In this office audio system, sleek Linn Keilidh speakers and a robust Linn Lk100 amplifier promise rich, detailed sound. The Wiim Pro streamer/preamp offers seamless digital listening, while the Denon DP-300 turntable with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge brings vinyl records to life. A Topping E50 DAC ensures crisp, vibrant notes. Compact and impressive, it's an ideal setup for any audio enthusiast's workspace.

by chrish2517

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Office system

Japan

Denon is a brand that specializes in manufacturing high-quality audio and video equipment. They offer a wide range of products including AV receivers, speakers, headphones, and Blu-ray players.

Denon

The Denon DP-300 F is a turntable that is designed to play vinyl records. It features a built-in phono equalizer, allowing it to be connected to any audio system or powered speakers even if they do not have a dedicated phono input. The turntable has a belt-drive mechanism for smooth and accurate playback. It also has a built-in preamp, a dust cover, and supports both 33-1/3 and 45 RPM speeds. The DP-300 F is often praised for its solid build quality and ease of setup.

DP-300 F

Linn is a brand that specializes in high-end audio products, including speakers and music systems.

Linn

The Linn Keilidh is a speaker model that offers versatility and notable performance, particularly when paired with Linn systems or modified for active configurations. The speaker is designed to be fairly easy to drive, making it suitable for a range of amplifiers, including Linn's Majik integrated and Naim products. Users can enhance the Keilidh by upgrading components such as the tweeters and capacitors for improved sound quality, with specific upgrade kits available that significantly enhance upper frequency performance and overall clarity. The Keilidh can also be configured for an active setup utilizing Exakt technology, allowing for optimized digital signal processing and amplification tailored to individual drivers. This setup can yield impressive results in sound quality, often described as transforming the listening experience. The speaker's design includes features such as the ability to fit moving coil modules and dedicated power cards, facilitating customization to suit specific sound preferences. Overall, the Keilidh stands out for its adaptability and potential for high fidelity sound reproduction, especially in an actively configured system.

Keilidh

The Linn LK 100 is a stereo power amplifier designed to deliver quality audio performance. It provides a robust output of 80 watts RMS per channel at 4 ohms and 50 watts at 8 ohms, making it suitable for a variety of speaker systems. Its input sensitivity is rated at 741 mV, which is standard for amplifiers in this category, facilitating compatibility with most audio sources. The LK 100 features RCA input and output connections, providing flexibility in connecting to various audio equipment. The design emphasizes a compact form factor, allowing for easy integration into existing audio setups. Users have reported satisfaction with its sound quality and build, highlighting its capacity to produce clear and dynamic audio.

LK 100

WiiM is a brand that specializes in audio streaming devices aimed at enhancing home audio experiences. Their products often support high-resolution audio formats and various streaming services, providing users with versatile options for enjoying music and other audio content.

WiiM

The WiiM Pro is an audio streaming device designed to enhance the music listening experience, offering a variety of advanced features and connectivity options. It includes the Parametric Equalizer (PEQ), which allows users to manipulate the frequency response of audio signals through four main controls: Frequency, Bandwidth/Q, Gain, and Filter Type. Users can customize their audio experience by adjusting these parameters through the WiiM Home app. The device supports multiple playback formats, ensuring bit-perfect playback, DSD and PCM upsampling, and offers multichannel audio support. Additionally, the WiiM Pro Plus model is Roon Ready Certified, integrating seamlessly with Roon to enhance music exploration and playback. It provides an easy and efficient audio system setup, all while facilitating multi-room and multi-user functionalities. The device features a built-in AKM Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) to improve audio quality further. Both models support network connectivity options, including Ethernet and Wi-Fi. The WiiM Home app serves as the central hub for setup, control, and EQ customization, and is available on both Android and iOS platforms.

Hudson Hi-Fi is a brand that specializes in producing audio products.

Hudson Hi-Fi

The Hudson Hi-Fi Acrylic Turntable Mat is designed to enhance the sound quality and longevity of vinyl records during playback. Made from reliable acrylic material, this mat adheres to RIAA standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of turntables. Its precision-machined construction includes a record label recess, which ensures flat playback of records while reducing the potential for warping. This feature allows the mat to effectively act as an anti-skate test record, catering to audiophiles who prioritize accuracy and performance in their vinyl listening experience. The mat's robust design minimizes static buildup and serves as a solid foundation to dampen vibrations, improving overall sound fidelity. Its durability and protective features contribute to a cleaner sound while preserving the integrity of vinyl records. With a diameter of 11.75 inches, it fits standard 12-inch turntable platters, making it a versatile addition to any audio setup.

