Ultrasone HFI-780 S-Logic Professional Headphones Review
I’m traditionally a day to day user of the rather excellent Sennheiser HD-280 Pro
At first appearances the Ultrasone HFI-780s look rather nice with a rugged looking head and solid brushed chrome ear pieces, they are a fully foldable model and so can be made quite compact for storage but not quite small enough to put in your pockets. I dont think you can really get away with wearing these cans outside, but they are quite comfortable for long periods of time connected to a hi fi or computer, though they did occasionally make my ears sweat a bit. They have a solid and professional feel and certainly give you the impression that they are in the game for the long haul. If the internal components are as rugged as the headphones themselves then they should last a careful user many many years.
The HFI-780s have several Ultrasone developed technologies such as S-Logic Plus, ULE and safer hearing. Lets dig deeper into each of these in turn. The S-Logic Plus functionality according to the Ultrasone website “S-Logic™ Plus is the newest advancement in the S-Logic™ Natural Surround System…. The acoustically redesigned ear-cups of these new models and their tonal fine-tuning result in a most neutral sound impression with more vivid perception of voices and instruments.”
Now to you and me that might sound like an unmitigated load of marketing spiel but to be honest I really do believe that I could perceive a far greater width of soundstage and and almost 3 dimensional surround experience on some passages of music. I also found that HFI-780s added a lot to my spacial awareness when playing Far Cry 2 and Left 4 Dead. So a good result as regards their claimed surround enhancements.
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ULE, Ultrasone explain is a system to shield the wearer from the inevitable magnetic and other radiation that occurs in the headphones due to the operation of the headphone coils. They claim a reduction of up to 98% of the relevant radiation. Up to this point I’ll admit I’ve never thought of it as being a problem, all I can say is my head didn’t feel like it was being irradiated when I was using these cans 
The 780s also claim they give the user a safer hearing experience by using superior components to allow a reduction of sound pressure on the ears by up to 40% at a set perceived listening volume. I certainly felt that these phones lived to that claim having excellent long session comfort. I definitely experienced a very low amount of ear fatigue during extended sessions with the Ultrasone headphones.
As regards general sound qualities of the HFI-780 headphones. They are what you would expect from a set of pro headphones in this price range. Excellent overall dynamics and audio frequency range (an exceptional 10-26,000Hz). I found the highs on these phones particularly crisp and very clear but again without actually being hard on the ears. This is no mean feat. The bottom end is very well defined and have quite a kick. Boom lovers will find these headphones more than a match for anything they care to throw at them. Needless to say I am very impressed with the sonic characteristics of these cans. I cant off the top of my head think of a better pair for anywhere near this price.
Manufacturers Specifications
- S-Logic™ Natural Surround Sound Plus
- Dynamic principle
- Frequency range 10-26.000 Hz
- Impedance 35 Ohm
- Sound pressure level 96 dB
- Reduced field emissions in accordance with ULE (=Ultra Low Emission) standard
- Driver 40 mm gold-plated
- Weight 285 g (without cord)
- Straight cord (length ca 3m)
- 3,5/6,3 mm screwable gold-plated plug
- Come with Transportation bag, Demo CD, Instruction manual
- Spare parts are available on a long term basis
- RRP: $279.00 (Check Current Pricing on Amazon
)
Tags: Headphones, Ultrasone HFI-780 Posted in: Headphones 
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Hi Fi Jargon Buster – Audio Power, RMS power, watts RMS, Peak Power
Audio power is the electrical power transferred from an audio amplifier to a loudspeaker, measured in watts. The power delivered to the speaker and the speakers sensitivity is what determines the actual audio power level delivered by the speaker. The amount of electrical energy that a system (Amplifier & Speakers combined) can convert to to actual sonic energy is seen as one of the more important manufacturers specifications as regards audio equipment statistics on would think that with this in mind there would be one single well defined and understood ratings system. But due to the differing needs of audio professionals and of audio companies marketing this is unfortunately not the case.
RMS vs PMPO (or Peak Power)
RMS Power refers to Root-Means-Square power. To get a rough figure for RMS power, you can multiply the Peak Power Rating x 0.6 EG: if an amplifier is rated at 100 watts peak power, the approximate RMS power would be 60 watts. The RMS rating is a measure of continuous power in watts and the higher the RMS power means the device is either able to provide or accept the specified power over a significant length of time.
Some manufacturers use the more impressive PEAK POWER ratings in their specifications. Using Peak Power (PMPO) ratings when assessing a music product is a bad idea as Peak Power does not reflect a a systems capabilities in normal use. PMPO is a measure of the maximum power that can be handled for a very short period of time. Speakers and amplifiers should always be compared via the RMS power ratings as these are far more reliable and far more likely to have a genuine impact on the sonic results you get..
