Monday, July 25, 2022

ASUS Launches Vivobook S Series


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Friday, July 15, 2022

GoldenEar Introduces ForceField 30 & ForceField 40 Ultra-Compact Extended-Response Subwoofers

GoldenEar Introduces ForceField
30 & ForceField 40 Ultra-Compact
Extended-Response Subwoofers 

GoldenEar’s award-winning ForceField Series subwoofers are engineered from the ground up to deliver subtle musical detail, well-extended bass, high-impact slam, and the solid foundation for an expansive soundstage — all from attractive, compact enclosures that easily fit into any environment. 
  
The design brief was simple: achieve uncompromising, state-of-the-art subwoofer performance from the smallest-possible enclosures. Compared to previous models, the new ForceField 30 and 40 boast several significant sonic and cosmetic refinements. 

Compact, Elegant Cabinet: 
Designed for Performance and Beauty

  • GoldenEar BRX model-inspired curved top panel to better minimize cabinet resonances 
  • Increased wall thickness prevents absorbing and smearing important bass transient information and impact 
  • Perforated-metal grille affords improved sonic transparency and airflow  
  • Gorgeous and subtle Satin-Black finish

Robust, Efficient Amplifier: 
Upgraded Electronics Platform Based on the Award-Winning SuperSub X/XXL

  • GoldenEar SuperSub-inspired electronics with Analog Devices DSP affords flatter, more extended frequency response for cleaner, deeper bass with lower distortion 
  • MOSFET output stage and improved implementation result in greater power-transfer efficiency  
  • Necessary subwoofer Level and Low-Pass filter controls allow easy optimization for home theaters, hi-fi setups, and living environments

Optimized Driver Configuration: 
Superb Detail, Soul-Stirring Bass 

Ultra-Long-Throw Sub-Bass Driver 

  • Superior transient performance for natural detail 
  • Computer-optimized ultra-stiff fiber cone 
  • Massive high-gauss magnet assembly

Quadratic Planar Infrasonic Radiator

  • Downward-firing pressure-coupled loading extends usable bass performance to the infrasonic region 
  • Approximates the near-perfect impedance of a well-tuned transmission line, but with superior transient performance and control 
  • Affords outstanding flexibility for room placement 

The overall result is agile, musical, room-filling bass equally suited to thrilling soundtracks, stirring orchestral pieces, propulsive pop music, and everything in between. With the new ForceField 30 and ForceField 40, GoldenEar has achieved its mandates for any subwoofer: 

  • To be subtle and invisible, allowing a string bass or a fighter jet’s roar to seem to come out of nowhere. 

  • To do its job when the pluck of a bass guitar or a giant’s footsteps are supposed to rumble your soul. 

Available August.

Specifications

ForceField 30: $899 US
  • Dimensions: 11.4" (28.9cm) W x 16" (40.6cm) D x 12.7" (32.2cm) H (w/feet)
  • Weight: 31.5lbs (14.3kg)
  • Frequency Response: 18Hz-250Hz
  • Driver Complement: One 8" long-throw high-output bass driver; One 9" x 11" quadratic planar infrasonic radiator
  • Amplifier: 1000-Watt ForceField digital amplifier
ForceField 40: $1,199 US
  • Dimensions: 13.3" (33.7cm) W x 18.3" (46.5 cm) D x 14.7" (37.3cm) H (w/feet) 
  • Weight: 40.5lbs (18.4kg)
  • Frequency Response: 14Hz-250Hz
  • Driver Complement: One 10" long-throw high-output bass driver; One 11" x 13" quadratic planar infrasonic radiator 
  • Amplifier: 1200-Watt ForceField digital amplifier
Both Models
  • LFE Line-Level Input: Unfiltered (no low pass), direct-coupled 
  • Right/Left Line-Level Input: 4Variable Low-Pass from 40Hz-150Hz
  • Power Requirements/Consumption: 

    Low-Voltage Model: 100-120V at 50 or 60Hz / 1400 Watts 

    High-Voltage Model: 220-240V at 50 or 60Hz / 1400 Watts 

Visit GoldenEar.com to learn more.


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Sunday, July 10, 2022

Philips Bluetooth Outdoor Speaker S4807B Review

I love music, and I love listening to my music wherever I go. Sometimes this means taking my music to the park, campsite, or beach. And if I’m outdoors, a wireless speaker will let me listen to my music, but it will also be able to handle the elements. Philips makes some excellent products and this includes wireless speakers. Up for review today is their Philips Bluetooth Outdoor Speaker S4807B.

