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taww · 4 years ago

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First Take Review: Gryphon Essence Preamplifier & Stereo Amplifier

Okay, let’s get this out of the way: with a combined retail of over USD $40k (and that doesn’t include another $6k for the optional Zena DAC module), The Gryphon’s Essence preamplifier and stereo amplifier are by far the most expensive electronics I’ve ever had in my home! They might be the Danish firm’s entry point into separates, but that’s akin to calling a $146k Aston Martin Vantage “entry level.” There was a time in the not-so-distant past when spending such sums of money on stereo gear struck me as pointless excess. Perhaps I’ve been numbed by flipping through too many issues of The Absolute Sound or walking the halls of an audio show; perhaps I’m just entering a life stage (mid-life crisis, anyone?) where I’m allowing myself to indulge in such luxuries. Whatever the case may be, I’ve now had the good fortune of several months with the Essence combo, and despite a number of people prodding me for this review it’s been quite difficult to put into words how they perform. Why? Because every time I sit down to do the “work” of reviewing I just end up getting sucked into the music and forget to do the reviewing bit! But, here goes...

The arrival of the Gryphon components was a case of one thing leading to another. My first experience was when I strolled into Gryphon’s room at RMAF 2018. After being disappointed by so many other mega-buck systems at the show, I was delighted that this one actually sounded like music! Frankly, a lot of über-expensive show systems landed on my ears like amusical hi-fi effects or whimsical fancies of what some people think music should sound like, rather than an actual musical performance. Like other big systems, the Gryphon rig was imposing and fancy-looking, but with a decidedly purposeful, even stark, aesthetic. And the sound - so tangible and luscious, maybe a little dark and brooding, but in a way that connected me emotionally to the recorded performance rather than distracting me with sonic affect.

At the time I was happily running the Valvet A4 Mk.II monoblocks, and also had @mgd-taww’s Pass Labs XA30.5 at my disposal. Both delivered the pure and colorful musical flavors of Class A amplification, and both are superb amps. But things got thrown for a bit of a loop when I settled on the Audiovector SR 6 Avantgarde Arreté speakers as my new reference. I had auditioned them at AudioVision SF with the Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated amp ($16k) and the sound gave up nothing to high-quality separates - big, bold and dynamic with tremendous poise and nuance. Coming back to the Pass and Valvet amplifiers (coupled with a Pass Labs XP10 line stage) certainly wasn’t a let-down, but they didn’t have quite the same level synergy with the Audiovectors which sounded more complete and visceral with the Gryphon integrated.

This combined with the strong aural memories from the RMAF room led to a call to Gryphon’s US distributor, Philip O’Hanlon and Pandora Pang of On a Higher Note. Philip acknowledged that the Diablo was indeed excellent but teased that Gryphon had recently introduced a new line of separates worth consideration. The Essence had just arrived in the States and he had one more set in stock if I were so inclined... and next thing I know, a pallet loaded with what my wife lovingly referred to as “an illegal arms shipment” landed at our doorstep.

Serious crates for serious gear

Like all separates in The Gryphon’s 35-year heritage dating back to the original DM100 amplifier, the Essence line features pure Class A operation with minimal negative feedback, but brings it at a lower price point ($22,990) with more conservative aesthetics and practical packaging. Prior to the Essence, to get a Gryphon amp one had to shell out anywhere from $39k for the Antileon EVO to $57k for the flagship Mephisto (double those if going for monoblocks). The tradeoff is a lower power rating - just 50wpc, albeit in pure class A and doubling into 4 ohms and again into 2 ohms - so you’ll want to pair it with a reasonably efficient speaker. The Essence preamp meanwhile is a repackaging of the Zena preamplifier launched in 2018 (also $17,500), reskinned with cosmetics to match the amp. It features fully balanced operation via a discrete DC-coupled Class A circuit with zero global negative feedback, and can accommodate either of two optional internal modules, the Zena DAC ($6,000) or an MM/MC phono stage ($2,250). Being strictly digital I opted to evaluate the DAC, which I’ll talk about in a later installment. I’ll also save more details about the design and operation of this beautifully-crafted gear, including Gryphon’s unique Green Bias system, for a more in-depth review. For now, let’s get down to the business of how it sounds...

The Essence Preamp

When the Essence components arrived I clearly needed my wife’s assistance to safely unpack and set up the 45kg/99lb Essence amp. But she was busy making reeds for her oboe that evening, so I initially made do setting up the preamp (it weighs in at “only” 13.4kg/29.5lbs) and comparing it to my Pass Labs XP10 with the Pass Labs XA30.5 amplifier.

Firing up the Essence preamp from a cold start was one of those “damn, I don’t understand how a preamp can make this much of a difference” moments. Even though the Pass XP10 is a very solid performer - I find the sound of my PS Audio DirectStream significantly improved by it vs. feeding an amplifier directly - the 3x-as-expensive Gryphon outclassed it from the first note, taking musical resolution from the micro to nano level.

