STOW, OHIO,USA, March, 2024 — For more than 60 years, Audio-Technica has sought to expand the limits of audio technology. With the introduction of its NARUKAMI ultra-high-end audio products, Audio-Technica has taken the pursuit of analog sound reproduction to a remarkable new level of excellence.
Making their U.S. premiere at CanJam NYC 2024 (March 9 – 10 at the Marriott Marquis, New York), the NARUKAMI HPA-KG NARU Tube Headphone Amplifier and ATH-AWKG Closed-Back Dynamic Wooden Headphones are stunning, ultimate-quality works of audio art.
Narukami- the Japanese thunder god.
Taking their name from the Japanese god of thunder, NARUKAMI products are designed to ignite elemental passions, while embodying the meticulous Japanese craftsmanship that is an Audio-Technica hallmark.
The front and side panels of the HPA-KG NARU tube amplifier/preamplifier (SRP: US$108,000 / CAD$145,400) are crafted from precious kurogaki wood, Japanese black persimmon wood with striking wavy black figuring that can be found nowhere else. The metal mesh covering that protects the vacuum tubes is evocative of the pattern of the flat needles of the Ayasugi tree. The top of the HPA-KG NARU tube amplifier/preamplifier is styled to reflect the appearance of a KARESANSUI or dry landscape garden, representing water flows.
The HPA-KG NARU is as technologically refined as it is beautiful. The headphone amplifier/preamplifier employs four Takatsuki 300B power tubes, considered by connoisseurs to be among the finest of their type ever produced, and with ECC83S gold pin small-signal tubes. The HPA-KG NARU utilizes a dual-mono configuration and has a fully-balanced drive design, for richly detailed sound with remarkable depth and presence. It offers both balanced 4.4 mm and standard 1/4-inch headphone jacks.
The amplifier provides an impedance selector switch to perfectly match with the widest range of headphones. No effort was spared in the quality of the internal components, which include amorphous-core silver-wire Lundahl input and output transformers to deliver the highest level of sonic clarity. In addition to its unsurpassed capabilities as a headphone amplifier, the HPA-KG NARU serves as a preamplifier, and offers balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs. Companion AW-KG NARU headphones are included with the HPA-KG NARU amplifier.
“We spent 10 years creating the HPA-KG NARU amplifier in an arduous process, working our way through 11 prototypes before settling on a design that met our high expectations,” said R&D engineer Koichi Irii. “The lifelike sound of the HPA-KG NARU is a testament to the power of our human approach.”
The ATH-AWKG headphones (SRP: US$4,200 / CAD$5,650) are equally exceptional. Like the HPA-KG NARU, the headphones are handcrafted in Tokyo, Japan, from rare kurogaki wood. In addition to its distinctive appearance, the acoustic properties of the kurogaki housings contribute to the headphones’ extraordinary sound quality. The hand-applied lacquer finish brings out the wood’s natural beauty.
The ATH-AWKG features purpose-designed 53-mm drivers with Permendur magnetic circuitry. Each driver is equipped with a titanium flange and a 6N-OFC high-purity oxygen-free voice coil to ensure precise movement and optimum signal transfer. Audio-Technica’s exclusive D.A.D.S. Double Air Damping System provides smooth, accurate bass response.
The ATH-AWKG is designed for maximum long-wearing comfort, and is supplied with an additional set of ZMF Universe Hybrid earpads for a unique alternate listening experience. The headphones are equipped with Audio-Technica’s A2DC jacks and two 9.8-foot (3.0 mm) detachable cables with 4-pin balanced and standard 1/4-inch jacks. Adding to its elegance, the ATH-AWKG comes in a presentation box with kurogaki wood accents.
Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 with the mission of producing high-quality audio for everyone.
