PMC is a British company that specializes in designing and manufacturing high quality loudspeakers and professional monitoring systems. Their products are used in various settings, from professional recording studios to home audio systems. PMC's technology is particularly noted for its Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) design, which enhances the bass output and audio clarity. Their products cater to audiophiles and professionals seeking accurate and immersive sound reproduction.

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Choosing the best pressing for your vinyl collection is a task that even seasoned audiophiles struggle with. The variables involved—ranging from mastering to dynamic range—can make the endeavor confusing and, often, subjective. This guide aims to demystify the process by offering key insights, technical aspects, and methodology to help you make an informed choice.

### The Role of Mastering

Mastering is the final stage of audio production, where a mastered recording is created from the original mix. Two pressings with different mastering will provide distinct auditory experiences. This is often done to cater to various listening environments or technology. While remastered albums are frequently marketed as 'better,' they may introduce unwanted alterations to the sound profile. Therefore, original pressings are often sought after for their unaltered, authentic sound.

### Dynamic Range: The Unsung Hero

Dynamic range is the difference between the quietest and loudest part of an audio track. A higher dynamic range typically offers a better sound quality, giving room for musical nuances. Websites and databases offer dynamic range data for different pressings, allowing you to make informed decisions. However, take these measurements with a grain of salt, as they might not always reflect vinyl's nuanced behavior.

### Analog vs. Digital Masters

Traditionalists often prefer analog masters, sourced from the original magnetic tapes. Digital masters can be very high quality but may lack some of the warmth and richness associated with analog recordings.

### The Weight and Material of the Vinyl

180-gram vinyl pressings are often touted as superior due to their weight and durability. However, the weight of the vinyl doesn't always translate to better sound quality. What matters more is the quality of the material and the manufacturing process.

### Price vs. Quality

While original pressings and special editions often fetch high prices, it's essential to balance cost and perceived audio quality. Sometimes a well-mastered reissue at a fraction of the price can offer a similarly satisfying auditory experience.

### User Reviews and Community Insight

While online communities can offer valuable insights, the subjective nature of sound makes it essential to rely on multiple sources for information. User reviews are valuable but should be complemented with personal listening experiences and professional assessments.

### Conclusion

Ultimately, the best pressing is a personal choice, often requiring a bit of trial and error. However, understanding the technical aspects behind vinyl production can substantially inform your decisions, elevating your vinyl experience from a mere hobby to an art form.

In the end, it's all about immersing yourself in the rich, intricate world of vinyl, embracing the journey as you go about enriching your collection.

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How to Choose the Right Pressing for Your Collection

Choosing the right pressing can make or break your vinyl listening experience. Dive into the technical details that matter and find your 'Holy Grail' of records.


In a significant move that's stirring excitement in the audiophile community, Aavik, the renowned Danish audio brand, has unveiled its latest masterpiece – the Aavik SD-880 Streaming DAC. As the newest member of its flagship 880 series, the SD-880 marks Aavik's ambitious foray into the streaming DAC market.

**Innovative Technology for Unparalleled Sound**

The Aavik SD-880 is distinguished by its revolutionary Non-switching Continuum Processing DAC technology. This in-house developed method dramatically transforms the digital-to-analog conversion process. By upsampling digital signals to an astounding 22 MHz, the Aavik SD-880 maintains a continuous analog waveform, effectively eliminating the digital artifacts that often mar digital audio sources.

**Design: A Fusion of Art and Engineering**

The design of the SD-880 is a testament to Aavik's commitment to both aesthetic elegance and functional excellence. The unit is encased in solid copper, with a unique sandwich construction at its base, integrating copper, compact laminate, and titanium layers to minimize resonance. This meticulous attention to detail extends to the inclusion of Tesla coil arrangements and Ansuz Darkz resonance control devices, ensuring an audio output that's as pure as it is powerful.

**Connectivity and Specifications**

Addressing the needs of modern audiophiles, the Aavik SD-880 comes equipped with a comprehensive array of digital inputs, including BNC S/PDIF, optical TOSLINK, and USB-B, alongside various output options. The device also features network connectivity via an Ethernet RJ45 port and USB-A ports for external drives.

**Weighty in Both Presence and Performance**

The Aavik SD-880 is as substantial in its physical presence as it is in its audio performance, weighing in at 33 kg. Its dimensions are 580 x 155 x 510 mm, making it a commanding presence in any high-end audio setup.

