All items in category Magazine Articles
Fresh from the Bench: Benchmark DAC2 DX Stereo D/A Converter
by Gary Galo

Fresh from the Bench: Benchmark DAC2 DX Stereo D/A Converter

The DAC2 series are the latest digital-to-analog converters from Benchmark Media Systems, the American audio manufacturer based in Syracuse, NY. The model reviewed here is the DAC2 DX, which has been tailored for users who don’t have analog sources or who use a separate analog preamp. Read the full review.
Read more...
Musicality and Distortion: A Conversation
by Jan Didden, Dennis Colin and Jean Hiraga

Musicality and Distortion: A Conversation

Three audio experts discuss the role of distortion levels in what we hear. The debate was caused by an article titled “Amplifier Musicality - A Study of Amplifier Harmonic Distortion Spectrum Analysis” by Jean Hiraga, which originated comments by Jan Didden, Dennis Colin and a subsequent response by Jean Hiraga. The original article appeared in audioXpress March 2004 and the resulting conversation was published in audioXpress October 2005.
Read more...
Vendor Selection: What Do These Crazy Americans Want?
by Mike Klasco

Vendor Selection: What Do These Crazy Americans Want?

Regardless of how well our Asian partners speak English, there is still quite a cultural gap that often brings on gray hair and increases blood pressure to both sides. Mike Klasco discusses the differing perceptions and sensibilities between Western customers and Asian vendors. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, March 2012.
Read more...
Book Review: The Bottle Builder - A Compendium of Tube Amplifier Designs
by Peter Delos

Book Review: The Bottle Builder - A Compendium of Tube Amplifier Designs

This review of The Bottle Builder, Volume 1: A Compendium of Tube Amplifier Designs discusses Johan Basse Bergqvist’s hands-on collection of his amplifier designs. A book illustrated with more than 400 figures and photographs to help readers understand audio—no engineering degree necessary. Published on audioXpress, July 2015.
Read more...
Digmoda DSP Amplifier Line
by Dean Rivera

Digmoda DSP Amplifier Line

Digmoda is a series of modular OEM platforms consisting of digital amplifiers, DSPs, and power supplies designed specifically for audio applications. The Digital Power (DP) line consists of two new software programmable amplifiers, the DPSW300 and DPSW1000, along with newly developed DSP software for these units.
Read more...
AES67-2013: The New Networked Audio-Over-IP (AoIP) Interoperability Standard
by Joao Martins

AES67-2013: The New Networked Audio-Over-IP (AoIP) Interoperability Standard

The AES X192 initiative - driven by the Audio Engineering Society (AES) task group SC-02-12-H - resulted in the new AES67-2013 standard, published on 11 September 2013, which defines key parameters for networked AoIP interoperability. This article from audioXpress' Standards Review column was published short after, in January 2014.
Read more...
Fresh From the Bench: Focal’s Spirit Professional
by Miguel Marques

Fresh From the Bench: Focal’s Spirit Professional

In 2013, French speaker manufacturer Focal released its first headphones. Among the models intended for the hi-fi and consumer markets, Focal also introduced the Focal Spirit Professional, a closed-back headphone design built for the professional musician or recording studio engineer. This is the review.
Read more...
Book Review: The Bruce Swedien Recording Method
by Joao Martins

Book Review: The Bruce Swedien Recording Method

With a career spanning 60 years, Bruce Swedien has recorded and mixed the biggest selling albums of all time. Swedien’s contribution to popular music is undeniable and his recordings have became a reference for generations of audio engineers. This book is a valuable compilation of different materials and reflects Swedien’s most recent activities, where he generously shares what he knows.
Read more...
Green Audio and Then Some
by Mike Klasco

Green Audio and Then Some

What are my two cents on criteria for sustainable product design? Bioplastics, sustainable, biodegradable, or end of life recyclable attributes are all aspects of a truly green product. I think that a conscionable green design philosophy focuses on the total integration of “good citizen” eco-friendly materials and processes and long, useful life.
Read more...
Diffraction Doesn’t Have to Be a Problem
by David Ralph

Diffraction Doesn’t Have to Be a Problem

This article shows an easy way to control baffle diffraction using a stepped baffle example. The author experiments with the use of felt, directly applied to the baffle and measures the results. Each piece of felt and its placement has different results. The article clearly demonstrates the diffraction effect on speakers and the benefits of having it under control.
Read more...