate desire to connect it and evaluate its sound.

## Verdict

The Fiio KB3 is an excellent purchase at an affordable price. For 110+ euros, you get not only a gaming keyboard, but also a built-in DAC and headphone amplifier. This is a great offer for those looking for a solution to improve sound quality without adding external devices. The Fiio KB3 is ideal for optimizing your workspace and reducing the number of cables, while it is not only attractive for audiophiles, but also enriches the gaming experience for gamers, improving the sound of dialogues and special effects.

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Fiio KB3 Review: The Keyboard That Makes Your Music and Games Come Alive

FiiO is a company that specializes in the design and production of audio products.

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by Periodic Audio

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Interesting articles

ISA Yachts Launches UV II: A Symphony at Sea with a 20,000-Watt K-Array Audio System

Eco-Soundwaves: Discover the Green Future of Hi-Fi!

Fiio KB3 Review: The Keyboard That Makes Your Music and Games Come Alive