How BMW came to the K-thunk sound of the 4 Series Gran Coupe

Yes, this Medium article is an unabashed BWM advert. But it shows how audiophile sensibilities carry from the whisky chair to the highway. 

“The moment the door connects with the frame, the metal parts of the latch collide creating a low but audible click. A thunk follows more clearly as the dampers and seals compress, decelerating the door nearly instantly as it locks in place, deadening the sound at once to create a crisp and precise effect.”

My parents drove what they called a 'Swedish tractor'. The doors of our Volvo 840 didn't sound bad, but every time I heard doors close on a BMW, or some Lexus models, my insides rose up in salute. They said: that was how a car door should sound.

As with all things luxury, it is the little things that count. 

Source: Click, Clack, K-thunk How the Perfect Car Door Sound Is Made

Philips Fidelio X2: a new favourite

I gush all about the now months-old Fidelio X2 over at headfonia. But that's only because Lieven gave me express orders to talk sound.

“The question I keep asking myself is: “is what I hear closer to a traditional 2,1 set up, or not?” While I’ve not settled on an answer, I can say that the X2 does stereo well enough to melt me into my drinking chair. What’s left of my normal face becomes what my wife describes as ‘stupid lips’. ‘Stupid lips’ are an unfortunate inherited trait, but they denote fully satisfied (and often slightly tipsy) Nathan.

The X2 is a headphone I could listen to for days upon days upon days. And yet it’s neither droll, nor stultifying like some headphones often touted as fatigue-free. They just cut contrasty corners off; the X2 opens the mids wide and smooth, preserving the most important contrast. ”

CNET: Toss your ear buds and get a decent headphone

Update: cleaned up the worst grammar boners.

We all get that included earbuds don't sound perfect, or isolate all that well. Steve, you're preaching to the choir. But telling people to toss (as in throw away) their earbuds is both mean, and short-sighted. 

Firstly, it is mean: there are millions of people with broken buds that neither need, nor want, better-sounding, or better-isolating, replacements. Finding one of these people should take two seconds. If you don't need your buds, hand them over to someone that does. You will save that person a few bucks, and our living space unnecessary pain.

No one should toss anything they don't need. Each of us should act responsibly. But if you can't act responsibly; if you absolutely have to toss your earbuds, by all means follow these simple steps:

1. kindly ask for Steve Guttenberg's address
2. gather as many unwanted buds as possible
3. drive to Steve's house
4. unload the back of your dumptruck on his garden
5. peel out

If you don't live too far, paperboy them on his lawn. Remember, it was his suggestion.