Tag: audio equipment

  • Bowers & Wilkins 707 Prestige Edition Speaker: Enhanced Sound & Shine

    Bowers & Wilkins 707 Prestige Edition Speaker: Enhanced Sound & Shine

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bowers & Wilkins launches the 707 Prestige Edition, an affordable speaker with a unique “Santos Gloss” finish.
    2. The new model features minor upgrades from the 705 Signature Edition, including a modified tweeter grille and speaker terminals for improved audio clarity.
    3. The 707 Prestige Edition retains the same drivers and crossovers as the 707 S3, resulting in minimal changes in sound quality.
    4. Specifications include a 25mm carbon tweeter, 130mm Continuum Cone driver, frequency range of 45Hz to 33kHz, and a sensitivity rating of 84dB.
    5. The 707 Prestige Edition will be released on January 21, with a retail price yet to be announced, while the standard 707 S3 is priced at $2,000 per pair.

    Audio lovers searching for a unique Bowers & Wilkins speaker with a shiny finish previously had to settle for the pricey 705 Signature Edition. However, the company is now updating the smaller, more affordable 707 S3 by launching a new version called the Prestige Edition. This model is only available in the “Santos Gloss” color, which is also used for the 805 D3 Prestige Edition.

    Luxurious Finish and Minor Upgrades

    The warm reddish wood is treated with twelve layers of paint. Technically, there are just a few enhancements borrowed from the Bowers & Wilkins 705 Signature Edition. For example, the tweeter’s front grille and the speaker terminals at the back have been modified to provide clearer audio and a broader soundstage. Since the drivers and crossovers remain the same, any changes in sound quality are likely to be minimal.

    Specifications and Features

    The Bowers & Wilkins 707 Prestige Edition, like the 707 S3, comes equipped with a 25mm carbon tweeter and a 130mm Continuum Cone bass/mid-range driver. Each speaker weighs around 13.2 lb and has dimensions of 11.8 x 9.7 x 6.5 inches. Bowers & Wilkins also specifies a frequency range of 45Hz to 33kHz, an impedance of 8 ohms, and a sensitivity rating of 84dB. The company suggests using an amplifier that delivers between 30 to 100 watts per channel for the best performance.

    Release and Pricing Details

    The Bowers & Wilkins 707 Prestige Edition is set to be released on January 21. For comparison, the standard Bowers & Wilkins 707 S3 has a retail price of $2,000 for a pair. For additional details regarding the Prestige Edition, you can check out the official product page.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Compact 160W Soundbar with Subwoofer for Desktops and Living Rooms

    Compact 160W Soundbar with Subwoofer for Desktops and Living Rooms

    Key Takeaways

    1. Compact Design: The Creative Stage Pro soundbar has a small footprint, measuring approximately 55 x 11 x 8 cm, making it suitable for both desktop setups and living rooms.

    2. Powerful Sound System: It features a 160-watt 2.1 sound system with full-range drivers and a long-throw subwoofer, enhancing audio quality with SuperWide technology and Dolby Digital Plus support.

    3. Dual Sound Modes: The soundbar offers two modes—Near Field for desktop use and Far Field for traditional TV soundbar functionality, allowing for versatile audio experiences.

    4. Multiple Connectivity Options: It includes HDMI, Bluetooth 5.3, optical and AUX inputs, and USB audio, with support for ARC and CEC for easy control via TV remotes.

    5. Pricing and Availability: The Creative Stage Pro is priced at $169.99 and is available for preorder, with shipping expected to start on August 19, 2025.

    Creative Technology has broadened its range of audio products with the introduction of the Creative Stage Pro. This new soundbar is crafted for versatility, making it suitable for both desktop setups and living rooms. Its compact design ensures it doesn’t occupy too much space. The main unit dimensions are approximately 55 x 11 x 8 cm (21.7 x 4.4 x 3.2 in), while the wired external subwoofer measures about 12 x 27 x 42 cm (4.5 x 10.4 x 16.5 in).

    Enhanced Features

    As a premium version of the Creative Stage, which is priced at around $100 on Amazon, the Stage Pro boasts a powerful 160-watt 2.1 sound system. This includes full-range drivers and a long-throw subwoofer. With its SuperWide technology and support for Dolby Digital Plus, it aims to deliver an expansive soundstage and an immersive cinematic audio experience.

