In fact, they are perfectly tuned, mid-century–inspired masterpieces. The Klipsch Forte IV ($4,998 per pair) are more lively. Some audiophiles prefer the type of tight precision you get from speakers like the Paradigms. The Paradigm Monitor SE 6000F ($1,000 per pair) are a great pair of speakers for those who like things a bit more clinical and precise-they're amazing for classical music, jazz, and folk, thanks to their incredible detail. Moving away from bookshelves and onto passive floorstanding speakers, I'll highlight two very different models. I'm a fan of fun, energetic sound when I'm listening on speakers, and both of these models deliver that, but with enough detail that you won't feel you're sacrificing anything. The ELACs are a great entry-level speaker that will easily take you into audiophile territory with the right amp, where the 4309 more or less sound amazing with anything powering them. Some passive bookshelf models I love are the ELAC Debut 2.0 ($380 per pair) and JBL 4309 ($2,000 per pair). Those hook up with regular speaker cables, and you won't need to worry about plugging them into the wall. If you already have an amp (or if you plan to buy one), a pair of passive speakers is the best way to go. They have amplification built-in, and they draw their power from a wall socket, so they can be used without a dedicated amplifier. The KEF and iLoud models I just mentioned are powered. They offer the cleanest, clearest sound I've ever heard from a pair of headphones-great for high rollers without perfect listening rooms. If you've got unlimited cash, the Audeze LCD-5 ($4,500) are exceptional. Another solid pair are the Neumann NDH 30 ($649), which are aimed at more studio-style sound. They sound even better than the more expensive closed-back models. I still have yet to encounter a pair of wireless earbuds that sound amazing, but the best I've heard are the Astell & Kern UW100 ($299), which have some of the most realistic sound you'll find, thanks to the company's excellent processing.įans of open-back listening with big budgets should check out the Elex ($599), a collaboration between Drop and Focal that brings elements of Focal's more expensive Elear and Clear headphones to the sub-$1,000 mark. (In headphone lingo, the soundstage is the imaginary three-dimensional space you find yourself in when you shut your eyes and listen.) Other great wireless options that compete with wired headphones are the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 ($699) and the Master & Dynamic MW75 ($599), both of which feature beautiful design and high-end materials. They produce one of the widest soundstages I've heard from wireless headphones. The recent Celestee closed-back headphones ($999) are as gorgeous to listen to as they are to look at, and the recently released Bathys ($799) are wireless and offer noise-canceling, making them some of the best for travel. If you prefer over-ear headphones, I really like the latest models from the French company Focal. I've never heard bass this good from in-ear headphones, and the overall detail in the sound is nothing short of shocking. The company's Euclid buds ($1,299) are among the most astonishing in-ears I've ever tested, thanks to their custom planar magnetic drivers. Personally, I have also loved in-ears from premium audio brand Audeze. There are many other high-end headphones that also sound fantastic. If you like big speakers with big bass, set up your stereo somewhere a little more spacious.Īt the higher end, my current favorite in-ears are from Portland-based brand Campfire Audio (the 3D-printed Supermoon ($1,500). Significant porous absorption is required to make large speakers sound great in a tighter space like a bedroom. Throbbing and thumping bass frequencies, which are harder to tame than higher frequencies like splashy cymbals and twangy guitars, will typically degrade the audio quality you get in smaller rooms. To treat a room, use acoustic panels (typically Rockwool insulation wrapped in cheap fabric and hung from the walls or ceiling) to provide the recommended amount of coverage for the space. This brings the audio reflections under control, damping them so you hear more of the focused sound waves coming out of the speakers, and fewer of the messy sound waves bouncing around the room. The best way to shorten that decay time is to fill the room with as much soft, porous mass as possible. Try this: Clap your hands loudly in the middle of your room and listen for the decay-the audible echoing of that clapping sound.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |