Can a $249 digital-to-analog converter/headphone amplifier deliver state-of-the-art sound? The Audiophiliac listens to the AudioQuest DragonFly to find out.

by Steve Guttenberg

The AudioQuest DragonFly is a USB-powered (it doesn’t use batteries or an external power supply) digital-to-analog converter. I usually need some time to get a handle on the sound of a component, but within minutes of plugging in the tiny $249 DAC I knew exactly what made it so special. It sounds clear and clean, so there’s less standing between the music and my ears.

The AudioQuest DragonFly

(Credit: AudioQuest)

The DragonFly is a bona fide Audio component, designed by Gordon Rankin, a man known in audiophile circles as a great tube electronics engineer, but Rankin is also a computer audio guy. He’s one of the few DAC designers with equal depth of knowledge in analog and digital audio technology.

The DragonFly uses an ESS Sabre DAC, a high-performance chip more typically found in higher-end CD and Blu-ray players. The DragonFly works with MP3s and CD-standard 16-bit/44KHz to 24-bit/96KHz file formats. Inside, there are 107 components mounted on a 0.6×1.7-inch four-layer board including regulators and custom capacitors.

The DragonFly was designed with the audiophile in mind, so instead of relying on a digital volume control that might reduce signal resolution and sound quality, the DragonFly’s volume control works in the analog domain for the best sound quality. The analog volume control tracks the movement of the volume slider on your computer. The DragonFly has a 3.5mm output jack.

It can be used with desktop speakers, like my Emotiva Airmotiv 4s, or a component hi-fi system, or it can directly drive headphones. I tried it all three ways, and the DragonFly’s stunning resolution was always a joy to listen to.

To put the DragonFly’s performance in context I compared it first with the Halide Design DS DAC ($295) that I raved about earlier this year. The DS DAC has a softer and richer sonic balance, which I still like, but the DragonFly’s sound is clearer and more precise. bass is tighter and better defined. Listening over the Airmotiv 4 speakers, the DragonFly’s more expansive stereo image floats freer of the speakers than it does with the DS DAC.

The DragonFly trounced the DS DAC, but how would it fare in a shootout with the $495 Halide Design DAC HD? The DragonFly didn’t win that one; the DAC HD had more bass and sounded more dynamically alive, and had better overall tonality. The stereo image was even bigger, and still had razor-sharp detail. When you hear a truly great DAC, like the DAC HD, on a desktop system, you’re a giant step closer to the sound of a first rate high-end hi-fi.

At first I was less happy with the DragonFly’s sound when I listened to it as a headphone amp. I plugged in the Audio Technica ATH M50 and Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones, and found the DragonFly’s sound lightweight. Bass oomph was lacking, which overemphasized midrange and treble frequencies. Then I popped on my Velodyne vPulse in-ears, and the DragonFly sounded positively awesome! My JH-13 custom-molded in-ears were also fantastic, so all I can say for now is the Dragonfly might not be a great match with some full-size headsets. We’ll see.

Granted, it’s a $249 desktop DAC, so you can’t really expect it to be a giant killer on every application, but the DragonFly still has a lot going for it.

[LINK]

Model: HPS820
Color: Silver

Technical pro builds some of the best gear for today’s modern audio professional. They know that an innovative design and high quality components are the foundation for a superior sound. The engineers at Technical Pro used this same idea in designing the HPS820 Professional headphones. If you are a DJ or a studio professional you need a professional set of headphones for your mobile rig or in the studio. The ability to trust your headphones to output a clear and full translation to your music is priceless! The HP820 headphone series is quickly becoming the most trusted and go-to professional headphones on the market. The HPS820 come in a stylish and flashy silver design. If you are a DJ you will want to show your crowd you are using professional gear and one look at your phones they will know you are on the right level! The iconic silver design is seen being used by almost every professional DJ but we all know that looks are not the only aspect to high quality gear! And that is why the engineers at Tpro built these with quality in mind! Be sure to check out the other options in the HP820 series!

