I 've given Apple a fair amount of stick for its approach to digital audio over the years. It's a company that loves eye-candy and hi-res video, but seems to have a tin ear when it comes to audio technology. Apple Music was one of the last major streaming services to offer lossless and hi-res audio to its users, and then Apple was forced to admit that its AirPod headphones - including the top-of-the-range AirPods Max (HFC 488), which weigh in at more than £500 - weren't actually capable of playing lossless audio because of their reliance on Bluetooth and Apple's ancient AAC codec. Even if you're using wired headphones from a manufacturer other than Apple, it still advises you to use an external DAC, as most Apple devices can't handle hi-res audio beyond 24-bit/48kHz on their own (the exception being its latest MacBook Pro laptops, which support sampling rates up to 96Hz).
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Denne historien er fra Yearbook 2022-utgaven av Hi-Fi Choice.
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Old boys network
As the lineups start to emerge for this summer's festivals, Nigel Williamson investigates where the problem lies for the continuing dearth of female headliners
DESTINATION: LEITH
Welcome to a friendly haven of Californian cool in the creative heart of a former Edinburgh port. Simon Berkovitch samples the sunshine on Leith
Core values
Apple’s revamped HomePod smart speaker off ers attractive sound quality, but its Apple-centric focus remains frustrating for Cliff Joseph
Forty something
Creek Audio is celebrating its big four-o with the release of the new 4040 A integrated. Nick Tate lights the candles and listens in
One for all
German high-ender AVM wants to make top all-in-one performers. David Vivian takes a listen to its all-singing integrated amp
Three for all
The 700 Series receives a helping of tech from the flagship 800 models. Ed Selley sees how the smallest speaker fares
All in one
DAP, DAC, amplifier and streaming device, is there anything A&K’s new Acro can’t do? Cliff Joseph finds out
Wooden wonder
Better known for its speakers, ELAC’s range of electronics now has a new flagship turntable. Ed Selley takes it for a spin
System matching
Why finding the perfect synergy between your chosen integrated amplifier and favourite speakers holds the key to maximising your system’s potential
Game on!
At times the hi-fi and gaming industries might seem like they’re worlds apart, but Cliff Joseph reckons they both share a love of high-quality sound