Though these latest releases are aimed at those with deep pockets and the means to buy the ultimate in design and offering, we have grown in other areas and just as importantly to design critically acclaimed headphones, turntables and microphones at all price points. We have retained the belief that great audio should not be enjoyed only by the select few, but accessible to all. Building upon our analog heritage, we work to expand the limits of audio technology, pursuing an ever-changing purity of sound that creates connections and enriches lives.
Research from acoustics scientist Dr. Floyd Toole indicates that bass quality accounts for about 30% of your system’s sound quality. So, I’ve experimented with target curves that raise the bass loudness relative to other frequencies and added bass traps to reduce its decay times to improve my system performance and satisfaction. My experiments are on top of already “perfectly time aligned” and EQ’d subs and main speakers via FIR convolution correction filters using Audiolense software. OmniMic software is used to measure decay times and frequency response. I’ll summarize my experience below.
Room Layout and Bass Trap Types
My living room layout (25′ x 11.25′ x 8′) is open on the left and right sides to a dining room and foyer and long hallway respectively. At the back of the room on the right side it’s open to a den. While these openings may act like bass traps allowing bass waves to escape before bouncing back with less energy, there is still much that can be done to improve the overall bass quality. I use 25 bass traps, most in the listening room but 4 in a foyer/hallway, and 1 very large DIY in the dining room and den. Six traps are “pressure” types that use a membrane to absorb bass, while the rest are “velocity” type traps that use insulation and friction to turn bass waves into heat. Typically, pressure bass traps work below about 100Hz while velocity traps work above it. Therefore, they are complimentary and both are needed when a system plays to the lowest bass notes. Pictures of my room and trap locations follow.
Front Wall Trap Placement
Picture 1 above shows large bass traps in each front wall corner extending upwards to the ceiling.
Left Side Wall Trap Placement
Picture 2 above shows black membrane traps on the floor against the wall (with boards atop) and a black velocity trap on its side on the far left. Additional traps are behind the couch.
Back Wall Trap Placement
Picture 3 above shows the back wall with alternating white RPG Skyline diffusion and GIK Monster Bass Traps with FlexRange elevated above and behind the couch, while more GIK traps sit behind the couch on the floor.
Bass Loudness
It’s worth noting my preferred target curve to boost the bass frequency loudness is as follows: 250Hz is XdB 125Hz is X+1dB 63Hz is X+3dB 30Hz is X+6dB This is a gentle almost logarithmic increase to partially-match our hearing’s “equal loudness curves.”
Bass Trap Positioning Affects Decay Times
If bass wavelengths are long and omni-directional, then traps can just be spread around the room I thought. Well, in my room, it turns out that placing traps in the adjoining rooms and hallway helps to reduce bass decay times but not by as much as when the traps are moved and placed closer to the mic or speaker positions. The membrane pressure bass traps for <100Hz were more effective when placed in a three-surface corner and in front of rigid concrete support walls where bass pressure is highest, and less effective in front of less rigid drywall etc. The insulation filled velocity bass traps for >100Hz were sensitive to air space depth behind them, and I was surprised to find some places where they made little effect – not every wall is equal. Trial and error and measurements helped find their best positions.
Calculating Decay Times
If your room is enclosed (and not open to the rest of the house), then one of the theoretical equations may work for you: Decay Time = 0.3 X [(Cubic Room Volume/3532)(1/3)] Divide your cubic room volume by 3532, then take the cubed root, and then multiply it by 0.3 which equals the average decay time based on room size.
However, if your room is an “open concept” or “great room” open to other rooms and hallways like mine, then the theoretical equation may not be best. I prefer to measure decay time in 1/3 octave intervals and take the average from 20-20khz and then add/subtract 15% to represent an upper/lower limit respectively. Each channel is measured separately to spot any anomalies and then their averages are combined as a single average decay metric.