The first thing I noticed was how the entire back of the stage opened up. I never realized how triangular it sounded before, becoming narrower as you went deeper. With the Essence it suddenly feels rectangular and whole, with winds, brass and percussion able to naturally spread out and breath on the stage. It didn’t even take a big orchestral recording to experience this - my very first track was an intimate vocal with piano accompaniment, soprano Elsa Dreisig singing Strauss songs with pianist Jonathan Ware (Qobuz). The sense of the space - a church, as you can see from this video - and where the performers occupied it became strikingly tangible. Piano has starting clarity, with all its complex overtones unfolded and laid out for your ear to sample at its leisure. Dynamic resolution is also unlocked - subtle gradations in vocal intensity flow so organically. Going back to the Pass pre, macro dynamics weren’t Iacking, but the transitions somehow came across more synthetically, as if the volume dial was being turned rather than the performers modulating their instruments in the original performance.

One thing that didn't change too much was overall tonal balance. I find the Pass pretty neutral and extended, if anything having a subtly warmish character to it, at least by solid state standards. The Gryphon doesn't deviate notably from that, leaning slightly in that direction though with more sophisticated and varied tonal richness and density. The quality of the frequency extremes, however, is a different matter. Most striking is how triangles sparkle and ring with startling presence on the Gryphon. With a claimed frequency response out to 1MHz, the Essence pre delivers the highest highs with a sense of ease and finesse. And the bass is everything people have come to expect from the Gryphon house sound - deep, taut and powerful with beautiful tonality. The Pass Labs wasn’t missing any of the music per se, but the deepest bass notes and highest overtones sounded constrained vs. the effortless and wide-open delivery of the Essence.

So, yeah - a preamplifier that costs 3x as much as the Pass XP10 sounds clearly superior. Not much of a news flash, and a much fairer comparison in the Pass lineup would be the XP32 ($17,500) or at least an XP22 ($9,500). But what took me aback was how a preamplifier like the Essence could bring out so much life and nuance that was being curtailed by an otherwise fine piece like the Pass. The net effect was to make the musical performance feel significantly more tangible, visceral and unclouded - something that even the change of a DAC or amplifier doesn’t consistently achieve. The Gryphon Essence pre is simply an incredible conveyor of the musical signal.

And we haven’t even tried the amplifier yet...

The Essence Amplifier

Once I got my wife to assist in positioning the hefty Essence amp in the cabinet (safety first!), I hooked up the Audiovectors via my usual Audience Au24 SX cables and powered up the Gryphon using the stock power cord (the amp requires a 20A IEC connector, so standard cords won’t work). I played a bit with the Green Bias settings but obviously settled with it in red-hot Class A operation for serious listening. And while the amp has since benefited from multiple months of break-in, it was apparent from its first notes that the Essence had resolution, clarity, dynamics and tonal completeness on an altogether different level from any amp I’ve experienced in my system. But there was something else remarkable about its presentation that’s taken me many months to put my finger on, and I think I might be finally getting it.

The Essence amp has a very special ability to deliver the leading edge of a sound with incredible speed, precision and clarity. I’ve heard amps with fast leading edges (some attribute this to high slew rate), I’ve heard amps with very clean ones (lack of distortion and ringing). The Essence delivers a combination of fast and clean that is truly exceptional, and perhaps close to the state of the art. Every impulse and note attack hits you with perfect timing and delineation, then decay with similarly impeccable control. By comparison, amps like the Pass Labs that struck me as very pure have a bit of fuzz to them. Ever listen to an AM radio station when the signal gets weak, and all the starts and stops of sounds get staticky and fuzzy? There was a bit of that feeling going back to other amps in my system... no, they weren’t literally fuzzy and distorted. It’s just that the Essence amp sounds exceptionally lithe and clean, removing an extremely subtle layer of distortion that became difficult to un-hear in other amplifiers.

Coming from the Pass XA30.5, the Essence’s midrange was less overtly warm but even more substantive in tone. The Pass is certainly on the warm and lush side for a solid state amp, but past Gryphons I’ve heard had their own dose of chocolatey richness, so I was initially surprised by the balance of the Essence. It has the midrange density and lush tonal colors I was expecting from a Class A Gryphon amp, and yet it also sounds close to dead neutral in character. There’s a crystalline transparency that makes everything else sound a bit cloudy by comparison. Class A amps usually get the tonal part right, but can sound a bit sluggish or rounded dynamically; Class AB amps often have great transient speed but with some roughness around the edges and a bit of tonal hollowness. The Essence backs its exceedingly snappy and clean transients with real tonal substance and an infinite palette of realistic tonal colors. It can simultaneously preserve the gravitas of a string bass ostinato, the glowing warmth of a French horn, the delicate nasality of an oboe and the ethereal lightness of a flute all in balance. Orchestral recordings have never sounded this vivid and realistic in my home.

