Monday, May 31, 2021

Focal Listen Premium Wireless Headphones Review

I really like to take my music on the go, and so does everyone else I know.  Yet I also don’t care to be seen with the same ones most others have.  I guess I’m a bit of a Connoisseur. If you are looking for a great sound, and unique look, the Listen from Focal may be for you.  The Focal Listen came to us from a French manufacturer who knows a thing or two about high-quality sound. When you hear the brand Focal, you may think of their high-end car audio and home audio components. But they also do headphones as well. Tapping into their heritage of over 40 years in the audio industry, they are able to use their expertise in their headphones.

 


Features and specs:

 

Type: Circumaural closed-back ear-cup headphones

Bluetooth® wireless technology:  4.1

Range:  > 15m

Battery:  Up to 20h

Impedance (passive mode):  32Ω

Sensitivity (passive mode):  122dB SPL @ 1kHz – / 1Vrms

THD @ 1kHz / 100dB SPL:  < 0.4%

Frequency response: 15Hz -22kHz

Driver: 40mm Electrodynamic (137/64“) Mylar Titanium

Microphones: 2 Omni-directionals (Clear Voice Capture)

Net weight: 300g

 

The Focal Listen came in a great looking color printed box with images and specs of the headphones. Opening the box showed a well-protected headphone held in place in custom molded plastic. The materials used in the construction was mostly plastic with some metal. Quality of materials used was excellent, as well as fit and finish. Also included was the charging cable, audio cable, manual and soft zipper case.


I really enjoyed the elegant looking design of the Focal Listen. The plastic being both a gloss as well as a matte finish, look extremely elegant together. The look gives a more high-end impression. This is a good thing, as some of the specs are a little dated, such as using Bluetooth 4.1 and not being Hi-Res Audio ready. I would have hoped to have real leather at this price point, but it is Focal. The fold in design of the earcups for more compact storage is a nice touch, as is the raised metal Focal logo on the earcups. The large memory foam earcups enclose your ears for nice sound isolation. Now let’s see how they sound.

 

Toto: Africa- Kick drums had really good tight clean impact with good low-end extension that played with very good authority. Congas had a really good full sound with great dynamics. Cow bell had excellent resolution of the metallic tone. Vocals were smoother than honey with loads of resolution of the timbre that yielded excellent harmonics. Soundstage was huge, not just wide but also deep, providing the realism as if you were in the recording studio. Drums had excellent dynamics and impact. Cymbals were really crisp and clean. Gong had excellent resolution of the mallet and decay. Recorder had excellent air. Piano sounded natural. Marimba’s woody texture shown through excellently.


Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody- Soundstage had to be heard to fully grasp just how good a soundstage can sound. Harmonics of the vocals were off the charts, with phenomenal resolution of texture of Freddy’s timbre. Piano sounded extremely natural, much more than it should at this price point. Cymbals were crisp and clean. Drums were extremely dynamic with great authority. Guitar sounded nice and raw. Gong had nice decay.


The HU: Sugaan Essana- The thunder sounded extremely natural. There was sufficient resolution to hear the bow slide across the strings of the lute. Drums were extremely lifelike with all of the dynamics that their being played in fury provided. The raw texture of the vocals came out in layers upon layers. There’s no way that blasting this would not get you psyched up to bring your A game.


Overall sound:

Focal is known world-wide for their high-end home and car audio speakers. They have now put that experience in their headphones. The resolution is taken to another level, with excellent huge soundstage and precision imaging. Sound signature is neutral, leaning just a hair on the bright side. Their specs may not look the best on paper, maybe a little aged. But shhh…don’t tell their drivers, because they sound like absolute champs! They have to be heard to be believed!


Bluetooth performance:

Before we get into the Bluetooth performance, let us tell you about the testing.  It’s a torture test, designed to be too much for just about any headphone.  Few go unscathed.  But that’s ok, because I know of no manufacturer who has headphones designed to go this distance. Most are rated somewhere between 50 – 100ft.  For indoor testing, using my LG V40 Thinq smartphone, I place my phone in one corner of the basement, walk all around and to the other end of the basement which is about 50ft away.  I then walk up to the main floor and walk all around the main floor. I then walk up to the second floor and walk all around the second floor.  And for outside testing, I set my smartphone on our front porch, and walk out to the corner of the street, which is around 250 ft.  It’s a test designed to get the phone to fail, but see just how far it’ll go before it does.  Now lets test the performance.


There were no problems on the same floor up to 50 feet through multiple walls. It was more glitchy on the main floor and 2nd floor, although it did work on the 2nd floor. Outside it got glitchy at around 100 feet, again at 175 feet, but did make it to around 250 feet.  So the Focal Listen performed great based on their specs, and even performed very good in distances over their specs.


The Focal Listen Wireless isn’t ANC, and was a little dated in their specs, yet they still had the best sound overall in our recent Headphone Shootout.  They are not priced for everyone’s budget, but if they are in your budget, they will provide you with excellent sound from your tunes. Based on their design, features, quality, and performance, the Focal Listen Wireless earned our Editor’s Choice Award.  For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.focal.com.