Bass Ratio and “Warmth”
Perceived bass warmth is its loudness and decay times relative to mids/high frequencies and is a personal preference. Perceived bass warmth factors include: > frequency response (e.g. desired target curve to boost bass frequency loudness) > decay time (e.g. absorption amounts) > room acoustics (e.g. dimensions, materials, furnishings & acoustic treatments) > personal preferences (e.g. preferred musical genres)
Musical genres seem to influence how much bass warmth we enjoy. > Genres with More Bass Warmth: jazz, blues, R&B, soul, classical, reggae, folk > Genres with Less Bass Warmth: electronic dance, rock, metal, pop, hip-hop
In attempts to quantify perceived bass warmth, I borrowed the “Bass Ratio & Warmth” metric found in F. Alton Everest’s book “Master Handbook of Acoustics” used for large spaces like auditoriums and concert halls. It uses 2 bass octaves (centered at 125Hz and 250Hz) and compares it to the 2 midrange octaves above them (centered at 500hz and 1KHz). Because it’s based on a ratio, it should work for smaller domestic rooms also I recon. While large spaces use the RT60 metric for decay time, I prefer the T40 for domestic rooms. It’s calculated as: Bass Ratio & Warmth = [T40(125hz)+T40(250Hz)] / [T40(500hz)+T40(1khz)] = should be from 1.1 – 1.4
This means that the 2 bass octaves used in the formula have decay times 10% – 40% longer than the 2 midrange octaves (i.e. a 1.4 value is warmer than 1.1).
At one point I managed to get my bass ratio down to 1.2 which sounded a tad thin based on what I was used to hearing previously. To compensate, I boosted the sub’s volume a bit. Today’s ratio is 1.3 which sounds better to my ears likely because it is closer to how I’ve always had it but I no longer boost the sub’s volume. I might experiment with shifting the entire equation down one octave as I suspect my music with synthesized bass lines run deeper than an orchestra, so the calculation would be: Bass Ratio & Warmth = [T40(63hz)+T40(125Hz)] / [T40(250hz)+T40(500Hz)] = maybe 1.2 – 1.5?
If bass warmth is affected by relative loudness and decay times, then how do we combine them into a workable ‘model?’ One way is to recognize that I can get bass warmth under two opposing situations: (A) short bass decay times but louder bass frequencies, and (B) longer bass decay times but with attenuated bass frequencies.
The downside of (A) Short Bass Decay Time with Louder Bass Frequencies > thin sounding as if harmonics are missing > lacks a certain fullness > possible listening fatigue from having the bass volume turned higher
The downside of (B) Long Bass Decay Time with Attenuated Bass Frequencies > muddy or boomy sound where individual bass notes are not defined resulting in reduced clarity > less clear midrange > bass modes may be triggered for an unsmooth frequency response
And in between these two opposing situations is a continuum of possible situations that I attempt to show in Chart 1 below.
Tips
For starters, the subwoofers need to be perfectly time aligned with the main speakers as a minimum. Use measurement software and impulse responses or get equipment like miniDSP or with DIRAC or ARC capabilities. or Audiolense to generate FIR convolution files. If you only have analog sources then pull the subs ahead of the mains due to the sub’s group delay until they sound lockstep with the mains.
EQ bass peaks using FIR filters ideally or use DSP within JRiver/ROON or miniDSP, or graphic eqs as a last resort. Measurements are a must.
Install both types of bass traps to augment each other and extend the absorption down to 40Hz or lower. I’ve found that open concept rooms will naturally have lower high frequency decay times so you’ll likely need more bass traps to try and bring the bass decay times down and in line with the mids/highs compared to an enclosed room.
Take decay measurements as you move bass traps from one location scenario to another – it’s tedious work. Try and achieve different Bass Ratios to hear how different they sound and take notes so you can revisit your best sounding scenario. You want to strive for as flat a decay line through mids/highs with the bass about doubling the mids’ decay time. Aim for 200 – 500ms decay time with the high end for stereo and the low end for Home Theatre. Each speaker should have about the same decay times across the tested frequencies (i.e. little inter-speaker decay variance).
