CES 2018 - New audio stuff (cool-s***/crazy-s***/etc.)

Discussion in 'General Audio Discussion' started by mscott58, Jan 8, 2018.

  1. mscott58

    mscott58 Friend

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    Apologies if anyone has already started this type of thing for this years CES, but didn't see anything yet.

    As the show just kicked off, have started to see a thing or two come out that I thought might be best to have one place to share.

    So I'll kick it off with Audeze's very recent announcement - the ISINE LX, for only $199 ($259 with Cipher cable).

    https://www.audeze.com/products/isine-series/isine-lx-ear-headphone

    [​IMG]

    Would be great to hear from anyone at the festivities in Las Vegas to share first-hand news/impressions on these and anything else cool/crazy.

    Cheers all
     
  2. Walderstorn

    Walderstorn Friend

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    Damn those are fugly as hell. That said you could copy/paste the technical info here as well so others could avoid all that marketing talk.
     
  3. slankoe

    slankoe Tongue tastes of LH butthole

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    Specifications

    Style In-ear, semi-open
    Transducer Type Planar magnetic
    Magnetic Structure Fluxor™ magnet array
    Phase Management Fazor
    Magnet Type Neodymium N50
    Diaphragm Type Ultra-thin Uniforce™
    Transducer Size 30mm
    Maximum Power Handling 3W
    Maximum SPL >130dB
    Frequency Response 10Hz – 50kHz
    THD <0.1% @ 100dB
    Impedance 16 ohms
    Sensitivity 110 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point)
    Power Requirement >50mW

    Looks like the Sennheiser HD820 is showing up at CES, look at that. Thought it might be rumour all along.
    Those iSines are pretty bleh looking

    E: Added quote for context.
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2018
  4. Metro

    Metro Friend

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  5. mscott58

    mscott58 Friend

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    Here's info on the Senn HD820's - https://en-us.sennheiser.com/high-e...&ranSiteID=TnL5HPStwNw-FVIBcEJU.kJMycg6T0VZXQ

    HD 820
    With these groundbreaking closed dynamic headphones passionate music lovers can now enjoy their music at an audiophile level wherever they please, at home or on the move. Featuring unique glass transducer covers that minimize resonances, the HD 820 are simply the most transparent-sounding closed headphones in the world, extending the boundaries of what has been achieved in sound reproduction with closed type headphones up to now.
    $ 2,399.95
    plus applicable sales tax - free shipping

    [​IMG]

    Technical Data (from Senn's website)
    • Impedance
      300 Ohms
    • Frequency response (Headphones)
      12 - 43800 Hz (-3 dB)
      6 - 48000 Hz (-10 dB)
    • Sound pressure level (SPL)
      103 dB at 1 kHz, 1V
      • Ear coupling
        around the ear
      • Jack plug
        6.3 mm / Pentaconn / (XLR4)
      • Cable length
        3m
      • Weight
        360 g without cable
      • Transducer principle (headphones)
        dynamic, closed
    And here's some info/propo from The Verge - https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/8/16858130/sennheiser-hd-820-headphones-price-release-date-ces-2018
     
  6. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Here but no time to trawl the show floor.

    @CEE TEE gets here today, too. Should be a good year.
     
  7. Azteca

    Azteca Friend

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    Thanks for alerting me to this. Prices are firmly in the stratosphere but oh well. Glad it exists.

    https://www.analogplanet.com/conten...ect-drive-reference-class-turntables-ces-2018
     
  8. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    I'm 100 feet from the senn booth. Hd820 not set up yet. They let me into the demo room and it's nice.
     
  9. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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  10. drgumbybrain

    drgumbybrain Science Nut

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    I think most of the hate appeared when chord tried to deliver to the world their tech as the best of the best in all galaxy. If they make a good product with a good price, most of the hate will vanish IMHO...
    I liked the new chord design!
     
  11. Clemmaster

    Clemmaster Friend

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    The original Qute was awesome.

    Then they discovered audio forums - but not spell checkers - and everything turned bad...
     
  12. insidious meme

    insidious meme Ambivalent Kumquat

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    And for all the Chord fluffers to circle jerk on. We get it. This is the "anti Chord" site.
     
  13. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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  14. Azteca

    Azteca Friend

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    They replace very high-end, sought after turntables that are still the standard for archival and broadcast purposes. Many institutions spend a bunch of money getting them repaired using an almost depleted supply of parts so in the end, this will be a good thing for them. Even though you can get those tables for a lot less than 10K. But yeah I wish I could get one too! All in due time I suppose...
     
  15. mscott58

    mscott58 Friend

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    They've been talked about for a long time and Dan has been playing with their design for ages, but the VOCE electrostats have been officially launched by Mr. Speakers and I wonder if they're on display somewhere at CES? Anyone there have any VOCE sightings/listen impressions now that they're in "production/final" form?

    https://www.mrspeakers.com/headphones-14/voce.html

    [​IMG]
    Specs (from Mr. Speakers web-page)

    Pricing

    VOCE is $2999.99 in the US.

    VOCE is designed and built in San Diego, CA and comes with the following innovative features:
    • Super-large 88mm diaphragm for extended low frequency output
    • 2.4 micron driver, optimized for stability and resolution
    • Ultra-thin metal stators for superior sound
    • MrSpeakers’ signature NiTinol memory metal headband for exceptional comfort, light weight and durability
    • Detachable* custom fabricated silver-plated copper cable that is non-microphonic, round and super-supple, yet low capacitance
    • Proprietary machined Teflon amplifier plug with machined aluminum housing, gold plated solid copper pins and a machined aluminum headphone connector**
    • 580V “Pro-bias” compatible for use with any Stax-pro compatible amplifiers
    • Italian Napa leather ear pads
    • Vat-dyed US made leather headband

    I personally love the "call-outs" Dan makes below. Can imagine some yahoo plopping down 3 boxes of ziti and trying to plug the VOCEs into their standard HP amp!

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

    First, if you are new to electrostatic headphones it's essential to understand that they require dedicated electrostatic energizers or amplifiers. Energizers are typically more cost effective, while dedicated amplifiers deliver a higher level of performance.

    Energizers take the output of a loudspeaker amplifier and increase the voltage swing, while adding the required bias voltage. Electrostatic amplifiers typically are dedicated to electrostatic headphones, though Malvalve produces a universal headphone amplifier that can also work witih planar magnetic and dynamic headphones.

    Energizers are available from Woo Audio, iFi, and Stax, while amplifiers are available from Headamp, Malvalve, and Stax.

    Second, it is not uncommon for electrostatic headphones to make a "ripping" or "zipping" sound when the diaphragm contacts the stator (this is sometimes called a "stat fart," or something similar). This typically occurs when putting the headphone on, or taking it off, or if you press on the headphone cup while listening. This is considered normal behavior and is not indicative of a problem with the headphone, unless the diaphragm doesn't release (which causes audible distortion).
     
  16. Chris F

    Chris F Boyz 4 Now Fanatic - Friend

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    I think Technics is pricing the new SP10 vs the rest of the high end turntable pool where is does come off as a relative bargain. (for better or worse)

    SP10 with a Kuzma or other really good arm vs VPI Avenger or SME10/20 or Kuzma or TW etc...?

    Based entirely on my experience with the new 1200G/GR I’ll take the Technics....
     
  17. netforce

    netforce MOT: Headphones.com

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    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Shangri-La jr
     
  18. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    Down to earth price ... so what, like, 24k$¿?
     
  19. netforce

    netforce MOT: Headphones.com

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  20. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    I like the looks of that more than Shangri-la system.
     

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