In a scene from the show "Hijack," we get a glimpse into the stylish on-screen home of Idris Elba. The spotlight shines on a sleek audio setup that mixes classic vibes with contemporary tech. The speakers, reminiscent of the JBL Classic series, promise a sound that's as rich in history as it is in bass. Next to them sits a mysterious black box, possibly from Hegel, ready to fill the room with crystal-clear audio. It's a setup that looks as good as it sounds, echoing Elba's character's sophistication. Just like the man himself, this hi-fi corner balances charm and performance with effortless cool.

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Idris Elba's Unique Hi-Fi Setup Turns Up the Volume on Style


The setup stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of high-fidelity audio with modern living space aesthetics. Anchoring the space are the Dynaudio Special 40 speakers, their wood veneer finish presenting a touch of organic warmth against the crisp, contemporary lines of the white media console. The speakers are flanked by the Simaudio Moon Neo Ace, an all-in-one amplifier that promises a sound as pure as its design suggests, and the Technics 1210 Mk5, a turntable revered for its precision and durability, ready to spin vinyl into audible gold.

Positioned meticulously within the room, each component is not only chosen for its technical prowess but also for its contribution to the room's visual symmetry. The artwork, "The Moon" from the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, acts as a backdrop, adding depth and context to the setup. It creates an environment where the blend of sound and space invites a full sensory appreciation. The carefully selected vinyl on display hints at a broad musical palette, while the ambient lighting ensures that the room's atmosphere is as meticulously crafted as the audio that fills it.

by: ShogunzBlazin

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Sound and Aesthetics — A Study in Harmony

The ACE is acclaimed for its intuitive and user-friendly design, being Spotify Connect compatible and Roon Ready. It supports all major audio file formats, including DSD and MQA, accessible through local files or TIDAL Master files. As an all-in-one music system, the ACE has won awards for its ability to connect simply to a pair of speakers and the internet, enabling seamless music enjoyment. What sets the ACE apart is its fidelity to the renowned MOON sonic signature, characterized by visceral tight bass, transparent midrange, precise natural highs, and lifelike sound, ensuring a memorable listening experience every time. Additionally, vinyl enthusiasts can utilize the built-in moving magnet phono stage, making the ACE a versatile system that enhances the audio quality of any vinyl record.

Laurels aren’t for resting on.

We still surprise ourselves. Some people might be content to sit back and be complacent about their successes after 40 years of constant innovation. We aren’t. In fact, we only get hungrier for new techniques and technologies.

That’s why we developed the Special Forty: we wanted to revisit those innovations and see what we’d do differently this time. What you won’t find here is anything revolutionary. Instead, you’ll discover a look at our past – along with some special sneak-previews of the future. The Special Forty is classic Dynaudio: all the craftsmanship, attention to detail and total love of authentic sound you’ve come to expect. It’s the connoisseur’s choice – a simple pair of passive hi-fi speakers. But it isn’t about looking back, misty-eyed, at past glories and leaving it at that. It’s about using those glories as a platform from which to launch our next set of breakthroughs.

Greatest hits… reimagined.

We do compact speakers really well. We always have. So, as a nod back to classics including the Special One, the Special Twenty-Five, the Crafft and the Contour 1.3SE, we kept the Special Forty pure – if incredibly advanced. Of course, it wouldn’t be an anniversary speaker if it didn’t include some of our greatest hits. But we haven’t just got the old band back together to trot out the same old stuff, unchanged. We’ve remixed, remastered and rearranged things to bring those old favourites into 2017 – and beyond. That’s why it has one of our classic first-order crossover designs, incorporating our unique Phase Alignment and Impedance Alignment technologies. The crossover expertly marshals the input signal between the woofer and the tweeter – so each driver gets only the frequencies it’s supposed to, and can perform at its very best. Its specially selected components handle the impedance optimisation and, because both drivers have extended frequency ranges for even better overlap and integration, that performance borders on the mesmerising.

The song remains the same.