The HPS820 are able to pump out one of the highest quality sound outputs on the market. These cans are built with an enhanced noise reducing design. If you are listening in a studio to your mix or tracking a singer/instrument it’s imperative that you are able to block out unwanted outside noise. You want to hear the input and only the input and with these headphones you will do just that! If you are a DJ and are cueing up the next song or need a fast reference to your mix without crowd noise or other intrusions these headphones will keep the mix inside your phones and give you the exact sound you are about to mix in for the crowd. These phones are also built with a Dynamic Super bass driver. This driver is meant to properly reproduce that big full sound right inside your ear. You will be able to hear those low, thumping frequencies…again a needed feature if you are to mix music. If you can’t hear the low end how will you mix it down?! No need to worry…the HPS820’s have got you covered!

These phones are designed with a durable and extremely comfortable design. The body is contoured for a very high level of comfort. If you are a DJ or a sound professional in the studio you may be wearing your headphones for hours on end. It is important they are comfortable! The lightweight design and airtight construction are also a big bonus. You don’t want a heavy weight on top of your head! While wearing these phones you will feel them cup your ears which also helps with keeping any outside noise from entering your mix! Airtight! The super cushioned ear pads will also add to an already high level of comfort. Included is a portable headphone carrying case designed for safe storage. If you are a DJ or traveling with these phones no need to worry about breaking them…the carrying case will keep them safe and sound and ready for use! Also included is a 1/4” adapter…without this adapter plug these phones into any MP3 player or other component with an 1/8” input or connect the adapter and connect to any 1/4” input. These are the two most valuable and commonly used headphone connection options for the professional audio world!

The HPS820 Professional Headphones from Technical Pro are quickly becoming the benchmark for headphone needs. They are durable, translate a high level of sound and are available at a cost that won’t put you in the poor house!

Technical Pro’s groundbreaking new approach to industrial design incorporates advanced technology and striking good looks with rugged construction and a long list of features, providing years of audio enjoyment.

• Professional Headphones
• Dynamic Super Bass
• Contoured body for superior comfort
• Lightweight design and air tight construction
• Advanced design for serious music lovers
• Professional super bass driver
• Super Cushioned ear pads
• Portable headphone case designed for safe storage
• Enhanced noise reducing design
• Driver Unit: 50mm
• Impedance: 32ohm
• Sensitivity: 105dB ±3dB
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
• Magnet: NdFed
• Plug: 3.5mm Stereo plug
• Maximum power input: 100mw
• Adaptors included: 1/4” adapter
• Cord length: 12ft
• weight: 5 lbs.
• MSRP: $59.00

[LINK]

[Link]

the first time I heard the word “DAC” I thought it was a misspelling of a company that used to send me catalogs of unusual electronic equipment made in dubious places for ridiculously low prices. Of course I eventually learned what a “digital Audio converter” was and that it’s now found in audio devices to convert a digital signal to analog — because the sound we hear comes through the air and impinges upon our ears. Cyborgs we aint yet.

Now devices created by Dr. Fang Bian are known for their level of sophistication when it comes to audio — the guy’s a certifiable genius when it comes to making electronics dance to his tune. And when you consider how crummy the DAC is that you’ll find in a so-called “high-Tech” device like your laptop, it’s no wonder that the sound is often the least thing the manufacturer is pointing to with pride.

But a standalone DAC can be expensive, not to mention cumbersome to use. But what’s the value in having a really good pair of headphones or powered speakers attached to your desktop/laptop when the DAC isn’t worth jack? So when Dr. Bian sent me the HIFIMAN HM-101 USB DAC, I was expecting  some high-end tech that wouldn’t be lugged around because it’d be too bothersome.

Instead I’m looking at a little rectangular box that barely weighs enough to juggle with. And a under 3-inches in height and under 1-inch wide/deep, easier to toss in a pocket than my smartphone.

A quick spin shows me that there’s a USB socket at one end and a mini-jack and line output sockets at the other. As for the controls and power socket — there isn’t any! Nor any internal battery — oh, I get it, USB not only transfers the digital signal through the USB cable, but supplies the power too.

And because I hate manuals, I can easily figure out how it’s used: you plug a USB cable into the USB socket and the other end into a USB socket on the desktop/laptop. Then you insert a headphone plug or a mini-jack plug into the other socket and put on the headphones or turn on the speakers. Of course you have to select the HIFIMAN HM-101 USB DAC in the desktop/laptop so it knows to output the sound, but that’s easy on a Mac and just a few extra clicks on a PC (if the blue light on the HIFIMAN goes on, you’ve got power).