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Friday, May 28, 2021

JBL Club 950NC Wireless Headphones Review

You may not know a lot about headphones.  If that’s the case, buying a JBL headphone is a safe bet, getting you that JBL sound. Up for review is their JBL Club 950NC. Not only is it a quality wireless headphone, but you also get active noise cancelling. There’s even a cool app to control it.

 

Features and Specs:

Frequency response (Passive): 16 Hz - 40 kHz

Frequency response (Active): 16 Hz - 22 kHz

Sensitivity: 91 dB SPL @ 1 kHz / 1 mW

Maximum SPL: 105 dB

Maximum input power (Passive): 2000 mW

Microphone sensitivity: -24 dBV @ 1 kHz / Pa

Impedance: 32 ohm

Driver size: 40 mm dynamic driver

Weight: 372 g

Bluetooth transmitted power: <6 dBm

Bluetooth transmitted modulation: GFSK, _x001F_/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK

Bluetooth frequency: 2.402 GHz - 2.480 GHz

Bluetooth profile version: A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5, HFP 1.6

Bluetooth version: V5.0

Battery type: LITHIUM ION POLYMER BATTERY (3.7 V / 730 mAh)

Power supply: 5 V 1 A

Charging time: <2 hrs

Music play time with BT on: Up to 55 hrs

Music play time with BT & ANC on: Up to 22 hrs

Music play time with Aux-in & ANC on: Up to 30 hrs

The JBL Club 950NC came in a nice looking color printed box with photos and specs of the headphones. Opening the box revealed a well-protected headphone held in place by custom molded plastic. And they were secured in a quality hard zipper case. Opening the zipper case revealed a quality headphone made mostly of plastic, but with some metal in places it mattered most, like on the hinges. Quality of materials used was very good, as was the fit and finish. Also included was the charging cord, audio cord, and manual.

 

I liked the design of the JBL Club 950 NC. Like DJ headphones, the earcups flip up for monitoring like a DJ. But it also works great for easier storage in the zipper case. And as stated before, I really like the metal hinges for increased durability. The app is also really cool, allowing you to control not only the active noise cancelling modes, but to also control the EQ settings and DSP, for your personal preference. Now let’s see how they sound.



Toto: Africa- Kick drum had very good tight clean impact with very good low-end extension. Congas also had a nice full sound with good resolution of the pad. Cowbell had very nice crisp metallic tone. Vocals were very smooth with very good resolution and texture of the timbre. Drums had very good dynamics and extension. Cymbals were crisp and clean. Recorder had very good air. Piano also sounded pleasantly natural. Soundstage was very wide.

 

Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody- the soundstage was huge, making you feel like you are right in the studio. Vocals were very smooth with very good harmonics of the texture of the timbre. The piano sounded very natural. Cymbals were really crisp and clean. Drums were very dynamic with a full deep sound.

 

The HU: Sugaan Essana- The thunder at the beginning was very lifelike, showing a huge soundstage. There was enough resolution to be able to hear the bows slide across the strings of the lute. Vocals were pleasantly raw and portrayed very well. The bass played very deep and with good authority.

 

Bluetooth performance and ANC performance:

 

Before we get into the Bluetooth performance, let us tell you about the testing.  It’s a torture test, designed to be too much for just about any headphone.  Few go unscathed.  But that’s ok, because I know of no manufacturer who has headphones designed to go this distance. Most are rated somewhere between 50 – 100ft.  For indoor testing, using my LG V40 Thinq smartphone, I place my phone in one corner of the basement, walk all around and to the other end of the basement which is about 50ft away.  I then walk up to the main floor and walk all around the main floor. I then walk up to the second floor and walk all around the second floor.  And for outside testing, I set my smartphone on our front porch, and walk out to the corner of the street, which is around 250 ft.  It’s a test designed to get the headphone to fail, but see just how far it’ll go before it does.

 

This JBL was good for 50 feet same floor through multiple walls with no glitches. Got occasionally glitchy in-between floors, but made it from basement to 2nd floor with only occasional glitches. Outside it was a little glitchy at around 200 feet, but made it to 250.  ANC worked very well, removing about 90%.

 

JBL knows music, and it shows. The JBL Club 950NC provided great performance and great build quality including some metal.  And they even provide an app so you can do your own sound customizations, as well as control the ANC modes.  If you are looking for a quality pair of headphones, these deserve to be on your short list.  Based on their design, features, quality, and performance, the JBL Club 950NC has earned our Highly Recommended Award.  For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.jbl.com.



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Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Kanto Audio Introduces its YU Passive Speakers

Kanto Audio Introduces its YU Passive Speakers




-- Two new compact passive loudspeakers offer outstanding sound and value --

 

 

COQUITLAM, BC, CANADA, May 25, 2021 – Kanto today announced the introduction of its YU Passive 5.25” and YU Passive 4” speakers, two compact models that offer high-performance sound and outstanding value.