The Special Forty uses our proprietary MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) material for its main driver. MSP delivers precisely the right combination of rigidity, damping and stability for the most faithful sound reproduction. And, unlike other cone materials, it doesn’t change over time – so your Special Forty speakers will still be singing just as sweetly come our next anniversary. The cone itself uses a painstakingly developed symmetrical excursion for even better midrange performance. Behind it sits our asymmetrical spider – our passive harmonic rectifier. It minimises upper harmonics to further tighten the performance and make it possible not only to pick out individual parts in a piece of music, but even individual instruments in an orchestra. (So now, finally, the Third Violin section can have its day in the sun.) And, like all our other MSP cones, it’s a one-piece design (you can tell by the special balance ribs around the central dust-cap). This gives it an incredibly solid connection to the voice-coil, as well as stabilising its form – which is crucial when you decide to turn it up to 11. It all sits in our special AirFlow Basket – the bit that holds the whole driver motor securely in place in the cabinet. Its development was one of those ‘Eureka!’ moments our engineers seem to get a few times a week in Dynaudio Labs (you can often hear them cheering from across the road in our factory). We asked them to reduce internal reflections and increase air movement without compromising the basket’s stiffness or stability, and this genius design is what they came up with.

Airflow is king.

The new Esotar Forty tweeter takes air-movement to another level. It moves the air in typically sweet fashion in front of the DSR (Dynaudio Secret Recipe) precision-coated soft-dome, of course, but there’s a lot of engineering going on behind it as well. Take the new pressure conduit. It’s a shaped vent in the back of the hybrid magnet system that allows more space in the rear chamber. That space lets us pack in more damping material and reduces back-pressure, while the shape itself optimises airflow coming backwards from the rear of the dome. Then there’s the outlet; the aero-coupled pressure-release system. It sits underneath the voice-coil and reduces unwanted pressure build-up that could affect its movement. Stopping those pockets of air from forming reduces resonance – and less resonance equals even greater potential for detail.

Flux optimisation and beam control.

We love playing with the laws of physics. Physics wins in the end, of course (usually), but we almost always manage to bend it to our will along the way. Just like we have with our magnet systems. The magnet turns electrical energy that flows from your amplifier into the voice-coil, into the physical back-and-forth movement of the driver diaphragm. These movements are very small and very fast (especially in the tweeter), so they need a lot of finesse if you want to hear all that luscious detail and emotion in your music.

Behind the woofer.

In the woofer, we’ve achieved that finesse in two ways: by placing the magnet inside the voice-coil, and by playing with magnetic energy itself. Other manufacturers typically put it around the outside edge, leaving the voice-coil hollow. Putting the magnet inside keeps the magnetic energy (or flux) in the optimum position for getting itself wrapped around the voice-coil – where it should be. That means we can use more of its power for a given weight. It also reduces internal reflections because there’s less material for sound to bounce off inside the driver. Second, we use a hybrid magnet for even greater control over the flux and voice-coil movement. An incredibly powerful neodymium rare-earth magnet provides the muscle and flings flux around with abandon, while a ferrite magnet tempers that enthusiasm by gently moving the flux back to exactly where it’s needed most. The result? Symmetrical excursion, a reduction in second-harmonics, and an even more accurate, authentic sound.

2020 finish update.

Dynaudio’s award-winning anniversary speaker, Special Forty, has been given a makeover with two stunning new finishes. Black Vine is a striking contrast of dark veneer shot through with vivid orange, while Ebony Wave is a captivatingly sinuous take on the classic hardwood. Both veneers are man-made to Dynaudio’s specs, ensuring total consistency between pairs of speakers. And the level of finish possible is simply astonishing – they look as smooth as glass, and as lustrous as a piece of luxury antique furniture. Just as you’d expect from a nation of design-fanatics.

Special Forty

The Technics SL-1210MK5 is a high-performance direct-drive DJ turntable that operates at selectable speeds of 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. It features a quartz direct-drive system powered by a brushless DC motor, ensuring stable rotation and precise control. The die-cast aluminum platter provides excellent stability and reduces unwanted resonance. Additionally, it includes instant pitch reset and a no-click pitch control feature, allowing for seamless speed adjustments. The design incorporates a recessed power switch to prevent accidental shutdowns. Users can customize the braking settings, enabling precise control over how the turntable stops. This model is recognized for its durable construction and reliability, making it a preferred choice for DJs.