 

Features and specs:

Sound:

Output power (RMS): 10W

Output power (MAX): 20W

Sound System: Mono

Frequency response: 80 Hz - 20 KHz

 

Loudspeakers:

Number of sound channels: 1

Driver configuration: Full range

Number of full range drivers: 1

Full range driver diameter: 45mm

Passive radiators: 2

 

Connectivity:

Bluetooth: support SBC streaming

Bluetooth version: 5.2

Bluetooth profiles: A2DP

AVRCP: Multipoint (Multipair) support

Bluetooth range: Line of sight, 20m or 66ft

Microphone: Built-in microphone

Type of cable: USB cable (Type-C)

DLNA Standard: No

Multiple speaker connection: Yes

Multiple speaker scenario: Stereo

Multiple speaker technology: TWS

 

Compatibility:

Smartphone/tablet APP control: No

 

Convenience:

Ease of Installation: Automatic pairing

Built-in microphone: Yes

Volume control: Digital up/down

Automatic power off: Yes

Handsfree calling: Yes

Call Management: Answer/End Call

Dustproof: Yes

Water resistance: IP67

Display screen: No

Light Effect: No

 

Power:

Battery type: Lithium-ion (built-in)

Battery Capacity: 3.7V, 4400mAh

Operating time on battery: 12  hr

Charging time: 3  hr

Input: 5V, 2A

Power bank: No

 

Accessories:

Cable: USB charging cable

Included accessories: carrying strap, Quick install guide, World Wide Warranty leaflet

Design:

Color: Black

 

Product dimensions:

Depth: 7.2  cm

Height: 7  cm

Weight: 0.492  kg

Width: 17  cm

The Philips Bluetooth Outdoor Speaker came in a great looking color printed box, with photos and specs of the speaker. Opening the box revealed a well-protected speaker, held in place by custom molded cardboard. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic with some metal. Quality of materials used, as well as fit and finish, was very good. The exterior cover is a soft plastic that feels rubber, to help with its protection from the environment. Also included was the charging cable, wrist strap and owner’s manual.

The Philips Bluetooth Outdoor Speaker has a great design. There is a rubber-like soft plastic that surrounds the speaker, to help protect it from the elements. Built into the cover on the top are the controls for power, volume, and track forward and back. On the top is also a metal strip to the wrist strap to, for carrying the speaker. The soft plastic that surrounds the speaker also has round perforations in front of the speaker. You can also see the cloth under the perforation is red, to help add for some styling. The metal strip for the wrist strap is also red, to continue the styling. On the side is the charging port.

For its sound, it takes 10 watts RMS and applies it to a single 45mm full range active driver.  So you won’t get stereo sound on its own, but you can link 2 of them together for stereo pairing.  And to maximize the bass for its small size, there are 2 passive radiators incorporated into the design.  There is even a built-in mic so you can also use it for hands free calling.  Or to allow for more people onto a phone conversation.  It’s a great functional design. Pairing it with my LG ThinQ V40 was extremely simple.  Now let’s see how it sounds.

Christina Perri: 1000 Years – Piano sounded natural with good harmonics of the chords, the bass was very smooth with good resolution of the bow sliding across the strings and had good depth. Acoustic guitar was crisp and clean of the plucking of the strings. Vocals were smooth with very good harmonics as well, with good resolution of the texture of the timbre.

No Doubt: Hella Good - Bass was nice and tight, yet played with really good depth and authority for it’s size. The snaps were very dynamic. Cymbal was crisp and clean. Drums were also dynamic with good midbass definition. Vocals were smoother than expected, and revealed Stephani’s raw texture and sexy aural candy.

Disturbed: Sound of Silence - Piano sounded natural with very good tone. Vocals were smoother than honey with excellent harmonics and texture. Acoustic guitar had very good resolution and crispness of the strings being plucked. Violins also had smoothness of the bow running across the strings. Cymbals were crisp and clean. And the tympani had nice depth and impact from the mallet on the pad.

 

I had no reason to doubt Phillips. I have a trimmer of theirs that works great. It’s just been a long, long time since I have had any experience with their electronic products. Their over the ear headphones that were included in our recent Headphone Shootout really surprised me. And the recent review of their True Wireless Sport Headphones also performed much better than expected. The Philips Bluetooth Outdoor Speaker reviewed today also sounded much better than expected. It provided crisp highs, smooth vocals, and bass with better depth and authority than expected, especially for its size. With the track Sound of Silence, I even noticed a depth to it and realized I was hearing a bit of soundstage. I’m starting to see a trend here.

 

Philips isn’t the first name I tend to think of for electronics items like portable speakers. But with our recent reviews, I’m starting to see a trend of quality electronics, and a solid argument that they sound be thought of. Not only did the Philips Bluetooth Outdoor Speaker have some nice styling, and good built quality for years of use, they also provided some great sound. They are a solid performer, and if you’re in the market for a portable Bluetooth speaker, they should be on your short list. Based on their design, features, quality and performance, they have earned our Highly Recommended award. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at: www.philips.com.



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