 

The YU Passive 5.25" (MAP: $199 per pair) features a 5.25-inch Kevlar® woofer and 1-inch silk dome tweeter, and the YU Passive 4" (MAP: $159 per pair) has a 4-inch woofer and 1-inch silk-dome tweeter. Both models are ideal for use as desktop speakers with a DAC/amplifier or amp, as part of a compact high-quality stereo music or TV sound system, or as the rear, side or height channels in a home theater setup.

 

Measuring just 10.7 inches high by 6.9 inches wide by 8.1 inches deep (YU Passive 5.25") and 8.7 inches high by 5.5 inches wide by 7.5 inches deep (YU Passive 4"), both speakers utilize the same high-quality drivers as the acclaimed Kanto YU6 and YU4 active speakers to deliver clear, powerful sound with the ability to create a wide soundfield with precise imaging. The YU Passive 5.25" and YU Passive 4" offer a smooth, natural tonal balance that complements any type of music listening. They’re available in black or white vinyl wrap to complement any home, office or desk setup.

 

“The YU Passive 5.25" and YU Passive 4" are Kanto’s return to the passive speaker segment, and were designed to offer high-quality sound at attractive price points,” said Jason Zavarella, Kanto Product Manager. “They’re ideal for listeners in small to medium-sized rooms, for use in home theater systems, or as an affordable speaker upgrade.”

 

The YU Passive 5.25" and YU Passive 4" cabinets are constructed from acoustic-grade MDF to eliminate unwanted internal resonances for detailed and uncolored sound. Both models feature knurled 5-way speaker binding posts that enable easy connectivity, and include standard 1/4"-20 mounting holes for securing the speakers to optional Kanto floorstanding or desktop speaker stands.

  

The Kanto YU Passive 5.25" and YU Passive 4" speakers are currently available in black and will be available in white in June. They carry a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

 

Click here for YU Passive 5.25" and YU Passive 4" high-resolution images.


# # #

 

ABOUT KANTO (kantoaudio.com)

 

Operating out of Metro Vancouver, BC, Kanto Audio has been designing and manufacturing audio products since 2007. Their mission to provide an auditory experience to excite the senses has led to the development of a full line of speakers and audio accessories. For laid-back listeners, hardcore gamers and vinyl enthusiasts alike, Kanto speakers leave no one behind. For more information, visit http://www.kantoaudio.com or email marketing@kantoliving.com.

 

 

The DuPont Oval logo, DuPont™ and all products, unless otherwise noted, denoted with   or ® are trademarks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.



Kanto Living Inc., 110 – 2440 Canoe Ave., Coquitlam, BC V3K 6C2
778-284-6942    toll free 888-848-2643    kantoaudio.com

 


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Monday, May 24, 2021

Creative SXFI Gamer Headphone Review

If you are a gamer and want a quality headphone to get your game on, one for your short list is the Creative SXFI Gamer. It is a gamer headphone with a big bang for the buck. The prized award winning feature of these headphones is the SXFI chip, which after programing it to you, most will concur that it sounds as good as if magic was employed. Being able to get this sound in a gaming headphones is really cool!

Features and specs:

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Interface: USB, 3.5 mm Stereo Input

Product Type: Wired Headset

Weight: With Mic 349g (12.31 oz), Without Mic 336g (11.85 oz)

Color: Black

Frequency Response: 20–20,000 Hz

Driver: 50 mm (1.97 inches) Neodymium magnet

Wearing Style: Over-ear

Microphone: Frequency Response: 100–16,000 Hz

Sensitivity: - 42 dBV / Pa: Controls

Mic mute, Super X-Fi, Volume, RGB lighting On/Off

RGB Ear-Cup Rings: Choose from 16 million colors

 

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Windows® OS

Intel® Core™ i3 or AMD® equivalent processor

Intel, AMD, or 100% compatible motherboard

Microsoft® Windows 10 32 / 64-bit

1 GB RAM

 

>600 MB of free hard disk space

USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 port

 

Mac® OS

 

Mac OS X® 10.9 or higher

1 GB RAM

USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 port

 

PS4

 

Firmware Ver 5.0 or later

Available USB port

 

Nintendo Switch

 

Switch OS 5.0 or later

Available 3.5 mm headphone port on console

Available USB port

Voice communications supported when connected via 3.5 mm port and with Bluetooth to Android and iOS Nintendo Switch Online app or VOIP client

 

PACKAGE CONTENTS

Creative SXFI GAMER

Commander Mic

USB Cable

Analog 4-pole 3.5 mm Cable

USB-C to USB-A Converter

Quick Start Guide

Warranty Leaflet

 

WARRANTY

 

1-year Limited Hardware Warranty

 

The Creative SXFI Gamer came in a nice-looking color printed box with photos and specs of the headphones. Opening the box revealed a well-protected product held in place by custom molded plastic. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic with a little bit of metal. Quality of materials used as well as the fit and finish was good. Also included was the detachable mic, audio cable, USB-C charging cable, USB to USB-C adapter and owner’s manual.