SL-1210MK5

This HiFi setup is a notable example of combining select audio components for an exceptional listening experience. Central to its performance is the Marantz SR4300 preamp, chosen for its ability to render sound with warmth and intricate detail. The speakers are powered by Alesis RA150 power amps, recognized for their clear and powerful output. For vinyl enthusiasts, the setup features the Hitachi HT-41S turntable, adding a vintage flavor to the audio journey. Complementing these components is a tube buffer SD-CD3, which enhances the sound with its smooth and nuanced character.

A standout feature of this setup is the use of Philips 9710M/01 8" full-range drivers. These drivers are highly regarded for their open baffle design and their ability to produce a natural and expansive soundstage. They replace the previous Teac NXT speakers for mid-high frequencies, offering a richer and more detailed audio experience. 

by: audiiophile_small_room


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A Unique HiFi Audio Setup

Teac NXT upgraded with Philips 9710M/01 8"

Marantz is a company renowned for producing high-quality audio equipment, particularly catering to audiophiles who appreciate detailed and nuanced sound. Their product range includes amplifiers, receivers, CD players, and turntables, all designed with a focus on delivering superior audio fidelity.

Marantz equipment is known for its distinctive sonic signature, often described as warm and rich, which appeals to those who value musicality over analytical sound reproduction. Their products combine high-quality components and meticulous engineering, with an emphasis on preserving the integrity of the audio signal.

In terms of technical specifications, Marantz devices often feature advanced digital-to-analog converters (DACs), precision engineering in their turntables, and robust amplification circuits. This ensures minimal distortion and a clean, clear sound. Additionally, many of their receivers and amplifiers include modern features like network connectivity, supporting various streaming services and digital formats.

Aesthetic-wise, Marantz equipment typically sports a classic, elegant design, often featuring brushed metal finishes and minimalistic control layouts. This design philosophy reflects a balance between functionality and visual appeal, making their equipment a preferred choice for those who value both performance and style in their audio setup.

Overall, Marantz represents a blend of high-fidelity audio performance, modern functionality, and timeless design, making it a favorite among audio enthusiasts who seek a rich and immersive listening experience.

Marantz

The Marantz SR 4300 is a home theater receiver that was introduced in the early 2000s. It features Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound decoding, multiple audio inputs, and the ability to drive multiple speakers for a true surround sound experience.

SR 4300

Alesis is a brand that specializes in audio equipment and musical instruments.

Alesis

The Alesis RA-150 is a power amplifier designed for professional audio applications. It delivers 75 watts per channel at 4 ohms or 50 watts per channel at 8 ohms, making it suitable for use with studio monitors or small PA systems. It features balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, and includes binding post and 1/4-inch speaker outputs. The RA-150 also has front panel volume controls and LED indicators for power, signal, and clip. It is a reliable and affordable option for amplifying audio signals.

RA-150

Hitachi is a Japanese multinational conglomerate company with a diverse range of products and services. It was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company operates in various sectors including electronics, construction machinery, power systems, automotive systems, and more.

Hitachi

The Hitachi HT-41 is a direct drive turntable that features a combination of quality engineering and design aimed at delivering reliable performance in vinyl playback. It is equipped with a high-torque motor system, ensuring stable rotational speed and minimal wow and flutter, crucial for accurate audio reproduction. This model supports both 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM record speeds. The platter is made of heavy material to further enhance stability and reduce vibrations during playback. The tonearm is typically adjustable, allowing for fine-tuning to suit various cartridge types and weights. Additionally, the HT-41 may include a built-in phono preamplifier, providing versatility in connectivity to various audio systems. It is designed with a sleek aesthetic that complements modern audio setups while maintaining functionality. Overall, the Hitachi HT-41 serves as an excellent choice for those exploring the world of vinyl records.

A Unique HiFi Audio Setup

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Idris Elba's Unique Hi-Fi Setup Turns Up the Volume on Style

Sound and Aesthetics — A Study in Harmony