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30 years of ULTRASONE: The headphone manufacturer from Gut Raucherberg celebrates anniversary

From editor 1 month ago

A full 30 years of high-end hi-fi for special listening pleasure – ULTRASONE is celebrating a round anniversary.

Since its founding, the Bavarian headphone manufacturer from Gut Raucherberg has aimed to spoil both demanding music lovers and professional users with the best sound.

According to the manufacturer, it has always paid great attention to the sustainability and durability of its products. The high-end headphones of the Edition Series, which are handmade in Germany, have received numerous awards from the trade press and delight audio enthusiasts worldwide. Over time, this has added up to some unforgettable milestones in the company’s history – from the first HFI-100 headphones to the Edition 8 and the sophisticated Volcano headphone amplifier. As a testimony to the innovative strength of the manufactory stand over 60 successfully filed patents, which ULTRASONE its products, it is said further.

S-Logic: revolutionary technology and independent trademark
For 30 years, the core of every headphone from the Bavarian manufacturer has been the patented and multiple award-winning S-Logic technology. Here, the sound transducers are arranged in a staggered manner, which is intended to create an excellent spatiality of the sound. This is accompanied by a lower sound pressure at the same perceived volume, which is intended to put less strain on the ear, especially when listening to music for a long time or in professional applications. In this way, S-Logic guarantees not only the best sound, but also fatigue-free listening. According to the manufacturer, the latest evolutionary stage of the technology is “S-LogicEX” with a funnel-shaped front and bottom structured transducer arrangement. This design allows for a greater distance between the driver and the ear and is said to make the oSoundstage even better. In addition to S-Logic’s lower sound pressure, ULTRASONE also protects its headphone users with an Ultra Low Emission (ULE) standard MU metal shielding. This was developed to protect listeners from electromagnetic radiation exposure.

Sustainable manufacturing in Bavaria

In the long history of the company, specially selected and high-quality materials have always been the basis of the manufactory products, it continues. They are intended not only to guarantee the special visual and haptic impression, but also to ensure a long service life – for years of musical enjoyment. With replaceable pads and cables, the headphones aim to stand for high standards and sustainable product design from start to finish. When selecting headphone components, ULTRASONE also pays attention to maximum environmental compatibility and short distances to suppliers. The company also aims to use available resources responsibly by constantly optimizing its manufacturing processes. Sustainability is also an integral part of the company’s philosophy in other areas: The production site in Bavaria is equipped with a photovoltaic system and attention is also paid to climate-neutral production when working with partners. Furthermore, the company fleet consists mainly of advanced electric vehicles.

Milestones in the company’s history

According to its own statements, ULTRAONE has stood for first-class headphones for 30 years, which are characterized by high-quality materials and a noble design. During this time, the company is said to have often taken on the role of pioneer in the field of headphone technology and brought numerous unique as well as excellent models onto the market. Especially the Edition series headphones are said to have contributed enormously to the brand’s fame and stand for excellent sound, which listeners all over the world appreciated. For example, the successful Edition 8 are said to still sound excellent on audiophile hi-fi systems. The Edition 15 (for review), released in 2017, added an open reference headphone to the manufacturer’s portfolio, equipped with Gold Titanium Compound drivers. With its absolute high-end claim, the noble over-ear model inspires not only demanding customers, but also the professional world, says the manufacturer. But ULTRASONE also wants to have proven its innovative strength in revolutionary in-ear earphones. The Saphire (to the test) of 2019 combines six drivers and four ways in a compact in-ear housing and thus allows a detailed resolution across the entire frequency spectrum – of course handmade in Bavaria. Last year, ULTRASONE also claims to have set itself a true monument with the Volcano. The exquisite headphone amplifier in the style of the reference headphones wants to set as a superlative tube amplifier on absolutely uncompromising sound quality.

At ULTRASONE for 20 years: CEO Michael Willberg

This year, there is even another anniversary to celebrate: Michael Willberg, CEO of ULTRASONE AG, has been accompanying the fortunes of the manufactory not far from Lake Starnberg for 20 years now. A special focus during this time has been the sustainable development of ULTRASONE. As an absolute pioneer of e-mobility, Willberg has strongly influenced the environmentally conscious orientation of the company. However, much has also remained constant over time:

“It was an inconceivable 30 years ago when my old friend Florian König founded the company ULTRASONE elektroacoustics GmbH, and I myself have now been with the company for over 20 years. I still remember exactly how I earned my first ULTRASONE HFI-100 by helping to build the equipment. Mine was the first non-yellow ULTRASONE headphone ever and it still occupies a place of honor in the office. A lot has happened since then – but two things have never changed: The friendship between Florian and me and the passion to make the emotions of music an experience while listening to it,” says Willberg.

