The best of audio engineering. Made with expertise straight from Canada, the top-of-the-line Bison Twin Tower goes beyond limits and takes you on an immersive journey through musical worlds. Two powerful woofers work together, giving you rich midrange and booming bass that you won't find in other floor-standing speakers. Each component, from the custom-engineered drivers to the carefully crafted cabinet, shows the dedication and skill behind it. Get ready to get lost in the amazing sound of the Bison Twin Tower.
➡️ Watch our review of the Bison Twin Tower!
Despite its modest size, the Bison Tower delivers powerful sound, blending different sounds seamlessly. Perfectly sized and effortlessly versatile, this floor-standing speaker surprises you with its amazing performance, taking your listening experience to new heights. The Bison Tower will show you the endless possibilities, allowing you to experience the magic of music!
In a world where small speakers usually yield weaker sound, the Bison Monitor redefines the essence of luxury bookshelf speakers. Immerse yourself in its amazing imaging, clear sound, and remarkable bass response, all packed into a stylish, sleek design. Whether you use it with different amplifiers or push it to its limits, the Bison Monitor invites you to explore a world of great sound, where every note comes through crystal clear, with incomparable clarity and depth.
Take your multi-channel audio to the next level with the Bison Center. This center-channel speaker is a testament to Totem's unwavering commitment to excellence. Designed to command attention and captivate the senses, and with clear sound and lifelike dynamics, it delivers articulation, rhythm, and dynamics, breathing life into every scene. Whether it's on a shelf or part of your entertainment system, the Bison Center fills the room with amazing sound, making you feel like you're in the middle of the action.
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The Debut Carbon EVO earned its stripes as an exceptional entry-level turntable that encapsulates quality and meticulous engineering. Its features, sound quality, and affordability made it a top choice for newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Let's delve into what makes this player a standout in the world of vinyl.
Features EnhancementsEnter the Debut PRO, designed to elevate the already fantastic attributes of the Carbon EVO. It's like the Evo turned up to 11, donning a more sophisticated appearance and fine-tuned components.
New Look and BuildIsolation Feet: both platters are integrated with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) ring.
Speed Control: both allow for really good speed accuracy. Both models can easily be switched between 33 and 45 without changing the belt and play 78 by changing it.
Phono Cartridge: Sumiko Rainier
Connectors and Cable: both share the same high-performance connectors and include the Connect-E cable
Platter: the EVO has a heavy 3.75 lbs steel platter whereas the PRO has a 12” die-cast, one-piece aluminum platter. The aluminum allows the install of moving coil cartridges, which doesn’t play well in steel platters.
Tonearm: the PRO has a sturdier carbon fiber/aluminum hybrid tonearm and improved adjustments for azimuth and vertical tracking angle.
Plinth: although they’re both made of the same material, the EVO offers an array of colors including satin (blue, yellow, white, green, and black), high gloss (black, white, and red), and a real wood veneer option, allowing personalization to match any setup, whereas the PRO only comes in a satin-black finish.
Price: priced under $600, EVO strikes a fine balance between value and performance. At $999, the PRO’s price is justified by its upgraded components, but might not be within everyone’s budget.
Recommendations & Final Considerations
The EVO is an amazing table for its cost but for those seeking a higher-end entry-level turntable, the Debut PRO is a recommended choice, representing a fitting pinnacle in the Debut line.
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If you're on the fence or seeking guidance, remember that you can find a wide range of turntables and accessories here at SKY by Gramophone, and personalized customer service, that will ensure you to find the perfect fit for your needs. Reach us out through:
One of the standout features of the Sonos Move 2 is its powerful stereo sound. Unlike its predecessor, the Move 2 boasts an enhanced acoustic architecture that includes two tweeters. This upgrade unlocks a higher-fidelity stereo soundstage, delivering crisp vocals and intricate instrument details. With a precision-tuned woofer, this speaker produces deep, dynamic bass that lets you feel the emotional charge of a live performance.
The Sonos Move 2 stands out as more than just a portable speaker; it's an intelligent audio companion. Equipped with the innovative Trueplay™ tuning technology, this speaker continually fine-tunes its audio output to harmonize with its environment. Whether you're enjoying your music indoors or taking it outdoors, Trueplay™ guarantees an exceptional listening experience every time. Moreover, for added versatility, the Move 2 offers seamless connectivity for external devices like turntables through an auxiliary cable and the Sonos Line-in Adapter.
Say goodbye to constantly charging your portable speaker. The Sonos Move 2 offers more than double the battery life compared to its predecessor. All the acoustic updates work together to maximize efficiency, providing up to an impressive 24 hours of playback on a single charge. When it's time to recharge, simply place the Move 2 on the included Wireless Charging Base, which has been upgraded for a more convenient charging experience.
Rated IP56, the Sonos Move 2 is both dust and water-resistant. It's designed to withstand spills, splashes, rain, dirt, humidity, and even direct sunlight. The addition of shock-absorbent materials ensures durability, even in the event of accidental drops. The Move 2 is not just a powerful speaker; it's also a stylish one. With its elegant shape and a choice of three beautiful colors, it seamlessly blends into any room's decor or stands out as a centerpiece.
The Sonos Move 2 offers multiple connectivity options, including WiFi and Bluetooth, allowing you to stream your favorite audio content effortlessly. Whether you want to enjoy music in the kitchen, or backyard, or on a weekend getaway, the Move 2 can do it all. You can even stereo pair two Move 2 speakers for an immersive experience or integrate it into a whole-home sound system with other Sonos speakers.
Controlling your music is a breeze with intuitive touch controls, enabling you to play, pause, adjust volume, and group your Sonos speakers with a simple tap or swipe. The Sonos app consolidates all your content and settings in one place, offering effortless control from any room. Additionally, you can use voice commands, including "Hey Sonos" and Amazon Alexa, for hands-free control and smart home management.
The Sonos Move 2 integrates seamlessly with popular music apps like Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL, and even Apple devices. You can stream directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and use Siri through the Apple Home app to play Apple Music.
