Fans of Sony (as well as anyone interested in unusual devices) should pay attention to BSP60. It’s the pretty interesting wireless speaker with extraordinary functionality. Let’s look at the new device closer.

In Europe, Sony BSP60 gadget is now available for pre-order. The price is € 299. Not too cheap, but included is a brand bracelet SmartBand Talk. Let’s look at the main features of device Sony BSP60.

Features of the Sony BSP60

The main difference between a column of thousands of competitors – it is really “smart”. Controlled by voice and has a number of other talents. The really interesting thing.

New Sony BSP60 can not only enjoy the music. Columns is a true personal assistant. For example, the device can receive calls, read messages and respond to questions (for example, what is the weather, right now?).

Sony BSP60 device supports multiple languages such as Japanese, Spanish, Italian, German, English, French and Russian.

What is more the product able to boast? It is used for hands-free communication and acts as an alarm clock. Synchronization with mobile devices is due to the NFC and Bluetooth.

Conclusion of the Sony BSP60

New “smart” speakers Sony BSP60 has a remarkable structure of interrelation with different people. Also, it will be a good assistant for your work. In addition, Sony BSP60 looks very entertaining (due to the original case).

Source: SonyMobile

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Company DALI – a master at creating nice speakers, and 5 new Rubicon become another decoration of its catalog. Even if these floor standing speakers are not perfect, their spectacular sound impossible not to admire.

DALI company is doing everything in its own way. At Rubicon 5 seems to be the usual 2.5-way design, but not so simple: “extra” half serves not the usual additional woofer and one tweeter. Second, ribbon tweeter dimensions 1,7 × 4,5 cm takes the baton from the conventional dome, starting with the 14 kHz; together they provide a broad angular radiation pattern at the highest frequencies and increase the detail of the sound.

During the mid and bass meets 16.5-inch speaker, loaded on to the rear bass reflex port. Corporate diffuser made of paper, wood fiber reinforced combines light weight, stiffness, and high damping capacity.

Rubicon 5 are of high quality but weighs a little less than we expected. Glossy white finish of our test sample looks very impressive and carries his conscientiously. There are also other options: gloss black, mahogany, and walnut.

Workmanship and finish are impressive; it is evident that the company did a great job on them. Accommodation will not cause problems: let Rubicon 5 more room to breathe and put them directly, without turning to the listener. This situation is preferred due to the wide angle radiation pattern of the speakers.

Once installed, they play just fine. They have a very live sound and smooth dynamics; their energetic approach is very good for playing Bruce Springsteen Radio Nowhere, even at high volume.

Contagious drive combined with a rare vigor. Despite some redundancy, bass quite mobile, so as not to “slow down” sound. A good overall detail makes it easy to trace the party any instrument, even in the most difficult passages. We like the Rubicon treated with voices; Springsteen’s vocal delights study of texture and nuance.

“Romeo and Juliet” by Prokofiev can demonstrate excellent stereo image DALI – a broad, multi-layered and focused. If the other components of your system as well talented, Rubicon 5 will not disappoint you.

If we talk about the shortcomings, one of them can be attributed not the most outstanding tonal purity; besides a strong competitor exceeds DALI transparency. However, these shortcomings are not so large as to seriously disappoint us.

In this price range are many strong competitors; models Splendor, ProAc and PMC set the highest standards. However, Rubicon 5 deserve careful listening. Selecting them, then you will not regret.

Price: $ 2520

Rating: 4

PROS: Quick and agile sound; enviable enthusiasm; weighty and convincing bass; design

CONS: Not the smoothest tonal balance; many high-end rivals

VERDICT: It is a good speaker, but not the best in its class

Source: Dali-Speakers

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AC Wilson Duette first version, released in 2006, was very unusual for a High-End-market. Not only in terms of design or technology (although they were very interesting), but mainly because the engineers suddenly pragmatically approached their location. Almost any AU High-End-class developed with an eye on the installation in an open space away from the walls. In theory, this ideal position provides a smooth sound, but for the majority of owners, it is not too practical.