The HIFIMAN HM-101 USB DAC is going to have impressive specs, according to the info I was told: inside there’s a Texas Instrument PCM2702 16 bit 48kHZ chipset. And conjoined to that a S/n (signal to noise) ratio of 96dB, 0.07% THD (total harmonic distortion) and stereo crosstalk (signal leaking from one program channel to another) of 78dB. Like my ear registers all that (Cyborgs R Us, not yet). But I certainly can do an “unscientific” test of listening with and without the HM-101 to hear whether there’s a discernible difference.

I’ll be using my MacBook with CD-quality audio files I ripped earlier. For listening, I’ve a pair of Audio Technica ATH-CP500i in-ear headphones (better than the junky pair you get with iOS devices, and in fact equal to or better than many pairs costing over $100, in my opinion). For the portable speakers, I’m going with the STEM Time Command Mini — a small portable audio dock for iOS devices whose speakers are not spaced very far apart. And because I’ve heard some reviews noting that there’s sometimes noise interference, I’ve a really good USB cable to work with, not some $2 junk.

So the Audio Technica in-ears are plugged in to the MacBook directly and I play the beginning track from Boston’s debut album with the volume set at the midway point. Stopping the track after about a minute, I plug in the HIFIMAN HM-101 USB DAC and plug the in-ears into them. I then repeat playing the track. I immediately notice that the volume seems a bit higher and clearer. The stereo effect doesn’t seem to have been changed any (didn’t expect it to), but a lot of the harshness of the guitars, especially when using the Time Command Mini, seem to have been dissipated. Basically the track sounds “cleaner,” to use a decidedly unscientific term.

I then repeated this entire process, only playing Landslide by Fleetwood Mac and, for the kick of hearing how old orchestrial tracks can sound, The Last Reel from the Adventures of Superman 1950′s TV show soundtrack CD (first just with the MacBook and then through the HIFIMAN HM-101 USB DAC). Those points I mentioned earlier with the in-ears now are even more pronounced, and I can turn the sound up a bit more without getting the distortion that otherwise would be the case. I’m even picking up little nuances that weren’t coming through before. Or to be more exact, the nuances in the audio were there but the DAC in the MacBook wasn’t picking them up. On occasion I did hear a bit of hiss between tracks when nothing was playing, but it wasn’t annoying or unbearable. And the level of the bass seemed more deep and vocals crisper — definitely the case with the Fleetwood Mac song.  I even found my Apple-supplied iPhone earbuds  sounding better with the HIFIMAN than without.

Editor’s Rating:

Great

Bottom line: At a retail of $39, the HIFIMAN HM-101 USB DAC is compact enough to remove any barrier for being carried around. And the setup and use is a no-brainer. Plus it actually does what it says — improving the audio you’re hearing. If the whole idea of being an audiophile is to spend big bucks on components so you can show off — you’’ll have to fake it when displaying the HIFIMAN HM-101 USB DAC. But for sure you won’t have to fake how much better the sound now is.

Pros

• High-end digital to audio converter
• No computer driver needed

Cons

• Occasional interference during quiet passages

via HIFIMAN HM-101 USB DAC Review | GadgetReview.

Listen to anyone involved in making Music, specifically someone involved in engineering music, and they’ll tell you that iTunes has resulted in poor sounding music. Music files just can’t get the same fidelity as a CD or vinyl record. Well, Apple has taken a step to remedy this problem and introduced a platform called mastered for iTunes.

The problem with iTunes is that it compresses music into an AAC file (or rips a CD to an MP3), which loses some of the nuance. AAC compresses music by eliminating some of the sounds you won’t hear, or just won’t miss. It’s the same way that the JPEG format cuts out colors that you just won’t see.

To get technical, music is typically recorded using 24-bit samples at 96kHz (or even up to 192kHz now), a CD will then handle 16-bit 44.1kHz which is about 15 percent of the data of the original recording. Even an iTunes Plus song compressed to a 256kbps AAC will be one-fifth the size of the CD recording, or three percent of the data from a 192kHz recording.

Because the AAC files compresses the song, it ends up not sounding the same way it would in a studio. Listeners using the bundled Apple earbuds, or cheap headphones in general won’t notice the difference, nor will they probably care too much.