The bottom line is: the new and improved Sonos Move 2 is a versatile, powerful, and stylish portable speaker that takes your music experience to the next level. With its enhanced stereo sound, extended battery life, rugged build, and smart features, it's the perfect companion for music lovers on the move. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your audio experience with the Sonos Move 2. Get yours today at SKY by Gramophone and enjoy premium sound wherever life takes you!
While you’re at it, watch our YouTube review to get an in-depth look at this remarkable speaker!
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A multi-award winning ‘Plug and Play’ design that uses Rega’s handmade RB110 tonearm, with pre-set bias and a factory-fitted Carbon cartridge. With an extremely easy and fast set-up, this turntable delivers unbelievable performance for only $ 595.00.
Key Features
Complementary products - all from Rega - will provide you with a full system
If Planar 1 is already a multi-award winning turntable, the addition of a built-in high-quality MM phono stage makes the Planar 1 PLUS the ultimate ‘Plug and Play’ turntable for $ 725.00.
Watch the full review of the Rega Planar 1 Plus turntable on Gramophone's YouTube Channel!
Key Features
Complementary products - all from Rega - will provide you with a full system
An innovative turntable that was developed over the period of two years, to be that step up from the Planar 1, and extract the maximum amount of information and detail from your vinyl records. The Planar 2 features the RB220 tonearm, a new 24 V, low noise motor, acrylic high gloss laminated plinth, newly designed central bearing and so much more, for $ 775.00.
Watch the full review of the Rega Planar 2 turntable on Gramophone's YouTube Channel!
Key Features
Complementary products - all from Rega - will provide you with a full system
With JBL Pro Sound, for indoors and out, the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go delivers crisp highs, pure mids, and heavy bass - with Bass Boost. The dynamic light display syncs with the music as well as with diverse preset patterns. A JBL wireless microphone is included with a range of up to 10 meters. You can stream via Bluetooth, then get on the mic and tune the bass, treble, and echo to get just the right vocal effect. The dual mic input options let you sing with a friend. On top of it all, it comes with a convenient shoulder strap, as well as a bottle opener attached to the shoulder strap.
Details:
Output power (W): 100
Maximum music playing time (hrs): 6
Rechargeable battery: Yes
Splashproof: Yes
IPX Rating: IPX4
Bluetooth Version: 4.2
Mic and Guitar inputs: karaoke function and built-in microphone
Compatible with PartyBox App: No
Air Gesture Wristband using BLE technology: No
Weight (lbs): 16.5
Dimensions (in): 23.62 x 14.45x 12.36
Truly the ultimate adaptability for music! The PartyBox Encore Essential delivers amazing JBL Original Pro Sound with deep bass. A dynamic light show delivers a fun ring light and a cool strobe effect that syncs to the beat of your music. Stream wirelessly via Bluetooth, connect a USB, or plug in with an aux cable. You can also pair two speakers wirelessly with True Wireless Stereo (TWS) technology for an even bigger, bolder sound.
Details:
Output power (W): 100
Maximum music playing time (hrs): 6
Rechargeable battery: Yes
Splashproof: Yes
IPX Rating: IPX4
Bluetooth Version: 5.1
Mic and Guitar inputs: Wired mic input
Compatible with PartyBox App: Yes
Air Gesture Wristband using BLE technology: No
Weight (lbs): 13
Dimensions (in): 10.87 x 12.87 x 11.54
A complete and immersive audiovisual experience. With two levels of deep, adjustable bass and powerful JBL Original Pro Sound, the PartyBox 110 is a great companion for either indoors or outdoors. A dynamic light show synchs to the beat while customizable strobes and patterns astonish everyone around. Stream wirelessly via Bluetooth, connect a USB, or plug in with an aux cable. You can also pair two speakers with a cable or wirelessly with True Wireless Stereo (TWS) technology for an even bigger, bolder sound.
Details:
Output power (W): 160
Maximum music playing time (hrs): 12
Rechargeable battery: Yes
Splashproof: Yes
IPX Rating: IPX4
Bluetooth Version: 5.1
Mic and Guitar inputs: Mic and guitar inputs
Compatible with PartyBox App: Yes
Air Gesture Wristband using BLE technology: No
Weight (lbs): 23
Dimensions (in): 11.6 x 22.4 x 11. 8
With big JBL Pro Sound, turn up the bass at any time, while enjoying the dynamic light show that dances to the beat. With subtle pulsing and powerful strobing effects, there's a setting for every occasion with the PartyBox 310. Take advantage of the handle and built-in smooth-glide wheels, to take the party with you wherever needed. Connect compatible speakers wirelessly via True Wireless Stereo (TWS using Bluetooth connection up to 2 party speakers) or wired via one Aux output to another. It also includes fun party sound effects and a control panel with convenient built-in backlighting that activates in the dark.
Details:
Output power (W): 240
Maximum music playing time (hrs): 18
Rechargeable battery: Yes
Splashproof: Yes
IPX Rating: IPX4
Bluetooth Version: 5.1
Mic and Guitar inputs: Built-in karaoke mode
Compatible with PartyBox App: Yes
Air Gesture Wristband using BLE technology: No
Weight (lbs): 38.4
Dimensions (in): 27 x 12.8 x 14.5
High-performance JBL Original Pro Sound, with dual 2.75" tweeters and 8" woofers paired with its tuned bass reflex port, the PartyBox 710 delivers detailed audio perfection for music so loud you can literally feel the beat. Through user-friendly top panel dials or the PartyBox app, you can easily control and sync your music with dynamic, customizable strobes, a unique starry night effect, and next-level flashing club patterns. Pair two speakers with a cable or wirelessly with True Wireless Stereo (TWS) technology for an even bigger, bolder sound. Take advantage of big, robust, smooth-running wheels and an easy-grip handle for convenient portability.
Details:
Output power (W): 800
Maximum music playing time (hrs): Plug-in required
Rechargeable battery: No
Splashproof: Yes
IPX Rating: IPX4
Bluetooth Version: 5.1
Mic and Guitar inputs: Mic and guitar inputs
Compatible with PartyBox App: Yes
Air Gesture Wristband using BLE technology: No
Weight (lbs): 61.3
Dimensions (in): 15.70 x 35.60 x 17.20
With a full-panel lighting effect, the PartyBox 1000 is capable of creating a stunning light show to astound your crowd with a lasting visual experience. The DJ Pad allows you to play drums, keyboard, and piano, as well as record and loop as you go. Using a USB, you can pre-program it with your favorite playlist. Connect compatible speakers wirelessly via TWS (True Wireless Stereo using Bluetooth connection up to 2 party speakers) or wired via one RCA output to another. Take advantage of a USB port on the JBL PartyBox that lets you charge other USB devices right from the speaker.