In response, the company created the first version of Wilson Duette. In 2006, it requested $ 11 650. These speakers feel at home in any setting: on a shelf on the wall and even lying on your side, if you so wish. In addition, they can be used in normal mode, away from the walls – it was only necessary to replace some components of the crossover, which included in the kit, and Duette shining splendor.

What added in Duette second generation, except for the price? In the beginning, it should be said that diminished. Wilson Audio Company found that owners Duette did not use the wide range of options for the location for which they were designed. Most often, speakers were mounted on stands near the wall. Since increased versatility designs adversely affect the sound quality, in general, the company decided to optimize the new version of the AU to locate near the wall.

Externally Duette II is very similar to the original, but they were largely redesigned to be an acceptable alternative to floor-standing speakers Wilson. For installation in open space buy a pair Napolnikov; If you want to put the speakers closer to the wall, choose Duette. Price increase corresponds to a noticeable increase in sound quality.

Wilson company always keeps a secret body material; Here in this case, they are made from a certain material «X» (cellulose and phenolic resins) and tweeter grille – material «S» (natural fibers, with the addition of phenolic resin).

Some parts of the housing have been made thicker, and has increased the number of ribs. As a result, stiffness and damping are even higher.

Since AC is now intended only for vertical installation, the engineers decided to reject the front panel back about 10 degrees to improve the consistency of emission of the tweeter and midrange / woofer. This solution also improved the integration and the stereo image.

You can choose from four standard finishes – “black diamond”, “dark titanium”, “Bedouin silver” and “pure silver” – as well as 12 additional, each of which add to the cost of five percent of the AU; including such exotic colors as “Macadamia Metallic” and “blue Bugatti». But if this not enough for you, Wilson will paint your speakers in any which color you like – just 10% of their value.

In this category, we are counting on the excellent quality of construction and finish, and Duette does not deceive expectations. Their unusual design is not likely to appeal to everyone, but to manufacturing quality no complaints.

AC can be purchased complete with branded stands (all together – $ 30 000), designed to ensure rigidity and low resonance – Duette them sound much better. In a rack packed crossover networks and system cabling.

Duette dynamics can not boast of such fashionable materials such as diamond or beryllium, but the quality of construction – above all, praise. Inch soft dome tweeter is equipped with a rear camera, absorbing all the rearward sound that he did not return back through the dome; This increases the purity of HF. Midrange / woofer is equipped with a 20-cm cone of paper pulp and loaded on to the rear bass reflex port.

Sound Duette II hard immediately give an accurate response. These speakers are extremely transparent; they all convey exactly what makes the whole system, changing the playback just like a chameleon changes its color. If you feel that they have enough quality bass or not the smoothest tonal balance, look at the source and the amplifier: it is likely that these properties are inherent to other components rather than the AU. Pick amplifier and source, the characters that you like, and you will not be disappointed.

During testing, we used a wide range of amp models – from the usual two-component Bryston BP26 / 4B SST 2 and magnificent Gamut D3i / D200i to the beautiful compact integrated amplifier Rega Elex-R – and in all cases got excellent results. Fairly high sensitivity (92 dB) allows even a modest amplifier speakers shake up a decent volume. As a source of reference were selected network player Naim NDS / 555PS, turntable Clearaudio Innovation Wood and CD-player Naim CDS3 / 555PS.

Before serious listening do not forget to warm up properly column. At first, our test instances sounded too bright and loose, but after a while the balance substantially leveled.

Orff’s Carmina Burana delights from the first moments. The detail is extremely high; in the sound heard great detail, almost imperceptible competitors. Here they do not get lost on the background of larger parties.

We admire and rare coherence Duette. Most speakers lose their composure in the most difficult passages of the composition, but this pair all uneasy; she has full control over the powerful swings dynamics, not applying to this apparent effort.

