Blue has announced Ember, a premium, cardioid XLR condenser microphone designed for the perfect capture of vocals and instruments. Ember is ideal for music applications like SoundCloud, capturing professional sound for YouTube video production, and live-streaming.

Ember’s tight pickup pattern helps reduce room and background noise. Featuring premium components and precision design, Ember is perfect for on-camera applications.

Tommy Edwards, director of product management at Blue Microphones told GadgetyNews:

Ember is designed to help video creators, podcasters, and musicians deliver professional productions from their home studios with superb detail and depth. Its precise cardioid pattern and ability to handle loud sound sources delivers clear and focused sound, while the sleek design ensures optimal placement or low profile for on-camera productions. Ember is perfect for home studio creators who want their productions to stand out with rich, professional-quality audio.

Featuring a proprietary, hand-tuned custom condenser capsule, Ember delivers superbly clear, open, and detailed performance for recording or streaming a wide variety of voices and instruments.

Furthermore, the tight cardioid pickup pattern focuses on the sound source directionally in front of the mic. As this minimises room noise, the result is a clean, up-front sound with excellent isolation. Also, Ember’s sleek form factor and compact side-address design make it perfect for placement in tight spaces.

Custom-designed phantom power circuitry and a precise cardioid polar pattern ensure remarkably consistent frequency response with minimal noise. Clean, high-output gain provides impressive headroom for even the most dynamic speech and instruments.

Finally, Ember comes with a mount for any standard microphone stand and is also compatible with Blue’s S3 Shock suspension mount and Compass boom arm accessories.

Pricing and Availability

Ember will be available in February at authorised Blue Microphones dealers at an RRP of £99.99.

The post Blue Ember pro XLR condenser mic outed appeared first on GadgetyNews.

French audio maestros, Devialet, obviously know a thing-or-two about making attractive hardware. Also, judging by the new Expert Pros, they are equally adept at using the latest technology too.

Continuing their quest to build the best in futuristic audio components they have just released two more models in their Expert Pro range.

The Expert 140 Pro and Expert 210 Pro Dual systems are the newest members of the Expert Pro family. Naturally, they feature all of Devialet’s exclusive technologies to deliver unmatched performance. Additionally, they are also equipped with Core Infinity, Expert Pro’s new intelligent core. They say that “the most awarded audio system in the world just got more affordable and versatile”.

Devialet Expert 140 Pro

The Expert 140 Pro cuts the familiar Devialet silhouette. Hewn from single block of aluminium, the Expert 140 Pro is finished in dark chrome. The 5.65kg amplifier boasts a power output of 2×140 Watts through 6 Ohms. Other notes of interest include distortion at full powered being measured at 0.0005%; signal-to-noise ratio is rated at 130dB.

Connectivity, of course, includes dual band Wi-Fi as well as gigabit Ethernet. Also, there is USB Audio 2.0 Asynchronous as well as up to 4 RCA digital coax inputs and a TOSLINK in. There is also a stereo pair of RCA analogue ins that can be used for the MM/MC phono stage. Output is through speaker posts that will accept 4mm banana plugs, fork connectors or stripped cables. It is also comfortable with all speakers from 8 Ohms to 2 Ohms.

Supported formats include up to 32bits / 192kHz PCM (USB), up to 24bits / 192kHz PCM (AIR, UPnP, Coaxial), Up to 24bits / 96kHz PCM (Optical), and finally, up to 1bit / 3.072000MHz DSD64 (USB, Coaxial).

Devialet Expert 210 Pro Dual

The Expert 210 Pro Dual offers the prowess of dual-mono amplification. However, you can daisy-chain up to 8 of the 5.65kg units.

Devialet even bundles in some cables to enble your swift set-up. The Expert 210 Pro comes with a digital coax link cable for audio and a 3.5mm analogue for commands. They also include 2 SD cards for you.

With this pair you get 2×210 Watts from 6 Ohms and a THD+N at full power of 0.00025%. Signal-to-noise ratio here is 133dB.

The Expert 210 Pro Dual supports the same formats as the 140 but, obviously, throws in a few more inputs.

Both the Expert 140 Pro and Expert 210 Pro Dual features the latest Devialet OS as well as future-proof computing power. Core Infinity opens Expert Pro to the world of music streaming, bringing you a variety of leading streaming protocols.

