Yamaha is a Japanese brand known for manufacturing a wide range of products, including musical instruments, audio equipment, electronics, and motorcycles.

Yamaha

The Yamaha A-700 is a stereo integrated amplifier that was released in the 1980s. It has a power output of 90 watts per channel into 8 ohms and features inputs for various audio sources such as turntables, CD players, and tape decks. The amplifier also has tone control options and a headphone output.

A-700


The Moondrop Aria 2 In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) have been making waves in the audiophile community, not just for their technical specifications, but also for the experiences they deliver. With a sensitivity of 122dB/Vrms, an impedance of 33Ω, and a frequency response range of 16Hz - 22kHz, these IEMs promise high-quality sound. But what do users actually think about them?

#### Build Quality and Design: A Robust and Elegant Offering

The Aria 2 stands out for its impressive build quality. The zinc alloy cavity and brass nozzle provide a sturdy and premium feel. Users have noted the balance between durability and aesthetics, finding the design both robust and elegant.

#### Audio Performance: Engaging and Balanced

When it comes to sound, the Aria 2 has received praise for its balanced yet engaging audio performance. The mid-bass boost is a highlight, enhancing vocal clarity, making it a favorite among gamers for its crisp mid-highs. The overall tuning has been described as more technical and resolving, especially in the high frequencies, indicating a significant improvement over its predecessor.

#### User Experience: Comfort and Convenience

Comfort is a key factor in any IEM, and the Aria 2 does not disappoint. Its ergonomic design ensures a snug fit, suitable for long listening sessions. The accessory package, including a high-quality stock cable and a convenient storage case, adds value to the overall user experience.

#### Comparisons and Recommendations

Comparisons with other models, like the Moondrop Stellaris, suggest that while the Aria 2 is a competent IEM, it may not represent a groundbreaking upgrade for users of previous models. However, it comes highly recommended for those new to the Moondrop family, particularly for first-time IEM users, due to its overall value and quality.

#### Points of Contention: Build Quality and Price

Despite the positives, there are some concerns. Some users remain cautious about the long-term build quality, recalling issues like paint peeling from the original Aria. Additionally, there's a debate about whether the price point is fitting for newcomers to the audiophile hobby.

#### A Solid Choice with Room for Improvement

In summary, the Moondrop Aria 2 stands as a solid choice in the realm of IEMs. Its combination of build quality, sound performance, and comfort make it a compelling option, particularly for those new to high-quality audio devices. While there are areas for potential improvement, the Aria 2 largely succeeds in delivering a high-quality audio experience at a reasonable price point.

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The Moondrop Aria 2: Where Quality Meets Affordability

Get an inside look at the Moondrop Aria 2's unique sound features and design, crafted for an unmatched audio experience.


In the realm of high-fidelity audio, creating an acoustically pleasant environment is as paramount as having high-quality audio equipment. Sound absorption plays a vital role in achieving this objective by minimizing unwanted reflections and reverberations that can muddy the sonic clarity. This article explores the science of sound absorption and delves into the acoustic properties of various materials, shedding light on their effectiveness in room treatment.

**The Mechanism of Sound Absorption**
Sound absorption is a phenomenon where acoustic energy is transformed into heat as it strikes a material. The efficacy of this process is determined by the material’s acoustic impedance, a measure of resistance against the propagation of sound waves. A material with an acoustic impedance that closely matches that of air is generally more effective at absorbing sound.

**Different Materials and Their Sound Absorption Capabilities**
Various materials exhibit distinct sound-absorbing properties, primarily influenced by their density, thickness, and porosity. Let's dive into some of these materials:

## Fiberglass Panels

Fiberglass panels are known for their excellent sound-absorption properties, particularly in the mid to high-frequency range. These panels are manufactured from fine fibers of glass that are woven intricately into a mat. This porous structure enables them to trap sound waves effectively, reducing echo and reverberation in a space. Besides their acoustic advantages, fiberglass panels are lightweight, easy to install, and come in various sizes and thicknesses to suit different applications.

Technical Specification: The Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of fiberglass panels ranges between 0.70 to 1.20, indicating a high sound absorption efficiency across a significant frequency range.

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## Rockwool

Rockwool, made from spun minerals and basalt rock, is revered for its broad spectrum sound absorption capabilities. Its dense, fibrous structure allows it to capture sound waves efficiently, making it a preferred choice for soundproofing in various settings including home theaters, studios, and industrial sites. Moreover, Rockwool is fire-resistant and water-repellent, adding to its desirability as a sound-absorbing material.

Technical Specification: With a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) ranging from 0.90 to 1.10, Rockwool demonstrates a strong ability to absorb a substantial portion of incident sound energy.

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## Foam Panels

Foam panels, especially those of open-cell design, are effective in taming higher frequency sounds. They provide an affordable and easy-to-install solution for treating spaces with sound reflection issues. However, their effectiveness diminishes as the frequency lowers, making them less suitable for addressing low-frequency sound problems.

Technical Specification: The NRC of foam panels varies from 0.20 to 0.80, contingent on factors like density and thickness.

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## Bass Traps

Bass traps are specialized acoustic treatments designed to control low-frequency sounds. They are crucial for rooms with boomy acoustics and are typically installed in corners where low-frequency build-up is most pronounced. Bass traps come in various designs, including resonant absorbers and porous absorbers, each catering to specific low-frequency issues.

