Quadral is a company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of high-fidelity loudspeakers and audio equipment. The brand is recognized for its commitment to audio performance, innovation, and the quality of its products, which cater to a wide range of audio enthusiasts and professionals. Quadral offers a variety of products, including floorstanding speakers, bookshelf speakers, subwoofers, and home cinema systems, all designed with the aim of reproducing sound as faithfully as possible.

Quadral

The Quadral Ascent 450 is a floorstanding speaker designed for high-quality audio performance. It features a sleek design with a combination of drivers for full-range sound reproduction. The speaker is known for its powerful bass response and clear midrange and treble frequencies.

Ascent 450


McIntosh is celebrating its 75th anniversary in style with the release of the MC2.1KW monoblock amplifier. This is no ordinary amplifier. It is a work of art, with a price tag to match - $100,000 for a stereo pair!

#### 2,000 Watts of Power

The McIntosh MC2.1KW is not just a pretty face. It is also a powerhouse, with an impressive 2,000 watts of output per channel. The MC2.1KW is designed with a unique three-chassis structure, not just for looks. It is to ensure crystal-clear sound with no interference. The audio circuitry is divided into two separate modules, while the third chassis houses the input and output components.

### A Design to Be Admired

Now, about the design. The MC2.1KW is a real beauty. It has a sleek stainless steel case with a mirror finish, black glass front panels, and of course the iconic McIntosh logo paired with the signature blue power indicator. It is as if they took a piece of their history and mixed it with the modern age. This is not just an amplifier; it is a work of art.

For audiophiles who love exclusivity, the first 75 units of the MC2.1KW come with special anniversary badges. Imagine having "75 Years" engraved on your amplifier - it is like owning a piece of history.

### A Price Tag That Reflects Luxury

Yes, the price is pretty steep. We are talking about $50,000 per channel. But McIntosh is not just an amplifier. It is a status symbol, a luxury. It is for those who do not just listen to music, they feel it. For those who appreciate the combination of top-notch sound quality with elegant design.

The McIntosh MC2.1KW is not just another great amplifier. It is a celebration of McIntosh' 75-year journey in the world of high-end sound, a continuation of history. It is a mix of nostalgia, modern design, and sheer power. So for those who can afford it, this amplifier is not just an addition to your audio system; it is a statement.

### Technical Specifications and Features of McIntosh MC2.1KW

-   **Power Output**: 2000 watts.
-   **Tri-Chassis Design**: Unique separation of audio circuitry and input/output components across three chassis.
-   **Speaker Outputs**: Multiple outputs for 2 ohms, 4 ohms, and 8 ohms.
-   **Heat Dissipation**: Equipped with four bespoke McIntosh heatsinks on each power module.
-   **Enhanced Circuit Designs**: Modern components and shorter signal paths for improved sonic performance.
-   **Connectivity**: Single-ended RCA and balanced XLR inputs.
-   **Price and Availability**: High-end pricing, available from January 2024 at authorized dealers.

[More info at McIntosh](https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/amplifiers/MC21KW)

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A Piece of Audio History: $100,000 For Stereo, Limited Edition McIntosh MC2.1KW

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., often referred to simply as McIntosh, is an esteemed American brand renowned for its high-quality audio equipment. Founded in 1949 in Binghamton, New York, McIntosh has established itself as a pioneer in the high-fidelity audio industry. The brand is synonymous with enduring build quality, aesthetic elegance, and unparalleled sound performance, making it a choice of audiophiles and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Known for its distinctive design, McIntosh products feature signature black glass front panels, aluminum end caps, and the iconic "McIntosh Blue" watt meters, which have become a symbol of audio excellence. Their product range encompasses a wide array of audio equipment, including amplifiers, preamplifiers, speakers, turntables, and other audio accessories, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail and acoustic perfection.

McIntosh's dedication to producing high-quality sound reproduction is evident in their use of advanced technologies and precision engineering. Their products are often the result of extensive research and development, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed industry standards.

In addition to sound quality, McIntosh is committed to the longevity and durability of its products. Many McIntosh units from decades past are still in use today, a testament to their build quality and the company's commitment to sustainability through longevity.

Whether for home audio systems, professional studios, or luxury car audio, McIntosh provides an audio experience that is both immersive and emotionally engaging, offering a level of performance that is as close to the original recording as possible. Their legacy and ongoing innovation continue to set the standard in high-end audio, making McIntosh a prestigious and revered name in the world of hi-fi audio systems.

McIntosh

McIntosh's MC2.1KW Monoblock Amplifier: A Masterpiece of Audio Engineering and Design Worth $100,000


The High End 2024 event is a showcase where T+A elektroakustik, a German leader in high-quality entertainment electronics, is unveiling significant innovations. Their approach this year is particularly fascinating, combining enhancements to their loudspeaker line with a pioneering venture into user interface design.