An interesting display of the amp’s prowess was in violinist Hilary Hahn’s recording of the Vieuxtemps Violin Concerto (Qobuz). The album also contains Mozart’s popular “Turkish” concerto which probably gets most of the plays; the Vieuxtemps is infrequently performed and mostly known by violinists as a sort of advanced student concerto (yes, my teacher made me study it). Vieuxtemps was a Belgian virtuoso of the romantic era and while the concerto has its charms, its orchestration is rather clunky. This actually made for a fascinating sonic experience in the concerto’s orchestral exposition, where different instruments pass melodic fragments back and forth in somewhat disjointed fashion rather than the more cohesive harmonization and counterpoint you’d get from a German master. A flute here, a clarinet there, a timpani roll or violin flourish coming and passing - the Essence conveyed each one with striking clarity and trueness of timbre and dynamics, arranging all the instruments across the stage in perfect proportion. So much of the feel of an instrument lies not just in its tonal makeup but the shape and feel of its notes - the reedy breathiness of a clarinet, the ringing “bong” of a timpani, the firm attack of a trumpet, the brush stroke of a violin. This is where the Essence’s leading-edge precision and lack of electronic haze help it truly evoke the feeling of sitting on the stage with the musicians, each and every instrumental entrance having that tactile realism.

Having been a classmate’s of Ms. Hahn’s I also have first-hand experiences of her playing, and the Essence strongly evoked memories of hearing her performing in recitals or practicing in our conservatory. Though we were both teenagers at the time, she had already developed her distinctive tone and focused intensity, and hearing that reproduced so vividly through the Essence and Audiovector speakers is uncanny.

The frequency extremes of the Essence amp, particularly in combination with the Essence preamp, are also something special - the crazy-wide specified bandwidth of Gryphon components is no joke. The speed and tautness and slam of the bass brings realistic clarity to the foundation of the music. It’s bass that I like to call “sneaky” for the way it doesn’t unduly call attention to itself, but then will come out and smack you in the face as in a live event. Instruments like string bass or contrabassoon are naturally portrayed in the orchestration, rather than getting buried in the mix. The top end is extended and articulate, capable of bringing out all the energy and brilliance of string, brass and percussion instruments, and yet certain recordings that tend towards brightness actually sound warmer and smoother than I've heard before. It sounds so pure and free from distortion, so that if there’s any distortion already present on the recording it does nothing to aggravate it. Sibilants and tape hiss and clipping are still there, yet come across less obtrusively, making them easy to tune out in favor of the music.

Case in point: the DSD remaster of Strauss Don Juan, recorded in 1958 by the Cleveland Orchestra under George Szell (Qobuz). My wife and I have listened to this recording dozens if not hundreds of times and while the performance is riveting, the recording quality has always been a bit hissy and strident. My wife asked to listen to it again on the Gryphon setup for study purposes and halfway through I remarked, "does this recording sound a lot less bright to you?" She concurred - we had never heard it sound so clean and natural, and for the first time I didn't notice the tape hiss at all. The Gryphon gear really does excel at extracting the essence of the musical performance locked in the recording, neither artificially filtering nor amplifying the distractions of its mechanical limitations. I’ve heard far too many ultra high-end systems that need absolutely pristine audiophile material to sound their best. With the Gryphons, every recording in my collection has never sounded more distinguished and compelling.

The sense of space that the Essence preamp conveyed with other amplifiers becomes even stronger in combination with the Essence amp. I have never heard the different sections of a symphony orchestra arranged so palpably. Winds and percussion have clearly delineated space behind the string section, and delicate clarinet solos that are typically a bit hazy in recordings are conveyed with both clarity and intimacy. There’s something about the Essence’s blend of clean transients, tonal rightness and harmonic resolution that bring out the distinct ambience and texture of each recording - the aural equivalent of the “mouth feel” of a wine. Going back to otherwise excellent amps makes everything feel a bit more homogenous, a hair less stimulating.

There are a couple of potential shortcomings to call out, and they may be interrelated. The first is that the bass in combination with the Audiovector speakers isn’t quite as hard-hitting as with, say, the 600wpc Class D Legacy iv2, or as what I heard with the Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated; nor is it as plump and room-filling as with the Pass XA30.5. Quality-wise it’s exceptional - fast and deep and pitch-perfect in ways they can’t match - but sometimes I just want it to fill out the space a bit more and punch me in the gut a little harder. I mostly miss this when listening to pop tracks, e.g. anything from Billie Eilish where the raw punch of the Legacy amp factors more strongly than the n-th degree of refinement from the Gryphon.