 

I really liked the design of the Creative SXFI Gamer. The leatherette earcups are soft with thick foam for good comfort. All of the connections are on one earcup, and the touch controls are very nice. I also like the way the earcups light up, and that you can change the color. And of course, there’s also the SXFI chip so you can set up your own profile for your own head and ear-mapping. It’s easy to think it’s gimmicky, but it’s not. I’ll never forget the demo I participated in at CES last year. They demo’d creating surround sound through the SXFI chip and a sound profile for the user. To tell you how well it sounded, I’ll use an analogy. Remember the scene in the movie Antman, when Antman puts on the suit, and shows his guys that he can shrink? The reaction of his guys was a lot like the reaction of everyone in the demo. Let’s see how they actually sound.

 

Toto: Africa- Kick drum had very good, tight, impact and depth. The congas also had very nice resolution of the pad. Cowbell had nice tone. Vocals were very smooth with very nice texture of the timbre. Drums had very good dynamics and extension. Cymbals were crisp and clean. Recorder had very good air. Piano sounded natural.

Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody- Huge soundstage that makes you feel like you were right there with the artists in the studio. Harmonics of the vocals was very good, and provided very good resolution to really make Freddy shine. Piano sounded very natural. Cymbals were crisp and clean. Drums were very dynamic and played with very good impact.

 

The HU:  Sugaan Essana- The thunder at the beginning sounded startlingly life-like! Soundstage was as good as multiple times their price point. There was enough resolution to hear the bow slide across the strings of the lute. Vocals were nice and raw with very good resolution of the texture. Bass played with very good authority.

 

The Creative SXFI Gamer had a more neutral sound, that was maybe just a hair on the bright side for a pair of headphones more marketed towards gaming. They held their own very well for music. Yet they also had the full deep bass that sounds great with all the explosions on gaming. Giving the sound quality I would expect to hear at almost twice their price, they are a huge bargain!  I was surprised at just how well the Creative SXFI Gamer sounded for their price point.  Based on their design, features, quality, and performance, the Creative SXFI Gamer earned out Highly Recommended Award.  For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.us.creative.com.



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Thursday, May 20, 2021

ASUS Launches New Zenbook 13 OLED (UM325) and Zenbook 14 (UM425)

ASUS Launches New Zenbook 13 OLED (UM325) and Zenbook 14 (UM425)

World’s lightest OLED AMD laptop with FHD OLED HDR NanoEdge display, and one of the thinnest 14" AMD laptops, powered by Ryzen 5000 U-Series and H-Series CPUs

Fremont, California (May 19, 2021) — ASUS today announced ZenBook 13 OLED (UM325) and ZenBook 14 (UM425), new-generation 13-inch and 14-inch ultraportable AMD®-powered laptops in the ZenBook Classic series.

The ultralight 3.09 lb ZenBook 13 OLED is the world's lightest OLED AMD laptop[i]. With a thin and light all-metal design, it features a four-sided FHD OLED HDR NanoEdge display with an 88% screen-to-body ratio that gives it a compact footprint.

ZenBook 14 is one of the world’s thinnest 14-inch AMD laptops[ii], with an ultra-slim 14.3 mm profile and up to 16-hour battery life[iii] that make it the ideal traveling companion. With its classic design and travel-friendly features, ZenBook 14 will make your on-the-go lifestyle more effortless than ever.

A compact four-sided NanoEdge display offers an up to 90% screen-to-body ratio for immersive visuals. The user experience is also fully updated, featuring ASUS NumberPad 2.0[iv], a new edge-to-edge keyboard design, ErgoLift hinge, and an IR camera for fast face-recognition.

Powered by the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 U-Series and Ryzen 5000 H-Series mobile processors with up to 16 GB RAM, ZenBook 13 OLED and ZenBook 14 make light work of multitasking, productivity and entertainment. Up to 1 TB PCIe® x2 SSDs and the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) round off the specification for superb all-round performance.
 
Compact portability
The latest ZenBook 13 OLED and ZenBook 14 are designed for effortless portability, with compact and elegant all-metal chassis that are a mere 13.9 mm and 14.3 mm thin respectively. ZenBook 13 OLED and ZenBook 14 are also incredibly power efficient, with up to an amazing 16 hours of battery life on a single charge, meaning that the charger can be left at home for many trips to minimize weight and bulk. They are a perfect match for today's on-the-go lifestyles.

The stylish new design of ZenBook 13 OLED and ZenBook 14 comes in a Pine Grey, which is a glossy shade that is calm and peaceful. It projects professional wisdom and features a special off-center version of the iconic ZenBook spun-metal finish.
 
Premium performance
Performance is a crucial part of the ZenBook experience. ZenBook 13 OLED and ZenBook 14 are powered by AMD Ryzen 5000 U-Series and Ryzen 5000 H-Series mobile processors that deliver ultrafast responsiveness even for demanding tasks.

The Ryzen 5000 Series Mobile Processors deliver the fastest, smoothest and most premium performance ever. With up to 16 GB of high-speed RAM, daily tasks won't become chores. High-speed solid-state storage, using PCIe 3.0 x2 SSDs, ensures fast boot times and near-instant app loading.

