WiiM

large_51Ps63v6GDL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

medium_51Ps63v6GDL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

small_51Ps63v6GDL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

thumbnail_51Ps63v6GDL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

51Ps63v6GDL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

The WiiM Amp is a powerful all-in-one streaming amplifier designed to elevate your home audio experience. Encased in a sleek aluminum shell, this compact device combines high-resolution streaming and robust amplification, delivering up to 60W per channel at 8 ohms or 120W per channel at 4 ohms. With support for a wide range of music services like Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, and more, the WiiM Amp ensures you have access to all your favorite tunes in stunning 24-bit/192kHz quality.

The integrated WiiM Home app offers a user-friendly interface, allowing you to control your music, adjust settings, and sync speakers effortlessly. Whether you're streaming music, connecting your TV via HDMI ARC for a home theater experience, or optimizing sound with the 10-band graphic EQ, the WiiM Amp is your versatile solution for superior audio performance. Plus, with built-in voice control through Alexa, managing your audio system is just a command away. Transform your passive speakers into smart audio powerhouses with the WiiM Amp.

In the heart of Lisle, Illinois, there's a new spot that's harmonizing the rich beats of music with the robust flavors of local brews: Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap. This unique establishment, which is part record store and part taproom, is creating a buzz among both audiophiles and beer enthusiasts alike.

### The Concept: A Symphony of Sounds and Sips

Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap is a fresh take on the traditional hangout spot. Here, the timeless allure of vinyl records meets the innovative spirit of the Chicagoland craft beer scene. The idea is simple yet profound: provide a space where people can come together to explore vast musical landscapes while savoring the taste of finely crafted local beers.

### The Beer: A Local Brew Tour

The taproom is a celebration of local brewing artistry. Featuring a rotating selection of craft beers, Crooked Arm is a testament to the diverse and vibrant brewing community in the Chicagoland area. From the Caffe Hazelnut Bianco, a unique golden ale with a hint of roasted hazelnuts and white chocolate, to the Imperial Smells Like Bean Spirit, an imperial breakfast stout with Vermont maple syrup, the taproom offers an ever-changing array of flavors. The place also caters to non-alcoholic preferences with a selection of NA beers, seltzers, and craft sodas.

### The Records: A Vinyl Haven

With around 13,000 records spanning various genres and eras, Crooked Arm is a vinyl enthusiast's paradise. The shelves are packed with everything from the classic hits to the obscure gems, inviting guests to embark on a musical journey through time. The store is not just a place to buy records; it's a community hub where music lovers can gather to share their love for vinyl, discuss their favorite albums, and maybe even discover their next favorite song.

### The Community: More Than Just a Store

Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap is about creating a sense of community. It's a place where families are welcome, where kids can enjoy a kid-friendly beverage while their parents relax. The establishment encourages guests to order food from nearby restaurants, making it an inclusive space for all to enjoy. Furthermore, as a sister business to J & B Music in Joliet, Crooked Arm is rooted in a broader commitment to fostering a love for music in all its forms.

### The Experience: A Local Gem

Located at 6450 College Road, Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap isn't just another bar or record store. It's a local gem where the simple joys of life are celebrated - a place where you can slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the harmony of good music and great beer. Whether you're a lifelong vinyl collector, a craft beer aficionado, or just someone looking for a cozy spot to unwind, Crooked Arm offers a warm welcome and an experience that resonates.

In a world that often feels too fast-paced, Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap is a reminder of the beauty of simplicity. It's a place where the vinyl spins gently, the beer pours freely, and the atmosphere invites you to stay a while. This new spot in Lisle isn't just a store or a bar; it's a sanctuary for the soul, a place where the rhythms of music and the flavors of life come together in perfect harmony.

2024-01-03_23-24-25_1704345890.webp

IMG_0904_1704344950.webp

Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap: Where Records Meet Craft Beer

Discover Lisle's Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap, where the joy of vinyl records and craft beer collide in perfect harmony.


## Introduction to Room Modes: Understanding the Basics

Room modes are essential in understanding the acoustic characteristics of enclosed spaces. They are specific frequencies where sound waves resonate within a room, creating either amplifications or nulls in the sound field. These resonances are greatly influenced by the room's physical dimensions and shape, affecting sound quality and balance. For anyone looking to achieve optimal acoustics in spaces like studios or home theaters, comprehending room modes is vital. This knowledge forms the basis for effective acoustic treatment and the creation of a balanced audio environment.