However, there are users out there now with higher-end headphones that try to make the music sound better. Those users could be plugging in a pair of Beats, a mid-range pair of Sennheisers, or they could be plugging their iPhone into high-end audio systems. Those users need music that sounds better than the average compressed music file.

To answer this need Apple has put up a page on iTunes called Mastered for iTunes.

The albums on this page have been mastered to work around the limitations of the file format and the hardware the music is played on. Apple has given engineers guidelines and a toolkit to help make these albums sound better.

With the tools, engineers can check out how tracks will sound when a user buys them from iTunes. It’s extra work on the engineer’s part, but it’s important to the process to get the music to sound right.

Without the tools, songs will still sound “good” to most users, but won’t sound perfect. For example, Masterdisk Chief Engineer Andy VanDette has completely remastered all of Rush’s catalog to be Mastered for iTunes.

By making the albums Mastered for iTunes VanDette can make sure the albums sound just like they did 35 years ago when Rush started making music.

Of course to appreciate those sounds you’ll still want something better than a cheap pair of headphones. The tracks still probably won’t sound as good as a lossless file would sound, but you’d need to be an audiophile or a music engineer to hear the differences.

As devices start to get bigger storage capacities those lossless files, or just higher resolution AAC files could be a possibility.

For now it’d just be nice if more albums were added to the Mastered for iTunes page. It’s about time the music industry started mastering music to sound as close to studio-quality as possible on when played through a smartphone or iPod. [Source]

Top luxury aircraft interiorsTop Luxury aircraft interiors including the business and first class amenities.

When one has the dough to spare, there are possibilities that literally touch the sky. Gone are the days when the basics in air travel were enough to satisfy the high spender; now is the time for indulgence in ultimate luxury. Airline companies have introduced much innovation in their facilities within the aircraft, to separate themselves from competition, and keep their elite customers vouching for their services. After all, it’s now about celebrating and indulging in air traveling. This list features luxurious first-class and business-class seating to satisfy the most demanding travelers. So, take a look at our picks.

First class luxury cabins/suites

1. Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 VIP cabins

Lufthansa Airbus A380 Luxury CabinLufthansa Airbus A380 Luxury Cabin

Much was known within a short time in the world of air travel for the Airbus A380 aircraft, which happened to be the largest passenger aircraft known. And the space and size was indeed put to good use, with the ultimate luxury features in their VIP cabins, which included amenities like personal suites for individuals or couples, leather seating and full sized beds, 23-inch flat screens TV sets, choice of 100 movies and 180 TV programmes to choose from, apart from the personalized butler service which accompanies the gourmet cuisine to opt from.

2. US Airways Envoy suite

US Airways Envoy SuiteUS Airways Envoy Suite

For those who wish to do business, even after covering a long distance in their air, the US Airways Envoy Suite just might be the right choice. Using this concept in numerous aircrafts such as the A330-300, A330-200, B767 of the Airbus, it gives the moneyed executives everything that they ought to wish for, if not more. With extra-wide seats for comfortable seating, the envoy suites are actually miniature versions of personal cabins, with every amenity with a hand’s reach. With a food and beverage menu including oriental cuisines like Chinese, and more common like American ones, passengers have the option of various vegetarian or non-vegetarian delicacies to choose from. Flat screen TVs with a choice of 25 hours of Television programmes, 20 movies, along with 50 CDs and 30 audio channels – all on demand, along with amenities kit which includes everyday supplies are just some of the things the passengers get. Since modern day business travelers are rather tech savvy, there are opportunities to connect ones laptop in the front table itself along with the Wi-Fi internet on board. The different aircrafts we mentioned before have different sitting capacities, but facilities are generally the same.

3. Etihad Airways Diamond 1st class suite

Etihad Airways’ new first class suiteEtihad Airways’ new first class suite

The Diamond 1st class suite on the Etihad airways is the perfect example of what the flavor of luxury is in the Gulf region. The diamond 1st class suite is an exclusive range of seats for the passengers, which can be later converted into a private suite, if one wishes to take rest or require greater privacy. Some of the amenities include the 23-inch TV set, mini-bar, changing room, seat convertible into flat-bed, connectivity ports for laptops and personal communication devices, all for each passenger. Just when you might feel hunger pangs, you would have professionally trained Food and Beverage managers from famous restaurants to cater to your gastronomical needs.