ASUS offers a comprehensive range of wireless connectivity solutions. The WiFi 6 in ZenBook 13 OLED and ZenBook 14 allows users to load online content in the blink of an eye, and it’s made even better by ASUS WiFi Master technology, which includes ASUS WiFi Stabilizer and ASUS WiFi SmartConnect. For rock-solid stability in WiFi connections, WiFi Stabilizer filters out wireless interference, so users will always enjoy the fastest possible speeds. WiFi SmartConnect automatically selects the best WiFi source, so the laptop connects seamlessly to the best WiFi signal and known mobile hotspots.
 
Amazing ultra-vivid OLED display
The amazing FHD OLED HDR NanoEdge display on ZenBook 13 OLED[v] delivers stunningly detailed and realistic visuals, with ultra-vivid, true-to-life colors at any brightness level. It's PANTONE® Validated for outstanding color accuracy, boasts a cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and has an ultrafast response time for blur-free action scenes.  It's also VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black certified for deep blacks and increased dynamic range, delivering enhanced realism and superb shadow detail. Its low blue-light levels are TÜV Rheinland-certified for better eye care, making this immersive slim-bezel display is a superb all-rounder for work or play.

Both ZenBook 13 OLED and ZenBook 14 have a four-sided NanoEdge[vi] display design, with a slim bezel that creates an up to 90% screen-to-body ratio for a more immersive viewing experience and a compact footprint.
 
Ergonomic design
The new edge-to-edge ergonomic keyboard design increases the size of the keyboard for a more comfortable typing experience. It also creates space for an extra set of useful function keys at the right-hand side of the keyboard. For maximum typing comfort, the precision engineered ErgoLift hinge automatically tilts the keyboard to the optimum typing angle when the lid is opened. This action also creates space under the laptop for extra cooling airflow.

For easy data entry, there’s the productivity-enhancing ASUS NumberPad 2.0. This is a dual-function touchpad with an integrated LED-illuminated full-size numeric keypad: simply tapping the icon on the touchpad turns NumberPad on and off.

An integrated infrared (IR) camera located on the bezel makes password-free face login fast and easy with Windows Hello. It also works in dim lighting conditions, so accessing ZenBook 13 OLED and ZenBook 14 is easier and faster than ever in any environment.
 
[i] According to overall laptop weight, as of December 8, 2020 based on internal ASUS market analysis comparing ZenBook 13 OLED to competing clamshell AMD laptops with a 13.3-inch OLED screen from vendors including HP, Razer and Gigabyte. ZenBook 13 OLED ranked first in terms of weight.
[ii] According to overall laptop thinness, as of Nov 5, 2020 based on internal ASUS market analysis comparing ZenBook 14 to competing convertible laptops with a screen measuring 14 inches from vendors including Acer, HP, Huawei, Dell, Lenovo, Honor, ZenBook 14 ranked top-three in regards of model thinness.
[iii] ZenBook 13 OLED (UM325): Battery tests conducted by ASUS on December, 4, 2020 using the 1080p Video Playback scenario. Test configuration: ZenBook UM325SA, FHD OLED panel, AMD R5-5600U, 256G GB SSD, 16GB RAM. Test settings: WiFi enabled but disconnected (not connected to any access point), Windows Power Plan set to Balanced, display brightness set to 150 cd/m2, NumberPad off. Actual battery life may vary depending on product configuration, usage, operational conditions and power management settings. Battery life will decrease over the lifetime of the battery.
ZenBook 14 (UM425): Battery tests conducted by ASUS on December, 1st, 2020 using the 1080p Video Playback scenario. Test configuration: ZenBook 14 UM425UA, FHD 250 nits panel, AMD R7-5700U, 1 TB SSD, 16 GB RAM. Test settings: WiFi enabled but disconnected (not connected to any access point), Windows Power Plan set to Balanced, display brightness set to 150 cd/m2, NumberPad off. Actual battery life may vary depending on product configuration, usage, operational conditions and power management settings. Battery life will decrease over the lifetime of the battery.
[iv] Please note that all versions of NumberPad only work with the Microsoft Windows operating system.
[v] ASUS OLED panels are only available on ZenBook 13 OLED (UM325). ZenBook 14 (UM425) models use IPS panels.
[vi] For ZenBook 13 OLED, the stated 2.9 mm width of the side bezel is the distance between the edge of the non-active screen display area and the inside edge of the case. If the case width is included, the side bezel width is 4.4 mm. Measured based on standard (anti-glare) display configuration. The top bezel width is 6.5 mm and the bottom bezel width is 12.9 mm. For ZenBook 14, the stated 2.5 mm width of the side bezel is the distance between the edge of the non-active screen display area and the inside edge of the case. If the case width is included, the side bezel width is 4.65 mm. Measured based on standard (anti-glare) display configuration. The top bezel width is 8.9 mm and the bottom bezel width is 11.1 mm.

