Polk Audio is a company known for manufacturing high-quality audio equipment.

Polk Audio

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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

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.

FiiO

Tesla's recent decision to downgrade the audio system in its popular Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) version has stirred up a lively discussion among the Tesla community and audio enthusiasts. The company, known for its innovative approach to electric vehicles, has reduced the speaker count from the previously robust 13-speaker "Premium Audio" system to a more modest 7-speaker "Custom Audio" configuration, notably omitting the subwoofer.

This move marks a significant shift for Tesla, which had initially equipped the Model Y RWD with the same high-end audio system as its Long Range (LR) and Performance variants. The change aligns the Model Y RWD more closely with the audio offerings in the Model 3 RWD, which historically featured a less comprehensive sound system.

Users on various online forums and social media platforms have been vocal about this change. While some Tesla owners express understanding or indifference, noting that the sound quality remains satisfactory, others have voiced their disappointment. The removal of the subwoofer, in particular, has been a point of contention, with audiophiles pointing out the impact on the depth and richness of the sound.

The discussion also touches on Tesla's approach to communicating changes to its customers. Some users have called for greater transparency and more detailed information about vehicle specifications, noting that changes are often discovered by customers rather than announced by Tesla.

Speculation abounds regarding the reason behind this downgrade. While cost-cutting and simplifying the production line are the most commonly cited reasons, some suggest that the removal of heavier audio components could contribute to a slight increase in the vehicle's range. However, the general consensus is that the primary driver is likely cost reduction.

As Tesla continues to innovate and adjust its product offerings, the audio system in the Model Y RWD serves as a reminder of the company's dynamic approach to vehicle manufacturing and feature allocation. This latest change, while practical from a business standpoint, reflects the delicate balance Tesla must maintain between cost-efficiency and meeting customer expectations for a premium electric vehicle experience.

Sources: 
- Tesla's Official Website and Announcements
- Online Forums and Social Media Platforms:

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Tesla's Audio Downgrade in Model Y, What It Means

Tesla's latest decision to cut down Model Y's audio system stirs up mixed reactions

Polk Audio

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