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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As the High-End Show Munich approaches, scheduled for May 9-12 this year, Meze Audio is poised to make a significant impact with the introduction of its latest headphone innovations. Attendees are eagerly anticipating the unveiling of the Liric 2nd Generation and Empyrean II, along with an exclusive first look at two future products that promise to redefine the brand's offerings.

The Liric 2nd Generation brings enhancements that elevate the beloved Liric series to new heights. It features a sophisticated new striped ebony wood finish that not only enriches its visual appeal but also contributes to superior acoustic performance. A key innovation in its design is the inclusion of a Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask (QWRM), which helps mitigate high-frequency peaks, thereby ensuring a smoother auditory experience. This model continues to employ the cutting-edge planar magnetic technology expertly tuned by Rinaro, delivering a sound that balances clarity with a touch of warmth.

Simultaneously, the Empyrean II builds on its predecessor’s legacy with upgraded audio capabilities that maintain Meze Audio’s hallmark of excellence. This model exemplifies the brand's commitment to merging high fidelity sound with innovative design, ensuring an unparalleled listening experience.

Additionally, Meze Audio is set to preview two highly anticipated products: the 105 AER and the ALBA IEM. The 105 AER, an open-back headphone, is designed for those who appreciate both the aesthetics of sound and space. It features an Art Deco-inspired design that blends ornamental elegance with robust functionality. The ALBA, aimed at the modern and mobile listener, offers a durable build and a sound profile that combines Meze’s signature audio quality with practical versatility.

The High-End Show in Munich is not merely a platform for Meze Audio to display their latest advancements but also a crucial opportunity for direct engagement with the audio community. Feedback and interactions from this event are invaluable, directly influencing future innovations and enhancements.

Looking ahead, Meze Audio is not slowing down. The remainder of the year will be bustling with further product developments and exciting projects, continuing to push the boundaries of audio technology. This event is set to be a cornerstone for Meze Audio, showcasing their ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in the high-end audio space.

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Meze Audio to Showcase New Innovations at High-End Show Munich

Meze Audio stands as a distinct brand in the world of high-fidelity audio, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and design excellence. The brand distinguishes itself through a dedication to creating audio products that deliver not just superior sound quality, but also a high level of craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. Meze Audio's product range, which includes headphones and earphones, is marked by a harmonious blend of technical performance and a visually appealing design ethos, catering to audiophiles who value both auditory and tactile experiences.

Meze Audio

Discover the latest from Meze Audio, featuring the new Liric 2nd Gen and Empyrean II at Munich's High-End Show

The Meze Audio Empyrean 2 is a remarkable achievement in the realm of high-fidelity audio, representing the pinnacle of Meze Audio's craftsmanship and technical innovation. Building on the legacy of its acclaimed predecessor, the Empyrean 2 combines cutting-edge sound technology with an artistic and luxurious design. Featuring the advanced Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver, it offers an unparalleled listening experience, characterized by exceptional clarity, depth, and precision. The headphone's ergonomic design, with options for customizable earpads, ensures superior comfort for extended listening sessions. Its sophisticated aesthetic, marked by CNC milled frames and art deco-inspired elements, makes it not just an auditory masterpiece, but also a visual delight.

Empyrean II 


In the realm of high-fidelity audio, there's an invisible dance happening right in our living spaces – a performance by sound waves influenced by the very rooms we sit in. This is the world of room modes and standing waves, where physics meets the ear, often with less-than-desirable outcomes for audiophiles.

## The Essence of Room Modes

Imagine your room is a container, and sound is water. When you pour water into it, some waves crash against the walls and interfere with the incoming waves, creating ripples of varying sizes and strengths. Replace water with sound, and you have an analogy for room modes.

Technically, room modes are specific frequencies that resonate more than others due to the dimensions of a room. It's like when a singer hits a particular note and a glass shatters – the glass resonates with that note. Your room, too, has 'favorite' notes, which are the room modes. These favorites depend on the length, width, and height of the room, creating a unique acoustic fingerprint.

## When Waves Stand Still: Standing Waves

Standing waves, on the other hand, are the stubborn notes that seem to hover in the air. In a perfectly reflective room, a sound wave can bounce back and forth, eventually superimposing upon its own echo. When two such waves traveling in opposite directions meet, they form a standing wave – a spot where certain notes linger, refusing to fade away. These spots can either amplify the sound (making it louder) or cancel it out (creating dead zones).

## Technical Interlude: The Math Behind the Music

If you're curious about the technical nitty-gritty, room modes can be predicted using basic formulas. For instance, the lowest frequency that will create a standing wave between two parallel walls (axial mode) can be calculated by dividing the speed of sound (approximately 343 meters per second) by twice the distance between the walls. But fear not, you don't need to solve equations to understand the practical implications.