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KEF Mu3: New wireless in-ears in collaboration with famous designer Ross Lovegrove

By editor 4 weeks ago

The wireless in-ears were designed by renowned industrial designer Ross Lovegrove (Sony, Apple, among others) and engineered by KEF’s acoustics team to deliver pristine, high-resolution sound.

The new Mu3 headphones are designed to give music lovers the freedom to hear every note, every word, every detail – whether on the way to work, at the gym or at home on the sofa.

KEF’s signature pure and precise sound.

The audio performance of the Mu3 headphones is said to benefit from KEF’s specially tuned Active Noise Cancellation technology. It is said to enable the elimination of outside noise without compromising the details that bring music to life. The Mu3s are said to deliver KEF’s unparalleled signature sound. Each of the Mu3’s sculptural enclosures contains a dynamic 8.2mm full-range driver to deliver exceptionally dynamic and well-balanced sound with rich mids, detailed bass and crisp highs. Every nuance and subtlety of the recording should come through magnificently when listening.

To ensure that the Mu3 headphones look as good as they sound, KEF has once again collaborated with Ross Lovegrove, the designer who also designed the KEF MUON and also the KEF MUO Bluetooth speakers. Ross Lovegrove, known for his innovative approach and fluid, sculptural forms, thus aims to add a new dimension to sound. Through a design that aims to embrace both beauty and technological ingenuity, Lovegrove’s ongoing collaboration with KEF is said to be an exercise in aesthetic and technical excellence.

The Mu3 headphones may be small, but their sculptural look aims to deliver sophistication in compact dimensions. The pure and clean aesthetics aim to perfectly complement KEF’s design philosophy.

Compact, ergonomic design

The Mu3 headphones are said to sit perfectly balanced in the ear thanks to their intelligent weighting, so they can’t fall out. Extensive analysis of different ear shapes and sizes is said to have led to the development of four slightly different sized ear tips, which are said to be designed to rest on the ear cup to ensure the most comfortable fit for your ears while providing a perfect seal for noise isolation and a secure fit.

Anytime, anywhere

The Mu3 free the listener from cumbersome cables thanks to stable, latency-free Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. The Mu3’s audio performance is said to be further enhanced by simultaneous transmission, where both headphones receive a signal at the same time. This is not the usual approach, where audio signals are sent to one headphone and relayed to the other, creating the risk of latency. Combined with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, simultaneous transmission should mean that the Mu3 headphones deliver superior performance, are easy to pair, and are exceptionally stable with both iOS and Android devices.

After simple setup, automatic pairing aims to make listening with the Mu3 an effortless experience. The headphones also feature Ambient Mode, which, at the touch of a button, partially disables active noise cancellation and instead plays audio picked up through the microphones through the headphones, bypassing passive noise cancellation and letting you instantly hear what’s going on around you.

The Mu3 also feature high-capacity, fast-charging batteries that should last a full day even with Bluetooth and noise cancellation enabled. Thanks to the splash-proof design, the headphones remain safe even in the rain.

Technical data (manufacturer’s specifications):

LOUDSPEAKER
DRIVER: 8.2 mm
FREQUENCY
RANGE: 20-20000Hz
SENSITIVITY: 104dB/1mW at 1KHz (1KHz 1mW).
IMPEDANCE: 16Ω
MAX. OUTPUT POWER: 5mW
BLUETOOTH: 5.0 RMS
CODEC: SBC, AAC
BLUETOOTH POWER: ≤13 dBm.
BLUETOOTH RANGE: 10m.
BLUETOOTH FREQUENCY: 2.402 GHz-2.48 GHz.
LI-ION BATTERY: 50 mAh (earphones)/ 350 mAh (charging case).
BATTERY PLAY TIME (EARPHONES): 9 hrs. (BT + ANC on)
BATTERY RUN TIME (CHARGING CASE): 15 hrs.
BATTERY TIME AFTER 5 MIN FAST
CHARGE: 1 hr. battery play time
DIMENSIONS (H X W X D): 24.5 x 17.5 x 26.3 mm (earphones); 33.5 x 62 x 52 mm (charging box)
WEIGHT: 5.8 g (earphones); 46.8 g (charging box)
POWER INPUT: DC 5V 600mA

The Mu3 wireless headphones are scheduled to be available exclusively through www.kef.com (OVP €299.00) for launch in the next four weeks, and then through regular retailers.