Details:
Output power (W): 1100
Maximum music playing time (hrs): Plug-in required
Rechargeable battery: No
Splashproof: No
IPX Rating: -
Bluetooth Version: 4.2
Mic and Guitar inputs: Mic and guitar inputs
Compatible with PartyBox App: No
Air Gesture Wristband using BLE technology: Yes
Weight (lbs): 76.5
Dimensions (in): 15.6 x 15.3 x 43.3
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Before we start, let us specify a few things in order for this read to be easier and flow more smoothly:
As you go up the range (RED ▶️ BLUE ▶️ BRONZE ▶️ BLACK), you get a stylus and engine combination that is getting you closer to the very music of the vinyl itself. The engine is the moving magnet assembly deep inside the cartridge and the 2M series has 2 different engine designs in the moving magnet:
Coil material: Copper
Coil material: Silver-Plated Copper
The RED and BLUE have the same engine, but different stylus. The BRONZE and BLACK have different engines compared to the RED and BLUE, but still the same as each other, and different stylus.
▶️Engine: Split Pole Pins with a Copper Wire.
▶️Stylus: Tipped Elliptical Diamond
The first of the range, the entry-level on the 2M series, it’s an all-purpose cartridge that delivers open, dynamic sound. It provides great detail in the price range and pairs perfectly with entry-level turntables, such as the Technics 1500C. In a nutshell, the 2M RED is very surprising for its price and is able to take most records and give you back an enjoyable experience regardless of what you’re playing.
▶️Engine: Split Pole Pins with a Copper Wire.
▶️Stylus: Nude Elliptical Diamond - instead of having an extra point of metal between the rest of the cantilever and the very tip, it binds the diamond tip right to the primary body of the cantilever, meaning that it’s one less thing in the way.
The 2M BLUE has a lot in common with the 2M RED, sharing the same body and engine. The main difference, however, is that the blue leads to a different sound character, adding more dynamics and resolution, and sounding more open. It gets a little bit closer to the groove of your actual record, making it a little more transparent. What’s even better: it has an increased sense of dynamics with higher highs, lower lows, a range of punch, and a touch more clarity in the mid-range. It is a little bit heavier, sturdier, a little bit of a better tonearm, and so is designed to go on a table that’s going to be a little bit of a better host for it. Overall, compared to the previous cartridge in the series, the BLUE offers a better range of dynamics.
The 2M BRONZE can be considered the first of the second order of the 2M family and adds even more resolution in an even-handed way.
▶️Engine: Split Pole Pins with a Silver-Plated Copper Wire.
▶️Stylus: Nude Fine Line Diamond - even more “to the point”, and more accurate.
A cartridge that is suitable for most tonearms, with its dimensions meeting industry standards. The bronze’s level of resolution, transparency, and ability to pick out certain details in the music, can’t be achieved with the red and the blue. It can be considered to offer the best value of the whole range in terms of “getting what you’re paying for”. Overall, compared to the previous cartridge in the series, the BRONZE offers a better bass, treble, dynamic, separation, and sense of image.
The 2M BLACK is the flagship of the 2M range, the best of them all, and is true to the groove. It all begins with its presentation, which already separates from the rest of the series, as it comes hanging in a container as if it was hanging from a tonearm.
▶️Engine: Split Pole Pins with a Silver-Plated Copper Wire.
▶️Stylus: Nude Shibata Diamond - an asymmetric shape that is more ground down on one side than the other, maximizing contact with the groove.
The reality is that the 2M BLACK defeats many moving coil cartridges out there, while also being the most transparent, the most resolving member of the entire moving magnet range. It delivers massive transparency and point-for-point reproduction of everything in the record. It truly sounds excellent. It is capable of taking any record and showing you everything that is there - including the flaws.
The 2M moving magnet cartridges series has been engineered to the highest standards, and you can learn more about them by watching our reviews of each of them on our YouTube Channel by clicking HERE!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions, as we are happy to assist you in any way possible! Contact us through the chat right here at the bottom-right of the page or call us at 1.844.GRAMOPHONE!
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WHY is cabling important? Noise and interference are all around us, coming from elements that are part of our everyday lives. Wi-Fi Routers, Bluetooth devices, alarm systems, generators, and more. SUPER IMPORTANT! The environments that our components are used in today are very different from the environments our systems were working 20 years ago! These circumstances demand we use better cabling for our systems to get the best performance. And don’t forget! Inside all of our components are circuitry, circuit boards, circuit paths, and layout of circuit boards, all of which are susceptible to creating noise as well!
There is a difference between DISTORTION (which can happen within a cable based on the design and the materials used) and NOISE & INTERFERENCE (external). Using high-quality cabling helps keep these intruders out of your system’s signal path. Build quality matters, not just for performance but for long-term reliability - better design and materials minimize distortion!
Design attributes and WHAT to look for in quality cables:
Conductors: really important! They’re all the individual signal paths inside the jacketing of a cable. Sometimes there are only one or two, but there can be as many as 19 (such as the HDMI that we all have!)!
High-Quality Metals: conductors should be manufactured from high-quality metals and solid conductors perform better than twisted strands. A smooth path for your signal helps minimize distortion.
Cable Directionality: let your audio video signals travel unimpeded by the grain structure of the drawn-down metals that are used to make conductors.
Shielding and Insulation: extra credit if the cable has some attributes that help deal with noise dissipation.
Build Quality Matters: trust a specialist! A company that’s been around for a long time and whose sole business is the design and manufacturing of high-quality cabling.
Having a system deliver the optimum performance it can, is the end game here, so we hope to have clarified the subject, and remember: it’s never late to upgrade your system’s cabling, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. Contact us through the chat right here at the bottom-right of the page!
