The TH1000RP and TH1100RP are flagship RP headphones that incorporate Fostex’s proprietary state–of–the–art premium grade RP planar magnetic driver technology in a solid wood housing. Dyed with Aizome from Tokushima, known as Japan’s renowned indigo dyeing method, the headphones are carefully assembled in Japan. This one–of–a–kind texture brings out the beauty of the individually different wood grain that is unique to traditional Aizome. Fostex’s 50 years of flat diaphragm RP technology come together beautifully in two models of flagship headphones, a closed type and an open type. 

TH1000RP & TH1100RP

More Key Features

The post Fostex Announce New Premium Headphones TH1000RP & TH1100RP appeared first on Major HiFi.

Enhanced Analog and Digital Performance

The original MADIface XT set the standard as the world’s first USB 3.0 audio interface, renowned for its high channel count, extensive connectivity, and compact design. The MADIface XT II elevates this standard with significant improvements in analog and digital performance. Key upgrades include a higher signal-to-noise ratio and lower THD during AD conversion, along with an increased maximum balanced line output level from +15 dBu to +24 dBu. The stereo headphone output now delivers an impressive +19 dBu with an output impedance of 1 Ohm, ensuring more power and versatility.

Comprehensive Connectivity for Versatile Applications

The MADIface XT II continues to offer extensive connectivity options, including:

• Two mic/line preamps (XLR/TRS combo inputs)
• Two balanced XLR line outputs
• A stereo line headphone output
• Various digital signal options (MADI coaxial and optical, MIDI/AES, word clock)
• An additional PCI Express connection

Advanced Digital Circuitry

The new digital board features an ARC USB remote port. This replaces the previous analog mini-DIN socket for enhanced remote control capabilities. Additionally, the MADIface XT II integrates the renowned Room EQ from the Fireface UFX III. It provides nine parametric bands for surround setups with up to 20 mono output channels.

Cutting-Edge Clocking Technology

Equipped with RME’s latest SteadyClock FS technology, the MADIface XT II ensures optimal clock and jitter rejection performance. SteadyClock FS, based on a femto clock, minimizes intrinsic jitter and efficiently filters clock jitter from as low as 1 Hz, delivering unparalleled audio precision.

Upgraded Hardware and Class Compliant Mode

Focusing on USB 3.0 connectivity, the MADIface XT II has significantly upgraded its Class Compliant Mode. It now allows all 394 channels to be transmitted simultaneously without a driver. Various formats and settings for channel sequencing have been introduced to maximize the potential of Class Compliant operation.

RME’s MADIface XT II intends to redefine the audio interface market with its exceptional performance and comprehensive connectivity. 

The RME MADIface XT II will be available at Audio46.

The post RME Unveils the MADIface XT II: Next-Gen 394-Channel USB 3.0 Audio Interface appeared first on Major HiFi.

How It Works

Humanoid uses an FFT-based re-tuning engine that allows you to modify specific elements of the sound, like pitch, filtering, and synthesis. With Humanoid’s pitch controls, you can correct your audio in exciting ways, such as correcting individual notes with Scale mode. This is a good way to match your vocals to musical keys in real-time. The wavetable synth takes the set pitch and resynthesizes it with selectable waveshapes. Using filters allows you to shape the tone even further with high and low-pass filters.

There are tons of other features that Humanoid offers that will continue to shake up your vocals. Here are some of the additional key features you can expect.

• Transform Knob: Morph between robotified hard-tuning and re-synthesized vocals to seamlessly blend between human and machine. Use the shape and stretch parameters to manipulate the wavetable and the note shift and octave parameters to fatten and shift the pitch.
• Effects: Humanoid’s effects section gives you creative tools to warp your voice. Widen makes the voice wider, while Warble offers spectral vibrato. Freeze is a unique stutter effect that can be synced to the BPM or programmed freely.
• Utility: The Utility section contains helpful tools for improving the results of the vocal processing. Limit the note range to improve pitch detection, add a de-esser to tame sibilance, and a gate to reduce bleed and background noise. The smoothing function reduces harsh harmonics for a more soft and relaxed re-tuning style.
• Presets: Humanoid comes with 180 presets from top sound designers. From classic hard-tuning effects to transformative vocal manipulation, you’ll find expertly built patches that work across a variety of genres.
• Sharpen: Enhance the vocal signal to achieve a clearer and sharper balance that will cut through the mix. Click the calibration icon to control the brightness.
• Output: Set Humanoid’s global output. Click the calibration icon to set the input gain and global dry/wet mix. Click+drag the bottom right of the interface to re-size.
• Settings: Enter the settings menu to show/hide tooltips, change the interface color, launch the quick-start guide, access resources and more.
• Buffer: Humanoid works by analyzing incoming audio in the spectral domain. Select the Low buffer setting to analyze a smaller window of audio for low latency performance, or select Medium or High for better pitch tracking at the expense of higher latency.

System Requirements

• Plugin formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX (64-bit).
• Mac OS 10.11 and up (including Native Apple Silicon M1/M2 Compatibility).
• PC Windows 10 and newer.
• DAWs supported: All major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig, Reaper, Reason, etc

Humanoid costs $79, and is available from Plugin Boutique.

The post Produce Futuristic Vocals With Baby Audio’s New Humanoid Plugin appeared first on Major HiFi.

Lossless Audio Over Bluetooth

The new DAC uses the latest Bluetooth 5.4 and the aptX Lossless codec, and Hi-Res 96kHz via LDAC and LDHC/HWA. aptX Lossless falls under the ‘aptX Adaptive’ codec, which houses multiple codecs with different transmission speeds and bit rates within it.

For audio connoisseurs, this means the ZEN Blue 3 allows you to stream lossless CD-quality music from your mobile phone to your Hi-Fi system. Home cinema lovers can also enjoy high-quality audio with Hi-Res Bluetooth headphones while watching movies at home, and much more.

Switchable Low Latency For Gaming

For those using the ZEN Blue 3 in transmission mode for watching video content or gaming, there is a low latency button on the front of the unit. Perfect for intense gaming sessions or relaxing movie nights, low latency mode resolves the delay issue between the video and audio, meaning audio is in sync with video content.

New Wired & Wireless Modes

The iFi ZEN Blue 3 is more versatile than ever, with three new function modes to suit any listener. These modes include:

• RX mode which receives Bluetooth from a source device
• TX mode which transmits Bluetooth to a device
• Wired DAC mode
• ZEN Blue 3 can now act as a traditional wired DAC via USB-C or S/PDIF inputs. ZEN Blue 3 has true audiophile-grade, Hi-Fi circuitry and is not just a System on a Chip solution by using separate Bluetooth, DAC, and Op-Amp chips for superior sound.
• With so many Hi-Res audio options available to the ZEN Blue 3, making balanced circuitry available to users is more important than ever. By including a balanced line output, users with a balanced audio setup can look forward to significantly reduced signal noise and crosstalk between channels, bringing all the clarity with none of the audio clutter.

Signature ZEN Series Design 

Following the redesigned aesthetic of the ZEN 3 product series, the ZEN Blue 3 showcases an eye-catching two-tone front panel design to stand out among hi-fi ‘black boxes’. Similarly, the ZEN Blue 3 exudes character and personality with its smile-like button layout.

The iFi ZEN Blue 3 will be available soon at Audio46.

The post Unleash High-Fidelity Bluetooth Audio with ifi’s Zen Blue 3 appeared first on Major HiFi.

The SilentPower brand is categorized into four main segments: Power Supplies, Cables, Conditioners and Accessories. Each segment is meticulously engineered to deliver superior noise cancellation and power purity, ensuring that every audio experience is pristine and immersive.

LAN iPurifier Pro

The LAN iPurifier Pro offers a simple plug-and-play solution to what traditionally requires complex steps. Utilizing advanced optical galvanic isolation technology, it converts incoming LAN signals into optical (light) signals and back again, ensuring complete electrical isolation between input and output. This prevents any noise from the LAN system from contaminating the stream or DAC.