We are delighted with the quality and stereo. Usually when installing speakers close to the wall of sound loses depth; in this case it is not. At Wilson scale and multi-layered music scene, which extends far beyond the buildings speakers.

Speaker Installation near the wall more often affects the quality of the bass, but Duette and here are different from others. Legibly and balanced bass perfect for Exodus Bob Marley. Strong and elastic bass line delights meticulous detail and elaboration.

Of course, for the same amount you can buy a lot more overall bookshelf speakers capable of much deeper bass. However Duette so good that you hardly want more; they have remarkably balanced and smooth sound in all frequency ranges.

We especially like the middle. Song Bjork It’s So Quiet served just magically; Wilson confers unusual singer’s voice power, expressiveness and flexibility that others can only dream of. Smoothness avoids excessive sound sterility despite the depth of analysis.

No matter what you’re listening to – all these speakers to your liking. They vigorously embed groovy rock with 60 Feet Tall group The Dead Weather, and by Arvo Part Tabula Rasa will be treated with the utmost delicacy.

This is the most expensive bookshelf speakers, which we have ever tested; for the same amount you can buy an excellent set of models from other manufacturers. However, in any room, except that the hangar for aircraft, Duette easily cope with any competitors. They are not cheap – but they are great.

Price: $ 26,600

Rating: 5

PROS: The detail; dynamics; excellent integration; expressive midrange; intelligibility; versatility; design; mass of finishes

CONS: Because prices are not available to everyone

VERDICT: One of the few High-End-pairs of speakers to be installed near walls

Source: WilsonAudio

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The news that Panasonic is going to resurrect the brand Technics led our editors delight. We recalled the legendary turntable SL1210, excellent budget CD-players and award-winning amplifiers average price level of the nineties. But although memories almost brought us to tears, we understood that on older models can not build success. Technics brand needs new hits – but, judging from the columns of the Technics SB-C700, this task can be difficult.

At the beginning of the good. Externally, these speakers we like. Due to the use of a coaxial speaker, they resemble KEF LS50; Column well built and looks very stylish.

This coaxial transducer consists of a 19-mm tweeter with aluminum dome and the surrounding 16-cm midrange / woofer. In broadband tweeter very high upper limit of sound – as many as 100 kHz. Mid / bass head has a diaphragm unusual shape – instead of the usual “saucer” had a flat ring. As this geometry has a smaller rigidity thereto is added composite honeycomb diaphragm woven carbon fiber and aluminum.

Design Technics SB-C700

Design Technics SB-C700 is impressive. They are solid and weighty, glossy finish of our test sample performed flawlessly marginal attention to detail is felt in all aspects.

The curved shape of the body is not just for beauty; it prevents the formation of standing waves and reduces the influence of diffraction. The result is a cleaner sound, as the body makes it less distortion. So far, all the estimated parameters were up to par. Technics SB-C700 single-cable connection to impress the AU on which developers work hard.

The first listening experience was quite good: the sound of Technics SB-C700 – clean and open, with a clear study of frontal boundaries of music. However, it is inherent in a noticeable sharpness, so we decided to warm up a few days before the AU final testing.

Unfortunately, virtually no warm-up to improve the sound; HF were a little softer, and nothing more.

Installing speakers away from the walls and a little deploying them in the direction of the listener, we got quite weighty bass and a good stereo image. If you put them near the wall, the bass out of control, and the sound as a whole becomes much less legible.

We tested the speakers with our usual system, including Naim NDS / 555PS, Naim CDS3 / 555PS, turntable Clearaudio Innovation Wood and reference two-amplifier Bryston BP26 / 4B SST2, and tried to related Technics SU-C700, a natural partner of the speakers, and our favorite model in this price range – Rega Elex-R.