The other nit is that the soundstage, while vividly painted, feels a bit less “generous” than bigger-sounding amps like the Legacy or Pass Labs, or the Gryphon Diablo for that matter. There’s a bit more emphasis on the precise constituency of an orchestra, as opposed to its sheer scale - a little more of the trees, a little less of the forest. To some, this may make the Essence feel a hair light in presentation, despite its rich and layered midrange. Ears I trust tell me moving up the Gryphon line to the Antileon EVO or Mephisto can give you the best of both worlds, but those are obviously at increasingly exorbitant price points.

I’ll need to try tweaking these area of reproduction more (e.g. cables), but as it currently stands, I could see the Essence best matching with speakers that are tonally richer and a bit less critically damped on the bottom end, vs. requiring care with something leaner and more laser-focused. It’s slightly lean with some recordings on the Audiovectors, and I’d definitely want to check before paring it with the likes of a Magico. It goes without saying that when you get to this level of fidelity (and cost), you should expect to spend a fair amount of time and effort on component matching.

As a side note, I was able to further extend the capabilities of the Essence via Furutech’s DPS-4.1 power cord (custom built with 20A connectors) and DSS-4.1 speaker cables. These upped the clarity and transparency yet another notch or three, opened up dynamics further and created a wider sense of space on recording after recording. I’ll have more on these excellent cables and how they synergize with the Gryphons in a future installment.

Capturing the Essence

It’s been challenging pinning down the character of the Essence system, the amp in particular. Even more so than other great Class A amps I’ve heard, including from Gryphon, the Essence amp has a combination of purity, openness, refinement, clarity, speed and dynamic life that defy the usual idiosyncrasies and limitations of Class A vs. AB vs. D. It’s dynamically fleet, rhythmically incisive, tonally sophisticated, dimensionally resolving, and sneakily powerful and punchy. In combination with the superb companion preamp, it uncovers a sense of space in virtually every recording I throw at it with greater detail and palpability than I’ve heard before, without seeming artificially holographic like some tube amps. The tonal purity and resolving power of this pair are simply at a level I have rarely experienced anywhere at any price. Moreover, the name “Essence” couldn’t be more apt - all these sophisticated qualities are squarely focused on conveying the beauty and quirks of the original recording without need for enhancement or editorializing to make it enjoyable. The closest aural recollection I have of this sort of musical resolution was the MSB Reference + Magico M3 system at RMAF 2018, which had a significantly superior DAC and a total cost approaching $300k.

As for the price... well, I can say that the monies spent on a piece by The Gryphon clearly go towards obsessive engineering and craftsmanship in the service of state-of-the-art music reproduction, rather than ostentation or frivolous excess. This is musical fidelity of the highest order, and my new reference in amplification.

#review #firsttake #gryphon #amplifier #preamplifier #dac #audio #audiophile #hifi

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higherfeed · 5 years ago

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Coveted Cuisine, Craft Brews, and Lush Landscapes: The 4-Day Weekend in Skåne, Sweden

Sweden has been making headlines quite a bit recently thanks to award-winning environmental activist Greta Thunberg. The Swedish 16-year-old’s impassioned campaign about the climate crisis has earned international recognition. But the Scandinavian country has also built a successful reputation with the international jet set for its picturesque scenery, charming cities, sharp design focus, and eclectic culinary scene. And while bustling cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg tend to attract the majority of visitors, don’t make the all-too-common mistake of overlooking Skåne. ]] Skåne is the southernmost county (or län) in Sweden. It’s just a quick train ride from the Danish capital of Copenhagen and its international airport. Here, travelers will find a utopian combination of rural countrysides cozied up to cosmopolitan pockets teeming with award-winning restaurants, fascinating museums, top-notch hotels, and more. The region’s laid-back lifestyle is almost palpable upon arrival, and offers a breath of fresh air that you won’t find in other Nordic hot spots. Full of creative minds, entrepreneurial spirit, and proud locals, Skåne is all about collaboration versus competition, and it’s common to find its most innovative movers and shakers working together to launch new products and one-of-a-kind experiences for locals and tourists alike. With so many things to do and see, you’ll have trouble squeezing everything into a four-day visit; but it’s possible. Here’s how to eat, drink, stay, and play in one of Sweden’s most underrated travel destinations. But just a warning―you probably won’t want to leave.