The LAN iPurifier Pro is an active device that also improves musical timing thanks to its signal regeneration capabilities. This eliminates all jitters and errors so listeners experience the music as clearly and correctly as possible. Designed for speed without compromise, the LAN iPurifier Pro ensures transparent data transmission while meeting network connection standards, including 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet), IEEE 802.3x standard, and supporting 1000/100/10Mbps. It is compatible with a wide range of network devices such as 4K media boxes and media streaming PCs.

The iFi LAN iPurifier Pro is available now from Audio46.

The post iFi Introduces LAN iPurifier Pro in New SilentPower Lineup appeared first on Major HiFi.

EF500

The EF500 desktop DAC/amplifier features HIFIMAN’s Hymalaya LEladder DAC, consisting of an array of highly accurate resistors that use a “ladder” method of conversion. This approach converts the digital signal with maximum accuracy and overall musicality. Signal-to-noise ratio, total harmonic distortion, and energy consumption are at their musical and efficient best. A highlight of the EF500 is HIFIMAN’s Hymalaya LE R2R DAC, which provides unsurpassed sonic output, especially when compared to the more commonplace PCM1704kmodule. The Hymalaya LE, with the added support of a new algorithm and 0.01% precision resistors, reaches a THD (total harmonic distortion) rate of0.0025%(-8dB), with distortion reduced to a previously unheard-of low with no audible distractions.

EF499

The EF499 offers similar benefits as the EF500 but with the familiar Philips R2R DAC architecture known for its naturally warm, full-range sonics and the company’s signature sonic tuning.

Specs

The HiFiMAN EF500 and EF499 are available to pre-order at Audio46.

The post HiFiMAN Announces New Entry Level Desktop DAC/Amps appeared first on Major HiFi.

Main Features

SPECS

• Type: Semi-open RP Dynamic
• Impedance: 50 ohm
• Sensitivity: 92dB/mW
• Max Input: 3,000mW
• Freq. response: 15 – 35 kHz
• Weight: Approx.450g (excluding cable)
• Accessories:
  • ・Φ3.5mm (4-pole) toΦ3.5mm (3-pole) stereo phone cable (1.5m) x 1pc
    ・Φ3.5mm to Φ6.3mm stereo phone conversion connector x 1pc
    ・Velour ear-pads x 1pair
    ・Sticker x 1pc
    ・Owner’s Manual x 1pc

Look for the Fostex T60RP 50th Anniversery Edition at Audio46.

The post Fostex Announce T60RP 50th Anniversary Edition appeared first on Major HiFi.

The Composer 

This pair of open-back reference headphones wants to set a new standard for listeners looking to experience every nuance their music offers. Austrian Audio wants to develop professional headphones, with a sophisticated design for critical listening in any environment. Whether at the studio or just for at-home enjoyment is up to you. The Composer looks to achieve this sound with its perfect placement of drivers towards the listener’s ears. The Composer cleverly incorporates the acclaimed Hi-X design with
plenty of internal space, resulting in a perfect fit independently from the shape of the user’s outer ear. Additionally, the magnetically attached ear pads can be easily replaced for convenience.

Specs

• Frequency range: 5 Hz – 44 kHz
• Sensitivity: 112 dBspl/V
• THD (@ 1kHz): < 0.1%
• Impedance: 40 Ω
• Input Power: 160 mW
• Detachable cables with Banana Jack (included)
• 3m with 3.5 mm (1/8”) Jack Plug (TRS)
• 3m with XLR 4pin
• 1.4m with 4.4 mm Pentacon
• Adapter included: 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm (1/8” to 1/4″)
• Dimensions: 210 x 200 x 90 mm
• Weight (without cable): 385 g

The Full Score One

The Full Score One is built like a low-noise power amplifier. Its circuitry is optimized to be able to power any pair of headphones up to 300 Ohms. The main amplifier comprises a wide band, fully symmetrical voltage feedback circuit with a triple emitter follower output stage biased in class B, a high-speed complementary push-pull gain stage, and a cascaded parallel differential input stage. The design results in the lowest THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) at every output level and frequency range so every nuance of the
recording can be enjoyed even with less sensitive headphones that need more amplification.

Austrian Audio has also developed a special component for the Score One called True Transient Technology. This is a physical button that when pushed, enables the amplifier’s ability to deliver even the steepest transients unaltered to the listener. This way the full bandwidth and finest subtleties of the recording become accessible to the listener at any volume.