]]>Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 and the special Px8 Bond Edition
Bowers & Wilkins went all in this year in the premium wireless headphones department! With the mantra “hear what your music really sounds like”, the newly released Px7 S2 combines exceptional high-resolution audio and advanced active noise cancellation to immerse you in the true sound of every performance.
Watch a full review of the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2!
The Px8 Bond Edition delivers the high-performance wireless sound synonymous with Bowers & Wilkins’ flagship headphones - the Px8 - and unites two icons of British style and performance. In celebration of the 60th Anniversary of 007, this is an elegant and timeless piece, as the world-famous secret agent himself! The finish in Midnight Blue Nappa leather is a celebration of the dinner jacket worn by James Bond in his first on-screen appearance, in 1962’s Dr. No. How cool is that? A true collectors’ edition that allows you to experience music exactly as the artist intended!
Watch a full review of the new Bowers & Wilkins Px8!
Focal Utopia 2022 and the new Focal Bathys
Focal is yet another brand that explored and expanded its headphones department. We already know and love Utopia, the brand’s flagship product which ranks amongst the best headphones in the world. And in 2022, they introduced the new Utopia 2022, which comes with some exclusive new high-end technologies, and brings sensational listening experiences, with even more sophistication and elegance.
Watch a full review of Focal Utopia 2022!
The newly released Focal Bathys is the first wireless ANC headphones by Focal, with pure Hi-Fi sound, and is being considered by many as the best Focal headphones yet! Its Bluetooth® and Active Noise Cancellation technologies offer total freedom of movement and an immersive listening experience with zero disturbance from background noise. Providing up to 30 hours of battery life, made with fine materials and an array of features, the Bathys headphones enhance your everyday and your travels!
Watch a full review of the new Focal Bathys!
Sony’s new WH-1000XM5 wireless noise-canceling headphone is an evolution of the already amazing WH-1000XM4, and its motto is “Your world. Nothing else.” They rewrite the rules for distraction-free listening, with 2 processors control and 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation and exceptional call quality. They’re lightweight and ultra-comfortable, delivering magnificent sound!
Watch a full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5!
A favorite from all audio professionals around the world due to its accuracy, the new Audeze MM-500 is built to deliver studio-quality sound wherever you work. Created in collaboration with 11-time Grammy-winner Manny Marroquin, they offer quality and comfort that will last. Like near-field monitors, they remove your room from the equation and give you studio-quality sound anywhere! Crafted in Southern California, the MM-500 features extra-plush premium leather earpads, an adjustable spring steel headband, and a machined aluminum structure, feeling substantial yet lightweight.
Watch a full review of the Audeze MM-500!
STEALTH is a closed-back headphone by Dan Clark Audio, that delivers great isolation. Featuring an all-new 4th generation planar magnetic driver combined with the brand’s proprietary Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS), Stealth creates a huge, wide-open soundstage, delivering a stunningly smooth presentation. Lightweight, it also features a self-adjusting headband, making it extremely comfortable!
Watch a full review of the Dan Clark STEALTH!
The top-of-the-mountain headphones by HIFIMAN, are made for audiophiles and music lovers! A stable and well-built piece, it features stealth magnetic technology that, unlike the sound waves created by a conventional magnet, the special shape of stealth magnet of it enables the waves to pass through the magnet without generating interference. It is truly the top-of-the-class when it comes to headphones and it needs lots of power, hence the need for a headphone amp.
Watch a full review of the HIFIMAN Susvara!
Regardless of your favorite brands, or your needs, these are sure to fill the gap with style, comfort, and more importantly, high-fidelity audio quality! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about any of them, or about headphones in general. Contact us through the chat right here at the bottom-right of the page!
]]>That’s why we are here, to give you more in-depth information and the pros and cons of both open and closed-back headphones, so you can make an intelligent decision and don’t regret spending your money on a product that won’t satisfy your needs. So without further ado, let’s dive into the definitions and specifications of each of them!
OPEN-BACK
What does it mean:
These headphones contain sound-generating drivers that are literally open to the outside world, hence, allowing some outside noise to mix with the headphones’ output. Because of it, they won’t block outside noise that well, so you can still hear everything that’s happening around you. Furthermore, they can also leak the sound out - depending on the volume you’re listening to - and isolation isn’t one of its features. The reason why many high-end headphones are open-back is that they deliver a more natural sound, similar to that of listening to a pair of speakers. Keep in mind that these headphones need close care since their electronic parts are more susceptible to moisture and heat.
In which situations are these the best headphone options?
If you are someone that thinks of music as a listening experience rather than just music itself. If you’re into the intricacies of the sound, and the feelings you’re getting from it, then open-back headphones are the right ones for you. If you will be listening to higher-quality audio files, they’re also the better option, as well as for mixing for a long period of time, when you have space to breathe and will feel less pressure put on your ears. And since we mentioned the fact that it can leak sound to the exterior world, these are definitely more recommended for an at-home listening experience.
Check our great selection of open-back headphones
CLOSED-BACK
What does it mean:
These headphones are made for one thing and one thing only: to isolate you from the outside world, and from most external ambient noise, as much as possible. Since they’re fully sealed around the back, they usually have bigger ear cups and can be a bit heavier. These are usually the go-to options for those working with music production because they allow for more critical listening. And because of all the features mentioned above, closed-back headphones won’t give you the same live music effect, rather isolating you with your music, which can be a big plus!
In which situations are these the best headphone options?
As already mentioned, if you work with music production or recording, these are great options, because they allow you to listen to yourself without extra noise being picked up. If you’re someone who doesn’t want to be bothered by outside noise when commuting or being in crowded spaces, closed-back headphones are definitely a better option so you don’t get distracted from your listening experience.
Check our great selection of closed-back headphones
So after reading and understanding more about both categories, define the two major points: where you’ll be using your new headphones (home, recording studio, crowded spaces), and how you like to experience music (live concert style or completely isolated from the ambient you are in). Once you tackle those two questions, you’ll be able to make an educated decision for a smart investment! Send us a picture of you with your new pair of headphones and let us know how amazing the music is sounding to you!
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact us through the chat right here at the bottom-right of the page!