Song Bruce Springsteen Radio Nowhere has not made much of an impression on us; Technics does not adequately convey vitality and richness of the composition. In addition, the music lacks the energetic dynamics and drive. Organization can not be called outstanding: AC is not able to understand the intricacies of the arrangements, instruments mixed together. The picture does not change depending on the genre of music, whether or Vivaldi Bob Marley – Technics play too straightforward, they lack the subtlety and detail.

We are disappointed; Technics SB-C700 require major improvements if the company wants to use them to gain a foothold in the market. The collective consciousness of habit are very warm to the brand Technics, but because such is the ratio of failed products is easy to lose.

Price: $ 1,800

Rating: 2

PROS: Workmanship and finish; mobility

AGAINST: The Missing energetic dynamics and detail; meager character of the sound; compressed and overloaded stereo image

VERDICT: One disappointment

Source: Technics

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We are continuing familiarity with the Cabasse speakers housings traditional form factor. Jersey MT31- Napolnikov MT31 series of entry-level, and they can not boast the most famous technology Cabasse – proprietary coaxial transducer. But something and they got from senior colleagues. This, for example, a polymeric material DOM37, which is made from the dome inch tweeter; the same applies to the high-frequency element coaxial speakers flagship company – AC La Sphere and L’Ocean. He is due to its properties Aerospace provides radiation in a wide frequency range. At the two-lane section of Jersey MT31 frequency accounted for 2.3 kHz, so that the tweeter has to work hard over the top and middle. A design aimed at the lower bound of reflex port was tested on older models range Altura MC.

In the absence of reflex port on the rear panel, they should be no special requirements for the location; the way it is. But setting them near a wall would inevitably lead to a general shift to low frequency tonal balance that must always be considered.

In a white satin finish speakers look very smart, but because of the small depth of the case is quite compact

Electronics audio section of our reference is neutral in nature, but with Cabasse Jersey MT31 as a terminal component system became soothing features. Sound different smoothness, slowness and expressionless HF that evolved in a rather boring picture. To cheer him, we have replaced the power amplifier Bryston 4BSST2 at Conrad-Johnson Premier 350SA with its increased attention to the top, as well as outstanding detail and vibrant. For Jersey MT31 is expensive, but the criteria for the selection of mates are generally understood.

Having received such energy the Napolnikov MT31 played with all the fervor, which are capable of. They do not get lost with such a complex material such as “Four Sea Interludes” Britten. Scene broad groups of instruments distributed by it in the correct order. Dynamic ups practiced confident at high volume the sound does not become harsh or severe. The bass range strongly marked, but basses are the single system. Yes, and the other instruments sounds pretty monotonous, which deprives them of personal expression. Not too impressive as microdrivers that for quality performance of classical music – a significant obstacle.

Panel assembly for single-corded connection looks more gorgeous than you would expect from an entry-level speakers

But for her transcriptions Jacques Loussier Trio in brilliant jazz talents Cabasse Jersey MT31 is enough. CD Jacques Loussier Trio. Handel. Water Music & Royal Fireworks obeys easy and fun: bouncy rhythms, clear focus, all the tools are in place and are confident their party.

These speakers with stars sky is not enough, but also some obvious flaws they have. Popular music, such as a disk group Brothers in Arms Dire Straits or The Beekeeper Tori Amos, sounds very good, although it is worth noting that in both cases the vocal few sidelined and insufficiently articulated.

Perhaps we are too hard on columns of the most affordable line of Cabasse, but by looking at the relevant section of our “Buyer’s Guide”, we are reminded of many worthy purse buyer models of the same price category. However, if you have a need to balance too bright electronics on Jersey MT31 should pay special attention.

Price: $ 1570

Pros: pleasant and interesting sound; good looks

Cons: Requires the selection of components; inexpressive dynamics and microdrivers; insufficient detail

Verdict: Good Partners for too bright and unbridled electronics

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Recently we shared with readers his impressions of our flagship GX Japanese company Fostex, powerful GX-250MG. Today we test the junior model in the series version Limited. From a GX-100 is characterized by the presence of the pedestal with four legs; He bolted to the body column with one screw. Reflex port she goes to the back cover, not down, as is often the case with such a design.

Speakers are very small but eye-catching, especially when taken with protective gratings silver-gray color. This is due to the kind of catchy and unusual patterns – both with membranes made of magnesium. Do dome tweeter (0.75 inch diameter) there is a small “backbone”; This increases the rigidity of the hall and improves the angular distribution of the radiation. Corporate midrange / woofer has a HR-diffuser – Hyperbolic Paraboloidal Rotation (hyperbolic paraboloid of rotation) – and a very special suspension.

Limited variant is available in a universal black lacquer; Finish Fostex GX-100 – red, brown or yellow

Rear adjustment knob located response from -2 dB to +1 dB in the frequency band from 1.6 kHz to 6 kHz. Tissue protective grille to play virtually no effect, but the removable cap of fine metal mesh, easily clips around the tweeter, making small adjustments to the sound.

Making out a good speaker and evaluating the quality of workmanship and finish, you will begin to perceive more favorably of their price, but the final verdict can emerge only after listening.

And the fact that they play very well, you will understand immediately. They have smooth, some extremely fluid sound, music and pours some thin trickle, then a torrent. Speed and rhythm at the same time a very good speaker is also impressive. In the beginning of the song Money for Nothing c drive Brothers in Arms Dire Straits volume group is growing quickly, but fascinating; at any time hear everything to the smallest detail. Mark Knopfler comes vocals, plugs and clear elastic rhythm – and listening pleasure. Extensive scene, filled with air, lead singer and tools focused perfectly. In a small room and the bass will be enough, especially as it is deep for such dimensions, textures, and always under control. In the latter, the title track of the album roar of war, if not entirely convincing, it is highly selective and marked.

Coloring of the sound

When installing the controller to mark -2 dB sound becomes somewhat uncollected, and even appears reverb effect. At the level of 1 dB – focus on the middle; Singing it is beneficial, especially if you want to concentrate on it. If tweeters cover nets, the RF made clearer, as if traced. – The choice is yours.

Similarly, classical music, such as Symphony №5 by Shostakovich, performed very accurately with the correct placement of instruments on a vast stage, the wealth of their voices, but not as large as it should be for such a deposit.

But to the Arrangement on jazz CD Jacques Loussier Trio Handell Water Music & Royal Fireworks such claims do not arise. Piano sounds natural and balanced, percussion calls and iridescent, and not just bass boomed, and acts as a stringed instrument with all its richness of timbre.

But the real horse Fostex GX-100Limited – transfer vocals. In any genre, he sounds great, but especially please fans of bel canto. Countertenor David Daniels with SACD JS Bach Sacred Arias & Cantatas striking beauty and technicality, easily extended listening involves not the most popular and easy to read works.

I am glad that not as perfect as this one, too, do not interfere with recording Fostex convey the charm of opera singing. Brilliant coloratura Cecilia Bartoli with CD Maria Cecilia Bartoli served gently, filling the senses. And even the unique voice of Maria Callas from the album Best of Maria Callas seems alive and free from interference and imperfections long record technology.

Small Fostex GX-100Limited endowed with great talent. Their sound is accurate, fast, emotional and very plastic. Listen to them – a pleasure with all genres, where bass are no increased requirements. So that cost should not be scare, they are worth.

Price: $ 3000

Pros: Balanced, accurate, fast, but smooth sound; beautiful microdrivers; detailed and transparent; a large scene, excellent focus

Cons: Nothing significant

Verdict: Small, cute and versatile speakers, but especially good for vocal

The post Review of the speakers Fostex GX-100Limited appeared first on Raqwe.