Try and preserve your mids/high decay times through reflections of hard surfaces like diffusion, or bass traps that have a membrane of sorts that reduce its absorbency of mid/high frequencies (e.g. GIK Monster with FlexRange). Air acts as a natural absorber from +2KHz, and so does an open concept room that doesn’t allow the highs to reflect back with much energy.
Experiment with different Target Curves that boost low bass frequency loudness.
Want Less Bass Boom/Warmth?
If you want less bass warmth then: (i) move the starting point of the bass loudness boost from 250Hz to 150Hz or 100Hz (ii) use a less steep target curve to reduce the amount of boost at the lowest frequencies (iii) move speakers away from walls that reinforce bass (iv) add bass traps to reduce decay times and modal ringing (v) move your listening chair (vi) EQ out bass peaks.
When assessing the perceived warmth of bass, consider frequency response loudness levels across bass and midrange frequencies and their decay times.
Chart 1 above shows how bass loudness and bass decay times can be combined to provide good bass quality from subtle to pronounced warmth. For the Silo, Kevin Fielding.
Kevin Fielding offers acoustic measurements services and serves the greater Toronto area in person and will consult remotely with people farther away. He is reachable at kevinfielding@hotmail.com
Audio-Technica have much to offer for this year’s gift giving season and we will get to all of the highlights below. But first, let’s take a look at what we believe is a Christmas gift stand out: the inimitable AT-LP60SPBK-BT.
Sure, the product name is a bit of a mouthful but that is deservedly so because this system is packed with features. Read on……
Audio-Technica has made giving and receiving the ‘gift of great sound’ easy for music lovers and gaming enthusiasts.
The new AT-LP60SPBK-BT wireless turntable and speaker system makes a perfect gift for anyone who wants to get started with vinyl listening or rediscover their record collection. The AT-LP60SPBK-BT (SRP: 299.99$CAN) comes with everything needed to listen to records including a fully automatic AT-LP60-BT turntable with pre-mounted Dual Moving Magnet high-quality cartridge plus a Bluetooth stereo rechargeable speaker and accessories.
The turntable provides 33-1/3 and 45RPM vinyl playback through the included speaker, which can be placed up to 30 feet away and even in another room. The turntable will also play records through other compatible Bluetooth wireless speakers, headphones and playback devices. The AT-LP60BT can also be used as a conventional wired turntable and has a built-in switchable phono preamp for compatibility with the widest range of audio systems.
Although we weren’t fortunate enough to receive other A-T products, we certainly know about them and wouldn’t have been disappointed with Audio-Technicas wireless QuietPoint® noise-cancelling over-ear ATH-ANC700BT, Solid Bass® ATH-CKS550XBT in-ears or their Pure Digital Drive ATH-DSR5BT in-ear headphones. Both offer outstanding wireless sound in a choice of styles. For everyone into gaming (which means just about everyone these days), the ATH-PG1 and ATH-PDG1 closed- and open-back gaming headsets take game audio to the next level.
The
compact rechargeable speaker features two 1.75-inch full-range drivers
and a passive radiator in an aluminum enclosure for clear, powerful
sound with enhanced bass. The speaker has buttons for controlling music
playback and a mic that allows making calls from a smartphone. It
includes a stand, AUX audio jack and a card slot for playing music from a
TF or microSD card.
Audio-Technicas ATH-ANC700BT QuietPoint over-ear wireless active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones offer an unmatched combination of comfort, wireless convenience and improved ANC technology. The noise cancelling operates in a wider frequency range than typical ANC designs, yielding a major advancement in noise-cancelling performance and audio quality.
The
ATH-ANC700BT (SRP: 279.99$CAN) features a handy touch and swipe control
system for answering calls and controlling music playback. It employs
large 40 mm drivers for impactful sound and supports Bluetooth codecs including aptX®
and AAC for improved wireless audio. The ATH-ANC700BT is Hi-Res Audio
compatible (when connected with the included cable). It provides up to
25 hours of battery life and can also be used in wired mode. Available
in a matte black finish, the ATH-ANC700BT comes with a pouch, USB
charging cable and a 3.9-foot (1.2m) cable with a 3.5 mm jack.
For some listeners its all about the bass.
Audio-Technicas Solid Bass ATH-CKS550XBT in-ear wireless headphones offer powerful low-frequency performance along with clear, detailed midrange and treble. The ATH-CKS550XBT (SRP: 99.99$CAN) features a comfortable ergonomic design and is equipped to answer calls and control music playback. Its NFC functionality allows easy pairing with other devices. Available in black/gold and white, the ATH-CKS550XBT employs a 9.8 mm Dual Magnetic Field Multiple-Transition driver and a special bass venting system for exceptional bass reproduction, and includes aptX sound-improvement technology. It comes with XS/S/M/L eartips, a USB charging cable, and a cable for use if the battery runs out.
Is there a discerning listener on your holiday gift list?
If so, they will be sure to appreciate the ATH-DSR5BT wireless in-ear headphones with Pure Digital Drive (SRP: 579.99$CAN). This rave-reviewed, exclusive Audio-Technica technology keeps the audio signal completely digital from source to driver, using a dedicated chipset to eliminate the sonic degradation that can be caused in traditional D/A converters and amplifiers. The result is remarkably pure, detailed and natural wireless audio quality.
The ATH-DSR5BT supports aptX, aptX HD, AAC and other wireless formats up to 24-bit/48kHz signals in Bluetooth
transmission. Its rechargeable battery provides approximately eight
hours of continuous use (500 hours standby). For listeners who prefer
over-ear headphones, Audio-Technica also offers its
smartphone-compatible ATH-DSR9BT wireless model with Pure Digital Drive
(SRP: US$549.00), which incorporates ultimate-performance features
including large 45 mm True Motion Drivers, 4-core voice coils and other
refinements for natural music reproduction with extraordinary resolution
and dynamic impact.
Games are always popular holiday gifts and the gaming experience just is not complete without clear and powerful sound. Audio-Technicas high-performance ATH-PG1 closed-back and ATH-PDG1 open-back headphones deliver an immersive, richly detailed sonic environment. The ATH-PG1 and ATH-PDG1 (SRP: 189.99$CAN each) offer a host of gaming-centric features including a flexible gooseneck microphone with detachable cable, smartphone cable, extension cable and a lightweight comfort-fit design. The headsets large-diameter drivers deliver intense sonic involvement with an expansive sound space that draws listeners completely into the playing field.
If you’re a fan of body shaking bass frequencies and missed our article from waaaay back in 2016 about SubPac, read on because you’re in for a treat.
SubPac is a pioneering technology from Los Angeles, California that is defining the physical-sound category where music, VR, games and film can be experienced in a whole new way. Through its patent-pending immersive physical-sound technology, SubPac transcends the traditional audio experience by allowing users to actually feel sound throughout their body.
Wear a subwoofer? Sounds like fun!
SubPac is creating its own physical-sound category through two unique products; the SubPac M2, a wearable vest, and the SubPac S2, a seatback device. Both create a new form of expression for musicians and sound designers to connect with their fans on a deeper level by using innovative technology that allows consumers to physically feel sound. This tangible connectivity captivated GRAMMY-winning producer Timbaland to come on board as a partner and introduce the brand to the music industry.
“SubPac is a game changing experience for both artists and fans,” said Timbaland. “It lets you feel the music like never before. It’s the feeling that’s been missing, until now.”
The SubPac vest is getting a lot of attention and its clear that listeners on the go are ready for an immersive experience, especially one that works while being active- jogging, playing basketball, cycling etc. It’s a logical step to add a wearable to our listening routines and the idea now is to connect your smartphone to the SubPac control unit via the headphone connection. This allows for an audiophile hookup of headphones for the mid and high frequencies and vest for the bass frequencies.