Technical Specification: Bass traps are effective in the frequency range of 50 Hz to 500 Hz, significantly mitigating low-frequency reverberations.

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## Perforated Wood Panels

Perforated wood panels marry aesthetic elegance with acoustic functionality. They are effective in treating mid to high-frequency sounds, with the degree of sound absorption being influenced by the size and pattern of perforations. These panels are ideal for environments where both visual appeal and acoustic comfort are desired.

Technical Specification: The NRC of perforated wood panels varies between 0.60 to 0.90, influenced by the perforation dimensions and pattern.

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## Effective Room Treatment
 
Understanding the sound-absorbing properties of materials is critical for effective room treatment. By strategically placing sound-absorbing materials in a room, one can significantly improve the acoustical environment, rendering a cleaner, more defined sound output.

**Conclusion** 
The journey towards impeccable sound quality is multifaceted, with sound absorption being a cornerstone. A deep understanding of the acoustic properties of various materials and their strategic placement within a space can substantially enhance the auditory experience, bringing one closer to the elusive goal of true high-fidelity sound reproduction.

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Analyzing Material Sound Absorption: A Path to Acoustic Harmony

Material sound absorption is a pivotal step towards high-fidelity sound reproduction. Understand the technical and practical aspects of various sound-absorbing materials to enhance sonic clarity and acoustic comfort.


Back in the early days of hi-fi, around 1961, LEAK wasn't just making speakers—they were making history. Their original Sandwich speaker was a game-changer because it solved a big problem of the time: speaker cones that weren't stiff enough. You see, back then, the stiffness of the speaker cone was a make-or-break factor for sound quality. If the cone wasn't rigid enough, the sound got distorted, which was pretty common and a real buzzkill for music lovers.

So what LEAK did was kind of like what tech companies today do when they come up with a new smartphone or gadget—they found a clever workaround. They took expanded polystyrene, which is light and has good damping properties, and they sandwiched it between two aluminum sheets. This wasn't just for kicks—it was to give the cone the stiffness it lacked without adding too much weight. That way, the speaker could move back and forth really fast without bending out of shape. And just like that, the sound got a lot clearer, the bass felt right, and music had more punch to it.

Now, let's fast forward to our time. The new Sandwich 150 and 250 speakers from LEAK take that original stroke of genius and dial it up. They're leveraging all the advances we've made in materials and engineering to make something that's true to the spirit of the original but performs like a modern champ. We're talking about materials that didn't even exist back in the day, like aircraft-grade foam, which makes the new cones even stiffer and keeps the sound super crisp.

Why does this matter, you ask? Because music isn't just about noise; it's about feeling every strum, every beat, and every note exactly as it was intended. And that's what LEAK's new speakers aim to deliver, just like the original did all those years ago. It's about honoring the past not by staying stuck in it, but by building on it, improving it, and making sure the music always gets the respect it deserves.

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New LEAK Sandwich Speakers A Legacy Reborn in Hi-Fi

LEAK, a brand with deep roots in the history of audio innovation, was established by Harold Joseph Leak in 1934 in London, England. Known for its high-quality audio components, LEAK carved out a reputation for affordability combined with high performance, a hallmark that defined the brand for decades.

Harold Leak, identifying himself as a 'Sound Engineer – Technician,' alongside Ted Ashley, who became Chief Engineer, propelled LEAK to the forefront of the home audio equipment market. Together, they led the company through an era of significant technological advancements in amplifiers, loudspeakers, pickups, and turntables.

The mid-20th century was a transformative period for LEAK, as the brand navigated the challenges of wartime disruption to focus on developing purposeful audio technology. Post-war, the emphasis shifted towards high-fidelity systems, marking LEAK's entry into an era of low-noise, high-performance products that gained international acclaim.

A pivotal moment came in 1945 with the introduction of the LEAK Type 15 amplifier, which featured innovative 'negative feedback' and 'push-pull' triode connected KT66 valves, achieving an impressive 15 watts output. This product laid the groundwork for the brand's reputation in high-fidelity sound reproduction.

The late 1940s and 1950s saw LEAK introducing groundbreaking products like the TL/12, which became a standard for high-fidelity sound, and embarking on marketing campaigns that directly compared live versus reproduced music, showcasing the superior quality of LEAK systems. These efforts culminated in LEAK's products being adopted by prestigious institutions like the BBC.

Innovation continued with the introduction of the LEAK Sandwich loudspeaker in 1961, a design that utilized a novel approach to reduce vibrations and resonance, leading to more dynamic audio reproduction. This period also saw the development of the LEAK Stereo 30, a transition to transistor amplifiers that offered a more accessible price point to a broader audience.

Despite its innovations and contributions to the audio industry, LEAK faced challenges from global competition and changing market dynamics, eventually leading to the brand's acquisition by the Rank Organization in 1969 and a gradual fade from the forefront of the audio market.

After years of dormancy, LEAK was revived by the IAG Group, bringing the brand back to the market with a focus on blending classic styling with modern audio technology, ensuring LEAK's legacy continues for new generations of audiophiles.

Leak

The latest LEAK Sandwich speakers deliver crisp, precise audio with a nostalgic twist

A-700

by Yamaha

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New LEAK Sandwich Speakers A Legacy Reborn in Hi-Fi