Philips is a company that manufactures and sells various electronic products, including HiFi audio equipment.

Philips

AF 729/II

In a strategic move that intertwines heritage and innovation, Thomas Mayer, a luminary in the realm of tube amplifier design, has recently announced his venture into the production of vacuum tubes under the ELROG brand. This announcement comes in the wake of the insolvency of the original Elrog vacuum tubes entity, marking a new chapter for the esteemed brand known for its connection to the legendary Telefunken tube works.

Established in August 2016, the Deutsche Elektronenröhren Manufaktur GmbH, founded by Mayer himself, now stands as the proud producer of these ELROG Vacuum tubes. The roots of the company trace back to 1986 when the original ELROG Elektronenröhren GmbH & Co KG was founded in Lüneburg, a testament to its enduring legacy in the industry.

Mayer's approach to this revival isn't just about continuity; it's a significant evolution. Reports indicate a substantial enhancement in the tube's design, including a tenfold improvement in the vacuum quality and an increase in the thorium content of the filaments from 0.6 to 2%. These modifications, along with an inverted structure for specific tube models and the use of superior graphite in the plates, are expected to drastically elevate the auditory experience.

Customers who have had the opportunity to compare the old and new style Elrog tubes have reported a noticeably improved sound quality, underscoring Mayer's commitment to not only preserving but also advancing the rich sonic legacy of the ELROG brand.

As this news resonates through the audiophile community, there's an air of anticipation and excitement about what this means for the future of high-fidelity sound. Thomas Mayer's venture is not just a business move; it's a resonant chord struck in the heart of the global audiophile narrative, promising a richer, more immersive auditory experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

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Thomas Mayer Revitalizes Vacuum Tube Production with ELROG Brand

Learn about the revival of ELROG's legacy and how Mayer's innovative techniques are setting new standards in sound quality


In a remarkable leap for auditory science, two recent studies have unveiled the sounds of the natural world that lie beyond human perception. Researchers from Aalto University and Tel Aviv University have separately explored ultrasonic frequencies and plant emissions, offering new insights into the unseen and unheard aspects of our environment.

At Aalto University, a team led by Professor Ville Pulkki has developed a super-hearing technology capable of detecting ultrasonic sounds, such as those made by bats. This technology, which transforms ultrasonic frequencies to audible ranges, promises significant applications in various fields, including maintenance, rescue, and environmental monitoring. It's a breakthrough that not only broadens our sensory experience but also enhances our understanding of animal behavior and environmental dynamics.

Meanwhile, researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that plants emit sounds, particularly when stressed. Led by biologist and mathematician Lilach Hadany, the team found that these sounds, though inaudible to the human ear, could carry vital information about the plants' condition. This revelation opens up new possibilities in agriculture and environmental science, providing a novel method to monitor plant health and stress.

**HiFi Audio and Auditory Experiences:** 
While these studies explore frequencies beyond human hearing, they bring exciting possibilities to the world of HiFi audio and auditory enhancement. Insights gained could inspire the development of more advanced sound processing techniques in HiFi systems, creating more immersive and sophisticated soundscapes. The understanding of how different frequencies interact with the environment, including those from stressed plants, could lead to HiFi systems that integrate ambient environmental sounds, offering a more holistic and organic listening experience.

**Conclusion:** 
The findings from Aalto and Tel Aviv Universities not only challenge our understanding of hearing and perception but also underscore the importance of continuous scientific exploration. In a world where so much remains to be discovered, these studies serve as a reminder of the endless possibilities that await in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

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Beyond Human Hearing: Groundbreaking Studies Reveal New Sonic Frontiers

Explore how groundbreaking studies on ultrasonic and plant sounds are inspiring innovative HiFi audio experiences and advanced auditory enhancements.


**  Leema Acoustics Unveils the Quantum Series, Revolutionizing High-End Audio**

In a significant move that marks its first major launch in over a decade, Leema Acoustics has unveiled the Quantum series, a new line of high-end audio equipment that promises to make premium sound more accessible. This groundbreaking series includes the Neutron preamplifier and the Graviton power amplifier, both of which are built on the expertise and innovation that have become synonymous with Leema Acoustics.

**A Blend of Innovation and Affordability**

The Quantum series, a project 25 years in the making, represents a pivotal moment for Leema Acoustics. Founded by ex-BBC engineers, the company has always been at the forefront of audio technology. With the Quantum series, they've taken cues from their flagship Constellation series but have streamlined the design and manufacturing process to offer these products at a more accessible price point. Despite the focus on affordability, no compromises have been made in areas that count the most, such as the quality of components and sound fidelity​​​​.