Specs

• Power Bandwidth: 5 Hz – 1 MHz
• THD (@ 1kHz): 0.0005 % at full load
• Recommended input voltage: 0dBV, 1Vrms
• Recommended max load (5 Hz – 20 kHz): 10 Ω – 600 Ω, max. 150 nF
• Max output voltage (5 Hz – 20 kHz): 19 dBV, 9 Vrms @ 0,01% THD
• Selfnoise: EIN 136 dB(A)
• Max slew rate: 200 V/μs
• Inputs: 2x XLR and 2x RCA (parallel)
• Outputs: 2x 6.35 mm jack and 1x XLR 4pin
• Power rating: 220 – 230 V~ / 50 Hz, max. 25 W, automatic
switch to 110 – 120 V~ / 60 Hz
• Dimensions: 210 x 265 x 60 mm
• Weight: 2.76 kg

The Austrian Audio Composer will cost $2,699, and the Full Score One will cost $1,599. They are both available to pre-order from Audio46.

The post Austrian Audio Introduces New Composer Headphones & Score One Amp appeared first on Major HiFi.

ZE8000 MK2

With the ZE8000 MK2, Final has made significant improvements for an all-new user experience. Including new ‘Shield Fin’ ear tips for improved comfort and increased passive sound isolation, enhanced signal-to-noise ratio for greater detail retrieval and improved ‘8K Sound’, the ability to deactivate ANC and other noise control settings, and a maximum volume increase of 5dB.

UX2000

• Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation: Equipped with a sophisticated system that effectively cancels external noises for a serene listening experience.
• Gaming Mode with Low-Latency: Specially designed for gamers, providing synchronized audio with on-screen action for an immersive gaming experience.
• Up to 45 Hours of Music Playback: Offers substantial playback time, ideal for long commutes, work sessions, or gaming marathons.
• Multi-Fit Housing Structure: Adjustable in multiple directions for a perfect fit, ensuring comfort even during extended use.
• Fingerprint-Proof Matte Finish: The body of the device features a matte finish, making it resistant to fingerprints and oil, and ensuring that it doesn’t easily show dirt.
• Foldable Design for Compact Storage: The headphones can be folded into a compact form making them convenient to carry.

New for the UX2000 is its low-latency gaming mode, making it an ideal companion for gamers who demand synchronized, high-quality audio. Developed by Final, this mode also benefits users while watching movies, music videos, or their favorite online content – perfectly syncing lip movements with voice and action scenes with its sound effects for highly engaging viewing.

The Final Audio ZE8000 MK2 and the UX2000 will be available at Audio46.

The post Final Audio Launch New ZE8000 MK2 True Wireless Earbuds & UX2000 ANC Headphones appeared first on Major HiFi.

With the E3, Dan Clark Audio aims to bring the characteristics of an open-back headphones to fully isolated closed-back headphones. They looks to achieve this with an Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) and all-new 5th generation driver. The AMTS can also be found in the Stealth, Expanse, and Cornina models. At $1999, the E3 will be the cheapest headphones with this technology. The way the AMTS system is implemented into the E3 is different compared to what they’ve done with past models. This new configuration hopes to deliver enhanced high-end detail and accuracy.

For the E3’s all-new 5th generation planar driver, the diaphragm will feature an all-new tensioning system for a more uniform and consistent performance, lower distortion, and enhanced consistency. New diaphragm materials combined with highly optimized V-Planar knurling deliver low distortion throughout the listening range, with levels of detail heretofore found primarily in the top-of-the-line electrostatics.

These aren’t the only innovations you can expect with the E3. You can also expect dual-mode bass ports, indicated by holes in the glass. With this design, Dan Clark Audio looks to establish more control over the E3’s low frequencies.

Specs

• Weight 455gr
• Impedance 27ohms
• Sensitivity ~90 dB/mW
• Distortion < 0.1% ref 80dB White Noise

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The Dan Clark Audio E3 is available at Audio46.

The post Dan Clark Audio Announce E3 Closed-Back Planar Headphones appeared first on Major HiFi.