If you have a system with a speaker that an RMS rating of 100 watts and the amp is similarly rated at 100 watts RMS, the speaker and amp should theoretically be perfectly matched and so result in an ideal performance from both products.
Real World Power and loudness
Perceived “loudness” varies logarithmically with output power a change in output power produces a much smaller change in perceived loudness. This is not to say that bigger speakers can produce more sound with less power but instead that larger speakers can generally take and output more initial power and thus need less amplification to produce the same perceived power output level. This is one reason why the speakers in a system are so important to overall sound quality. The best measure of a systems power is maximum loudness before clipping, in decibels (dB).
Remember as a rule of thumb: more speaker+less amp. = same “loudness” + less distortion
Dodgy Industry Practices to be Aware of
It is not unknown for some manufacturers quote maximum power at a higher than acceptable Total harmonic Distortion level (Usually < 1%) E.G. like 10%, making their equipment appear to be far more powerful than it actually is at audio levels where sound quality is not compromised.
Remember Peak Power (PMPO) figures are hugely exaggerated compared with the “RMS” values used by professionals. It also shows that there is little consistency in how much the figures are exaggerated making them almost totally meaningless.
Tags: Audio Power, RMS, RMS Power, Watts RMS Posted in: HiFi Jargon Buster No Comments
Marantz SR4003 Surround Receiver Review
Its been a while since we looked at something in the mid range of AV 7.1 capable receivers, the Marantz SR4003 receiver landed with us a while back and we’ve finally got around to giving it a good thorough workout. The SR4003 is very well specified on paper with 7 discretely powered channels all running 80 Watts of power with 192KHz/24-bit DACs. The unit boasts Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES 7.1, Pro Logic II and Circle Surround 7.1.
Initial room setup of the DT ProCinema 1000 7.1 speaker system we were using was actually made quite easy with the Marantz Room Acoustic Calibration (MRAC) that is built into the SR4003. Using a clever system of test signals and acoustic modelling algorithms, MRAC analyses your room (In this case an L shaped upstairs second sitting room) and determines your speaker setup. We found it produced a pleasing overall setup with pretty much zero user tweaking in our less than optimal room.
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In terms of inputs and output features the SR4003 is very well kitted out boasting 3 (repeat capable) HMDI ins and 3 separate Component ins. 5 S-Video and composite ins, audio wise the system has 3 digital optical ins and a couple of coax ins. The system has pretty much an input or output for whatever configuration you are likely to need, including a large group of front panel plug and play style inputs (S-Video/Video/Analog L&R/Digital Optical) for any temporary components you would like to run through your system.
The sound quality of the SR4003 is very pleasing and the marantz is what could be described as a very capable unit in this price range. The manufacturers specs state that the system is capable of less than 0.08 THD and we felt that this does seem to be accurate.
As regards signal purity we were expecting the ProCinema 1000s to show up a little hollowness in the mids and perhaps a little too much artificial boosting of the low end signal but to be honest this was so little in evidence that unless you are an audiophile who will be using the unit to primarily watch classical concerts or listen to your Satie CDs
Apparently the SR4003 uses a separate circuit for audio and video signals thus minimizing any interference from video signals. This is a great idea that I hope more manufacturers will add to their mid range receivers. Power wise we found the unit more than capable of powering the speakers to the point where it is uncomfortable to be in the room and the neighbours will likely complain. Even at these kinds of volume levels no audible distortion was evident.
Finally the unit comes with a well designed backlit remote that is capable of learning most of your TV remote outputs so after a bit of tweaking the TV remote can happily get chucked in a drawer. All in all the Marantz SR4003 receiver is a very capable great sounding and extremely good value for money package, highly recommended.