4. jet Airways private cabins

Jet Airways Offers Private Mini CabinsJet Airways Offers Private Mini Cabins

For a decent duration of time, Indian flights didn’t have much to offer on the luxury front, but it all changed when Jet Airways bought in their private cabins. Taking a complete U-turn from the mundane long haul flights in cramped spaces, Jet Airways offered something out of the convention with their private cabins, each with 26 sqft of space. With gourmet cuisine and rare champagnes such as Dom Perignon and Krug on offer, each passenger can enjoy meals for 2 on their long haul flights, all within the classy privacy of their cabins. Other major notables include the 23-inch TV set, 200 hours of movies and programmes to choose from, and when it’s time to take a nap, the seat doubles up as a 7-foot long bed to relax in.

5. Lufthansa 1st class cabins

Lufthansa’s New A380’s First Class cabinLufthansa’s New A380’s First Class cabin

Utilizing 2 of the world’s most eminent jumbo jets, the Boeing 747 and Lufthansa Airbus A380, Lufthansa has other luxury suites on offer, for their elite clientele in their flights. One of the main changes seen in these 1st class cabins are the extra spaces provided for each passenger. The seat which doubles up as a full-sized bed is primarily constant, but the other amenities like the bathroom feature greater space for the dressing, bathing and toilet area, each individually demarked along with greater privacy in each area through installation of sound proof curtains. Other luxuries include the on-demand audio-video capabilities with high resolution screens to absorb all the multimedia around.

6. Singapore Airlines Singapore suite

Singapore Airlines $15K Singapore SuiteSingapore Airlines $15K Singapore Suite

When luxury air travel comes into the picture, it’s almost impossible to keep Singapore Airlines out of the picture, as the state owned airline is known for its modern luxurious amenities on board, such as the Singapore suite. Each passenger is treated to amenities like separate space for sitting on the leather chair, and an individual full-length bed, apart from a separate leather arm-chair, and also ample luggage space in each of these suites. If you have the need to change your dressing, be assured of privacy in your suite which has been given sound-proofing treatments, and designer upholstery for aesthetics. We hear that designer Poltrona Frau has involved in the designing of much of the cabins, especially the full length closets. For dining, there are multiple cuisines on offer along with rare Dom Perignon and Krug champagnes on the menu to opt from.

7. Japan Airlines Jal Private suites

Japan Air Lines Individual Private SuitesJapan Air Lines Individual Private Suites

When it comes to Japanese luxury, one can expect minimalistic designs with hi-tech add-ons, something which is fairly apparent in the Japan Airlines private suites, called ‘Jal’ suites. The compact and multi-functional cabins provide space for each individual passenger to sit across the amply spaced chair, which can then be converted into a full length bed. Multimedia capabilities include the 19-inch screens meant to show you a plethora of movies or live TV, along with options for plugging in your personal computing devices. For couples travelling together, the double accommodation suites are on offer as well. What’s more catching is that all of these capabilities are put in such an economical area of space, without compromising on luxury, though designer leather upholstery might be the only missing factor, which we saw in the earlier options. The aircraft used for housing these suites are the Boeing 777-300 ER planes, known for being highly customizable, and offer plenty of space to innovate with.

8. Emirates Airlines private spa suite

Emirates Airline shower SpasEmirates Airline ‘shower spas’ facility for their first-class passengers

Another luxury offering from the Gulf based airline services is the Emirates Airlines private spa suite, which indeed has something extra to offer its 14 lucky passengers; a complete private spa with whole range of treatments on the menu. One can say that this concept is a serious break from the traditionally known facilities of gourmet cuisines and multimedia loaded cabins, and something which refreshes the passengers after each journey aboard the flights. Each suite, apart from the now usual amenities like entertainment system and private bars, provides for complete privacy in the 1 person shower room, which gives its guests a 5 minute shower, all controlled via a software system with indicators for time. From what we came to know of it, it currently plies on the Dubai-London route, and if opted for, could include a private chauffeured luxury car, to one’s hotel or destination in each of these locations.