Devialet Expert Core

From the early days of D-Premier through to the present, Expert systems have been designed for optimal scalability and adaptability. This shows Devialet’s commitment to fighting planned obsolescence.

Core Infinity opens up new possibilities for Expert Pro, bringing you the latest in music streaming as it unfolds. The different streaming protocols embedded in Core Infinity enables you to enjoy all the latest services.

Core Infinity

Featuring the latest Devialet OS and equipped with future-proof computing power, Core Infinity is built for long-lasting performance. The board comes with a Quadcore ARM processor clocked at 1GHz. That is supported by 1GB of RAM-DDR3 memory and 4GB of Flash memory.

Now, the tech bit. The main CPU is supported by an FPGA specifically to provide extra computing power to Devialet OS, optimise audio signal routing and rework clock distribution for minimal digital jitter. Devialet tells us that the gain in audio quality is substantial. There is also a second audio DSP (Digital Signal Processor). This is to prove additional headroom on top of the DSP already included in the mother board so as to support future signal processing features.

Additionally, three ASRC (Asynchronous Sample Rate Converters) are employed in order to leave ample room for future developments, and in particular compatibility with additional sources. Finally, the improved USB interface has also been tailored to accommodate future audio formats.

Expert Pro for streaming audio

When used as an UPnP renderer, your Expert Pro can stream music from any UPnP-compatible app, up to 24bits / 192kHz. Also, AirPlay lets you stream your favourite online music in CD quality from any iOS or Mac OS-enabled device, or via iTunes on Windows-based computers and tablets.

Spotify Connect gives you the freedom to enjoy your Spotify Premium membership on Expert Pro, with bespoke volume control integration and automatic wake-up function.

Finally, the Devialet-patented AIR technology transforms your Expert Pro into a virtual soundcard output for your favourite audiophile player, with up to 24bits / 192kHz streaming in bit-perfect mode.

Upcoming Bluetooth capabilities for Core Infinity will help make Expert Pro even more open and universal in the future.

Bonus for current Expert owners

If you have an Expert 130 Pro with Core Infinity, simply install the latest 13.0.0 firmware available from your Devialet account to bring extra power and Dual-Mono compatibility to your Expert Pro.

However, if you have an Expert Pro without Core Infinity, simply register it on your Devialet account and order your free-of-charge hardware upgrade to Core Infinity.

If you have a non-Pro Expert, then stayed tuned as an upgrade programme to Expert Pro with Core Infinity will re-open soon.

Price and availability

The Expert 140 Pro is priced at £4490, and the Expert 210 Pro Dual £8900.

More information can be had over at their website.

The post Devialet Expert 140 Pro and 210 Dual Pro announced appeared first on GadgetyNews.

McIntosh have been in the business for over 65 years. They are the first choice for many audiophile and they have just introduced the new MC611 Quad Balanced Power Amplifier.

McIntosh are a force in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio. That’s why I featured them in my latest piece for Oracle Time.

MC611 Quad Balanced Power Amplifier

McIntosh has launched the new MC611 Quad Balanced Power Amplifier. The new high-power monoblock amp offers a number of key updates and improvements over its predecessor, the MC601.

Firstly, there’s the doubling of filter capacity. This results in a dramatic 55% increase in dynamic headroom (from 1.8dB to 2.8dB) helping to improve the bass frequency performance.

Design

Of course, there have been some design tweaks.

The MC611 sits on a beautiful polished stainless steel chassis and features the timeless McIntosh aesthetic of a black glass front panel, illuminated logo, control knobs, and aluminium handles. There’s also that large 8-inch (20.3 cm) fast-responding blue watt-meter.

The eagle-eyed amongst you will have notice that the front panel features new direct LED backlighting. This hands the unit an improved appearance and colour accuracy.

Additionally, the audio Autoformer and power transformer are now contained in new glass-topped enclosures. The amplifier also features two McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks. Not only do they look cool, they keep the MC611 cool as they’re connected to advanced high-current output transistors. These help eliminate thermal equilibrium lag-time.

The back panel offers three sets of McIntosh Solid Cinch speaker binding posts. Here you get a set per speaker impedance.

McIntosh has kindly left additional space between each set to allow for easier speaker cable connectivity. It is these little touches that makes living with kit so much more pleasurable.