###

AVAILABILITY & PRICING
ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED (UM325) will now be available starting at MSRP $799.99 at Newegg.  
ASUS ZenBook 14 (UM425) will be available later this year. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

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 SPECIFICATIONS[i]
 
ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED (UM325)
Processor(UM325SA) 
AMD® Ryzen 7 5800U Mobile Processor
AMD® Ryzen 5 5600U Mobile Processor
(UM325UA)
AMD® Ryzen 7 5700U Mobile Processor
AMD® Ryzen 5 5500U Mobile Processor
Display13.3" (16:9) OLED, Full HD (1920 x 1080) NanoEdge display
DCI-P3: 100%、VESA DisplayHDR True Black certified
TÜV Rheinland-certified eye care
88% screen-to-body ratio
2.9mm-thin side bezel
Wide-view technology
Operating systemWindows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Home
GraphicsAMD® Radeon Graphics
Main memoryUp to 16 GB 3733 MHz LPDDR4x
StorageUp to 1 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe® 3.0 SSD 
ConnectivityWiFi 6 (802.11ax)
WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
Bluetooth® 5.0
CameraIR webcam with Windows Hello support
I/O ports2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C®
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
1 x Standard HDMI
1 x MicroSD card reader
TouchpadASUS NumberPad 2.0
AudioHarman Kardon-certified audio system ASUS SonicMaster stereo audio system with surround-sound; smart amplifier for maximum audio performance
Array microphone with Cortana and Alexa voice-recognition support
Battery67 Wh 4-cell lithium-polymer battery
ColorsPine Grey
Dimensions304 x 203 x 13.9 mm
Weightapprox. 2.51 lb
 
 ASUS ZenBook 14 (UM425) 
Processor(UM425QA) 
AMD® Ryzen 5 5600H Mobile Processor
(UM425UA)
AMD® Ryzen 7 5700U Mobile Processor
AMD® Ryzen 5 5500U Mobile Processor
Display14" (16:9) Full HD (1920 x 1080) NanoEdge display
90% screen-to-body ratio
2.5mm-thin side bezel
IPS-level wide-view technology
Operating systemWindows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Home
GraphicsUp to NVIDIA® GeForce® MX450
Main memoryUp to 16 GB 4266 MHz LPDDR4x
StorageUp to 1 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe® 3.0 SSD 
ConnectivityWiFi 6 (802.11ax)
WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
Bluetooth® 5.0
CameraIR webcam with Windows Hello support
I/O ports2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C®
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
1 x Standard HDMI
1 x MicroSD card reader
1 x combo audio jack
TouchpadASUS NumberPad 2.0
AudioHarman Kardon-certified audio system ASUS SonicMaster stereo audio system with surround-sound; smart amplifier for maximum audio performance
Array microphone with Cortana and Alexa voice-recognition support
Battery67 Wh 4-cell lithium-polymer battery
ColorsPine Grey
Dimensions319 x 210 x 14.3 mm
Weightapprox. 2.69 lb
 
[i] Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. Full specifications are available at http://www.asus.com

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About ASUS
ASUS is a multinational company known for the world’s best motherboards, PCs, monitors, graphics cards and routers, and is ranked by Laptop Mag as the best laptop brand in 2020. Along with an expanding range of superior gaming, content-creation and AIoT solutions, ASUS leads the industry through cutting-edge design and innovations made to create the most ubiquitous, intelligent, heartfelt and joyful smart life for everyone. With a global workforce that includes more than 5,000 R&D professionals, ASUS is driven to become the world’s most admired innovative leading technology enterprise. Inspired by the In Search of Incredible brand spirit, ASUS won more than 11 awards every day in 2020 and ranks as one of Forbes’ World’s Best Regarded Companies and Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies. 


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Thursday, May 13, 2021

ASUS Announces TUF Gaming F15 and F17 Gaming Laptops

ASUS Announces TUF Gaming F15 and F17 Gaming Laptops
Accessible to all gamers, the latest TUF Gaming laptops provide a potent mix of 11th Gen Core™ CPUs, GeForce RTX™ 30 Series Laptop, and a stylish yet durable design

Fremont, CA (May 11, 2021) — ASUS today announced the TUF Gaming F15 and F17 laptops, which wrap powerful new hardware in a stylish yet durable package that’s accessible to all gamers.

The cutting-edge combo of 11th Gen Intel Core™ CPUs and NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 30 Series Laptop GPUs pairs with essential features to create amazing gaming experiences. Adaptive-Sync displays up to 240Hz deliver silky smooth graphics, while performance is sustained by upgraded cooling with dual 83-Blade fans. Multiplayer team chat is clearer with advanced Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation, Thunderbolt™ 4 provides versatile connectivity options, and users can move freely on the road or at home with a long-lasting battery up to 90Wh.

Reinforced by the signature military-grade durability that defines the TUF Gaming family, the new F15 and F17 are ready for action.
 
Powerful new Intel processors
The new 11th Gen Intel Core processors are engineered to deliver enthusiast-level gameplay in more portable and versatile devices. Up to 32GB of high-performance DDR4-3200 memory ensure users can run all of their favorite apps. Games and programs load faster on the speedy NVMe® SSD, which is available with up to 1TB of storage capacity.