9. British Airways First Class Cabins

British Airways Creates New Luxurious First Class CabinBritish Airways Creates New Luxurious First Class Cabin

When talking luxury and sophistication, there is little to keep the British away. The British Airways suites are perfect examples of the style and luxury of the country of origin. Amenities aboard their exclusive B777 aircraft include extra wide convertible beds cum chairs, along with mood lighting, and 15-inch entertainment system. Since the modern day traveler is a gadget friendly one, there is the USB integrated multimedia system, RCA jack, noise cancelling headsets, electronic blinds, along with leather about tables to use at one’s convenience. The décor and ambience carries the apparent theme that one can associate with brands like Aston Martin and Jaguar that have put the European nation on the world luxury map.

10. Singapore Airlines Sky/First class suite

Singapore Airlines New First ClassSingapore Airlines New First Class

Singapore Airlines like most top end brands has more than a single option for its elite customers. It is company which also uses multiple Boeing B777-300 ER and B-747-400 aircrafts, which have the award winning Skysuite and First Class suite for its elite group of customers. very apparent in its style of décor pertaining to the brand, they have characteristic amenities like extra broad beds-cum-chairs, complete entertainment system with 23-inch screens, USB ports, along with general amenities like plush soft linen or bed cover and pillow covers and the optional duvet too. These suites are also sound proof, giving the much needed privacy to the passengers. For those who like enjoying gourmet cuisine, the menu offers a splendid variety of multi-national cuisine to choose from. In case one wants to retire for a much needed nap, the personal turn-down service by the attendants is also an option.

Business Class

1. Cathay Pacific Business Class

Cathay Pacific New business classCathay Pacific New business class

Though similar in some respect to the first class options, but the stature of luxury wasn’t as elite for these Business class seating arrangement of Cathay Pacific. After going through some prominent corporate level changes, facilities like the seating were also changed. Now passengers can dine, sleep, work, read or just relax all within the same seating space, which has been given extra wide designs, with a unique shape to cocoon the guests in comfort, especially on long haul flights. These seats were fitted with entertainment systems including the 15-inch LCD TVs with hundreds of movies and shows on demand, apart from a plethora of choice for music and video games. Also the multi-port USB connectivity helped to plug-in iPads and other personal computing devices, aided by the help from the control panel. When it comes to retiring at the end of the day, a simple few maneuvers could convert the seat into a 2 meter bed to relax on.

2. Delta U.S. lie-flat seats

Delta Luxurious Lie-Flat SeatsDelta Luxurious Lie-Flat Seats

Introduced as a part of the business class, the Delta Airlines lie-flat seats were the first examples in US based flights. The features which set it apart were the reclining seats, adjustable to 3 comfort positions and conversion to a 6 foot 3 inch bed, entertainment system with fold out video monitor, foldable and height adjustable dinner tables, plus personal storage spaces for bags, shoes and other luggage. Also, the entertainment system allowed passengers on-demand movies and TV, along with a plethora of 12 video games to get entertained on. There was also a built-in system with which passengers could directly connect to the main aisle for services of the airline staff, without disturbing any of the fellow passengers. On the whole, it came with modern and stylish shaping, and the airline branding colors of blue and silver.

3. Air France Business Class

Air France Business-class seatAir France Business-class seat

This option might not have been as detailed as some of the other business class aircrafts, but certainly was a fair competition to the others. This class of seats was actually re-introduced with enhancements over previous designs with new variety for customers’ dining, greater comfort in each seat with broader seats and fixed foot rests, and the 15-inch screens for entertainment and multimedia usage. The control panel too saw some more practically viable changes suited to the target passengers. Check-out more about Air France business class seats here.

4. Qantas Business Class seating

Qantas Business ClassQantas Business Class

In the age of cut-throat competition in every industry, Qantas Airlines went on a spree to differentiate itself from much of the competition. It was one of the first to offer designer made unisex sleeping clothes and toiletries kit for the passengers amongst other amenities. The seats were however generally spaced out, with a very soothing black and maroon color combination for design. The flexible seating arrangement meant that consumers could stretch out to take naps on long haul flights when needed.