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Violectric HPA V550: high quality headphone amplifier and preamp for absolute sound fidelity

Von Redaktion vor 1 Monat

Violectric introduces the HPA V550, a new high-end headphone amplifier.

The V550 is said to offer outstanding technical values, excellent sound and workmanship in best manufacture quality.

The pre-gain circuit is supposed to allow the adjustment of the amplifier to the demands of the headphones used in each case. Even critical designs like magnetostats should be able to be operated without problems via the balanced and the two unbalanced headphone connections. Up to three analog stereo sources can be connected via one XLR and two RCA connectors. In addition, the V550 offers one balanced and one unbalanced output. High-quality Alps RK 27 potentiometers are used for volume and balance control; in the PRO version, volume control is implemented with a relay circuit. An included remote control offers maximum ease of use.

HPA V550: high-end analog amplification

As the latest headphone amplifier from Violectric, the HPA V550 aims to represent the pinnacle of the Constance-based manufacturer’s current analog developments. Unlike its sibling models, the DHA V590 and DHA V380, the V550 dispenses with a converter unit and focuses entirely on first-class analog circuitry for maximum enjoyment of the headphone experience, it continues. The PRO variant additionally replaces the volume potentiometer with an elaborate 256-stage reed relay circuit for even more precise level control.

Best amplification for all headphones

The Violectric HPA V550 wants to impress with exceptional technology, among other things. The signal is to be amplified particularly cleanly and transparently and output at the balanced as well as the two unbalanced headphone connections. According to the manufacturer, the circuit delivers high power and voltage with enormously low noise values at the same time. A specialty of the manufacture on Lake Constance wants to be the pre-gain circuit, which allows optimization of the level for the headphones used in each case. Thus, any model and design – even magnetostatic driver systems – should be able to be supplied with an ideal signal. The control travel of the volume pot is also said to be perfectly utilized.

Perfect preamplifier

Furthermore, the Violectric HPA V550 can also output the signal to other downstream devices. For this purpose, the rear panel offers a pair of balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors each, which can be placed before or after the volume control at the push of a button. In this way, active loudspeakers or separate power amplifiers can also be conveniently supplied via the V550. For optimal interaction with subsequent components, a 7-step level adjustment is also provided here.

A wide range of functions can be conveniently controlled remotely
In addition to the large volume control, the Violectric HPA V550 also offers a balance control for adjusting the playback to individual listening needs. Two unbalanced RCA pairs and a pair of balanced XLR jacks are provided for connecting source devices. Control is said to be particularly convenient with the included remote control, which can control all relevant functions from source selection to motorized volume via infrared.

Exquisite processing of first-class components

The Violectric HPA V550 is manufactured according to own data in the company’s own manufacture in Constance by hand. Violectric attaches great importance to first-class components, which would do justice to the sophisticated circuits. For both volume and balance, Alps RK 27 use potentiometers – except in the PRO version, which uses a 256-stage reed relay circuit for volume control. The black anodized housing is finished off by a front panel made of eight-millimeter-thick aluminum. Special circuitry protects the valuable headphones from DC voltage and overload.

Prices and availability

The Violectric HPA V550 is distributed exclusively by cma audio. It is available immediately. The recommended retail price is 2,399.00 euros for the HPA V550 and 2,999.00 euros for the HPA V550 PRO with reed relay volume control (prices include VAT in each case).

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Razer introduces Anzu glasses with Bluetooth audio

Lifestyle gaming manufacturer Razer releases the Anzu model, a pair of glasses that protects the eyes via blue light and UV filters while offering immersive sound via Bluetooth audio.

The Razer Anzu model is the company’s first eyewear product. According to the manufacturer, lenses with 35% blue light filters are used to protect against digital devices, as well as those that protect against UVA/UVB sunlight (99%). Sound connectivity is via Bluetooth, with touch capabilities and low-latency open-ear audio said to be used for operation.

The stylish product is recommended for computer work, digital entertainment, mobile use and outdoor activities. A light weight of less than 48 grams and an ergonomic design are said to provide a comfortable fit. Razer Anzu is thereby available in fashionable rectangular and round frame designs, each in two sizes. The new product also features an IPX4 water-resistant design for protection against splashing water. At the same time, through a partnership with Lensabl, Anzu customers are able to purchase medical corrective lenses online at a 15% discount.

The 5.1 Bluetooth connection is said to work with 60 ms latency, which should enable active gaming.