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So at this point, you already know that you either need or want a headphone amp to improve the performance of your headphones. You might find yourself in the state of shopping for the right one for you, for your needs and expectations. You’re browsing here at SKY by Gramophone, and let’s be honest, there are various types and price points of headphone amps to choose from. So which one is the one for you? The first thing you need to ask yourself is: what type of audio source will you be plugging into the headphone amp? Just analog? Straight from your computer? Maybe you need multiple audio inputs? These are crucial, and you need to define them before you move to the shopping stage!
If you answered only ANALOG, here’s what you need to know:
These usually have just one or two analog inputs. They have volume control and a headphone jack as well, of course, and are usually small in size. A few of them may have a phono input for a turntable, which can be excellent to listen to your records straight from your headphones. If you fall in the category of needing a headphone amp because your HiFi audio components don’t have a headphone jack, these are great choices to solve this problem. Great options are the Hugo 2 and MoJo 2, by Chord Electronics.
If you are plugging straight from your COMPUTER, here’s what you need to know:
The quality of the built-in components that are in the most common audio devices - computers, laptops, and smartphones - can lack quality since it’s not the manufacturer’s priority. In fact, some of them can deliver a really bad sound quality. And here’s a simple solution for this: headphone amps that connect to your computer through a USB connection, like the AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt or the IFI Mini DAC/Headphone Amplifier. They usually also have DAC that will work immensely better than the built-in one. These are also great options for on-the-go since you can connect them to your smartphone with the proper adapter cable.
If you need MULTIPLE audio INPUTS, here’s what you need to know:
This is the most common type of headphone amp! You can expect to find a USB input for computers, and analog and digital audio as well. They will also likely have inputs with the ability to drive a power amplifier or speakers. Are you thinking what we are thinking? YES! These have the ability to improve your headphone’s performance and also to connect everything so you can create a smaller audio system that can sound really, really good! These can also be powered by batteries or can even be portable, so they’re perfect for both home and on the go. The Naim Unity Atom is a great option in this category.
Well, now that you know everything there is to know about headphone amps, such as the uses for it and the right type for your needs, it’s time to shop for one and have your listening experience enhanced in a manner you never thought possible! Here’s a quick link to the SKY by Gramophone page dedicated to Headphone Amplifiers!
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact us through the chat right here at the bottom-right of the page!
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So what is a headphone amp? In general lines, it’s a low-powered amplifier that raises the low-voltage audio signal from a source device - such as a turntable, smartphone, or PC - to a sufficient level in order to drive the miniature speakers inside headphones. The bottom line is that they can greatly improve the performance and sound of your headphones.
Truth be told, most digital devices already have a DAC (digital to analog converter) and headphone amp built right in, hence our ability to just plug any headphone and immediately hear the sound, right? And now you might be asking yourself: why would I need a headphone amp, or do I actually need one? The simple and straightforward answer is YES, especially if you appreciate great sound. To put it bluntly, if you don’t own a high-quality pair of headphones, then headphone amps are not for you. But as you get more into higher-quality headphones, so does the need and benefit of using a headphone amp.
A headphone amp might also be necessary when you have high-impedance headphones. These are headphones with the potential to sound much better than the average, and so they require more power to drive them. In this case, a headphone amp is almost required if you want the headphone to perform at desired volume and function properly. As a rule of thumb, if your headphones have an impedance of 50 ohms or higher, a headphone amplifier is probably something you should indeed consider.
Another thing to keep in mind is that headphone amps can also be the solution when your HiFi audio components don’t include a headphone jack and if you want to enjoy your music using your headphones in a different room than where your audio system is set.
Now that you know a great deal about headphone amps, you need to decide, not only if you need/want one, but also what kind might be best for your needs and wants. Click HERE to get more in-depth information on the types of headphone amps available!
If it’s time to shop for one and have your listening experience enhanced in a manner you never thought possible, here is a quick link to the SKY by Gramophone page dedicated to Headphone Amplifiers!
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact us through the chat right here at the bottom-right of the page!
]]>Using home theater furniture is a great way to safely store your electronics while keeping them out of sight and preserving the aesthetic of your living space. When buying your furniture, many factors come into play, but one factor in particular is often overlooked: keeping your electronics cool and preventing them from overheating.
When electronics overheat, all kinds of problems can occur. You can have issues with your internal chips, and the pixels on your screens can lose their vibrance—it’s even possible for fires to start. Although your electronics won’t stay new forever, keeping their temperatures down will help them stay in good condition and should extend their life spans.
Keep your electronics cool with open, well-ventilated consoles like the Cavo by BDI.
Because there are so many options, it can become overwhelming deciding which products are best for you. To make it easier, we’ve created a short guide to what you should do—and should not do—when storing your electronics.
DO
Ventilate
When your components are in an enclosed area, heat can quickly accumulate and start to cause problems. One of the best ways to keep your electronics cool is to select furniture with a built-in ventilation feature, such as slatted door panels, which will ensure that hot air doesn’t recirculate in your system’s hardware. Each component—be it a TV, speaker, or printer—should be given about 2-3 inches of space between itself and other objects, while the vents around each item should be clear of obstructions. Fans and cooling devices are also great options for areas where ventilation is not available.
The Archetype Series by Salamander Designs keeps electronics cool and still looking classy.
Power Off
Some things need to stay on all the time—like your air conditioning or refrigerator, for example— but this isn’t true with your electronics. Turn your components off when they are not in use to help them, and the furniture around or surrounding them, stay cool. If a component does overheat, it should be immediately shut down and disconnected from its power source until it is completely cool to the touch.
Keep Clean
It is very easy for dirt and dust to find its way into your electronics, often getting stuck in internal fans and other integral parts of your system. Regular cleaning can keep your components working smoothly and help prevent overheating. A quick blast of compressed air and a good dusting will keep your electronics running at their best.
DON’T
Stack Your Components
Not all components put off a lot of heat, but more powerful electronics like a DVR or an AV Receiver can generate more heat than you would think. These electronics produce enough heat on their own, and the added heat the comes from stacking can only harm them. Utilizing shelving will keep your components spread out and cool and will make sure that the vents on all of your electronics have access to open airflow.
Semblance by BDI provides lots of shelving space to keep your TV area organized and uncluttered.