Click for full size image
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Basic Product Specifications
- 80 watts x 7 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.08% THD
- Dolby® Digital EX, DTS-ES, Pro Logic® IIx, DTS Neo:6, and SRS Circle Surround II decoding
- RAC (Marantz Room Acoustic Calibration) auto setup system (microphone included)
- iPod® integration (requires optional Marantz IS201)
- HDCD decoding for compatible CDs
- H: 6.3 inches W: 17.3 inches D: 15.3 inches
- Weight: 25.6 pounds
- RRP: $549.99 (Check Current Pricing on Amazon
)
Detailed Product Specifications
- Number of Channels 7 ch Amp. / 7.1 ch Processing
- THX: No
- DTS: ES/96/24/Discrete&Matrix6.1/Neo:6
- Dolby: Digital EX/Pro Logic IIx/Vertual Speaker/Headphone
- DSD: (SA-CD)/NEURAL - / -
- SRS: Circle Surround II
- HDCD Decoder: Yes
- Discrete Amplification all 7 channels
- Power Transformer EI
- D/A Conversion 192kHz/24-Bit
- Digital Signal Processing Cirrus Logic 32-Bit
- Video Off (Pure Direct): Yes
- Source Direct: Yes
- Variable X-over: Yes
- Display Off: Yes
- Video Up-conversion: S-Video to Component
- Auto Calibration by MIC M.R.A.C. (Marantz Room Accoustic Caliblation)
- AM/FM tuner AM/FM x1
- Bass management: Yes
- HDMI In: 3
- Component In: 3
- S-Video In: 5 (incl. Front)
- Composite In: 5 (incl. Front)
- HDMI Out: 1
- Component Out: 1
- S-Video Out: 2 (incl. Monitor Out)
- Composite Out: 2 (incl. Monitor Out)Analog L&R In 8 (incl. Front & AUX2 (L&R of 7.1 ch In))
- Analog L&R Out: 3
- Digital Optical In: 3 (incl. Front)
- Digital Coaxial In: 2
- Digital Optical Out: 1
- Digital Coaxial Out 0
- Pre-Amplifier Out: 7.1 ch
- Multi-Channel In: 7.1 ch
- Speaker A/B Surround Speaker “B”
- D-Bus Remote (RC-5) In/Out
- Flasher In/IR Receiver In/Emitter out 1/0/0
- Front Panel A/V Inputs S-Video/Video/Analog L&R/Digital Optical
- Headphone Outs: 1
- AC Outlets (Switched/Unswitched): 1/0
- Power Output: (8 Ohm) 80W x7 (20Hz – 20kHz)
- S/N Ratio: 105dB
- Freq. Response (Analog In); 8Hz – 100kHz (+/- 3 dB)
- Freq. Response (Dig In): 8Hz – 45kHz (+/- 3 dB)
- Frequency Range: 87.5 – 108.0MHz
- S/N Ratio (Mono/Stereo): 75/70
- Tuner Frequency Range: 520 – 1710kHz
- Tuner S/N Ratio: 50dB
- Video Freq. Response (Component): 5MHz – 80MHz (-1 dB)
- Video Freq. Response (Composit, S-Video): 5MHz – 8MHz (-1 dB)
- Video Signal to Noise: 60dB
Tags: Marantz, Marantz SR4003, Surround Receiver Posted in: AV Recievers, Home Theater No Comments
Slim Devices Transporter Network Music Player Review
An odd one this, Slim Devices Transporter fills an audio niche that I hadn’t really thought about prior to getting my hands on a review unit. That of the Network Streaming Music Player. This rather sleek box is essentially a wireless audiophile box of tricks to play all your digital audio without needing a physical connection to the storage source.
Appearance wise the Transporter is extremely professional looking a full sized unit with a massively configurable two sided front panel this unit is both easy on the eyes and has a great range in terms of its available display set ups. In general I found I was using one side to display MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, etc audio file names and the other to display a digital representation of a set of old school VU meters. The display is in general excellent, bright well laid out and easy to read.
Slim Devices Transporter Network Music Player - Front
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One interesting feature of this unit is the force feedback knob set squarely in the front this knob allows you to turn and click and thus allow easy menu and list navigation, the cool thing is the force feedback stops the knob turning when you reach the end of a menu or list. Not strictly necessary as a feature but still rather cool. In terms of build the unit isn’t exactly tank like but is reasonably good and doesn’t feel flimsy or easy to break, some may feel that the unit is a little less than they would expect for a piece costing close to two grand.
The unit comes with a plethora of inputs and outputs. Including coaxial, optical, BNC and professional-style AES/EBU digital outputs and on the analog side a pair of gold-plated phono outs and two balanced XLR outputs. Inputs include TosLink, coaxial, BNC, AES/EBU and word-clock (BNC). The unit comes with two Wi-Fi ariels to ensure good reception but the unit also allows for the addition of more powerful ariels for long distance reception, networking wise the unit also sports an RJ45 Ethernet socket for those who wish to use a wired network.
Slim Devices Transporter Network Music Player - Rear
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The audio is controlled at the computer end by the supplied SlimServer software, this stream controller software can send music not only to this unit but also to any connected computer. It is pretty much compatible with any digital format you care to mention (MP3, AAC, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, Apple Lossless, FLAC WMA Lossless). The only slight let-down is it cant play DRM encrypted material but since most users of the Transporter Network Music Player are likely to be playing back mostly high resolution WAV or FLAC files this will not likely be an issue for most day to day users.