Users can add a second SSD via the open M.2 slot. All the storage bays and memory slots are readily accessible with a standard screwdriver thanks to the easy-upgrade design, which includes a pop-open screw that helps separate the bottom of the chassis without requiring a prying tool.
 
Primed for fast-paced gameplay
Available with up to a GeForce RTX™ 3060 Laptop GPU clocked up to 1630MHz at 90W with GPU Boost with another 5W available from Dynamic Boost, the 2021 TUF Gaming F15 and F17 laptops unlock the potential of NVIDIA’s cutting-edge new Ampere architecture. The latest generation of RTX GPUs combines new streaming multiprocessors with 2nd gen RT cores and 3rd gen Tensor cores to enable the most realistic ray-traced graphics and advanced AI features. These improvements enable lifelike visuals while pushing frame rates to new heights. They’re backed by support for NVIDIA Reflex technologies that lower latency in select multiplayer games and NVIDIA Broadcast effects that add instant polish to live streams.

Fast displays allow users to experience the full effect of triple-digit frames per second. The TUF Gaming F15 is available with up to a 240Hz gaming panel that delivers precise, esports-worthy visuals. This top display option also covers 100% of the sRGB spectrum, the most widely used digital color space.

The TUF Gaming F17 scales back to a 144Hz panel that’s still plenty quick for fast-paced play. Top configurations support Adaptive-Sync to dynamically vary their refresh rate to match the frame rate of the GPU, leading to smoother gameplay with less lag and no tearing. They also maintain vibrant colors over wide viewing angles.

Views of the action look and feel more expansive through NanoEdge bezels – in addition to heightening immersion, the narrow frame shrinks the footprint of the chassis, making the laptop more compact.
 
Enhanced cooling
A comprehensive cooling strategy brings together carefully optimized components, self-cleaning measures, and customizable settings to ensure the best experience.

Four heat pipes redistribute thermal energy from the CPU and GPU to three heatsinks that rapidly dissipate it through accompanying outlets. Each heatsink is lined with copper fins as thin as 0.1mm that increase the surface area for heat dissipation and lower air resistance for smoother flow.

Air is channeled through the laptop by two 83-blade fans based on an advanced design inherited from ROG gaming laptops. These fans are made from a special liquid-crystal polymer that enables blades 55 percent thinner than conventional designs without sacrificing the strength required to hold their shape at high RPMs. With 0dB Technology, the fans switch off completely when CPU and GPU temperatures are low in the Silent operating mode. This makes cooling truly silent under light workloads.

Drawing air into the chassis can sometimes introduce dust and other particles. Accumulation on heatsinks and fans can impede performance and stability over time, so the self-cleaning cooling system uses anti-dust tunnels to catch and direct particles away from critical components to keep the system running strong. The updated design in the TUF Gaming F15 and F17 uses shorter tunnels that leave more room around the fan, increasing airflow.

Together, the 83-blade fans and updated self-cleaning cooling system improve system airflow by up to 10 percent compared to the previous generation.

Scenario Profiles optimize cooling, performance, and other system settings to give users the right config for the moment. They can automatically change operating modes based on the active app, or users can make adjustments manually with a keyboard shortcut. Turbo mode delivers maximum performance and fan speeds for intensive tasks, while Performance mode optimizes speed and acoustics for the best gaming experience. Silent mode reduces noise for activities like surfing the web, streaming shows, and other light loads.
 
Stylish and durable
Sleek Eclipse Gray and bold Graphite Black color options bring different looks to the new TUF Gaming F15 and F17. Both designs feature sharp lines and clean-cut accents, from the subtle, hairline brush strokes across the lid and palm rest to the textured honeycomb grip.

The updated aesthetic matches the new TUF Gaming logo emblazoned on the lid. This more modern look offers a fresh take on the series that remains rooted in superior durability.

Like their predecessors, these machines are tested to meet military-grade MIL-STD-810H standards. Rigorous tests pit the F15 and F17 against everything from extreme weather conditions to drops and falls. Built to handle treks from the arctic to the desert, TUF Gaming laptops are more than capable of weathering everyday wear and tear.
 
Longer-lasting battery
A power-efficient Intel processor and large 90Wh battery combine to let users unplug and enjoy hours of entertainment. The 17-inch model nets up to 14.3 hours of continuous video playback, while the portable 15-inch edition manages up to 14.7 hours[1].
 
Crystal clear sound
To improve voice chat, advanced Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation removes unwanted sounds from both input and output audio. It can be applied to any device and even customized on a per-app basis, so users can limit noise-canceling to chat apps without affecting in-game sounds. Gamers can communicate better with teammates, creators can record cleaner audio in any environment, and everyone can enjoy clear conversation. Because Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation runs on the CPU, the GPU is free to focus on maximizing frame rates.

Gaming is more immersive with DTS:X™ Ultra technology that delivers high-fidelity, 7.1-channel virtual surround sound. Users can fine-tune settings with the built-in equalizer or optimize quickly by switching between presets for games, movies, and more. The two integrated speakers produce powerful sound, and users can also plug their favorite headset or headphones into the 3.5mm audio jack.
 