Anzu’s frame includes unobtrusive omnidirectional microphones and 16 mm speakers that provide voice communication. Battery life is said to be over five hours, including automatic standby mode when the frame is folded.

Touch functions can be used to implement sound playback and track jumps, as well as activate voice assistants in the smartphone. In addition, there are Android and iOS apps with possible EQ adjustments, latency settings, battery status display and firmware updates.

Included are factory-preloaded 35-percent blue light filter lenses, 99-percent UVA/UVB protection-rejecting polarized sunglasses replacement lenses, a USB-A charging cable, a cleaning cloth, and a carrying case.

Technical data (manufacturer’s specifications):
Lenses:

35 % blue light filter
99% UVA/UVB polarized sunglasses

Headphones:

Driver: 16 mm
Approx. weight: 43-48 g (43g Sm Rec, 44g Sm Rnd, 46 Lg Rec, 48 Lg Rnd)

Microphone:

Recording pattern: Omnidirectional

Touch controls:

Music controls: Play, Pause, Skip, Back
Call controls: answer, reject, switch, end
General: power on, activate gaming mode and virtual smartphone assistant

Battery:

More than 5 hours (may vary depending on usage).
Compatibility:

Devices with Bluetooth audio capability
Smartphone application available for Android and iOS devices

Price and availability:

Razer Anzu: 209.99 euros (MSRP)
Razer Anzu replacement sunglass lenses: 34.99 euros (MSRP)

More information at: www.razer.com

12 months ago by Ulf Kaiser

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Calyx H – new on-ear headphone model

Calyx from South Korea expands its product portfolio with the on-ear headphones Calyx H.

According to the manufacturer and sales, the model is supposed to play in a higher quality class at a recommended price of 249 euros and complements the manufacturer’s existing ambitious range of amplifiers, DACs and mobile digital audio players.

The Calyx H has ear cushions made of synthetic leather, which should be more robust and softer than natural leather and, in combination with the variable headband, should enable long-term comfort.
At the same time, value was consciously placed on an elegant, compact design with wooden elements that explicitly aims to address women as well.

Technical data (manufacturer information):

Impedance: 50 Ω
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Driver diameter: 40 mm
Weight: 189 g

Further information at: www.audiodomain.de

12 months ago by Ulf Kaiser

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30 years of ULTRASONE: The headphone manufacturer from Gut Raucherberg celebrates anniversary

A full 30 years of high-end hi-fi for special listening pleasure – ULTRASONE is celebrating a round anniversary.

Since its founding, the Bavarian headphone manufacturer from Gut Raucherberg has aimed to spoil both demanding music lovers and professional users with the best sound.

Sustainable manufacturing in Bavaria

Milestones in the company’s history

At ULTRASONE for 20 years: CEO Michael Willberg

Guide – everything to do with headphones

KEF Mu3: New wireless in-ears in collaboration with famous designer Ross Lovegrove

The wireless in-ears were designed by renowned industrial designer Ross Lovegrove (Sony, Apple, among others) and engineered by KEF’s acoustics team to deliver pristine, high-resolution sound.

The new Mu3 headphones are designed to give music lovers the freedom to hear every note, every word, every detail – whether on the way to work, at the gym or at home on the sofa.

KEF’s signature pure and precise sound.

Compact, ergonomic design

Anytime, anywhere

Technical data (manufacturer’s specifications):

Guide – everything to do with headphones

Violectric HPA V550: high quality headphone amplifier and preamp for absolute sound fidelity

Violectric introduces the HPA V550, a new high-end headphone amplifier.

The V550 is said to offer outstanding technical values, excellent sound and workmanship in best manufacture quality.

HPA V550: high-end analog amplification

Best amplification for all headphones

Perfect preamplifier

Exquisite processing of first-class components

Prices and availability

Guide – everything to do with headphones

Razer introduces Anzu glasses with Bluetooth audio

Lifestyle gaming manufacturer Razer releases the Anzu model, a pair of glasses that protects the eyes via blue light and UV filters while offering immersive sound via Bluetooth audio.

Latest tests

Guide – everything to do with headphones

Calyx H – new on-ear headphone model

Calyx from South Korea expands its product portfolio with the on-ear headphones Calyx H.

According to the manufacturer and sales, the model is supposed to play in a higher quality class at a recommended price of 249 euros and complements the manufacturer’s existing ambitious range of amplifiers, DACs and mobile digital audio players.

Technical data (manufacturer information):

Latest tests

Guide – everything to do with headphones

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