Rotel is a well-known high-fidelity audio brand that specializes in the design and manufacture of amplifiers, preamplifiers, receivers, and CD players. The brand is widely recognized for its commitment to producing reliable, high-quality audio equipment at an affordable price point. With a focus on superior sound reproduction and a dedication to audio engineering, Rotel has gained a reputation for delivering outstanding performance and value to audiophiles around the world.

Rotel

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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.

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

The Cambridge Evo 150 DeLorean Edition is like a love letter to both tech enthusiasts and fans of retro-futuristic aesthetics. It packs a punch with its 150W per channel power, thanks to the Hypex NCore Class D amp tucked inside its chassis. This means it should have no trouble filling your room with sound, no matter what speakers you pair it with.

Its heart, a high-end ESS Sabre DAC, is pretty adept at handling a wide range of audio formats. This is good news for those who have their music collections in various digital formats because it promises to deliver clear and detailed sound across the board.

Connectivity-wise, this thing is pretty loaded. It caters to both the old school and the new with inputs for vinyl fans and a suite of wireless streaming options, including Bluetooth and support for streaming services like Spotify and Tidal. The large display and the dual-concentric dial make navigating through your music sources as straightforward as flipping through a magazine.

One of the cooler aspects is the device's design, directly inspired by the DeLorean car — yes, the one from "Back to the Future." It comes with interchangeable side panels, so you can switch up its look to match your mood or room decor. Plus, there’s an update coming that’ll add VU meters to the display, giving it that classic amp vibe in a digital format.

Priced at $3,199, it's not exactly pocket change, but for those looking to invest in a piece of equipment that doubles as a conversation starter while providing high-quality sound, it could be worth considering.

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Cambridge Audio Evo 150 DeLorean Limited Edition, 1000 Units Worldwide

Cambridge Audio is a brand that specializes in the design and manufacture of high-quality audio equipment.

Cambridge Audio

Weighing the Evo 150 DeLorean Edition's features against its price - is it worth the investment for audiophiles?

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

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Cambridge Audio Evo 150 DeLorean Limited Edition, 1000 Units Worldwide