Speakers Fostex GX250MG – the flagship brand sufficiently broad range of speakers for home use, and they look impressive, although its dimensions do not exceed reasonable limits, while remaining perfectly suited for installation in ordinary living. But there is something in their appearance monumental: a little heavy body proportions, a massive pedestal with adjustable feet of copper, an excellent piano finish. If all the other cars you prefer luxury SUVs – you these Fostex, most likely, will also appreciate.

Of course, attention is drawn to the dynamics, especially midrange and 25-inch woofer with unusual diffusers. But also for the tweeter wire mesh is not as simple as it seems.

Housing columns are made of a specially designed two-layer plywood, which is used for the manufacture of wood eucalyptus and camphor laurel

Translucent protective grilles are mounted on magnets and virtually no secret of this beauty, and the sound is almost not affected. Behind – block gilded copper connectors, two unusual shape reflex port and the regulator, AFC correction in the range from 1.6 kHz to 6 kHz.

In passive speakers quite rare means for adjusting the frequency response, and almost always they are intended to change the response to the low and / or high frequency, allowing you to control the sound with the acoustics of the room and the nature of the other components of the system. In Fostex GX250MG regulated the middle, which is quite unusual effect on the nature of sound – though the company’s website also deals with the properties of the room.

This dynamics, as well as at the woofer, corporate HR-diffuser (Hyperbolic Paraboloidal Rotation – hyperbolic paraboloid of rotation). Here he made of pure magnesium. Very interesting and suspension.

So, if you choose to install the “0 dB», it turns out great sound: clear, highly detailed and rich – a variety of instrument voices, saturated. Microdrivers simply amazing – works by Maurice Ravel with SACD Paavo Jarvi Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Ravel performed by entertaining thanks to the accurate transmission of subtle nuances and excellent plotting scale and leaving the scene into perspective. The famous “Bolero” obeys the same breath: the rhythmic beat of the drum accompanied endowed with typical overtones voices of the spirits, repeating the same tune. Here a major role to play variability dynamics, and in this respect with her at GX250MG all right. But in the final, even though we are not there claims to its scale, we see that as something wrong to put “stress” in a powerful attack, and with feelings of delight majeure we get a slight tinge of sadness. He is very good, for example, in “Requiem” by Mozart, but out of place in “Mars” from “The Planets” Holst, where necessary outright aggression.

If you look closely, you see the “ridge” on the convex dome of pure magnesium. It increases stiffness and improves the angular distribution of the radiation

All magically change if the knob turned to position «+1 dB». The sound is more focused and determined – not at the expense of smoothness and richness; it just disappears “southeast accent”, it is not suitable for European music, although many genres and songs he is very good – for a change. Reduction of the MF on the freezing mark is impressive – a bit blurred images and the sound loses pressure.

So Fostex GX250MG can rightfully be called universal speakers that will delight and articulated, live vocals, rhythms and hard rock, and multifaceted coherence in complex symphonic works. Their meticulous and expressive dynamics are also excellent tools for the disclosure of all the benefits of HD-audio systems with the most modern components. We recommend a closer look.

Price: $ 10,300

Pros: A detailed, clear, smooth and rich sound; excellent focus and scene; powerful, variability dynamics; impressive appearance and quality finish

Cons: Nothing significant

Verdict: Excellent, unlike the other speakers with unique, but customizable character traits

The post Review speakers Fostex GX250MG: “Everything changes when you rotate the knob” appeared first on Raqwe.

Music fans will remember the experience with the original version of Roksan Darius. It was the first speaker company released back in the 80s: a strange-looking bookshelf speakers High-End-class with a suspended tweeter and a premier supply options unusual exoskeletal racks. With due attention they pleased owner magnificent, dynamic and straight sound. Fans of the original may be surprised to see how little is left in the construction of a new version of the original S1; but it seems that there is nothing wrong with that.

AC two-lane scheme remained. It includes high-quality aluminum ribbon tweeter (Aurum Cantus G2N) and a specially designed 13-inch midrange / woofer. Externally scary grille midrange / woofer serves only to protect the diffuser from damage.