Keep Electronics in the Sun
While this may seem obvious, it is often ignored or not thought of. Placing your computers, televisions, and other devices in direct sunlight can be very harmful for your electronics. Be sure to move these components to a shadier area—it is a simple way to keep them cool and will keep them working better for longer.
Use them 24/7
Take some time to look up from your computer or phone and enjoy the people around you! You don’t need to constantly be plugged in, and your electronics will benefit from the break. Spend some time outside or get together with your friends. Technology is great, but human relationships deserve attention too!
]]>There are many different wireless audio systems available, using both open and proprietary standards. The two most common standards today are Bluetooth and AirPlay.
Bluetooth is universal and comes with almost every phone, tablet, and computer currently made. AirPlay is a proprietary Apple format that works over Wi-Fi with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. There are important differences between the two.
Bluetooth is a near-field standard, which limits communication between a mobile device and the speakers to no more than 30 feet apart (the ideal distance is 15 feet or less). Consequently, if you leave the room with your smartphone, the music will start to skip or drop out completely. While Bluetooth works well if you are going to be in the same room as your music source, it’s not a good choice if you want a multi-room audio setup.
Moreover, Bluetooth is a lossy streaming format, much like MP3, which can impact the quality of the music. If you are listening to streaming audio, you may not pick up on the fact that it’s lossy, but you cannot enjoy full CD-quality audio by using Bluetooth.
Bluetooth also can only connect to a single output speaker at a time. There are stereo Bluetooth speakers. The options are either a single box with both channels built-in, like a soundbar, which provides inadequate stereo separation, or a pair of stereo Bluetooth speakers that must be connected with a cable, which makes the solution no longer completely wireless.
AirPlay is a proprietary standard from Apple that sends music over Wi-Fi. It can send full CD-quality audio up to 16-bits and 48kHz without any compression. However, because AirPlay uses Wi-Fi, its range is determined by your home’s existing Wi-Fi network. If your network is finicky your wireless speakers will be, also. You can stream music to several AirPlay speakers at once from a single device, but only if it’s running iTunes for Windows. AirPlay doesn’t currently support streaming from an Android phone or tablet.
Music quality is back in a big way. Gone are the days of audiophiles being the only people who could truly appreciate music the way it was intended to sound from the engineers and artists. Today, thanks to advancements in technology, everyone has the potential to be a “digital audiophile.” So what specifically does a music enthusiast need in terms of hardware to get from being a casual listener to an audiophile listener who can recognize and enjoy the subtle nuances of music in their collection?
Many people know that uncompressed digital audio is of better quality than compressed digital audio, and now more than ever there are places to find the content in true studio master quality. The next step is finding a place to store this content and figuring out how to play it back so that none of the quality is lost. The answer: Invest in a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) device and a DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter).
A DAC is a must for anyone who truly appreciates content delivered as it was intended to be heard. Utilizing a DAC may be very different than the audio setup you are already familiar with. A DAC is not really an audio source, nor is it an output device or a pre-processor. A DAC converts digital content to an analog format for playback on a home stereo system. The quality of the conversion process differs by the quality of the DAC. While some newer audio/video receivers like Sony’s ES line and Yamaha’s Aventage line boast high-quality internal DACs, this is not the case for most other products with built-in DACs.
Here’s what happens when you use a lower quality DAC: Audio recorded on a CD is 16-bit, 44.1kHz, which is one of the common specs found in most products with an internal DAC. This would be the required quality to play back a digital copy of a CD without any degradation. However, this quality is still not on par with the audio as it was originally engineered and mastered. To get to this level, you would need a DAC capable of converting 24-bit, 192kHz audio to an analog format. A higher quality DAC takes the zeros and ones of an uncompressed audio file like a FLAC and converts it into an electrical format that can be received unaltered.
Bottom line: Make sure that the standalone DAC, DAC/amplifier combo, or A/V receiver with a built-in DAC is able to handle 24-bit, 92kHz audio files. Keep in mind that if you already own a great amplifier and a digital audio player, and can already play back audio files that are FLAC, ALAC, and the common lossless WAV, you can get a standalone DAC that will take that great content and hand it off to your amp.
Now that you understand how to boost the fidelity of your music, you’ll want to store all of that great content somewhere. Consider putting your music on a NAS device. This $500-ish hard drive typically comes with 2 to 4 terabytes of storage space (4 TB is usually enough for music storage, but you can always add more space for about $100 per TB) and attaches to your home’s wireless or wired network. Sure, many people use their PCs and smartphones to hold music, but hi-res audio can eat up a lot of space on these devices and requires that you turn them on every time you want to listen to music, unlike a NAS device.
A NAS device is also less prone to viruses, damage, and corruption; plus content stored on it is easy to access and maintain. Almost all NAS devices can be configured by following a menu-based setup procedure available on disc or the manufacturer’s website. After the setup is complete, you can access music on the NAS device from any PC or mobile device on your network, and stream the content (via wire or wirelessly) for playback on any high-res audio component you want–preferably one that can handle high-res music formats.
Keep in mind that you can use a NAS device to store more than just music. Photos, videos, movies, and backup computer files can be put on a NAS device for safekeeping. To handle a variety of multimedia and support streaming to more than one audio component, opt for NAS device with at least 4 GB of RAM.
On your journey to musical nirvana, be sure to put a DAC and NAS device on your shopping list. They will not only improve the way you hear your musical content but also simplify the setup and maintenance of great-quality audio.
With more than a decade of experience in home systems installation and product development, Joe Whitaker currently is principal of the integration firm The Thoughtful Home in St. Louis, Mo. He was elected to the CEDIA board of directors in 2013 and is a frequent contributor to CE Pro magazine. You can contact him at Joe@thethoughtfulhome.com
]]>"This ain’t so simple. At first glance 16-bit should be more than enough. There are 65,536 gradations of volume (just like gradations of color across the spectrum) possible with 16-bit audio. That’s a whole lot. 16-bit audio (what we currently have) is reported to have a dynamic range of 96 decibels. Once again, that’s a lot. Who can possibly hear that many gradations? No one.