**Neutron Preamplifier: A Hub of Connectivity and Quality**

The Neutron preamplifier is a modern marvel that combines transparency with flexibility. It boasts a high-quality MM/MC phono stage based on Leema Acoustics’ proprietary design, an advanced ESS 24-bit/192 kHz USB DAC, and a dedicated headphone amplifier. With an impressive 13 inputs, including USB, phono, optical, and coaxial, the Neutron facilitates easy integration into various systems. The preamplifier is designed to be as transparent as possible, offering a high-end Burr-Brown analogue volume control and ensuring minimal crosstalk for enhanced sound clarity​​​​.

**Graviton Power Amplifier: Power and Precision**

The Graviton power amplifier is a class A/B design offering 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 260 watts into 4 ohms. It features a large toroidal power supply, providing exceptional control over a wide range of loudspeakers. The high-current topology of the Graviton, employing six Toshiba output transistors per channel, ensures dynamic ability and detailed sound reproduction. The amplifier includes both balanced and unbalanced inputs, dual speaker binding posts for easy bi-wiring, and line-level loop through-outputs for bi-amping​​​​.

**Pricing and Design**

Both the Neutron preamp and Graviton power amplifier are priced at £1,500 each, with a combined price of £2,800 when purchased together, making the Quantum series an attractive proposition for audiophiles seeking quality audio equipment without a hefty price tag. The devices feature UK-made casework available in brushed black or silver finishes, with precision-machined front panels and control dials, reflecting Leema Acoustics' commitment to craftsmanship and aesthetic elegance​​​​.

**In Conclusion**

The Quantum series from Leema Acoustics stands as a testament to the company's ability to innovate and adapt, bringing high-end audio within reach of a broader audience. With its combination of advanced technology, simplified design, and competitive pricing, the Quantum series is poised to redefine the landscape of high-end audio equipment.

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Leema Acoustics Quantum Series Unveils Neutron and Graviton with Premium Sound Features

The company was founded in 1998 by two former BBC sound engineers, Lee Taylor and Mallory Nicholls. Their shared passion for audio reproduction led them to embark on a journey to push the boundaries of loudspeaker design, eventually leading to the creation of the brand Leema Acoustics.

The founders' initial project was a bold endeavor to design a miniature loudspeaker capable of outperforming larger systems, a challenge that spurred four years of intense work. This culminated in the development of the Xen micro monitor, a product that achieved technical and musical excellence. Originally targeted at the professional audio market, the Xen eventually gained traction in the domestic market as audiophiles recognized the quality of Leema's products.

Following the success of the Xen, Leema Acoustics expanded its expertise into audio electronics. Their first foray in this area, the Tucana integrated amplifier, was released in early 2006. It quickly garnered acclaim, winning the prestigious Hi Fi News amplifier of the year award. This was soon followed by another successful product, the Antila CD player, which won the best CD player award in 2007.

Leema Acoustics' range of products continued to grow, including their Reference and Elements Ranges, and later, the Essentials line. These products have consistently attracted international acclaim, earning numerous awards and “best in class” reviews.

In 2007, to meet the increasing demand for its products, Leema Acoustics began collaborating with Davlec, a local Welsh manufacturer established in 1983, initially focusing on electronics for the dairy industry but later expanding into automotive and metrology. This partnership led to a formal merger in 2014, bringing together the production and design teams under one roof to continue manufacturing products to the high standards Leema Acoustics is known for.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, Leema Acoustics unveiled an entire new product range, the Quantum series, which includes the Electron CD player, Positron streamer, Neutron DAC/preamp, and Graviton power amp. These products demonstrate the brand's continued commitment to innovation and excellence in audio engineering.

The founders' initial vision and commitment to exploring the depths of audio reproduction have firmly established Leema Acoustics as a revered name in the hi-fi audio industry, known for its high-quality, UK hand-built products

Leema Acoustics

Leema's Quantum Series revolutionizes audio with Neutron and Graviton, offering elite sound fidelity and advanced features in an affordable package.

AF 729/II

by Philips

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Interesting articles

Thomas Mayer Revitalizes Vacuum Tube Production with ELROG Brand

Beyond Human Hearing: Groundbreaking Studies Reveal New Sonic Frontiers

Leema Acoustics Quantum Series Unveils Neutron and Graviton with Premium Sound Features