5. American Airlines Next Generation business class seats

American Airline’s Next Generation Business ClassAmerican Airline’s Next Generation Business Class

Plying on Boeing 767-300 and 777 aircrafts, the next generation of American Airlines Business class seats, got the much needed futuristic upgrades it lacked. At the core, the concept was same, but the ergonomics changed with a more suitable set of up gradations, including the in-flight on demand video entertainment, overhead bins, the extendable, or rather the convertible seatings with possibilities for changing from seats to a make-shift bed, along with the extendable tray. Also each passenger was given his/her own amenities kit for keeping up their health and overall comfort.

6. Swiss Business Class seats

SWISS Business SeatSWISS Business Seat

From what we know of, these seats were one of the first to be introduced anywhere in the world, with the theme of ‘Bed above the clouds’. What this meant, was referring to the flexible seating positions, which each passenger could adjust his/her seat to, as per needs; from soft water-bed like texture to a firm one, everything was now in the control of the passenger. Also the foot rests weren’t ordinary, as they had multi-speed foot massagers so that passengers could relax reading or entertaining themselves on the multimedia system aboard their flight. There was device integration too with USB connectivity, and iPod socket along with noise cancellation headphones for an optimum experience. Even the aesthetically designed side panels for stationary were new too. Check-out more about Swiss business class seating here.

7. Asiana Airlines Oz Quadra Smartium business seat

Asiana Airlines’ OZ Quadra Smartium business seatAsiana Airlines’ OZ Quadra Smartium business seat

Introduced by the Korean owned Business air carrier Asiana Airlines, these new seats were a fresh and rather stylish additions for the premium segment of business travelers. The name itself is quite the mystery, which later unfolds into various interesting aspects; ‘Oz’ stood for the airline’s code, ‘Quadra’ stood for the 4-new additions to the seating arrangements, and ‘Smartium’ referred to the smart design of the new seats. These 4 new additions included the 74-inch long flat-bed seats, privacy features, direct access to the main aisle to contact service staff members, and the staggered layout which offered space, as well as the advantage of an optimum number of seats in various sections. Other amenities included the storage space for guest luggage and stationery, foldable dining and cocktail tables, power outlets and even USB ports with the multimedia system on board.

Making podcasts can be a lot of fun. Whether you want to make podcasts for your business, as a fun side project, or as an entrepreneurial venture, you’ll want the best equipment for recording your show. that’s where the PM-21 comes in. It’s got a great mixer, mic, and headphones for you to record your show, plus great software and tips so your recording will be nothing but professional.

Includes mixer, microphone, headphones, and software; Required computer sold seperately.

Make your dreams come true

In the movie Mr. Deeds, Longfellow Deeds tells a story of how his media mogul uncle, Preston Blake, had always wanted to be a DJ growing up. After he was a billionaire, he would go into one of the radio stations he owned in the wee hours of the morning and DJ. Luckily for you, though, you don’t need to own a radio station to make your own programs. In this digital age, you can create your own podcast at home and broadcast it for the world to hear. This lets you create programming anyone in the world can listen to about anything you want. Maybe you want to play your favorite country songs with jokes interlaced between them. Or perhaps you’d rather broadcast your opinions on current legislation. Maybe you’d rather create how-to podcasts about topics you’re an expert on. Whatever you’re of a bent to share with the world, you can with podcasts. But you don’t want your fifteen minutes of fame to sound like amateur hour. You need some top-quality recording equipment. But unlike Mr. Blake, you don’t have $40 billion to spend on your setup. That’s where the PM-21 comes in.

What it is

The PM-21 is the ideal kit for creating your own podcasts. Whether you’ve never even listened to a podcast before, or you’ve published thousands of podcasts, this kit is a great solution for you. It comes with a mixer, a microphone, and a set of headphones. All of these are pro-grade with exceptional quality and high-end features like gold-plated microphone inputs. It also includes all the needed accessories, like an AC/DC power adapter and microphone connection adapter, plus some handy extras like tutorials and tips. But despite the fact you can make professional-quality podcasts with this set, you won’t have to spend hundreds to get it.