Acrylic Turntable Mat

Denmark

Ortofon is a Danish company that specializes in the design and production of high-quality audio equipment, particularly phono cartridges and styli. They are known for their precision engineering and superior sound reproduction.

Ortofon

The Ortofon 2M Red is a moving magnet cartridge specifically designed for vinyl playback, featuring a unique fit that caters to both new and experienced audiophiles. It employs a fine line diamond stylus which enhances its overall sound quality by allowing for greater detail and precision, especially in the higher frequencies. The cartridge is crafted from durable materials, ensuring longevity and a reliable sound reproduction. Its output voltage is set to 5.5 mV, making it compatible with a variety of phono preamps without significant amplification. The 2M Red also boasts a frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 22 kHz, providing a balanced audio profile that retains clarity across the spectrum. This model is lauded for its ease of installation and alignment, which simplifies the setup process for users. The design includes a universal mount, allowing it to fit on most tonearms, making it an accessible choice for upgrading vinyl playback systems.

2M Red

Pro-Ject is a brand that specializes in manufacturing high-quality turntables and audio equipment.

Pro-Ject

The Pro-Ject Phono Box E is an excellent entry-level phono preamp that offers great value without compromising on sound quality. Designed for those who are new to the world of vinyl or on a budget, this compact preamp provides the essential features needed to enjoy your record collection with clarity and detail.

Despite its affordable price, the Phono Box E delivers good midrange detail and a satisfactory soundstage. It’s designed to work with Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges, making it a simple yet effective solution for connecting your turntable to a line-level input on your amplifier or receiver.

Key features include:

Budget-Friendly: High-quality sound at an affordable price, perfect for those new to vinyl.

MM Cartridge Compatibility: Optimized for Moving Magnet cartridges, providing clear and accurate playback.
Compact Design: Easily fits into any setup and can be hidden away due to its small size.
Simple Setup: Easy to install and use, making it ideal for beginners.

The Pro-Ject Phono Box E is a solid choice for vinyl enthusiasts looking for an affordable phono preamp that doesn’t skimp on performance. Its compact design and ease of use make it a practical addition to any audio setup, offering a taste of high-fidelity sound without breaking the bank.

Phono Box E

Topping is a renowned brand in the audio industry that specializes in producing high-quality audio equipment. They are known for their premium amplifiers, DACs, and headphone amplifiers.

Topping

The Topping E50 is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) designed to deliver high-quality audio playback. It features multiple inputs including USB, optical, and coaxial, allowing for versatile connection options with various audio sources. The device supports high-resolution audio formats up to 32-bit/384kHz, ensuring compatibility with a broad range of digital audio files and streaming services. The E50 is equipped with advanced MQA decoding capabilities, which enables it to handle Master Quality Authenticated audio files, providing an optimal listening experience for audiophiles. The DAC utilizes high-quality components and a carefully designed circuit to minimize distortion and improve signal integrity. The Topping E50 provides a balanced audio output, making it suitable for connection to various amplifiers and audio systems, enhancing the overall sound quality.

Sony is a Japanese company that specializes in various electronics products, including HiFi audio equipment.

Sony

BDP-S300

FiiO unveils the FX17, a flagship in-ear headphone that pushes the boundaries of portable audio. Each earpiece is equipped with an impressive 13 drivers, including a 10mm dynamic driver made from a lithium-magnesium alloy, four Knowles Balanced Armature drivers, and eight Sonion electrostatic drivers. This hybrid setup is designed to deliver a comprehensive frequency response from 8 Hz to 40 kHz, ensuring detailed and balanced sound across the spectrum.

To optimize performance, FiiO has integrated a five-band electronic and acoustic crossover within the FX17. This sophisticated crossover design ensures each driver operates at its peak, maintaining a consistent impedance curve that enhances compatibility with a wide range of audio sources. Additionally, the patented FiiO S.Turbo technology is implemented to boost the bass response, providing a deeper and more engaging low-end without sacrificing clarity in the higher frequencies.

The FX17 boasts a minimalist yet premium build, featuring earcups crafted from pure titanium. These earcups are hand-polished and treated with vapor-phase deposition to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. The ergonomically curved design, combined with a precise 10-degree nozzle angle, ensures long-lasting comfort during extended listening sessions. This attention to detail in the design not only enhances durability but also maintains an ideal fit, even with the densely packed driver configuration.