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Key Regions

Malmö: A cultural hub of makers and doers, Malmö offers something for everyone. The capital of Skåne, this city is bursting to life with up-and-coming designers, celebrated chefs, and all of the other lures you’d expect from a world-class city. It’s also the perfect place to use as a home base during a visit, no matter how long. Lund: Marked by its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, Lund offers a thousand years of history, all within walking (or biking) distance. Home to Lund University (founded in 1666), the city has become an epicenter for knowledge, tradition, and history. Central Skåne: An idyllic respite in the heart of the great outdoors, Central Skåne is where to go for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. Brimming with sprawling forests, sparkling lakes, and abundant wildlife, this region once served as the rural playground for Sweden’s noble class―still boasting the grand castles and manor homes to prove it. Stellan Skarsgard’s Sweden: A Weekend in Ljusterö ]] Northwest Skåne: Adventure-seekers looking for an adrenaline-infused escape should head toward the Northwest. Here, staggering cliffs, expansive cave systems, and dramatic coastlines lend themselves to days spent surfing, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, trekking, camping, and more. Österlen: Better known as Southeast Skåne, this romantic region is noted for its undulating hillsides, flowering meadows, and unspoiled white sand beaches that rival those of the Caribbean. A longtime retreat for Sweden’s esteemed artists and writers, Österlen offers a slowed-down way of life that makes it ideal for lovebirds or anybody seeking inspiration and solitude.

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Where to Stay in Skåne

Story Hotel Studio Malmö: Book a room at the Story Hotel Studio Malmö, just a five-minute stroll from the city’s Central Station. The hotel features a modern Scandinavian design, and each room offers sweeping overlooks of the Öresund bridge or the lively city center. Take the elevator up to the 14th floor to grab Japanese-inspired cuisine at Kasai In The Sky, or sip cocktails at its rooftop bar. You can also rent bikes from the lobby and spend your mornings cycling through town. A Scandinavian Summer: The All Day, All Night Adventure Land Hotel Mäster Johan: For a more classic style, score a stay at Hotel Mäster Johan. Constructed in 1990, the property is known for its upscale digs outfitted with cozy touches like natural wood, exposed brick, and old-world furniture. Its location is hard to beat, just steps from Lilla Torg Square, which is lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars. Luckily, thirsty guests won’t have to travel far for a drink, since the hotel is also home to MJ’s, one of Malmö’s hottest cocktail lounges. ]] Quality Hotel The Mill: Aiming for the best bang for your buck? Then look no further than Quality Hotel The Mill. After recently undergoing a complete renovation, the clean and contemporary three-star hotel reopened its doors earlier this year. Located just a stone’s throw from Malmö’s popular Möllevången district (or “Möllan” to locals), this newcomer boasts 224 rooms, a full-service restaurant, and popular bar―even better, rooms typically start around $70 per night.

Inside the Saltimporten Canteen, the constantly changing menu offers both a meat/fish dish and vegetarian option Courtesy Image

Where to Eat in Skåne

Malmö Saluhall: Make this indoor food market one of your first stops in Malmö. A smorgasbord of culinary delights, Malmö Saluhall is jam-packed with cafes, bakeries, cheese shops, ice cream counters, fishmongers, and more. Grab a quick bite at Hedvigsdal Vedugn & Vin for wood-fired pizza made with organic flour and seasonal toppings (many of which are actually grown on their own farm). Saltimporten Canteen: In a sleek, industrial space overlooking the water next to Västra Hamnen, the restaurant serves up an ever-evolving menu of modern Swedish dishes with international influences. Two options are available daily (a meat/fish dish or vegetarian option) and the price-fixed menu is available for just 105 SEK (less than $11 USD). Make sure to grab a seat at one of the communal tables early on in the afternoon. The restaurant is only open during lunch hours Monday through Friday and packs out with legions of loyal customers. ]] Restaurang SPILL: Another popular lunch spot, SPILL specializes in imaginative Swedish cuisine with a sustainable twist. Approximately 90 percent of the menu is created using ingredients that local suppliers can’t sell to other restaurants or grocery stores (and would otherwise be thrown away). Chef Erik Andersson opened the restaurant with his wife, Ellinor Lindblom, to help combat food waste and change the way people think about consumption. The menu changes every day based on the shipments SPILL receives—and, needless to say, it’s been a smash hit. Lyran: Prepare to be dazzled in the cozy confines of Lyran, a White Guide restaurant, and one of Skåne’s trendiest eateries. Dimly lit and impossibly romantic, dedicate a few hours to savoring each dish of their eight-course tasting menu. Every ingredient is sourced from local producers, and the menu tends to change daily, but never fails to impress. They also offer incredible wine pairings as well as non-alcoholic beverage pairings using fresh-pressed juices, locally made ciders, artisanal teas, and more. Far i Hatten: This beloved restaurant is housed within an unassuming cottage (dating back to 1894) in the heart of Folkets Park. Here, it’s common to find families gathered around shared rustic dishes, or friends indulging in Sunday brunch or a weekday fika over coffee and pastries. In the winter months, curl up next to the fire and warm up with some natural wine―another Swedish specialty. Johan P: Searching for the freshest catch in Skåne? Reserve a table for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Johan P. The iconic restaurant has remained a staple for decades, known for their expertly prepared lobster, freshly shucked oysters, and other seafood plates. With its crisp, white table clothes, never-ending wine list, and attentive staff, it’s also a perfect spot for date night on the town. Restaurant Västergatan: For a quintessential Scandinavian experience, don’t miss dining at Västergatan. The charming restaurant only opens for supper service Monday through Saturday, but has quickly developed a devout following amongst Malmö’s discerning locals and visiting gastronomes alike. The multi-course menu typically features locally inspired recipes with a global spin, and the main dish is usually updated each week. Guests can expect elevated pairings like slow-baked cod served alongside chanterelle, white onion, and dill—as well as wine or juice pairings for a few Swedish krona more.