Start off slowly

If you’re looking at the PM-21 thinking that it’s a very nice set, but you don’t know the first thing about creating podcasts, don’t sweat it. This kit includes tons of information to help take you from a first-time host to a podcast legend. When you’re initially getting started, you’ll need to get familiar with your equipment. So, there is an included tutorial that takes you through all the steps necessary to set up and use the hardware and software included with the PM-21. This way you can make sure all of the equipment is hooked up correctly, then record and edit your podcast with no prior experience. But being able to use the equipment is not the only important element of a good podcast. So, there are also tips on scripting, content, websites, and even promotion of your podcast. If you’re new to recording podcasts, don’t shy away from the PM-21 — it’s with you every step of the way.

Old hat

Don’t think that this kit is only for people new to making podcasts. Sure it’s a great option for first-time podcasters. But the high quality ensures that this is far from a “My First Podcast Kit.” Aside from the professional-grade components, there’s some pretty powerful software bundled with the PM-21. So this is a great option for the experienced podcaster in the market for an inexpensive kit. It’s also a great option as an on-the road kit if you’ve already got a good home set-up, since its portability makes it great for bringing to interviews or on-site events.

A heaping cup of spice

It’s been said that variety is the spice of life. In this spirit, sound from a variety of sources is essential to a great podcast. You’ll need music at some points, dialogue at others, and maybe even some zany effects depending on the spirit of your podcast. The PM-21 lets you incorporate all of these. It has two gold-plated 1/4″ microphone inputs for the voice content of your show. There is another 1/8″ mini-pin input for sources like MP3 players, or anything with a headphone output. There’s even a male-to-male mini-pin cable included to make connecting your external sources easy. Finally, there is an input for L/R RCA audio cables. This allows any components like CD players or even DVD players to have their audio put into your podcasts. Each of these four tracks has its own volume controls plus bass and treble balance controls. This makes it easy to make an amazing podcast with perfect sound from a wide variety of external sources.

From here to there

But how will you know the mix in your podcast is right? Once you’ve got your sound sources hooked up, you’ll need a way to hear them yourself. Not only will you need them to be connected to your computer so you can edit and upload them, it’s also handy to listen while you’re recording. Again, the PM-21 delivers. It has four separate output tracks. First, there is a line-level output with L/R output jacks. There is also a USB port for easy computer connection. Finally, two 1/8″ headphone ports let you listen to your recording as it progresses.

Comparison Specifications

• Includes mixer, microphone, headphone set, microphone set, and software
• Mixer features 4 inputs: 2 gold-plated 1/4″ microphone inputs, 1 input for iPod/MP3 (1/8″), and 1 stereo line level input (RCA L/R)
• Each input channel features bass/treble equalization and volume controls
• USB output, stereo line level output (RCA L/R), and 2 headphone (1/8″) outputs
• Master output volume controls plus level adjust for headphone outputs
• Metal cabinet for mixer
• Mixer can be powered by included AC/DC adapter or 9V battery
• Mixer noise characteristics: S/n -86dB; 0.09% THD; 10Hz to 100kHz frequency response
• Pro-grade microphone includes adjustable, weighted-base desktop stand
• Die-cast microphone body has on/off switch and XLR connection

Additional Specifications

• 10′ microphone cable with 1/4″ plug
• Microphone sensitivity: -56.5dB
• Microphone frequency response: 80Hz to 15kHz, 600 ohms impedance
• Circumnaural headphone design (Full-size)
• Headphones have “Super Bass Drivers”
• 10′ headphone cord length with 3.5mm stereo plug
• Headphone sensitivity is 107dB ± 3dB
• Headphone frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
• PODCASTER package with required software
• Includes numerous tutorials and tips for creating, publishing, and promoting your podcasts

technical Pro introduces the first affordable all in 1 box Podcast Solution. Anyone can create a podcast but to make it sound exceptional you need more than a microphone and buying pro-quality recording equipment is beyond the budget of most amateur podcasters.

Technical Pro’s Podcaster could make the difference between listeners taking your podcasts seriously and subscribing to them or passing them by for lack of professional quality.

For experienced professionals making podcasts is a fairly simple process. However for the first timer, the process can be daunting. The Podcaster package includes all the required software and a step-by-step tutorial developed by Podbean. This tutorial covers everything from scripting, podcast content community websites and tips on how to promote your podcasts. Also included is a CD of Audacity audio editor for PC and Mac. Audacity is a very capable open source package for recording, editing and exporting podcasts. Finally, the Podcaster package also includes an easy step –by-step setup guide covering the technical aspects of the hardware and software.

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