Connectivity is handled through an 8-conductor hybrid cable that incorporates gold, silver, and copper conductors. This cable supports MMCX connectors and includes three interchangeable adapters: a standard 3.5mm jack, a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn, and a USB Type-C with an integrated DAC capable of decoding PCM streams up to 32-bit/384 kHz. The FX17 package also includes 22 pairs of eartips, covering a variety of sizes and materials to ensure the best possible seal and personalized fit for every user.

Priced at $1,499.99 USD, the FiiO FX17 is now available for purchase. With its advanced driver architecture, meticulous build quality, and versatile connectivity options, the FX17 sets a new standard for high-end in-ear headphones, catering to audiophiles seeking unparalleled sound performance and comfort.

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FiiO FX17 Flagship In-Ear Headphones Revolutionize Portable Audio

Audiolab has introduced the 6000A MkII, an enhanced version of its well-regarded entry-level amplifier, set to launch in April at £699 (approximately $900 / AU$1,435). This latest iteration incorporates advanced technologies from Audiolab’s flagship 7000 and 9000 Series models, effectively bridging premium performance with affordability.

A significant upgrade in the 6000A MkII is the integration of the ES9038Q2M ESS Sabre DAC, a step up from the previous ES9018K2M chip used in the original 6000A. This new DAC is complemented by a tailored Class A circuit, optimized for enhanced digital processing and audio fidelity. Additionally, the amplifier boasts improved Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity with support for the hi-res aptX HD codec, and the inclusion of HDMI ARC expands its compatibility with modern TV and AV setups.

The analogue circuitry has not been overlooked, featuring an upgraded Class AB amplification system supported by a robust 200VA toroidal transformer. This enhancement increases the maximum current from 9A to 11A, allowing the amp to drive a broader range of speakers more effectively while maintaining the 50W per channel output into 8 ohms. The power supply layout has been meticulously designed to minimize interference, ensuring a cleaner and more accurate sound reproduction.

Versatility is a key feature of the 6000A MkII, offering three operational modes: integrated, Pre-Power, and Pre Mode. These modes allow the amplifier to function as a combined preamp and power amp, a standalone power amp, or a dedicated DAC and preamp, respectively. Additional connectivity options include two coaxial and two optical inputs, RCA stereo connections, and a moving magnet phono input, catering to both analogue and digital sources.

With its sleek metal chassis and familiar control layout, the Audiolab 6000A MkII maintains the aesthetic appeal of its predecessor while delivering substantial performance enhancements. Audiophiles can expect improved clarity, focus, and authority in their audio experience, positioning the 6000A MkII as a competitive choice in its price segment against models like the Arcam A5 and Rega Brio Mk7.

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Audiolab Introduces the 6000A MkII, an Advanced Audiophile Amplifier

Valve is gearing up to unveil Deckard, the highly anticipated successor to the Valve Index, with initial leaks revealing promising yet cautious specifications. According to recent reports, the Deckard prototype, known as POC-F, is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) chipset. While this processor isn’t Qualcomm’s latest flagship, it offers a solid foundation, potentially delivering around 25% better performance and efficiency compared to the Snapdragon XR Gen 2 used in current competitors like the Pico 4 Ultra and Quest 3.

The Deckard headset features dual 2.8-inch JDI LCD panels, each boasting a resolution of 2160 × 2160 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. This setup is designed to provide crisp and smooth visuals, essential for an immersive VR experience. Additionally, the headset is equipped with advanced tracking capabilities, including eye movement cameras and four SLAM cameras, ensuring precise motion tracking and enhancing overall user interaction within virtual environments.

Early indications suggest that the controllers, codenamed 'Roy', will complement the headset’s capabilities, offering intuitive control and seamless integration. The use of an ARM-based architecture in Deckard points to a design focused on both performance and energy efficiency, which is crucial for extended VR sessions. However, as the specifications are derived from a proof-of-concept prototype, there remains uncertainty regarding the final hardware configuration and whether it will undergo significant changes before release.

Valve is targeting a launch price of approximately $1,200 for Deckard, positioning it slightly higher than the original Valve Index. This pricing reflects the advanced technology and enhanced features expected to be part of the final product. Despite the promising specifications, there is still no guarantee that Deckard will meet all expectations or confirm its presence in the market by the end of the year.