## The Real-World Effects on Your Listening Experience

The result of these acoustical phenomena is an uneven bass response. Some bass notes might boom, overwhelming the melody, while others might barely whisper. In the context of listening to music, this means the bass guitarist in your favorite band might sound like they’re playing a solo when they’re not, or they might seem to disappear altogether.

## Taming the Acoustic Beasts

How do we tame these unruly resonances? Acoustic treatment is the key. This includes adding absorptive materials, like acoustic panels or even bookshelves stuffed with books, to disrupt the path of the sound waves and reduce their ability to bounce back and forth. Strategically placing your speakers and listening position can also help you avoid the worst effects of standing waves.

Another ally in the battle against room modes is equalization (EQ), where you adjust the levels of specific frequencies. However, this is more of a band-aid than a cure, as it doesn't remove the cause of the problem.

## Accessibility for All Ears

Understanding and addressing room modes is essential because good sound should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. Whether you're in a cozy attic or a spacious living room, knowledge about how sound interacts with space can enhance your listening experience.

In the end, it’s all about balance. We can't completely eliminate room modes or standing waves, but we can learn to live with them harmoniously. By knowing your room's acoustic personality, you can set up your HiFi system to sing in tune with your space, ensuring that every note reaches your ears as the artist intended.

So, the next time you press play on your favorite album, remember the silent symphony playing in the architecture around you. With a little understanding and effort, you can conduct that symphony to support the soundtrack of your life, note by perfect note.

a modern living room focusing on a single speaker. Visible around the speaker are stylized, semi-transparent flutter echoes or waveforms that

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Understanding Room Modes and Standing Waves in HiFi

Understand the impact of room modes and standing waves on HiFi audio


Stepping into the world of high-end audio, the Classé Delta Pre MK II preamplifier commands attention not only with its striking appearance but also with the depth of its capabilities. This is not just another component in your audio system; it is a statement of serious intent from an audiophile, priced at around $12,000 USD. For those already in the Classé ecosystem and looking for an upgrade path, the MK II is available for $3000 USD, providing a significant step up without the need to start from scratch.

What sets the Delta Pre MK II apart is its meticulous attention to sonic detail. Imagine tailoring your sound with 0.25dB precision, allowing for the most minute adjustments to perfectly match your listening preferences or room acoustics. It's like having the ability to paint with sound, where every stroke is finely tuned to your taste.

The preamplifier doesn't stop there; it presents a wealth of features geared towards achieving unparalleled sound quality. With support for both mono and stereo subwoofers and advanced frequency and slope control, it offers a rich, textured bass experience that can be precisely dialed in. For those who love to fine-tune and adjust, the five-band digital parametric equalizer provides a playground for shaping your sound.

A notable modern feature is its ability to play high-resolution music through HEOS, ensuring that your digital music collection, whether stored or streamed, is rendered with impeccable detail and clarity. The Delta Pre MK II's design is also a blend of function and luxury, featuring an elegant anodized aluminum chassis and an intuitive touchscreen display, making every interaction a pleasure.

In terms of connectivity, this preamplifier acts as a central hub for both digital and analog sources, boasting a wide range of inputs and outputs. Its built-in DAC, capable of handling up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD512, and MQA files, stands out for its versatility and quality, making it a future-proof solution for all high-resolution audio formats.

**Key Features:**

-   Precision volume control in 0.25dB steps
-   Support for mono and stereo subwoofers
-   Advanced five-band digital parametric equalization
-   HEOS integration for high-resolution music streaming
-   Built-in DAC capable of handling up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD512, and MQA files
-   Wide range of inputs and outputs

**Technical Specifications:**

-   Dimensions: 438mm (W) x 432mm (D) x 108mm (H)
-   Weight: 12.7kg
-   Power consumption: 30W (idle), 60W (max)
-   Input sensitivity: 2.5Vrms (RCA), 5Vrms (XLR)
-   Output voltage: 2Vrms (RCA), 4Vrms (XLR)
-   Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz (+/-0.2dB)
-   Signal-to-noise ratio: 100dB (A-weighted)
-   Total harmonic distortion: 0.005% (20Hz - 20kHz)

**Conclusion:**

The Classé Delta Pre MK II preamplifier is a no-compromise solution for audiophiles seeking the ultimate in sound quality and control. Its meticulous attention to detail, extensive feature set, and elegant design make it a worthy centerpiece for any high-end audio system.

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Classé Delta Pre MK II Preamplifier: A Detailed Look

Classé is a brand that specializes in high-end audio equipment.

Classé

Hear your music in stunning detail with the Classé Delta Pre MK II and its high-res audio support.

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by PMC

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Interesting articles

Meze Audio to Showcase New Innovations at High-End Show Munich

Understanding Room Modes and Standing Waves in HiFi

Classé Delta Pre MK II Preamplifier: A Detailed Look