Where to Drink in Skåne

]] Lilla Kafferosteriet: There’s no better way to start the day than with a fresh-brewed cup of coffee. Get your morning pick-me-up from Lilla Kafferosteriet, a haven for serious java nerds. Serving only the finest hand-selected beans, they take pride in their roasting process to preserve flavor and guarantee the best taste possible. Check out their very own line of canned and carbonated coffee varieties that are certain to wow your tastebuds. Spirit of Hven Backafallsbyn: Nestled on the island of Hven (in the strait of Öresund between Denmark and Sweden), thirsty travelers will be excited to discover Spirit of Hven. Equal parts hotel, gourmet restaurant, and distillery, this destination is a feast for the senses. Schedule a guided tour of the facilities, where you can spend your afternoon sipping their award-winning lineup of organic spirits, including vodka, gin, and aquavit. Also be sure to sample their single-malt whisky and Organic Summer Spirit made with oranges, rhubarb, elderflower, and apples. 12 Ways to Amp Up Your Coffee—Without Butter Malmö Brewing Co & Taproom: For the most impressive selection of beer in all of Skåne, pay a visit to the Malmö Brewing Co & Taproom. In addition to brewing their own beer, they also feature a diverse collection of suds from other local producers (ranging from fruit-forward sours to robust imperial stouts and everything in between). Officially launched in 2010 by Anders Hansson, the dream of opening his own brewpub was decades in the making. Today, it’s credited with igniting Malmö’s booming beer industry and remains a fan favorite. Care/of: One of the more recent additions to the city’s ever-changing nightlife scene is Care/of. The bar first opened its doors in 2016 with the goal of mixing up innovative cocktails using only the finest ingredients. Already a local legend, don’t miss their signature tipples like Them Apples (made with duck fat-infused Woodford Reserve, thyme syrup, and rosemary bitters) or Last Bubbles (featuring Broker’s London Dry Gin, Chartreuse, maraschino, lemon, honey, and matcha foam).

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What to Drink in Skåne

Secret Sisters Brewing: Secret Sisters Brewing is a small, independent, women-run brewery, located at the Minus-1 Brewers Collective at Bishops Arms Gustav Adolfs Torg in Malmö. The group (made up of Irina Carlénis, Natalie Eriksson, Paulina Nordling, and Erika Norén) is dedicated to changing the often-narrow view on who a brewer might be by churning out damn good beers. Sip on Our Space, a delicious wheat beer made with fresh chamomile and pickled lemons, crafted in collaboration with Rocket Brewing Company and Two Forks. Hasse Fasan: This small but mighty local brewing operation was started by Patrik Norrlöf in 2016 and has been making waves ever since. Also part of the Minus-1 Brewers Collective, Hasse Fasan is known for creative concoctions like Coated (a mix of British and American Pale Ale, with a balance between earthy spices and fresh fruit notes) and peppery Belgian saison. Hyllie Brewery: Hyllie Brewery is a microbrewery found in Malmö’s southern outskirts, which debuted in 2015 with the goal of creating artisanal beer with heart and soul. Today, their brews can be found in many of the bars throughout Skåne, as well as represented in the industry’s top beer festivals and events. Pyschopipes is also powered by Hyllie Brewery, known for putting whimsical twists on long-standing staples. Try their Blue Whale, a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout that clocks in at a whopping 18.7 percent. ]] Gnista: Another prime example of a locally made, collaborative effort is Gnista Spirits. As the trend of nonalcoholic spirits continues to take the world by storm, Gnista was created to give people the satisfaction of enjoying a premium spirit, just without the alcohol (or the accompanying hangover). Made at SPILL in Malmö, it boasts a complex flavor profile using high-quality ingredients like wormwood, raisins, apricots, and almond extract. It’s launching stateside early next year, and the company is gearing up to debut its second product in the coming months.