### Enhanced Loudspeaker Models

The Criterion S 240 is a standout in their announcement. This model builds on the foundation set by the Criterion S 230 but pushes the boundaries further. It features a larger internal volume and more potent drivers, designed to enrich the bass output, making the listening experience more profound and immersive. These technical improvements are aimed at achieving a richer sound landscape, vital for any audiophile seeking depth and clarity in their audio experience.

Moreover, the Criterion S 240 integrates T+A's proprietary MultiResonator Transmissionline technology, Symmetric Directivity Design, and Star Stabilizer cones. These elements are designed to improve the overall sound staging, aiming for a balanced and vivid audio portrayal across different musical genres. The attention to material quality and finish—available in luxurious Makassar veneer and various lacquer finishes—also speaks to the aesthetic and functional standards T+A upholds.

### Project Dawn: A Leap into User Interface Innovation

Perhaps the most intriguing part of T+A's presentation is the introduction of "Project Dawn." This initiative represents a significant pivot in how user interfaces are integrated into audio equipment. Project Dawn isn't just about tweaking; it's about rethinking the control experience from the ground up. This project aims to create a user interface that is intuitive and seamless, whether one interacts with the device directly or through a mobile application.

This approach underscores an evolving trend where the usability of a device is as crucial as its technical prowess. For T+A, this means embedding the user interface development right alongside traditional areas like hardware and software, treating it as an integral part of the product's design ethos.

### Bridging Technology with User Experience

T+A's strategy indicates a shift towards a more inclusive design philosophy. By actively inviting feedback and involving users in the development process, they are not just engineering products but are crafting experiences tailored to user needs and preferences. This collaborative approach could potentially lead to innovations that are more in tune with what audiophiles and casual listeners alike seek in modern audio equipment.

### Conclusion

Overall, T+A's announcements at High End 2024 highlight their commitment to both technological advancement and user-centric design. The Criterion S 240 promises to deliver superior sound quality with thoughtful engineering tweaks, while Project Dawn aims to redefine how we interact with our audio devices. Together, these developments reflect a forward-thinking approach that could influence industry standards and user expectations in the years to come.

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T+A Unveils New Audio Innovations at High End Munich

T+A is a German high-end audio equipment manufacturer known for producing premium quality amplifiers, speakers, and digital audio players.

See how T+A's High End 2024 showcase could revolutionize your audio experience with their latest tech

In a recent revelation, Norma Audio, an Italian company celebrated for its high-fidelity audio equipment, has announced the development of the A-DAC, a new discrete digital-to-analog converter. This innovative piece, crafted by engineer Enrico Rossi, incorporates several original solutions aimed at significantly elevating the sound quality beyond traditional integrated chip designs. The A-DAC is characterized by its symmetrical circuit with current output based on bipolar transistors and an absolute absence of feedback, proficiently handling I2S format and 24-bit/768 kHz PCM signals.

Norma Audio's approach to digital sound is profoundly rooted in the pursuit of an authentic 'analog' sound experience from digital sources. This philosophy stems from countless hours of comparing live unamplified music to its digitally reproduced counterpart, leading to the realization that digital sound often remains perceptibly 'artificial.' To tackle this, the company has delved deeply into every aspect of the digital chain. The result is a conviction that the answer lies not in digital technology itself but in its practical implementation. Norma Audio aims to create digital sources that resonate with the 'musical truth,' necessitating a harmonious blend of multiple critical elements, from digital processing and DAC typology to output stages, filtering, and power supply.

Looking ahead, Norma Audio promises to release several components in 2024 that will feature the A-DAC unit. This announcement has stirred anticipation among audiophiles and industry insiders alike, as the company is known for blending technological innovation with a distinct sound direction. The upcoming releases are expected to reflect Norma Audio's commitment to creating "digital-analog creations," offering an immersive and authentic listening experience that challenges the boundaries between digital precision and analog warmth.

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Symmetry in Sound - Unveiling Norma Audio's A-DAC with Symmetrical Circuit Design

Norma Audio is an audio brand known for producing high-quality audio equipment.

Norma Audio

Experience the A-DAC's cutting-edge bipolar transistor technology, delivering a powerful and nuanced audio journey.

Ascent 450

by Quadral

Interesting articles

A Piece of Audio History: $100,000 For Stereo, Limited Edition McIntosh MC2.1KW

T+A Unveils New Audio Innovations at High End Munich

Symmetry in Sound - Unveiling Norma Audio's A-DAC with Symmetrical Circuit Design