Further enhancements include heavier gauge internal wiring, upgraded circuit components and the addition of McIntosh’s eco-friendly power management system.

Proprietary Autoformer technology

The MC611 produces 600 watts of power – enough to drive virtually any loudspeaker. McIntosh’s unique Autoformer output technology ensures that the full 600 watts are delivered to the speaker. So, no matter the impedance, the MC611 will give its all.

More McIntosh tech

In addition to the improvements over its predecessor, the MC611 also features a range of further exclusive McIntosh technologies including: Power Guard, Sentry Monitor, a Quad Balanced design and Power Control.

Both balanced and unbalanced outputs are included to facilitate bi-amping or tri-amping loudspeakers; these can also be used to send the audio signal to a secondary system or to connect a powered subwoofer.

Pricing and availability

Orders can be placed now with authorised McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin in February (US) and March/April (UK).

The MC611 is priced at £19,995 per pair.

The post McIntosh MC611 Quad Balanced Amplifier UK price appeared first on GadgetyNews.

So, the time has come. Your smartphone speakers are no longer cutting it, and the Bluetooth speaker upgrade isn’t giving the depth, soundstage or immersion you desire? What is your next step? Yup, it’s time to look into creating your home Hi-Fi system.

Leafing through Hi-Fi magazines, checking out reviews and generally learning is a good start. But, rarely do they help with your first steps. I’ll be honest now, even though I have been buying music since the 80s, my knowledge of Hi-Fi was limited until I started to explore the confusing world of the audiophile. Tis a scary, often intimidating place, but Hi-Fi doesn’t have to be.

You see, there are those, like in any community that feel knowledge is power. However, there are also those that wish to help you find the sound you’re looking for.

Getting sourcy

Are you looking to hitch a ride on the LP (vinyl to those more ‘hip’) bandwagon? This will take you down a certain path. If heading this way, will your turntable be fitted with a phono stage/phono amplifier? If not, one will need to be added to your shopping list else you won’t be able to hear your music. The good thing is, if you are buying a turntable and a separate phono amp, you will have the flexibility to upgade one, either, or both later on. Whereas, if you buy a record player with an in-built amp, you may find yourself having to replace the one unit with two later on.

[amazon_link asins=’B01KBMQISO’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’gadgnews-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=”]Just to add more choices, you can even get Bluetooth turntables. These will hook up to Bluetooth-equipped amps or active (powered) speakers wirelessly. Bluetooth, however, is ‘lossy’ and so will lessen the audio quality when compared to other methods. Of course, you may or may not hear the difference.
 
Looking to squirt audio from a smartphone or tablet? Bluetooth would be a handy addition. Already have a CD collection? Do you have loads of audio on Network Attached Storage (NAS)?
 
All these questions will need be answered. However, there are routes you can take in order to allow more flexibility.
 
If you will be keeping it digital, then a music server with an in-built amp such as the Bluesound Powernode or the impressive Naim Uniti Atom will be a neat solution. These literally just require speakers and then you’re on your way to audio heaven.
 
However, if you intend to build a full, traditional system, buying components that will play nicely together should be at the forefront of your mind.
 

Spreading it about

Are you intending to play your shiny system just in one room, or are multi-room skills a priority? Personally, if you are looking for tip-top tune time, there are limited multi-room solutions that will take you in to high-end realms. This is something really worth considering.

Whilst we are chatting about rooms, how much space have you got? Up until recently, I have been living in small 1 or 2 bedroom London flats. This pretty much dictated the size and style of my Hi-Fi.

Room size will have an impact on both amplifier and speaker choices. This is not necccesarily a bad thing though, some speakers that might get lost in large rooms will sound fantastic in smaller spaces. Take the gorgeous Eclipse TD508MK3, for instance.

Pay to play

Money no object? Fill your boots with the biggest and best. Unfortunately, most of us will be tied by what our bank account says.

Budget sensibly, and budget well.

Thankfully, these days, there is a huge range of decent kit at almost every price point. If you are prepared to do a little more homework and not squeamish about buying second or third-hand, you will be able to step up the audio-ladder whilst not busting your budget. My current turntable and speaker stands were auction site bargains, as was my disc player until recently. If going down this route, patience is key. Both the turntable and CD/DVD/Blu-ray player were the results of backing out of numerous bidding wars for months before winning these at the budget I allowed myself.