The men behind FRUKTSTEREO craft ciders using 100 percent fruit, fermented with natural yeast without any additive. Courtesy Image Oatly: You’ve probably seen Oatly being served in your favorite coffeehouse or on the grocery store shelf, but you may be surprised to learn that the brand was born in Skåne. Based on Swedish research from Lund University, Oatly’s patented enzyme technology replicates nature’s own processes, transforming fiber-rich oats into a nutritional milk substitute that’s perfectly engineered for humans. Flavour Forward: Nastassia Martin set out to create Flavour Forward as a non-alcoholic alternative for people in Skåne to pair with the region’s elevated culinary scene. Drawing from tropical ingredients like hibiscus (inspired by her Trinidadian roots), and local favorites like rhubarb, she developed the brand as a healthier, but tasty soda substitute, without having to lean on artificial flavors or colorings to do so. Order it by name at local institutions like SPILL, Lyran, and Hedvigsdal Vedugn & Vin. ]] FRUKTSTEREO: After spending years in the industry, Karl Sjöström and Mikael Nypelius decided to start their own company to spread the word about good produce and experiment with crafting their own line of beverages. In 2016, they began bottling their creations at Hällåkra Vingård, and have since opened their own place in Malmö’s old harbor area. Today, their celebrated ciders are made using 100 percent fruit and are fermented with natural yeast without any additives.

The Hällåkra Vingård, shown here during harvesting season, allows tourists to help out picking grapes Courtesy Image

What to Do in Skåne

Hällåkra Vingård: For a rustic retreat, plan a quick trip to Hällåkra Vineyard, located in Southern Skåne. Here, rolling slopes meet far-stretching plains alongside the Baltic Sea to create a unique microclimate and privileged wine-growing region. Owned by the Hansson family for five generations, the vineyard comprises 6.5 hectares of land and approximately 20,000 vines. Sample a selection of their red, white, sparkling, and sweet wine varietals; try your hand at harvesting grapes out in the field; or enjoy inspired dishes from their innovative kitchen. Absolut Experience Center: For another spirited day-trip idea, hire a rental car and make the trek out to Åhus. One of Sweden’s best preserved medieval cities and a beloved vacation destination for well-heeled Swedes, Åhus is also where Absolut Vodka is distilled. Absolut Home is a hands-on experience center where visitors can learn about the brand’s storied past and current production practices while also perfecting their bartender skills during an Absolut Cocktail Master Class. ]] Kiviks Musteri: Österlen is also known to locals as the “Apple Kingdom” because of the region’s numerous apple orchards. Kivik specifically is a quaint fishing village that has evolved over the generations into a holiday paradise, thanks to its pristine beaches and storybook charm. Stop by Kiviks Musteri, a picturesque cidery, where Henric Åkesson first planted the apple trees in 1888 that would go on to become Sweden’s first commercial fruit farm. Today, more than 200,000 people visit the orchard to taste their fresh-pressed cider and learn about the region’s rich past. Malmöhus Castle: Take a trip back in time with a visit to Malmöhus Castle. Originally constructed in 1434 as a citadel, it was rebuilt in the 16th century by King Christian III of Denmark and Norway to be a defensive fortress, and serve as a home for the Governors of Malmöhus County. It now welcomes visitors as a museum, housing a fascinating series of historical exhibitions. Disgusting Food Museum: On the hunt for a museum experience that’s a little less stuffy? Look no further than Malmö’s Disgusting Food Museum. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a permanent collection that pays homage to “disgusting” foods from around the world. Delicacies include surströmming (fermented herring from Sweden); hákarl (aged shark from Iceland); casu marzu (maggot-infested cheese from Sardinia); and durian (the notoriously stinky fruit from Thailand). But it’s not all gross―selections from the United States include Pop Tarts, root beer, and jelly beans. Daring visitors with iron stomachs can even sample a selection of the curiosities (just be sure to keep your barf bag, which doubles as the entrance ticket, close at hand). Read the full article

#eventsinskåne #malmotoskane #skaneholidays #skånemap #skanesweden #spaskåne #swedenvisits #visitswedenskane

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trendingnewsb · 7 years ago

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High Quality Home Speakers That Can Fit In Any Home Easily

For anyone who wants a great entertainment system at home, high-quality speakers are a must. But there are a few common roadblocks: space and cost. High-quality speakers are usually too big to fit in a home, and smaller options generally offer low sound quality. Even if you have the space for it, great speakers can be very pricey.

This list of home speakers is handpicked by the music lovers of Lifehack. Below you’ll find the right one for you, with high quality and which fits in your home, no matter the size.

1. Plox Star Wars Levitating Death Star Speaker

This is an Official Star Wars product, featuring a gravity-defying orb that levitates in midair above the base using Plox’s force technology. This is a powerful, ultra-portable speaker that features 360-degree sound projection with 5 hours of continuous playback.

Plox Star Wars Levitating Death Star Speaker, $179.99

2. BeoPlay S3 Flexible Wireless Home Speaker

BeoPlay S3 is a Bluetooth speaker that fills your room with clean and natural sound. Start with one speaker for an ambiance experience – add another one later and get a true wireless stereo experience.