    Versatile Sound Modes

    The Creative Stage Pro offers two distinctive sound modes that can effortlessly adjust its audio output to fit different environments and usage scenarios. The Near Field mode is designed to enhance audio for desktop use, effectively converting the soundbar into speakers for a computer. On the other hand, Far Field mode turns it into a traditional TV soundbar, making it perfect for living room settings.

    Connectivity Options

    This new soundbar provides a wide array of connectivity choices, such as HDMI, Bluetooth 5.3, optical and AUX inputs, as well as USB audio. It also supports both ARC and CEC through HDMI, allowing users to manage the soundbar directly using their TV remote.

    With an official price tag of $169.99, the Stage Pro is now up for preorder at the Creative Store, with shipping expected to start on August 19, 2025.

    Source:
    Link

    Compact 160W Soundbar with Subwoofer for Desktops and Living RoomsCompact 160W Soundbar with Subwoofer for Desktops and Living Rooms

     

    Tags: ,
  • Pro-Ject Audio Flatten It Machine Restores Warped Records

    Pro-Ject Audio Flatten It Machine Restores Warped Records

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pro-Ject Audio Systems has launched the Flatten It machine for vinyl record enthusiasts, priced at €799 (approximately $893).
    2. Vinyl records can warp easily due to improper storage, and cheaper DIY solutions often fail to fix warping effectively.
    3. The Flatten It machine uses heated aluminum plates with a temperature-controlled heating element to prevent overheating.
    4. The machine is compatible with all record sizes and thicknesses, measuring 365 x 60 x 420 mm and weighing 4 kg.
    5. It operates on global power sources, accommodating both 110/120 volts and 230/240 volts at 50 or 60 Hz.

    Pro-Ject Audio Systems has introduced the Flatten It machine, designed for those who love vinyl records. The machine is priced at €799 (around $893) and can be bought directly from the Pro-ject website. Customers can also look for availability on Amazon US and Amazon DE.

    The Issue with Vinyl Records

    Vinyl records, made from polyvinyl chloride, can easily warp if not stored properly. This can happen in hot places, when records are tilted, or if they are not stacked correctly. Many cheaper DIY solutions do not effectively fix warping and often require too much time. Other flattening machines from brands like Orb and Furutech are priced higher.

    Innovative Design Features

    Pro-ject, which is part of Audio Tuning Vertriebs GmbH, has created its flattening machine using heated aluminum plates. The heating element is temperature-controlled, maintaining a precise hysteresis of 2 °C. This feature helps to avoid overheating the warped records during its one hour of heating and two hours of cooling period.

    Specifications and Compatibility

    The Flatten It can handle records of all sizes and thicknesses. It has dimensions of 365 x 60 x 420 mm (or 14.4 x 2.4 x 16.5 inches) and weighs about 4 kg (8.8 lbs). It works with power sources globally, accommodating both 110/120 volts and 230/240 volts at 50 or 60 Hz.

    Pro-ject Audio Systems US, Pro-ject Audio Systems DE.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags:
  • Boya Mini: World’s Lightest Wireless Microphone Launched

    Boya Mini: World’s Lightest Wireless Microphone Launched

    The Boya mini aims to provide external audio gear that can boost video quality beyond what typical smartphone recordings offer. This compact device is similar in size to a case for a pair of wireless earbuds. It includes transmitters that weigh approximately 5 grams (g) each, complete with a built-in lapel clip for easy attachment.

    Battery Life and Charging

    Each transmitter comes equipped with a battery that offers around 6 hours of use per charge. However, this can be extended up to 30 hours when stored in the provided charging case, making it quite convenient for extended recording sessions.

    Audio Quality and Specifications

    The Boya mini system boasts an impressive audio recording capability, featuring a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of up to 80 decibels (dB) when measured at a sound pressure level (SPL) of 120dB. Its frequency response spans from 20 to 20,000 kilohertz (kHz), which is quite expansive for portable audio equipment. The system is said to support 48 kHz/16-bit audio, although this is lower than the 24-bit offered by competitors like the Hollyland Lark M2.

    Pricing and Availability

    Currently, the Boya mini is sold with dual transmitters and a USB-C receiver, making it suitable for newer iPhones and many Android devices, priced at $47.99 on Amazon. In comparison, the Hollyland Lark M2, even with Black Friday 2024 discounts, retails for $90. Additionally, Boya has introduced other receiver options, including TRX, available on its AliExpress page.

    Source: Link

    Tags: