audiophiles

 

Gadgets

$US900 Contraption Trims Your CDs to Make Them Rounder, You Poorer

Posted by Adam Frucci at 3:40 AM on October 14, 2008

We've certainly seen our fair share of insane, overpriced equipment aimed at overmonied audiophiles (usually from Furutech), but this is a new one to me. The Audio Desk Systeme from Germany takes your CD, spins it at a super-high speed, and uses a blade to cut it down to a more perfect circle. Apparently, this prevents very slight wobbling as it spins, which can create a jitter in the digital stream that affects the sound, according to idiots. It's a mere $US900, which, in these circles, is a total bargain. [Ultra System via Dvice]


Read More »

Online

Scary Audiophile Confession Video: He Loves Power Cable More Than Women

Posted by Wilson Rothman at 9:30 AM on September 22, 2008

My friend Steve the Audiophiliac published this crazy video of a guy who recounts all the reasons his Nordost Valhalla reference power cable is better than a woman. I know it's supposed to be funny, but the horror-film lighting, the intensity of the delivery and the reasons themselves—snapping his scissors, he says, "She doesn't care if I cut her shorter"—make me fear for the women, however few, who may possibly be in this dude's life. [The Audiophiliac]

Peripherals

Krell Papa Dock Combo Costs Four Grand, Makes Your 96kbps Tracks Sing

Posted by John Mahoney at 3:45 AM on July 10, 2008

Audiophile megabrand Krell's Papa Dock (companion to the US$1500 Kid Dock, which snaps into its new daddy) boosts the Kid's output to 150 watts, sports a gigantic power supply along with isolated stereo channels, and will set you back another US$2500 on top. I would say our jury's still out on spending US$4000 on serious audiophile gear to amplify a consumer-level source input, but this thing looks like it could take a bullet for you, if that's your thing. And naming your product after a brutal Haitian dictator is always a great way to stir up some interest. [Krell]


Read More »

Portable

iPod classic Firmware Update May Damage Headphones

Posted by Benny Goldman at 5:32 AM on February 2, 2008

apple-ipod-classic300.jpgSome iPod classic owners who installed the recently released 1.1 firmware are reporting that their iPods are sending electrical pulses through the headphone jack and docking port, even when the units are turned off. The pulses, estimated to be 500mv worth of DC, may be enough to damage equipment that is plugged in.


Read More »