Developers company had pretty tricky with a crossover to the integration of two such different emitters was the fullest. Judging by the quality of the components, it is clear that economic considerations were not among the priorities. Components for the tweeter and crossover mid / bass sections are placed on different boards in order to avoid unwanted interaction and connect with high-quality internal cables.

Stylish case from MDF with stiffeners boasts a rock-solid construction and finishes. We like the attention to detail – from the rounded edges to the recesses on the side panels. Thanks to them, the column looks much more interesting traditional counterparts. Housing rather narrow, but deep, which provides a large internal volume. On the rear panel, you can find a pair of reflex port and a set of WBT-connectors for dual-cable connection.

Ribbon tweeters sound wonderful, but very vulnerable

Darius S1 will work well with any of the uprights, but we recommend their own. They are not cheap ($ 1500), but look cool, ideally combined with the AU appearance and character, as well as equipped with a sound system of cabling. The combination of speakers and racks available in glossy black or white finish; both versions look just luxurious.

Should warn if you have kids, you need to constantly monitor so that they do not upset the column with a rack – due to the high center of gravity and small footprint make it very easy.

Any AC electronics requires a level comparable class and Roksan no exception. Their statements sensitivity is quite high – 89 dB, but because of the low resistance (4 ohms) requires a sufficiently powerful amplifier.

Branded rack blends perfectly with the S1, but keep in mind that this design is easy to topple

In our reference system consisting of a network player Naim NDS / 555PS, turntable Clearaudio Innovation Wood and amplifier Bryston BP26 / 4B SST2, Darius S1 sound great.

They are particularly good when setting away from the walls. Spend a little time on the selection of the angle of rotation and the distance between the columns – and you get a luxury, superbly focused music scene, extending far beyond the edge of the speaker. Stereo image – a wide, deep, layered and incredibly accurate.

Neat notches on the sides look stylish

In Darius S1 an extremely pleasant sound: very smooth, with a tuned balance of attack, meticulousness and refinement. Most of the AU High End class focus on the analysis; the best of them allow you to disassemble the record to pieces and show the listener all its shortcomings. This in itself is great, but we want more. In the song Higher Ground we want to feel the power of Stevie Wonder in his best form and with all my heart to empathize with the emotional composition. Few people do it; Most speakers simply reproduce a lot of details, but are unable to pass the dynamic charge and the essence of the music. However, Darius managed to penetrate its very heart.

Even with a reflex port S1 is not opposed to the installation close to walls. High-quality terminals allow dual-cable connection

At the same time, listening to such complex and serious composition as Tabula Rasa by Arvo Pärt, we hope that we will capture the drama of the melody, and the growing tension will make you forget about everything. Darius S1 all do it to the fullest.

We are most delighted not even detailed sound, and the ability to organize the AU these details. Rhythm and dynamics are combined in their game with the study of the fine.

Racks are provided with slits on the top and bottom panels for cable

At a height of 38 cm column, by definition, are not designed for deep bass. Declared a lower limit of 47 Hz (-3 dB); many other speakers are capable of more.

However, do not drop them off due to lack of depth bass – bass weight and credibility are more than adequate compensation. When testing, we never had the feeling the lack of low-frequency component of the sound. Nizam inherent in the necessary density and texture; front and rear boundaries of the music precisely delineated.

On this basis the sound is very nice and smooth the average range. We are delighted with the natural flow of vocals and harmony plexus bass and midrange. Clean, crisp and delicate RF complete the picture; and they are able to melodious ringing plates, and sharpness when necessary. The tonal balance is quite neutral, without any underscores frequency subband.

The company has always produced Roksan speakers, but they never attracted as much attention as its amplifiers, CD-players and even turntables. New Darius S1 good enough to change the situation.