**Pricing and Availability**

Reflecting its top-tier status, the Aavik SD-880 is priced at $70,000 in the US and £67,000 in the UK. This positions it as a premium offering in the high-end audio market.

**Closing Thoughts**

With the launch of the SD-880, Aavik not only cements its place in the high-end audio market but also pushes the boundaries of what's possible in digital audio reproduction. The Aavik SD-880 is more than just a piece of equipment; it's an artistic statement in the world of audiophile technology.

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Breaking the Bank for Sound Excellence Aavik SD-880 Priced at $70,000

Discover the Aavik SD-880 Streaming DAC: Revolutionary Non-switching Continuum Processing for unparalleled audio clarity


**London, UK** - In a significant move that blends the old with the new, Musical Fidelity has announced the launch of its latest masterpiece, the Nu-Vista DAC. This flagship digital-to-analog converter harmoniously merges the revered Nuvistor tube technology with cutting-edge digital innovation, setting a new benchmark in the high-fidelity audio landscape.

### Embracing the Past, Enhancing the Future

At the heart of the Nu-Vista DAC is the ESS 32-bit HyperStream II DAC architecture, revered for its precise audio processing capabilities. What truly sets it apart is the incorporation of Nuvistor 7586 triode tubes in each channel, a nod to the classic era of tube sound that audiophiles have long cherished. These tubes are part of a fully balanced Class A amplifier buffer, ensuring a warm and authentic audio reproduction.

### Expansive Connectivity for the Modern Audiophile

Understanding the diverse needs of today's listeners, Musical Fidelity has equipped the Nu-Vista DAC with an array of connectivity options. It features RCA and XLR outputs, multiple SPDIF inputs, USB and AES/EBU inputs, and an I2S input for future compatibility with a Nu-Vista CD-player. This array of inputs and outputs ensures the Nu-Vista DAC's versatility in various audio setups.

### The Technical Edge

Musical Fidelity doesn't stop at nostalgic tube technology. The Nu-Vista DAC uses two ES9038Q2M chips in a dual differential mode, a design choice that caters to pristine dual mono sound. It can handle high-resolution audio files up to 768 kHz in PCM and native DSD512 via USB, covering almost any digital file available for purchase or streaming today. Additionally, the improved SPDIF inputs now support MQA and DSD, further enhancing its capability.

### Unparalleled Audio Experience

The Nu-Vista DAC's low-noise, low-dropout regulator, optimized for high-resolution audio, and the inclusion of a Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, result in a superb signal-to-noise ratio and total harmonic distortion plus noise performance. The listeners are treated to an unbelievably detailed and smooth transient response, a quality often sought but rarely found in digital audio devices.

### Design and Build: A Testament to Durability and Elegance

Musical Fidelity's dedication to quality is evident in the build of the Nu-Vista DAC. The robust, vibration-resistant construction, featuring a massive aluminum case, acts as a Faraday cage, protecting the sensitive internals from electromagnetic interference. This solid construction not only ensures longevity but also enhances the audio performance by isolating it from environmental disturbances.

### The Nu-Vista Legacy

Musical Fidelity's journey with Nuvistor tubes began in the 1990s and continues to be a labor of love. The use of these tubes, known for their reliability and exceptional sound quality, in conjunction with modern digital technology, showcases Musical Fidelity's commitment to innovation while respecting the rich heritage of audio design.

### In Conclusion

The Nu-Vista DAC represents a bold step forward for Musical Fidelity, blending the best of vintage audio technology with the advancements of the digital age. It's more than just a DAC; it's a bridge between the warm, lush sound of the past and the crisp, detailed audio of the future. For the discerning audiophile, the Nu-Vista DAC is not just a piece of equipment but a gateway to an immersive, high-fidelity auditory experience.

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Dual ES9038Q2M Chips in Nu-Vista DAC: A New Era of Pristine Dual Mono Sound

Nu-Vista DAC: Experience the richness of fully balanced Class A output stage, delivering superior sound quality.

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by PMC

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Interesting articles

How to Choose the Right Pressing for Your Collection

Breaking the Bank for Sound Excellence Aavik SD-880 Priced at $70,000

Dual ES9038Q2M Chips in Nu-Vista DAC: A New Era of Pristine Dual Mono Sound