If you are wanting to build a system of separate components, allow money for interconnects (cables that join each component to each other), as well as speaker cables that will run from your amplifier to the speakers.

If going digital, don’t forget to add in subsciptions to Tidal, Qobuz, and/or other high quality streaming services. Spotify Premium is also a popular choice for many, however the others mentioned stream at better quality.

Five-year itch

Are you planning ahead? Are you likely to want the option to upgrade bits as you save up for the next level? In that case a one-box system might not be for you. Additionally, if money is too slow to add up then separates are a good way of scratching the Hi-Fi itch in stages. Back in the day, I started with a cassette player, amp and speakers. Then, at Christmas and birthdays, asked either for components, or money towards the next bit.

There is great satisfaction to be had by watching your system take shape. Here, I feel that I should also warn you of something. Constantly tweaking and making upgrades can be addictive. One day you’ll be buying a better cartridge for your record player and, before you know it, you’ll be treating the room walls, testing out mains conditioners, and all the rest of it.

So, you have been warned and I have done my due dilliegence.

Shortlist

By now you should have some idea of what you’re looking for.

If you are buying new then it’s time to find a store, or stores, where you can listen to as much of your planned Hi-Fi as possible.

Auditioning is generally a step that most people skip happily past. Granted, being able hear systems in the rare beast that is the Hi-Fi store is handy, this doesn’t mean that it will sound the same at home.

If you are looking to spend a decent amount, some stores will allow you to test components at home. This will give you a better idea.

Sounds funny

This brings me on to the subject of speakers.

These can be awkward things. This also links back to the size of the room your system will be living in, too.

You see, speakers will react differently depending on their position in a room. Not only that, they can sound differently depending on how close they are to each other and to any walls.

If your speakers will be pushed back against a wall, front ported types may be the best way to go here. Most ‘bookshelf’ speakers are designed for cramped spaces (on a bookshelf, obvs), so these might be a good place to start.

The next step

Once you’ve got enough parts together in order to actually play music through your pride-and-joy, it’s worth spending time on getting everything in the right place.

Got a turntable? It’s best not to have it too close to, or directly in front of, your speakers. The needle is transferring vibrations up the tonearm and out in to your amplifer. Your speakers are also creating vibrations. You see what I am getting at?

The easiest upgrade, and most cost effective, is actually taking time with your speaker placement. Ideally, the speakers should be level with your ears and the ‘sweet spot’ will make you the point of an equilateral triangle.

Also, keeping the path from the speakers to you clear of furniture will also benefit the sound.

Further investigation

You could do a lot worse than having a look around one of the Hi-Fi shows if you’re needing inspiration.

Bristol, headroom (portable Hi-Fi and headphones), and Indulgence are great fun and opens the gates to a larger choice. Also, these shows have many experts on hand who might be able to help you in your quest.

Has this been useful?

Please let me know if this has been useful or not by commenting below or on Facebook.

The post How to: Plan your Hi-Fi system appeared first on GadgetyNews.

I was back at Chiswick’s Metropolis Studios after being invited to hear Bang and Olufsen’s new BeoLab 50 speakers. How could I possibly refuse?

It’s bonkers to think that it is almost two years since B&O unleashed their BeoLab 90 speakers. These were built to celebrate the Danish audio cobbler’s 90th birthday.

Their impressive design packing 18 drivers in an oddly architectural case is not something you will soon forget.

The BeoLab 50, announced last month, however, is said to offer much of the BeoLab 90’s technology in a lighter, more compact package.

Furthermore, a package that won’t demand endless attention by screaming “Look at me! Look at me!”

BeoLab 50 at Metropolis

I do like these studios. headroom has made its home here and I’ve been fortunate enough to have been invited to similar listening events as this previously.

After a can or two of B&O’s own beer (infused with music by way of plopping in a Bluetooth speaker for the final fortnight of brewing), it was off to have a listen.

We were gathered in the control room on the ground floor. A pair of BeoLab 50 speakers staring right back at us.

Behind them was a drawn curtain. This prevented us from being distracted if there was something happening in the live room beyond. It also gave the control room a rather awkward half-light.

Beyond the veil

It turned out that the curtains were hiding something or, rather, someone.
[youtube id=”BJxD5-cCVfM”]
Part of this listening experience was to see if we could discern which track was pre-recorded and which was being performed live. Both versions would be played through the BeoLab 50.

I must say that I was really taken by the artiste’s performance, as well as that of the B&O loudspeakers.

The Danish singer, Eivør, was unknown to me before and I was pleasantly surprised to find a CD in the goody bag. I was prepared to buy one anyway as I was that taken by her voice.
[youtube id=”brxMB2RUVQ4″]
I did manage to get Eivør to sign the CD case though I am seriously considering going to her gig at Bush Hall, Shepherds Bush on November 28th.

Now, whether or not this is a helpful demonstration of the speakers is up for debate. Me, I rather enjoyed it as a spectacle. Would I lay down a hefty wadge of cash on the strength of the demo? Probably not.

The speakers did perform really well, to be honest.

BeoLab 50 performance

The BeoLab 50 does look incredibly B&O. Their silver-polished aluminium surfaces and oak lamellae screams their style.

Part of their remarkable performance will be down to their Active Room Compensation technology. This calibrates the speaker’s sound according to the shape and size of the room they’re in.

Actually seeing (and hearing) the Beam Width Control tech (borrowed from the BeoLab 90) in action was interesting.

This allows you to “change the width of the sound”. So, if you’re in by yourself (or feeling selfish) you can have the regular ‘speaker sweetspot’. However, should you have friends around you can then open up the ‘cheeks’ of the directional Acoustic Lens for a 180-degree spread of “room-filling” sound.

Sound quality

For all their technology the speakers still sounded musical and natural. There was a warmth to the overall production too. The stereo imaging and clarity is remarkable.

It was difficult to get a true measure of the soundstage as the control room was full of journalists, engineers and cameramen. What I can say is that the Acoustic Lens really does make a difference to the width of the sound.

Set narrowly there is a definite sweetspot. Open the lens to 180-degrees, this gives a really wide projection. However, I would like to get these in a ‘normal’ room in order to really listen to the instrument placement, etc.

I hope to be getting more ears-on time with these speakers soon. Afterwards, I will update this.

Power station

The BeoLab 50 doesn’t share the BeoLab 90’s 8200-watt horsepower and eighteen drivers. What it does have is three amplifiers that push out a more-than-reasonable 2100 watts.

This is split between an Acoustic Lens with 3-inch tweeter, three 4-inch midrange drivers, a front firing 10-inch bass unit, and either side of the cabinet are a further two 10-inch bass speakers.

Can live with it

Where the 90 might have struggled to fit in – or even just fit – in most rooms, the BeoLab 50 will have much more luck.

At 104cm tall, 46cm wide and tipping the scales at 61kg, they are, according to B&O, a floorstander that “fits in anywhere”. Perhaps they haven’t seen my living-room.

Around the rear of the speakers you’ll find a pair of RCAs for analogue. Taking care of digital audio are the USB and coaxial inputs. These are capable of supporting files up to 24bit/192kHz.

There’s also an optical input for playback up to 24bit/96kHz and, last but not least, wireless connectivity is based on the multi-channel WiSA technology.

Naturally, there’s also an app. The Bang & Olufsen app opens the door to smartphone or tablet control, multiroom functionality. Additionally, the app hands you access to music streaming services like Deezer and TuneIn. Furthermore, it can also be used to wirelessly connect to a BeoVision TV.

Price and availability

The BeoLab 50 is the ‘cheaper’ alternative to the BeoLab 90 at just £22,930.

The post Bang and Olufsen BeoLab 50 review appeared first on GadgetyNews.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your headphones or curious to see what’s available to those with deep pockets headroom@Indulgence is the place to be.

headroom@Indulgence is the UK’s biggest headphone and portable audio tech show. Not only that, it is expanding to include a wider range of international brands this year.

This will not only give you a greater choice but also the chance to compare headphones not available anywhere else.

The world’s leading portable audio tech companies, plus a number of specialist brands rarely seen on UK shores, are choosing to showcase their latest products for 2017 at the event. Last year’s debut was excellent so don’t miss out when it returns to the capital this month: Sep 29th – Oct 1st.

Head-fi in Hammersmith

The Hammersmith-based show will introduce a wide number of exotic global brands to many for the first time. Additionally, you can expect big-name manufacturers, such as Sony, Pioneer and Astell & Kern to be in attendance.

You will benefit from valuable hands-on time and get the chance to try before you buy. This all comes courtesy of London-based show partner audiosanctuary.co.uk.

Rarely seen brands including: ViVa Audio, Kumitate, Acoustune and Japan’s KuruDa ($5,000 KD-P1 pictured at the top), will be making their UK debut. The London event will also host InEar, Earsonics and Angstrom Audio.

Portable Indulgence

With all this and more, the three-day experience is a must-attend event for music-lovers and portable audio fans.

With models ranging from £50 to £9,000, headroom@Indulgence is uniquely positioned to demonstrate that there’s more to music with great headphones.

Price and dates

Thankfully, tickets are much more affordable than the headphones at just £15. This will provide full access to the parallel-running Indulgence Show and its wider audio exhibits.

The season’s latest tech, trends and new products will be discoverable from Friday the 29th of September to Sunday the 1st of October at London’s Novotel London West.

The post headroom@Indulgence – largest UK gathering of portable Hi-Fi appeared first on GadgetyNews.

London’s biggest headphone event of the year is coming! Headroom at Indulgence is back, so save the date.

headroom@Indulgence is the place to discover the season’s hottest headphones, coolest portables and the latest audio tech.

Indulgence had a great debut last year, this year is all set to be bigger and better.

Furthermore, if the headroom show earlier this year is anything to go by, you are in for a head-fi treat!

headroom@Indulgence

The UK’s biggest headphone experience returns to the capital this autumn.

headroom@Indulgence will yet again be showcasing the latest trends in portable audio technology plus the widest range of demonstrable headphones in the UK.

The world’s leading portable audio tech companies will be gathering for the show. You can expect Sony, Pioneer, Astell & Kern, Focal and Chord Electronics, to name but a few.

headroom@Indulgence will reveal 2017’s best new audio tech in time for the festive season.

With the UK’s biggest selection of demonstrable headphones on offer, the three-day experience is a must-attend event for international music-lovers and headphone fans.

From beginners to audiophiles, commuters to gamers, headroom@Indulgence is uniquely positioned to demonstrate that there’s more to music with great headphones.

Date and tickets

Put Friday September 29th to Sunday October 1st in your diary. The venue is London’s Novotel London West, Hammersmith.

Tickets cost just £15 and provide full access to the Indulgence Show and its wider exhibits. Head on over to the website for tickets and more information.

The post Fans of personal audio should head(room) to Indulgence 2017 appeared first on GadgetyNews.

Pioneer has launched the SE-MONITOR 5. Their new closed-back, on-ear headphone makes extensive use of trickle-down technology from its flagship SE-MASTER 1 headphone.

The SE-MONITOR 5 boasts genuine Hi-Res audio performance.

Additionally, they support balanced and unbalanced audio right out the box.

I do believe that I may have had an early ears-on with these back in March. Perhaps.

Pioneer SE-MONITOR 5

Pioneer’s engineers turned to that most traditional of materials – wood – when developing the new headphone’s custom-built 50mm, full-range drive unit.

Wood drivers

Cellulose Nano-Fibre, formed from highly refined organic wood pulp, is used to form a unique driver profile that minimises undesirable resonances.

This, with a crossover-free design, is the key to the design’s wideband 5Hz–85 kHz frequency response.

Furthermore, the SE-MONITOR 5 promises the ability to reproduce a level of ambient detail more commonly associated with open-backed headphones.

Full basket

The patented Double Headphone Chamber arrangement, for instance, comprises a main chamber augmented with ported sub-chambers (to ensure a tight bass). There is also a magnesium alloy ‘Full Basket’ system (using screws, not glue) that’s used to firmly secure the drive unit to the headphone base.

Duralumin

Like the high-end SE-MASTER 1, the lightweight, highly rigid duralumin alloy is utilised. You’ll find it in the hangers used to hold the floating headphone base assembly in place. Here, rubber insulators are fitted at the points of contact to provide further sonic isolation.

Wearable

Comfort is all when it comes to headphones. Pioneer knows this and knew there was only one choice for earpad material.

The same sculpted 3D memory-foam used for the SE-MASTER 1’s earpads is employed here too. You get two sets of easily changeable pads – one covered in a velour cloth, the other in a leather-type material – supplied as standard.

Cables

The SE-MONITOR 5 comes with three sets of detachable audio cables. There’s the 1.6m and 3m leads for conventional unbalanced audio outputs (using 3-pole, 3.5mm connectors).