A comprehensive experience
The versatile Thunderbolt 4 port connects to the latest devices, with enough bandwidth to hook up an external GPU. It supports DisplayPort 1.4, so users can plug in two 4K displays at 60Hz—or one 8K UHD TV or monitor for immersive visuals. Three USB 3.2 Type-A ports make space for a mouse, gamepad, and other peripherals. Built-in Bluetooth also lets users pair mice, headphones, and other devices for a wire-free space. HDMI 2.0b offers an additional display output with up to 4K resolution. And fast, reliable Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) ensures that users can jump online anywhere.

The keyboard is optimized for gaming with a desktop-style layout that makes inputs more comfortable and precise. Overstroke technology triggers each key’s actuation point higher in the stroke, offering more responsive input with an improved overall feel. In true TUF form, each key is durable enough to withstand over 20 million presses for superb long-term reliability.

Uniform RGB backlighting lets users express their style, while highlighted WASD accents provide a visual shortcut to key movement commands. RGB colors and effects can be tweaked with the Armoury Crate utility, which unifies vital functions like lighting control, system monitoring, and configurable Scenario Profiles that automatically load preferred system settings for different games and apps.

An integrated camera makes streaming and video chat more convenient than ever, with enhanced image quality thanks to a blend of noise reduction technologies. Traditional cameras use either 2DNR technology that analyzes individual frames to correct noise, or 3DNR technology that analyzes frames in sequence to improve fidelity with moving objects. The TUF Gaming F15 and F17 blend 2DNR and 3DNR technology to ensure users look their best in any situation, even in low-light environments.
 
[1] Battery life may vary based on system configuration.
 

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AVAILABILITY
The TUF Gaming F15 and F17 will be available from late Q2 2021 in North America. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

TUF Gaming F15 SPECIFICATIONS[1]
Operating SystemWindows 10 Pro
Processor11th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors
Graphics CardUp to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3060 
MemoryUp to 32GB DDR4 3200MHz 
StorageUp to 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD 
Display15.6-inch FHD (1920 × 1080), 240Hz, IPS-level 100% sRGB display with Adaptive-Sync
Audio2 speakers
DTS:X™ Ultra technology
Virtual 7.1-channel surround sound
KeyboardOne-zone RGB
2.0mm travel distance
Overstroke technology
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2)
Bluetooth 5.2
Input/Output1 x Audio combo jack
1 x HDMI 2.0b
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
1 x Type-C with Thunderbolt™ 4 (DisplayPort™ 1.4a, G-SYNC[2])
1 x RJ45 LAN
1 x DC-in jack
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
1 x Kensington lock
Battery90Wh
Microphone/CameraHD camera with array mic
Dimensions359.8 x 256 x 22.8~24.3mm (Eclipse Gray)
359.8 x 256 x 22.8~24.5mm (Graphite Black)
Weight2.3kg
 
TUF Gaming F17 SPECIFICATIONS[3]
Operating SystemWindows 10 Pro
Processor11th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors
Graphics CardUp to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3060 
MemoryUp to 32GB DDR4 3200MHz 
StorageUp to 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD 
Display17.3-inch FHD (1920 × 1080), 144Hz IPS-level display with Adaptive-Sync
Audio2 speakers
DTS:X™ Ultra technology
Virtual 7.1-channel surround sound
KeyboardOne-zone RGB
2.0mm travel distance
Overstroke technology
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2)
Bluetooth 5.2
Input/Output1 x Audio combo jack
1 x HDMI 2.0b
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
1 x Type-C with Thunderbolt™ 4 (DisplayPort™ 1.4a, G-SYNC[4])
1 x RJ45 LAN
1 x DC-in jack
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
1 x Kensington lock
Battery90Wh
Microphone/CameraHD camera with array mic
Dimensions399.2 x 268.9 x 22.1~23.9mm (Eclipse Gray)
399.2 x 268.9 x 23.3~24.8mm (Graphite Black)
Weight2.6kg
 
 
[1] Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. Full specifications are available at http://www.asus.com
[2] Support for G-SYNC will be enabled in an upcoming BIOS update for the TUF Gaming F15 and F17.
[3] Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. Full specifications are available at http://www.asus.com
[4] Support for G-SYNC will be enabled in an upcoming BIOS update for the TUF Gaming F15 and F17.

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About ASUS
ASUS is a multinational company known for the world’s best motherboards, PCs, monitors, graphics cards and routers, and is ranked by Laptop Mag as the best laptop brand in 2020. Along with an expanding range of superior gaming, content-creation and AIoT solutions, ASUS leads the industry through cutting-edge design and innovations made to create the most ubiquitous, intelligent, heartfelt and joyful smart life for everyone. With a global workforce that includes more than 5,000 R&D professionals, ASUS is driven to become the world’s most admired innovative leading technology enterprise. Inspired by the In Search of Incredible brand spirit, ASUS won more than 11 awards every day in 2020 and ranks as one of Forbes’ World’s Best Regarded Companies and Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies. 


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