Sound wise this unit does not skimp in any way the Transporter is built around the AK4396 DAC from AKM. This audiophile level DAC has become known colloquially at the ‘miracle DAC’ and has been designed for hight end audiophile use SACD and DVD players and has received many rave reviews on its timing and clarity. There is no doubt that this unit is extremely clear and untainted in its sound but for me it doesn’t quite live up to its price tag.
In a decent set up it will definitely perform well and give you a sound and clarity you are extremely unlikely to receive from any other wireless streaming music system. It is a country mile better than its competitors (Squeezebox 3 and the Sonos systems) but when all is said and done it doesn’t quite stand up to other non digital units in this price range on pure audio quality. It is somewhat lacking the punch and extended range you would expect form a similarly priced CD player for example. It you are after true audiophile quality you would be better off taking your two grand and putting it down on a top end CD player or Turntable. Having said that if you are truly forward looking and are just after a best in class digital system front end then you will not get better than this unit currently.
Manufacturers Specifications
- Description: WiFi (802.11g) and/or Ethernet-connected D/A processor with digital-domain volume control (range-adjusted with resistor jumpers).
- Display: Dual 320 x 32 grayscale vacuum fluorescent displays with multiple text, spectrum analyzer, and VU views
- Network: True 802.11g wireless, 10/100Mbps Ethernet
- Communications: TCP/IP control, infrared input, infrared output, RS-232
- Decoders: WAV, AIFF, MP3, WMA, FLAC with 24-bit resolution, and 44.1, 48, and 96 kHz sample rates
- Digital inputs: TosLink, coaxial, BNC, AES/EBU, word-clock (BNC).
- Digital outputs: TosLink, coaxial, BNC, AES/EBU. Analog outputs, 1 pair each: RCA, balanced XLR.
- Operating systems supported: Mac OS X 10.3 or later; 733MHz Pentium running Windows NT/2000/XP; Linux/BSD/Solaris/Perl 5.8.3 or later.
- Sample rates supported: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz. Audio formats supported: linear PCM, 16 or 24 bits/sample. Maximum output levels: 2V RMS, single-ended; 3V RMS, balanced.
- Signal/noise ratio: 120dB (no reference specified). THD: –106dB (0.00005%). Intrinsic jitter: 11ps (standard deviation). Power: auto-ranging, relay-controlled.
- Supplied accessories: user’s manual, SlimServer software (requires download), custom backlit 32-key infrared remote control, 2 AA batteries.
- Dimensions: 17″ (433mm) W by 3″ (77mm) H by 12.25″ (311mm) D.
- Shipping weight: 11 lbs (5kg).
- Finishes: Clear or black anodized aluminum.
- Warranty: 3 years parts & labor.
- Price: $1999 (Check Current pricing on Amazon)
Tags: Digital Music Server, Slim Devices, Transporter Network Music Player Posted in: Digital HiFi Systems No Comments
Hi Fi Jargon Buster – Total Harmonic Distortion THD
Total harmonic distortion or THD is one of the more regular little T.L.A.s (or Three letter acronyms) you are likely to see in most manufacturers specifications. But what exactly is THD, is it all that important and what level of THD is acceptable for Hi Fi and AV audio?
In audio reproduction between the input stage and output stage of a hi fi system there will be a certain amount of noise and distortion introduced to a signal. Some of this distortion is created by the circuits and physical elements introducing signal harmonics at double and triple the frequencies of the original signal. These added signals are technically known as Harmonic Distortion. THD is a measure of the differential between the input stages of the system and the audible extra signal at each harmonic. The THD calculation doesn’t consider the relative level of each harmonic. EG: One amplifiers output at the 2nd harmonic could be higher than the output at the 3rd. Another could create equal levels at the 3rd and 5th. The two amps would sound very different yet could have the same measured overall THD.
In most hi fi circuits such as amplifiers and pre amps one should expect a value of less than < 1% THD as it is relatively easy to remove a large amount of THD from amplifier circuits using various techniques. Unfortunately it is far harder to stop significant levels of THD from being produced by the physical elements of a setup such as the speakers. Much higher levels of THD are common in cheaper end speakers especially at higher volumes. Speakers with high levels THD tend to cause “smearing” of audio, and result in poor imaging and a “muddy” sound. In reality one should test a component ideally in the room it is to be used in and at a volume level it is likely to commonly be heard at to ascertain if the system is acceptable for purpose.
Tags: Jargon Buster, THD, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) Posted in: HiFi Jargon Buster No Comments