Additionally, you’ll find a 1.6m version in the bundle. This is specifically for balanced audio (using a four-pole, 2.5mm connector).

All the cables (constructed with OFC Litz wire) are carefully braided to resist electromagnetic interference.

The balanced version offers the potential for enhanced channel-separation, headroom and clarity.

Source-y

Finally, with a sensitivity of 99dB and impedance of 40 ohms, the SE-MONITOR 5 will prove an easy load for the majority of sources.

This ability will make the very most of the sound quality available from the latest high-resolution Digital Audio Players.

Monitor 5 price and availability

The Pioneer SE-MONITOR 5 will be available in June 2017.

The cans will cost £999.99.

The post Pioneer announces SE-MONITOR 5 closed-back cans – High End Munich appeared first on GadgetyNews.

This time last week I was at headroom 2017. The headroom show is *the* place to get your hands and ears-on the latest portable audio kit.

It was time once again to see what the world of head-fi had to offer.

The setting, as always, was the famous Metropolis Studios in Chiswick, West London.

I really love this show for its intimate setting, brilliant range, and friendly staff and stall-holders.

headroom 2017 overview

As I attended The Bristol Show last month, and was fortunate enough to have already tested some of what was on offer at headroom. So I formulated a game-plan.

Well, I am sure that you don’t want keep on reading about the same kit.

headroom 2017 report

My headroom report has now been published on the wonderful Hifi Pig, our partner site focused on snoofling out the very best in Hi-Fi.

What can you expect to see and read about? Well, there were a number of UK and world debuts for a start.

I am confident that I have covered the affordable to the aspirational.

Brands mentioned

• ACS
• Chord Comapny
• Focal
• Goldmund
• HiFiMan
• Jays
• Kef
• Onkyo
• Pioneer
• PMC/AVH
• Prism Audio
• RHA
• Tron

Head on over to Hifi Pig for the words and pictures.

The post headroom 2017 show highlights appeared first on GadgetyNews.

headroom has been fixed in my diary since its inception. London’s leading headphone and portable audio tech show is once again being hosted at the wonderful Metropolis Studios.

Friday 24th and Saturday 25th March will see the capital’s biggest headphone and personal audio event land at Metropolis.

Visitors will be treated to new product launches, the latest audio tech, plus an enormous range of demonstrable headphones.

Metropolis Studios

Metropolis Studios is arguably the most successful independent recording, mastering and production facility in Europe.

It is the recording home of Adele, U2, Michael Jackson and so many more.

Metropolis’ CEO, Ian Brenchley said:

We love hosting headroom here at Metropolis. Not only do we, as members of the music industry, get excited about seeing all the latest innovations unveiled inside the studio, we love inviting audiophiles in from all over the world to see and sample the brilliant range of gear on offer at the show. It’s a rare opportunity for them to get a glimpse inside Metropolis, where an average of 50% of the UK’s Top 40 is serviced, and for enthusiasts to get together in a relaxed environment and share their passion. We’re really looking forward to the show.”

headroom

headroom at Metropolis is quite unlike any other event in the audiosphere.

headroom debuted at Metropolis in 2015 and has become a must-visit event for anyone considering investing in portable audio, or Head-Fi.

It brings the world’s biggest audio brands to an exclusive private setting, which is otherwise closed to the public – and most musicians at my level.

Organised by the UK’s biggest headphone retailer, Audio Sanctuary, the event showcases the latest portable audio trends.

More importantly, you get the chance to hear and compare a huge number of headphones and portable audio devices. These range from affordable commuter designs to the latest high-end models.

The unique two-day event is an extraordinary opportunity to get hands-on with the latest tech, chat to the experts and experience a real-life, top level recording, mastering and production facility.

I really enjoy headroom and have attended every one. You might even spot me in this video!

[youtube id=”OAi_Y4Bb-Is”]

(Top of the stairs at 2:28 – red backback )

Attend headroom 2017

The event runs from Friday 24th to Saturday 25th March at Metropolis’ Chiswick studios.

This is the best place for Head-Fi fans to try and buy with special discounts, promotions and exclusive offers running throughout the event.

Tickets: http://head-room.co.uk/#tickets

Website: www.head-room.co.uk

Call: +44 (0)20 8942 9567

Socials: @UKheadroom #headroomshow

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