Price: $ 6350 (including rack for $ 1500)

Rating: 5

PROS: Smooth and balanced sound; compelling midrange; dense and mobile LF; strong dynamics; rhythm; quality design

CONS: Branded rack road

VERDICT: Magnificent Darius S1 – one of the most perfect bookshelf speakers that we have met over the years

The post Review columns Roksan Darius S1: The drama played appeared first on Raqwe.

If we go to the website Urban Dictionary and type in the search «croon», then we know that the word translated it as “singing” – and that is a reason, after all today we are testing medium-sized Bluetooth-column The Original from the company CROON Audio – a thing in itself, as it has several advantages, and one, but significant, negative. However, anyone confuse the nuances in the pursuit of volume and quality of play?

The life of this column began in an unusual way, thanks to the so-called “kraudfandingu”, which is now more into fashion – a lot of “smart” hours, lotions for smartphones (mostly – iPhones), the sensational Ubuntu Edge, which is not given to see the light . The Original is just this kind of bird, and quite a high-flying, it is distinguished from competitors in the presence of MDF wooden hull thickness of 8 mm, which should reduce the amount of harmonic distortion at high volume, way more than enough here – its background available in my own disposal notorious audio Jawbone BIG JAMBOX (and also wooden) simply did fade, sad looks aside and removed home. 

However, it is only one volume can boast The Original, in terms of sound quality speaker also does not fall face in the dirt – in comparison with the same Jawbone sound is much deeper bass and clear elastic (no viscosity, “cardboard” or blurring) and the high frequencies are not sibiliruyut not lost on the general background of the musical canvas, there is no “free-flowing” and reproducible melody turns to mush. The local sound can be considered neutral without any significant distortions in one direction or another – so good for him (sound) supply meet the two main 2.5 “dynamic transducer (otherwise known as the” driver “), built-in subwoofer and amp; genre priorities of CROON no. However, we recommend “drive out” column of about 30 hours – the local T / D-amp starts playing at full capacity only after a certain time after the start of use. Naturally, this imposes certain disadvantages, primarily related to the inability of its (column) operation without power supply, you will always be needed outlet. Alas, the attempt to connect the laptop battery was not successful, commercially available USB-port column-oriented charging a smartphone that you can attach to the speaker to play as via Bluetooth, and via cable miniJACK-miniJACK (in this version, as well as those of competitors , the sound is noticeably better and louder). This is – the same “significant disadvantage”, said at the outset – the lack of real mobility, because one size is not enough.

The Original outwardly professed minimalist way, there are not any bells and whistles, or bright and flashy elements, all clean and simple (though a such a “spirit of Apple» CROON blows from all sides and a mile away, which is certainly a plus). We tested had a white version (White on White), and this, in our opinion, is not the best option for the purchase, as the column is very easy to get dirty (rub away – too), scratched and all these troubles perfectly visible on the milk-white housing. On the rear panel are all metal connectors and controls – namely, the power button, the indicator light showing the connection of the device, USB-port, power connector and audio output to the headphones with a separate Line-In:

If the build quality issue arises no, here’s to the most performance – is. Again, it is only one, but watch it … at least strange, because no frills here, you can handle wood and paint it so fine: 

At the bottom there is nothing but three wooden tapered legs, on which this column is based.

Colors – four, in addition to the cards is another classic black (Original Black), dark gray (Agent Grey) and red (Lady in Red, limited edition), all of which differ in cost, which ranges from $ 199.99 for black and up to $ 234.99 for the red version. 

If you are going to purchase a portable speaker, you have to wonder – how often will you need on the street? If you intend to use it mostly at home (or, for example, at a party), the CROON – almost the best option to purchase, otherwise also recommend to pay attention to a truly mobile solution that can operate on batteries or its own battery. Another reason for choosing CROON – the sound quality is significantly higher than the cost of comparable counterparts from the competition, whether it’s Jawbone, Beats Pill and others like them.

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