You will get somewhat audiophile-grade music on your flagship smartphones such as Samsung S22/S23 Ultra with advanced music apps such as PowerAmp, Samsung’s official USB C to 3.5mm converter and IEM/earphone such as HiFiMan RE-400. HiFiMan RE-400 used to cost $100 once, but now it is just $20. Unlike consumer-grade earphones such as Boat BassHeads 122, you'll not get huge bass with HiFiMan … [Read more...]
Hardware
Detailed article on computer hardware parts like RAM, Motherboard, Processor, Graphics card. Hardware also covers topics on hardware of Server, Single Board Computers like Raspberry Pi to Libre Hardware Projects.
Affordable Earphone/IEM for Audiophiles: HiFiMan RE-400 Waterline
This article is for beginners who can understand the difference between the sound through different types of speakers. One of our readers read our article Does Portable DAC Make Smartphone an Audiophile-Grade Device and requested us to recommend an affordable earphone/IEM which can be said to be of audiophile grade. Presently HiFiMan RE-400 Waterline costs just $20 in the US and 2000 rupees in … [Read more...]
What is Hardware Security Module (HSM)
The term Hardware Security Module (HSM) refers to an internal or external peripheral device for the efficient and secure execution of cryptographic operations or applications for sensitive data. This makes it possible, for example, to ensure the trustworthiness and integrity of data and the associated information in business-critical IT systems. In order to ensure trustworthiness, it may be … [Read more...]
Transducer Technologies of Headphones
In the case of headphones, as in the case of other speakers, there are also various systems of sound conversion. Electromagnetic The design principle dates back to the early days of audio technology and was used for both loudspeakers and headphones. Typically, a steel diaphragm is moved, which radiates the sound directly. The current from the amplifier flows through two coils … [Read more...]
What is Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)
An analog-to-digital converter is an electronic device, component, or part of a device for converting analog input signals into a digital data stream, which can then be further processed or stored. A variety of conversion processes are in use. The counterpart is the digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Analog-to-digital converters are elementary components of almost all devices of modern … [Read more...]
Comparison of Tube Amplifiers and Semiconductors
A tube amplifier is an electronic amplifier in which electron tubes are used to amplify low-frequency electrical signals. With the advent of semiconductor electronics, tube amplifiers in the field of application as audio amplifiers were largely replaced by amplifier circuits with semiconductor components (transistors). However, electron tubes are still used today in guitar amplifiers as well as … [Read more...]
What is a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is an electronic component whose function is to transform a digital value (encoded on several bits) into an analog value proportional to the encoded digital value. A digital-to-analog converter is an elementary components of almost all devices of digital consumer electronics (e.g. music players) and communication technology (e.g. smartphones). Typically, the DAC … [Read more...]
What is JTAG in Electronics?
Electronic circuits and devices are getting smaller and exponentially more complex. When they were large, they can be tested them with test probes on the bottom of the board. There were issues with such method but still it was a way. Today, components are mounted on both sides of a circuit board, hence no place of attachment are left for the test equipment. Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) is a … [Read more...]
What is In-System Programming (ISP)
The In-System programming (ISP), also known as In-circuit serial programming (ICSP), enables the programming of a logical circuit directly in the deployment system. A simple serial connection, e.g. JTAG or SPI, is usually used for this purpose. The advantage of in-system programming is that otherwise the block to be programmed would have to be removed from the target system or a further … [Read more...]
Does Portable DAC Make Smartphone an Audiophile-Grade Device
There are certain ways of enjoying near the highest quality music from portable devices. The most affordable method is to use an external Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) with your existing smartphone (such as Samsung A & S series smartphones). We have published a few informative articles on this topic. The first one is Basics About Digital Audio Files for Audiophiles. After reading the … [Read more...]
What to Know Before Buying a Digital Audio Player (for Audiophiles)
Digital Audio Players can play digital audio files. Sales of the Portable Music Players (PMP) have declined with the increased penetration of the flagship smartphones. Mid-range to high-end Digital Audio Players are designed for sound engineers, musicians and audiophiles. There are a lot of things to learn about them before you purchase one since the price tag going to be $1000 to … [Read more...]