But there’s a dirty little secret to those numbers. 32,500 of the 65,000 gradations are used on the loudest 6 decibels of the 96 decibels of dynamic range. 16,000 are used on the NEXT 6 decibels of range. In other words 75% of the gradations are devoted to the loudest 12% of the range. The other 88% of the range gets 25% of the bits devoted to it. That’s where the problem comes in.
A 24-bit solution increases the number of gradations by over 500 times! That’s especially important in quieter passages. It’s where the difference between a Stradivarius violin and a student violin are found. It’s where the difference between a Stratocaster and a Telecaster are. Now maybe you don’t care, but some of us do.
Sure, 24 bits will take more storage space than 16 bits. Storage space is a commodity that is ALWAYS coming down in price, so who cares? Should the studios charge more for 24 bit? Probably not, especially if they’re already recording in 24 bit.
When Edison demonstrated the gramophone, he did a live versus recorded test to show that no one could tell the difference between his recorded wax cylinders and a live orchestra. Reportedly no one could tell the difference. Do that today and you would be laughed out of the room.
Video for years was 480i. Then we got 480p and it mattered. Then we got 720p and it mattered. Now we have 1080p and it matters. Soon we’ll have 2160p and having seen it, it matters!
As Bob Dylan wrote years ago, “Then you better start swimmin’ or you’ll sink like a stone, For the times they are a-changin’ ”
Recordings, audio and video, are a permanent record, an historical document. Should we throw out some of the document to save space on digital storage, or should we treasure all of it and make sure we preserve it at its very best?"
]]>Music lovers looking for the ultimate headphone listening experience have more options today than ever. Many high-end audio aficionados prefer the sound of open-backed headphones above all others. What makes open-back so special? How do you know if they’re right for you? Here are a few pointers to get you acquainted.
First, a word on what open-back means: open-backed headphones have exterior shells that are not made of solid material in the way that most headphones are commonly designed. Whether it’s mesh or fabric, open-back headphones allow air into (and some sound out of) the space between the drivers and the outside air. While this does mean that one needs to enjoy open-backed headphones in a quieter listening space, it also adds a unique sound quality. By allowing some of the air in and the sound waves out, open-back headphones often have a more “authentic,” airier, or “bigger” sound.
By enabling the sound waveforms to complete in the exterior air and not slam against the wall of the ear cup and reflect back into the headphone enclosure, open back designs avoid the frequency cancellations and other distortions that closed back designs can be prone. Fans of open-backed headphones describe the experience as granting the music “space to breathe.” This can be heard on any recording but especially well in live club recordings, concert hall, and theatrical performances, where a listener can be transported to the center of the event.
For many, this is the sweet spot where one can have the large, high-end detailed and three-dimensional sound of a fine speaker system without the room-swallowing footprint or the commitment to listen in just one place. It also is a fantastic solution for those who like their music loud but share a wall with a volume sensitive neighbor. Experience your music like never before with open back headphones.
I hate cords, cables, and wires. Wires and cables collect dust, trip you, are never long enough (or are way too long), and in general make living with electronics a tangled mess. If you’ve ever had headphones wrenched from your ears when the cord got snagged on something, you’ll understand why I have a particularly intense loathing of headphone cords. Fortunately wireless pioneers such as Tesla and Marconi sought to cut our electronic chains. For well over a hundred years, others have amplified their efforts, to the point where new wireless technologies are developed with such frequency that it is tough to keep track of them all. Life without wires doesn’t have to be an endless cycle of confusion, though. In this series, we’ll peek at one wireless technology at a time so you can wave your wire troubles goodbye.
According to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), “Bluetooth technology is the global wireless standard enabling, convenient, secure connectivity for an expanding range of devices… Created by Ericsson in 1994, Bluetooth wireless technology was originally conceived as a wireless alternative to RS-232 data cables. Bluetooth technology exchanges data over short distances using radio transmissions. Bluetooth technology operates in the unlicensed industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band at 2.4 to 2.485 GHz, using a spread spectrum, frequency hopping, full-duplex signal at a nominal rate of 1600 hops/sec. The 2.4 GHz ISM band is available and unlicensed in most countries.” (Aren’t you glad you asked?)
Unless you’re planning on developing products that incorporate Bluetooth technology, there’s not much in the above technical description that you need to remember. You just need to be aware of two main facts about Bluetooth.
To begin with: “Bluetooth technology exchanges data over short distances using radio transmissions.” In other words, Bluetooth is primarily about enabling electronic devices to communicate - as long as they’re located relatively close together. Most commonly, that means they need to be within 10 meters (33 feet) of one another. The hitch here, however, is that we’re talking about line-of-sight distance. The range of typical Class 2 Bluetooth device inside your home or office will almost always be less than 10 meters due to walls and other obstructions. Of course, just to confuse things, there are also wimpy Class 3 devices with about 1 meter (3 feet) of range and over-achieving, primarily industrial Class 1 devices that spec out with ranges as far as 100 meters. If you currently have a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, wireless headset, or other such consumer electronics gadget, it’s most likely a Class 2 device.
The other thing to bear in mind is that Bluetooth technology uses radio transmissions and “operates in the unlicensed industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band at 2.4 to 2.485 GHz…” Calling it an “unlicensed” band doesn’t imply that Bluetooth operates in a Wild, Wild West of the electromagnetic spectrum; on the other hand, it does mean that Bluetooth uses a frequency range that lots of other electronic gear - handy things, such as some types of cordless phones and routers with Wi-Fi - are designed to use, too. Even though microwave ovens don’t include radio transmitters, they often flood the 2.4 GHz band with waves of static. To get around all this interference, Bluetooth uses a sophisticated technology called adaptive frequency hopping (AFH). But hopping, skipping, and jumping across frequencies can’t perform miracles. The result is that excessive amounts of interference can limit your Bluetooth device’s effective range.
Bluetooth is rapidly becoming ubiquitous in personal and portable electronics, such as powered portable speakers, smartphones, hands-free headsets, and wireless headphones. Since so many people use smartphones and tablets to listen to music, more and more home audio devices - including AV receivers, portable speakers, desktop audio systems, and soundbars - come with Bluetooth built-in. A number of companies now make standalone Bluetooth receivers with stereo audio outputs, which means they can be used with older analog audio components; and a few Bluetooth receivers also include better-sounding digital audio outputs.
