TechTicker: Design CD player, hands-free system, Revox Botanic, Argon Audio SA2, radio player for Vision Pro | report

2024-07-28 06:22:01

SHANLING EC Smart CD-player IN FUTURISTISCHEM design
The compact disc is now essentially a relic of days gone by. But billions of pieces of silver lying on consumer shelves. Even though they are already ripped and saved to a hard drive/SSD, there is still a need for ways to play CDs.

Even if it will not achieve the retro charm and experience the great revival of the LP, the CD can still have its appeal with the help of a traditional player. For example with Shanling EC Smart CD player.

The disc changer is equipped with a Sanyo DA11 Optical Drive, which is intended to ensure error-free playback. The integrated Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC ensures that the data on the CD can be converted to analog and played back through any amplifier or active speaker.

The compact and futuristic design of the EC Smart CD player is not only eye-catching, but also well-chosen. The aluminum house can be used both vertically and horizontally, depending on your needs and space. The device has buttons and an infrared remote control available for operation.

The Shanling EC Smart CD player is now available for 159 euros. For example HiFi passion.

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CALLSTEL FREE SPEAKING WITH PHOTO CALL WITH 3 SPEEDS, EMERGENCY CALL, QI
The iPhone has forever changed the world of mobile phones with its simple and largely touch-driven user interface. But all the smartphones available today are still very complex and therefore often a closed book for people who did not grow up with computers or with mobile phones.

Die BT speaker phone all from Callstel want to combine easy work with more safety and comfort. The device, which is adapted to the needs of the elderly, has three large speed buttons, an SOS emergency call button and a Qi charging port.

The most important contacts and their pictures can be programmed on hotkeys. In an emergency, the SOS button provides immediate help by automatically activating manual mode. Callstel’s hands-free plan offers the following features:

• A hands-free device with an induction charging port for wireless charging
• 3-program photo-dial buttons and SOS emergency call button
• Easy to use: designed for adults and children
• Clear number assignment: 3 speed dial buttons with photo holes
• The SOS service includes a programmed emergency number
• Programming via a button on the bottom of the device
• Qi-compatible charging surface: charges compatible smartphones by charging when placed on the phone
• Up to 10 Watts of charging power
• Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connection to smartphone
• USB output for charging other devices
• Power supply: charges via USB-C
• Dimensions: 140 x 140 x 38 mm, weight: 318 g
• Hands-free device with USB charging cable (USB-A to USB-C), USB power supply and German instructions

Here we are Callstel hands-free system in Pearl for 56.99 euros.

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REVOX BOTANIC: THE POWER OF PLANTATION
Do you want to listen to music in the garden or on the terrace? There are many outdoor speakers, but most of them are intended for permanent outdoor installation. Or you can use weatherproof bluetooth boxes. But it can also be done differently and more intelligently.

Revox, once known for its amazing and legendary tape machines and cassette decks, has evolved more into lifestyle solutions. The new pot speakers, which come in three sizes, also fit the bill.

Both”Botanic“Speakers in the shape of the plant pot mentioned above do not use a conventional power driver chassis. For maximum weather resistance, the manufacturer has attached an exciter directly to the outer walls of the pot. So the pot body is set to vibrate. High High-end sound quality is therefore unlikely to be expected, but the system is in all weather conditions and is maximally inconspicuous.

The plant pot is handcrafted from glass and is said to be stable, dimensionally stable and weatherproof due to its special material properties. The system is available as Revox Botanic 50-2 (50x50x50cm) as well as Revox Botanic 70-2 (70x70x70cm) and Revox Botanic 70-4 (70x70x70cm), in this size either equipped with two or four speakers. The Botanic speaker can be operated with any conventional amplifier, but the manufacturer promises the best possible control by using its own DSP amplifiers.

The hidden music for is not cheap. The Botanic 50-2 model costs 2,400 euros, the Botanic 70-2 costs 3,800 euros and the higher version Botanic 70-4 costs 4,250 euros.

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ARGON AUDIO SA2 STREAMING RECEIVER AMPLIFIER
Back in 2021, Argon Audio introduced SOLO, a very successful and affordable streaming player (see REWIND review). The manufacturer also offers a small and inexpensive amplifier with the SA1 MK II. It makes sense to combine the strengths of these two components. This is what came out SA2 integrated flow amplifier. Simply connect the passive speakers and your music system is ready.

The form and function of the SA2 is reminiscent of the WiiM Amp tested here, which sets the current price performance bar. The Argon SA2 is not cheap at 449 euros, but it also offers a phono input (MM) and a pre-out for a subwoofer or external amplifier.

The main features of SA2 also include Class-D output power of 2 x 100W per channel into 4 ohms (2 x 50W into 8 ohms), ESS Saber DAC in fully balanced mode, support for Airplay 2, Connect Spotify, Chromecast, DTS Play-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 (AAC) and also an HDMI ARC port for sound from our TV. The network connection is either via LAN or WLAN.
Another distinguishing feature from the aforementioned competition: The Argon Audio SA2 available in three colors: black (with copper accents on the LS controller), white or blue. RRP is 449 euros. The blue variant of the SA2 is currently on sale, but is expected to be available again from the end of August.

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RADIO PLAYER APP FOR APPLE VISION PRO
So it’s not like Apple’s “Spatial Computer”. Vision Pro, will become the next big change in the digital world. Too expensive, too important. But still pretty good. But somehow there are also “real world applications” that will give many customers a taste for them.

I didn’t think radio equipment of all things would change that, but now it is. With “Radioplayer,” the official name, Vision Pro users can experience radio in a completely new way, according to the makers.

“The company’s goal to make radio available everywhere and reach more listeners on every device is enhanced by a data-driven process that allows affiliated member stations to secure and expand their reach.” – This is the corresponding press release.

The company Radio player from Hamburg is the operator radioplayer.de, associated mobile applications and a high-quality database for connecting a variety of stationary and mobile devices, especially in vehicles. – And now also on Apple Vision Pro.