## Calculating Room Modes: The Fundamental Formulas

Calculating room modes traditionally starts with considering the room's dimensions. This process involves analyzing the length, width, and height of the space to identify potential frequency issues, particularly at low frequencies where room modes are most prominent. While basic calculations can offer a starting point, they often fall short in more complex or irregularly shaped rooms. In such cases, more sophisticated techniques are required to accurately predict the acoustic behavior, especially when dealing with non-rectangular rooms that do not conform to simple formulas.

## Room Dimension Analysis: How Size Affects Acoustics

The size and shape of a room play a significant role in its acoustic properties. Larger rooms, for example, generally exhibit lower frequency modes, which can be particularly challenging to manage and often require specialized acoustic treatment. Smaller rooms, on the other hand, might contend with higher frequency modes, leading to a completely different set of acoustic issues. The complexity increases further with non-rectangular rooms, as their unique shapes lead to a more complex distribution of modes. Understanding the interplay between a room's dimensions and its acoustic behavior is crucial in addressing sound quality issues and achieving a well-balanced sound environment.

## Practical Steps for Identifying Room Modes: A Step-by-Step Guide

To identify room modes, follow these steps:

1.  **Measure Room Dimensions**: Accurately measure the length, width, and height of the room.
2.  **Use Acoustic Analysis Tools**: Utilize software like Room EQ Wizard (REW) to analyze the room's acoustic response.
3.  **Conduct a Sine Wave Test**: Play sine waves at different frequencies and note where resonances occur.
4.  **Observe Sound Behavior**: Listen for areas in the room where certain frequencies are amplified or diminished.
5.  **Consult Online Calculators**: For rectangular rooms, use online calculators to estimate room modes.

## Addressing Room Modes: Strategies for Acoustic Treatment

To mitigate room modes:

1.  **Install Bass Traps**: Place bass traps in room corners to absorb low-frequency energy.
2.  **Use Broadband Absorbers**: Deploy these across the room to tackle a range of frequencies.
3.  **Consider Diffusers**: Use diffusers to break up sound reflections and distribute sound evenly.
4.  **Fine-Tune with Equalization**: While not a substitute for physical treatment, EQ can help balance out the room's frequency response.
5.  **Seek Professional Advice**: For complex room shapes, consulting an acoustician can provide tailored solutions.

## Summary and Key Takeaways: Mastering Room Mode Identification

Understanding room modes is key to achieving balanced acoustics in any space. By accurately measuring room dimensions and employing acoustic analysis tools, one can identify problematic frequencies. Addressing these issues with appropriate acoustic treatments like bass traps, broadband absorbers, and diffusers can significantly improve sound quality. While equalization can offer some assistance, it is no replacement for physical room treatment. For non-standard room shapes, professional guidance is often necessary to ensure optimal acoustic results.

room acoustics, featuring stylized line art depicting sound waves, a geometric outline

room acoustics.png

Mastering Room Acoustics: Identifying and Treating Room Modes

Discover how to identify and treat room modes for optimal sound quality. This guide offers practical steps and strategies for effective acoustic treatment in any space.


Sony's acquisition of Audeze, a renowned name in high-end audio, has stirred a blend of excitement and speculation. The official statement from Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC (SIE) emphasizes their intent to innovate within the PlayStation audio realm, with Audeze continuing its independent operations. This raises pertinent questions: Will Audeze's high-fidelity expertise be the new driving force in PlayStation's audio experiences? How will this affect Audeze's legacy in the audiophile market?

Reactions to the acquisition range from optimism about the potential for improvements and collaborations to concerns regarding Audeze's focus shifting away from its traditional audiophile audience. While some anticipate enhanced gaming headsets infused with Audeze's high-end audio technology, others ponder the future of Audeze's commitment to pure, high-fidelity sound.

The integration of Audeze's patented technologies and planar magnetic drivers with Sony's gaming prowess, especially with the PlayStation 5's Tempest 3D AudioTech, suggests a future where gaming audio standards are elevated. This merger could signify a landmark shift in both high-end audio and gaming experiences, marrying Audeze's audiophile-grade sound with Sony's expansive gaming ecosystem.

In the midst of cautious optimism, attention is focused on the potential outcomes of this partnership. Will it pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in gaming and hi-fi audio, or might it redirect Audeze into a new path? The answers lie ahead as we witness the unfolding of this intriguing union between a gaming giant and a hi-fi legend.

sony audeze.png

Sony Acquires Audeze: A New Era for High-End Audio and Gaming

Unveiling the future of high-fidelity sound and gaming with Sony's strategic acquisition of Audeze

Amp

by WiiM

Interesting articles

Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap: Where Records Meet Craft Beer

Mastering Room Acoustics: Identifying and Treating Room Modes

Sony Acquires Audeze: A New Era for High-End Audio and Gaming