That could just mean more channels (8.1 channel surround is one of Blu- Ray’s options), or it could also mean less compression. Or no compression.

But here we’re talking about the video disc. Could one of the new formats also be tomorrow’s higher fidelity audio discs?

Sony believes it can, and that seems to be the reason for its lapsing interest in its own SACD format. Of course SACD lives on thanks to audiophile labels, but Sony Music has its eye on something else: Direct Stream Digital on a Blu-Ray

disc.

Sure enough, DSD, the audio format of SACD, is one of Blu-Ray’s options. So will the Blu-Ray disc replace SACD, prompting audiophiles (and videophiles) to buy yet another sort of digital player? Not so fast!

Though Blu-Ray looks like the prob- able winner of the battle because of its larger capacity, the DVD Forum has its own plans. The DVD Forum is, you may recall, the guardian of the other super disc, DVD-Audio. That disc was made possible by Meridian’s MLP (Meridian

Lossless Packing) compression system. Is MLP one of the standards for HD DVD? Well, duh!

But who needs it?

Film lovers want a disc with the greatest possible capacity, in order to get the best possible picture. However audiophiles would seem to have all they could want already. Either DVD-A or SACD can give you an hour and a quarter of high resolution 5.1 channel surround sound. Who needs a disc with 15 Gb of space? Or 30 Gb? Or more?

We can get a clue by looking at another of the DVD Forum’s formats, the Dual-Disc. DVD-A had been done in by its incompatibility with other audio players, so why not (belatedly) bring out a hybrid disc?

SACD had gone to hybrid CD/SACD formats by using a dual-layer disc, and that has become the norm for Super Audio. The DVD Forum has brought out its own hybrid. Think of it as a DVD-A disc and a conventional CD glued back to back. Just put it into the player the right way up, and you’re good

to go. Unfortunately the thicker Dual- Disc jams in many players, and some manufacturers warn that playing one will void the warranty. Jamming in a car player is all but guaranteed. However a new format won’t have that problem.

Not surprisingly, manufacturers mainly don’t care about the audiophile world, and for the most part they’ve used the Dual-Disc format for something else: a CD on one side, and a video DVD on the other side. Clearly, the consumer gets more than by downloading the music with BitTorrent or eMule.

There’s reason to expect similar products on either Blu-Ray or HD DVD.

By the way, hybrid video/audio discs already exist. Some music DVDs have both Dolby Digital (compressed) surround sound and the option of uncompressed PCM sound that is liter- ally CD quality. With the extra space on tomorrow’s discs, both picture and sound could potentially make a great leap forward.

Just don’t expect to find a player for sale in a real store for a while.

ULTRA HIGH FIDELITY Magazine 51

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Koss 76 manual Disc, But who needs it?
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76 specifications

The Koss 76 headphones are a notable addition to the world of audio technology, designed to offer listeners an immersive sound experience combined with comfort and convenience. Known for their exceptional sound quality, the Koss 76 headphones utilize a range of innovative features that set them apart in the competitive market of personal audio devices.

One of the standout features of the Koss 76 is its open-back design, which allows sound to travel freely in and out of the earcups. This design not only adds a sense of spaciousness to the audio but also contributes to a more natural listening experience. Users appreciate the open-back headphones for their ability to create a wide soundstage, making them ideal for critical listening and enjoying nuanced details in music, dialogue, and sound effects.

Another key characteristic of the Koss 76 is its lightweight build, which is crucial for long listening sessions. Weighing in at just a few ounces, these headphones provide ease of use without compromising on sturdiness. The plush ear cushions ensure that users remain comfortable, even after hours of wear, making them suitable for both casual listening and more extended use during activities such as gaming or working from home.

In terms of sound performance, the Koss 76 headphones boast a rich dynamic range, producing clear highs, well-defined mids, and deep bass. This balanced sound signature ensures that all types of music, from classical to contemporary pop, can be enjoyed as the artists intended. The inclusion of high-quality drivers further enhances clarity and reduces distortion, making the Koss 76 a great choice for audiophiles looking for quality on a budget.

Moreover, Koss has integrated a durable cable into the design of the 76 headphones, featuring a convenient 3.5mm audio jack that is compatible with a wide array of devices including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The cord length is optimized to provide flexibility without tangling, allowing for hassle-free movement while listening.

In summary, the Koss 76 headphones exemplify a successful fusion of comfort, functionality, and superior sound quality. Their open-back design, lightweight construction, and well-balanced audio make them a compelling choice for anyone seeking an engaging and enjoyable listening experience. Whether for casual enjoyment or critical listening, the Koss 76 stands out as a reliable option in modern audio equipment.
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