Now you can feel deep bass wherever you go and wherever you choose to enjoy your music.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. —Newegg, the leading tech-focused e-retailer in North America, today announced that gamers can now get the full gaming audio experience with its new selection of affordable headsets from Badasheng. Built to offer the best mix of price, audio performance, and comfort, the Badasheng headsets feature multi-platform compatibility with most gaming systems and smart devices, enabling full chat capability via a detachable and adjustable microphone.
The Badasheng gaming headsets include 40-mm Neodymium-32 (NdFeB) magnet speakers that deliver amazing depth, audio clarity, and strong bass to elevate the gaming experience. Four new models are now available on Newegg’s e-commerce site from the BDS-363 and BDS-939G series. Each model has different features such as up to 7-in-1 or multiplatform compatibility with a fully adjustable headband and ear cup. The HUHD HW-398 series are 2.4-GHz optical wireless headsets with noise cancellation. Most models are available in a variety of color options and all models feature an intuitive detachable and adjustable microphone. All models include system cable connectors such as micro USB as well as a detachable in-line controller for maximum flexibility with up to 12 hours of uninterrupted gaming on a single charge.
Featuring simple, plug-and-play connection to PlayStation® 4 and Xbox One gaming consoles (with Microsoft adapter), PC and Mac® computers, and even tablets and smartphones via a 3.5-mm jack (wired models), the headsets’ quality sound production means gamers can enjoy both high-quality background sound and clear chatting when battling it out with friends. With a high sensitivity (-67 db) microphone, the headphones solve the problem of low chat voice, keeping gamers fully immersed in the action. The lightweight design, soft ear cushion and padding, and adjustable headband keep gamers comfortable even after long hours of wear. The in-line audio controller allows gamers to effortlessly adjust volume levels without any interruption to the game, as well as play and pause music and answer and end calls when connected to smart phones and tablets.
“We want to provide our gaming customers with a range of options to fit their budgets and needs,” said Jackie Wen, senior product manager at Badasheng. “With the Badasheng headsets, casual gamers now have another affordable headset selection that can bring them an enjoyable audio experience.”
Pricing & Availability:
The headsets, which are now available for purchase at exclusive Newegg pricing, are backed by a 12-month warranty and Newegg’s highly rated customer service and fulfillment. A 15 percent discount with promotion code “MKPL5BH” can be applied when purchased; the promotion ends July 25 this year.
The price range is from $23.99 USD to $69.99 USD, depending upon the features and the models. (Check out avail. deals at Amazon USA : http://amzn.to/1Yb27h4) For the Silo, Peter Schuyler.
About Shenzen Bada Sheng Electronic Co. Ltd. Shenzhen Bada Sheng Electronic Co.,Ltd is a leading manufacturer in professional headphones, established in 2005, with factory size at 86,000 square feet with more than 300 employees including over 30 production technicians, 15 R&D and production, and QA/QC departments. All products have gained the CE, FCC, CA, RoHS Reach, sound pressure certificates, and ISO9001:2008 quality management system certification. Bada Sheng Electronic is devoted to offering high quality sound products with great pre-sales/post-sales service to customers.
About Newegg Inc. Newegg Inc. is the leading electronics-focused e-retailer in the United States. It owns and operates Newegg.com (www.newegg.com) which was founded in 2001 and regularly earns industry-leading customer service ratings. The award-winning website has more than 30 million registered users and offers customers a comprehensive selection of the latest consumer electronics products, detailed product descriptions and images, as well as how-to information and customer reviews. Using the site’s online tech community, customers have the opportunity to interact with other computer, gaming and consumer electronics enthusiasts. Newegg Inc. is headquartered in City of Industry, California. The Newegg Hybrid Center is located at 18045 Rowland St., City of Industry, CA 91748.