As the VR community eagerly awaits further developments, the Deckard prototype signifies Valve’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of virtual reality. With a potential release slated for late 2025, enthusiasts are keen to see how Deckard will stack up against existing headsets and whether it will deliver the next level of immersive experiences that Valve is renowned for.

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Valve Deckard Prototype: A Leap Forward in VR Technology

Apple is set to enhance the AirPods Max lineup with a significant firmware update arriving next month, introducing lossless audio support and ultra-low latency capabilities. Since their release in 2020, AirPods Max have been favored for their wireless over-ear design and robust noise cancellation, but lacked the ability to decode high-resolution audio tracks. The forthcoming update changes this landscape by enabling 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio, accessible through a wired USB-C connection.

This update leverages a built-in DAC within the USB-C cable, distinguishing it from competitors that utilize external dongle DACs to unlock hi-res audio functionalities. While this provides a streamlined solution within the Apple ecosystem, it caps the maximum resolution at 24-bit/48kHz, falling short of other luxury headphones like Focal Bathys and Bowers & Wilkins Px8, which support up to 24-bit/192kHz. The decision to integrate the DAC into the cable rather than the headphones themselves highlights Apple's approach to maintaining a sleek design while enhancing audio performance.

In addition to enhanced audio fidelity, the firmware introduces ultra-low latency performance, reducing lag to align audio seamlessly with onscreen action. This improvement is particularly beneficial for gaming and video consumption, ensuring that audio remains synchronized with visual elements. However, it's important to note that these advancements are confined to wired connections, leaving wireless playback over Bluetooth without enhancements in both fidelity and latency.

For music producers, the update offers new possibilities by integrating seamlessly with professional workflows on platforms like Logic Pro. This enables high-fidelity sound creation and mixing, allowing creators to utilize Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking throughout their entire production process. Despite these enhancements, alternatives like Audeze Maxwell provide comparable features at a lower price point, offering musicians and audio engineers additional options.

The free firmware update will be available in April for devices running iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4. AirPods Max remain priced at $549 in various colors, with an optional USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable available for $39, expanding connectivity options for diverse audio sources. This update reinforces AirPods Max's position in the competitive wireless headphone market, catering to both audiophiles and professionals seeking enhanced audio performance without compromising on design and convenience.

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Apple Announces Lossless Audio Update for AirPods Max

Xiaomi has unveiled the MIJIA Smart Audio Glasses 2, marking a significant advancement in wearable audio technology. Building on the foundation of its predecessor, the latest model boasts a redesigned frame that prioritizes comfort and durability. With temple thickness reduced to 5mm—a 26% decrease at the narrowest point and 30% at the widest—the glasses now weigh only 26.5 grams. This lightweight construction, combined with a super-flexible piano steel hinge capable of withstanding 15,000 bends, ensures prolonged wear without discomfort.

The audio performance of the MIJIA Smart Audio Glasses 2 has been substantially enhanced. Equipped with four microphones and optimized acoustic structures, the glasses deliver increased volume and more effective noise suppression. This setup not only improves the listening experience but also ensures crystal-clear voice calls. An advanced anti-leakage membrane and inverse sound wave technology work in tandem to minimize sound leakage, providing privacy during conversations without compromising audio quality.

Technical advancements extend to the device's functionality and battery life. Users can effortlessly record voice notes directly through the glasses, with recordings stored in the device's memory for easy access. The IPX4 rating offers protection against moisture, making the glasses suitable for various environments. Battery performance has been a standout feature, offering up to 12 hours of music playback and an impressive 12 days of standby time. Additionally, the 2C magnetic charging technology enables a full recharge in just one hour, with a quick 10-minute charge providing up to four hours of listening time.

The MIJIA Smart Audio Glasses 2 are available in five distinct frame styles, including metal aviator and deep-space titanium, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences. Priced at 999 yuan (approximately $140), the glasses are set to launch on March 26, 2025, via the Xiaomi Youpin platform. This release underscores Xiaomi's commitment to merging sleek design with robust audio capabilities, positioning the MIJIA Smart Audio Glasses 2 as a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts and audiophiles alike.

By integrating enhanced design elements, superior audio technology, and extended battery life, the MIJIA Smart Audio Glasses 2 offer a comprehensive upgrade in the smart audio glasses market. These advancements reflect a keen understanding of user needs, delivering a product that balances functionality with style.

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