While using Bluetooth to send music from your smartphone to a separate audio device is incredibly convenient, there are a couple of potential downsides to using a Bluetooth connection for musical entertainment. The first is the limited range of most Bluetooth devices. If you and a couple of friends are sitting in the living room listening to music coming from your smartphone paired with, let’s say, a soundbar, you’ll have a great time until you get up to go to the bathroom. If your phone happens to be in your pocket when you walk out of the room, it won’t be long before the music begins to breakup and, eventually, quit playing altogether as the devices become too far away from one another - or have too many obstructions between them - for the Bluetooth connection to be maintained.
The fact that so many devices use Bluetooth technology for audio purposes is rather amazing considering the fact that when Bluetooth was first developed back in 1994, it was intended to be a wireless replacement for computer data cables. Multiple enhancements to the format’s features and specifications over the past 20 years have allowed Bluetooth to be used for a wide variety of applications that I’m sure its developers never dreamed would be the case. Those changes have led to a bewildering alphabet soup of Bluetooth “profiles”, such as Health Device Profile (HDP), Human Interface Device Profile (HID), Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP), and Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), as well as a jam-packed warehouse of others. Don’t despair, though. In terms of multimedia audio - in other words, music - there are only a couple that you’ll want to be aware of.
AVRCP gives a Bluetooth device - a pair of wireless headphones, for example - limited ability to control some functions (volume and transport controls, in some cases) of the transmitting device, most commonly a smartphone. AVRCP is most often used in conjunction with A2DP, which is what makes listenable multimedia audio via Bluetooth possible.
Just because it’s “listenable,” however, doesn’t make it “high fidelity.” In its basic form, A2DP compresses the audio signal using (another acronym you can immediately forget) Low Complexity Subband Coding (SBC). “Low Complexity” is your clue that you’ll hear sound, but it won’t be as good as the original. Fortunately, A2DP allows for the optional use of alternate codecs (the software that compresses and then decompresses the audio signal), such as AAC and aptX. AAC is what Apple uses. Other companies incorporate aptX, which claims to provide near-CD-quality audio. “Optional” is the operative word here. Devices with Bluetooth don’t have to include aptX, for instance; and to get the sonic benefit aptX provides, both the transmitting and the receiving devices have to support aptX. The good news is that Bluetooth-enabled gear with aptX will most likely be prominently labeled as such. So, if audio quality is important, look for the aptX logo.
Bluetooth is definitely the jack-of-all-trades when it comes to wireless technology. Thanks to all of its different profiles, Bluetooth is used in a laundry list of applications that already or will soon include:
Despite a limited range of barely 33 feet in most consumer implementations, Bluetooth technology can be adapted to a nearly limitless number of applications. In the unlikely event that you don’t already own at least one device with Bluetooth capabilities, you will own one in the near future - and most likely, many more than just one device. Like all technologies, Bluetooth has its flaws; but for specific applications and circumstances, Bluetooth may be your best option.
Most headphones block out external sound either by covering the ear with a solid cup or by plugging the ear canal. This helps to prevent some of the noise around the listener from reaching the eardrum by mechanical means. This method is often referred to as “sound isolating technology.” Depending on the materials used and the fit of the headphones, some models do a better job of blocking out noise than others. But regardless of how well-designed a chassis is, this often adds bulk or still allows some sound to seep through and be heard.
Active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones work differently. ANC uses a principle of physics called “destructive interference” to remove low frequency noises from around your ear. Sound, as you might remember from school, travels in a pattern much like waves in water. Each frequency has a unique pattern of up and down that flows through the air and bounces off the eardrum. And like water molecules, air molecules are pushed up and down along the sound waveform. But if two equal-frequency sound waves reach the same space at the same time, they cancel themselves out, and the molecules don’t move.
Active noise-cancelling headphones exploit this phenomenon by putting a microphone on the headphones. This microphone processes the sound around the listener, and then creates an exact opposite waveform to the external noise and produces it in the earpieces. This waveform collides with the external sound’s waveform and cancels it out. The result? Silence.
What this means in a practical setting is that instead of being forced to listen to content at high volumes to drown out low frequency noise, you can keep your volume down to safe levels. Not only does this save your hearing, but it also frees you from distractions and keeps your focus where it belongs: on your music. Whether plane engine hum, subway din, or the drone of fans and office HVAC systems, ANC technology helps to remove the distractions to create your own personal sonic oasis.
Wireless speakers are more myth than reality. There are battery-operated speakers that work for a short periods, but generally speaking, speakers still have wires, namely, the power cord. In the surround sound world when you hear the term ‘wireless-rears’, there is a power pack that is plugged in, and speaker wire connects from that pack to the speakers themselves. Less wires, yes. Truly wireless, no.
Today, when referring to wireless audio, most are referring to the ability to wirelessly deliver a song or music source from say, you’re iPhone, to the speaker. Known as ‘streaming music’, this technology is a game changer and is now being done through numerous 'wireless' formats such as; Wi-Fi, mesh-networks, Bluetooth, as well as others. These new technologies are here to stay and have improved dramatically over the last few years.
If you have been waiting to purchase a wireless audio system until the kinks were worked out - now is the moment to embrace it.
Ever dream of coming home after a long day and playing your favorite tunes in the kitchen while you prepared dinner? Or maybe you want to rock out while you work on the yard. Before, these things may not have been possible due to long wire runs, the age of the house, or just the logistics. Today, in mere moments, a wireless speaker can be installed in these locations (remember you still need power!). Pop a powered speaker (with wireless audio abilities) in your kitchen and after syncing it to your phone you’ll have music streaming through it in no time.
Multi-room audio has notoriously always been sold as four or six room systems minimally. These systems require added planning while a house is being constructed, and are a large upfront investment. Today's wireless audio systems, from companies like Sonos, allow you to combine speakers wired back to a central location (as in-ceiling or in-wall speakers) with additional stand alone wireless powered speakers to create an entire home audio system.
The best part is, not only can these systems that are located in different parts of your house play separate things, they can also ‘talk’ and play the same thing everywhere without audio delays. Think holiday party with music filling the home beautifully. If you’re wondering how to control these systems, it is via an app off your smartphone or tablet.