Pioneer is a Japanese company that designs and manufactures electronic products.

Pioneer

The Pioneer A-103 is a stereo amplifier that was released in the early 1990s. It is a compact and powerful amplifier designed for home audio systems.

A-103


The term "remastered" often captures the attention and imagination of audiophiles and casual listeners alike. The promise of a cleaner, richer, and more detailed sound experience is compelling. However, remastering is a complex process that can either enhance or deteriorate the quality of an audio track. It's essential to understand what remastering entails and how to sift through the good, the bad, and the ugly of remastered versions.

### The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Remasters

#### The Process of Remastering

Remastering involves taking original audio tapes and transferring them to a digital format. The process can correct errors, improve sound quality, and sometimes even add new elements. However, these improvements are not guaranteed; the end result is contingent on the skill and intent of the engineers.

#### The Loudness War

One of the most contentious issues surrounding remasters is the so-called "loudness war." This refers to the tendency of producers to compress the dynamic range of a track to make it as loud as possible, sacrificing audio quality for volume. This can be especially jarring for audiophiles who have high-end equipment capable of capturing a wide dynamic range.

#### The "Sacriligious" Alterations

Beyond the loudness war, some remasters take the liberty of altering the original tracks in ways that many consider disrespectful to the original work. The use of auto-tune on classic vocal performances or changing the instrumentation are examples of these kinds of alterations.

### Vintage Pressings and Audiophile Labels

#### The Allure of Original Pressings

For those cautious of the possible pitfalls in remastered versions, vintage pressings—especially from periods like the early '80s—are highly prized. These pressings were often made with a greater dynamic range and are generally considered to offer a more authentic listening experience.

#### Specialty Audiophile Labels

Companies like MoFi (Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab) specialize in high-quality remastering that respects the original audio. They often use the original master tapes and employ meticulous care in the remastering process, making them a preferred choice for audiophiles.

### The Role of Equipment

The equipment used for playback can significantly affect how a remastered track sounds. Higher-end equipment can make a poor remaster sound decent, or a good remaster sound extraordinary. For example, using a quality DAC and network streamer like the Eversolo DMP-A6 can dramatically improve your listening experience.

### Conclusion

In the intricate world of audio remastering, not all remasters are created equal. For audiophiles and discerning listeners, the key is to sift through the multitude of options to find those that respect and enhance the essence of the original recording. Whether you find solace in vintage pressings or place your trust in reputable audiophile labels, understanding the nuances of remastering can help you make informed choices that elevate your auditory experience.

Photo montage showcasing a vintage vinyl record on the left and a digital audio workstation on the right.

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The Complex World of Audio Remastering

Delve into the intricacies of audio remastering. Learn what makes a remaster truly great, how to navigate the pitfalls of poor remasters, and discover the role of equipment in shaping your auditory experience.


FiiO has officially launched its FT5 Planar Magnetic Headphones, a highly anticipated addition to its high-fidelity audio equipment line. Featuring a large 90mm planar magnetic driver, the FT5 stands out in the market for its exceptional sound quality and innovative design.

Users and reviewers have praised the FT5 for its detailed and balanced sound profile. The headphones' ability to deliver crisp, clear audio with minimal distortion has been highlighted as a significant achievement. The ultra-thin, 6μm diaphragm, a result of advanced chip-scale processing, has been noted for its contribution to the headphones' excellent performance, especially in maintaining detail in sound reproduction.

Another standout feature receiving accolades is the unique coil composition in the FT5. FiiO's choice of a lightweight aluminum alloy and silver metal for the coils has been commended for enhancing the headphones' high-frequency detail without compromising ease of powering. This aspect is particularly appreciated by users who value portability and compatibility with various audio sources.

The high sensitivity of the FT5's driver, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, has also been a point of positive feedback. Audiophiles have noted the ease with which these headphones can be driven, even by portable players, without sacrificing sound quality.

Furthermore, the premium cable made of silver-plated monocrystalline copper and the comprehensive range of accessories, including various plugs and earpads, have been well-received by users. These features have been recognized for adding to the overall user experience, offering both comfort and versatility.

In summary, the FiiO FT5 Planar Magnetic Headphones have been well-received by the audiophile community, with users and reviewers alike praising their innovative design, high-quality sound reproduction, and user-friendly features. The FT5 is poised to become a favorite among audio enthusiasts seeking a premium listening experience.

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FiiO Unleashes High Sensitivity Audio with the New FT5 Planar Magnetic Headphones

FiiO FT5: A breakthrough in headphone technology with large planar drivers, high sensitivity, and premium cables for exceptional audio.

Let's discuss this new thing that recently appeared - the FiiO CP13 cassette player. It's really something unusual, if you think about it. In a world where everything has become digital and streaming dominates, FiiO made an unexpected move by bringing back cassette players.

Remember the Walkman? That little gadget from the past? The CP13 is a kind of salute to this old Sony classic. It has a vintage look with a silvery-blue case and a design straight from the late 70s. But not only the appearance is important - FiiO added modern elements, such as a USB-C port for charging and a headphone jack. True, there is no Bluetooth in it. Apparently, they really wanted to keep the retro style.

But here's what's interesting - people are really talking about this device. Some admire the nostalgia, contemplating the possibility of using their old cassette collections again. Others are skeptical about it. They wonder why go back to cassettes in an era when you can play millions of songs on your phone. And let's be honest, cassettes weren't known for their high sound quality.

There are also questions about what's inside this player. There are concerns that it may use the same cheap mechanisms as many modern cassette players, which are not considered to be the best. I think we just have to wait and see how it performs.

So yes, it's definitely a "didn't expect that" moment. The return of cassette players in the digital age is like choosing between a horse-drawn carriage and a Tesla. But, you know, everyone has their own tastes. Some people love that nostalgia, the feeling of inserting a cassette, pressing the play button, and simply enjoying music in the old-fashioned way. Let's see if this will be the start of a new/old trend or if it's just a passing interest in retro.


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FiiO CP13 Launches, Reviving the Classic Cassette Era

Reviving the classic cassette player, FiiO's CP13 offers a unique mix of old-school charm and modern functionality.

A-103

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Interesting articles

The Complex World of Audio Remastering

FiiO Unleashes High Sensitivity Audio with the New FT5 Planar Magnetic Headphones

FiiO CP13 Launches, Reviving the Classic Cassette Era