This wireless home speaker was fine-tuned by Bang&Olufsen sound engineers to deliver a music experience that stays true to what the artists intended. The core and body are made out of a rigid polymer that was crafted to ensure optimal acoustic stability and eliminate resonance.

You can also quickly and easily change the speaker covers to customize the appearance of your S3.

BeoPlay S3 Flexible Wireless Home Speaker, $105.69

3. AuricSound A7 Vacuum Tube Amp XLR Stereo Hybrid

Designed as an amp, the AuricSound A7 doubles as a Hi-Fi system. With 50+50 watts to play with, you can raise the roof according to your preference; you can also use the built-in digital filters for different sound quality. Finally, this amp/speaker clocks in at only 2.67 inches tall!

Back this in Indiegogo: AuricSound A7 Vacuum Tube Amp XLR Stereo Hybrid

4. OIO Amp iPad Speaker Stand

Your iPad can snap right into place with this speaker stand, which is always ready with a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 7 hours. You can just flip down the built-in stand, unfold the speakers, and share your music with your friends! You can also connect it with other Bluetooth devices.

This amp is designed to fill a room with incredible sound at double the volume of most portable Bluetooth speakers.

OIO Amp iPad Speaker Stand, $199

5. Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 35 Home Multiroom Wireless Speaker System

This speaker system is incredibly versatile, enabling several streaming formats: Bluetooth Audio, Apple Airplay, and DLNA enabled products. You can also connect with integrated music services including Spotify Connect, Deezer, TuneIn Internet Radio, Qplay 2.0.

With BeoLink Multiroom and the BeoMusic App, you can connect all your Bang & Olufsen products in one wireless multiroom system! Mount this on the wall or use a table stand.

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 35 Home Multiroom Wireless Speaker System, $2,495

6. BeoLab 50 High-End Floor Loudspeaker

With its slender, tall silhouette and rounded base, BeoLab 50 is a tall but unobtrusive speaker. Its modern design features aluminium surfaces and warm oak lamellas. And with a height of 103.6 cm and width of 45.5 cm at its widest, it won’t take up too much space in your home.

BeoLab 50 also has an adjustable acoustic lens, so you can alter its sound delivery to match the position of the audience.

Purchase this speaker here: BeoLab 50 High-End Floor Loudspeaker

7. Bossa Moonraker Wireless Speaker System

If you like minimalist design as well as great audio, this is the speaker for you. The Bossa Moonraker is a wireless speaker system that delivers pristine sound in an elegant package.

The curved polymer shell has been carefully engineered to minimize resonances and diffraction. The result is a loudspeaker with exceptional imaging qualities and a remarkable lack of harshness.

Bossa Moonraker Wireless Speaker System, $2,399

8. KEAS MOV-1 Ceramic Audio System

Totally wireless, this system connects to your device with Bluetooth and aptX technology. It features Danish Peerless drivers and a ceramic casing for fluid sound, so you can achieve impeccable audio for any genre that you want to listen to. You’ll get up to 8 hours of playtime!

MOV-1 Ceramic Audio System, $499.95

9. Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 2 Home Wireless Music Speaker System

Like the other BeoSound speakers, you’ll get many streaming formats (Bluetooth Audio Streaming, Google Cast, Apple Airplay, DLNA-dir., Spotify Connect, Play 2.0) and the ability to integrate with several music services (Spotify, Deezer, TuneIn Radio, QQ music). You can also use the BeoLink Multiroom and BeoMusic App to connect all your Bang & Olufsen products in one wireless multiroom system.

This system also features 360º sound. The conical speaker body creates a 360-degree sound image that will fill the room from any position!

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 2 Home Wireless Music Speaker System, $1,995

10. Mellow Multi-Media Table

The Mellow will deliver 7 hours of playing time and a whopping range of 10 meters. Its super-cool, multipurpose design is in the form of an elegant table.

What’s more, Mellow is powerful enough to charge several mobile devices!

Pre-order at Kickstarter here: Mellow Multi-Media Table

The post High Quality Home Speakers That Can Fit In Any Home Easily appeared first on Lifehack.

from Viral News HQ http://ift.tt/2yl5FdJ via Viral News HQ

#IFTTT #Viral News HQ

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craft2eu · 2 years ago

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Dänische Biennale für Kunsthandwerk und Design 2023 - den Wandel mitdenken.

Dänische Biennale für Kunsthandwerk und Design 2023 – den Wandel mitdenken.

Die “Biennalen for Kunsthåndværk & Design 2023” unseres dänischen Nachbarlandes haben schon immer Zeichen gesetzt, mit dem Anspruch Kunsthandwerk und Design auf seine Relevanz für die Gegenwart und Zukunft zu überprüfen. Unter der Schirmherschaft der dänischen Königin, die nicht nur eine formelle ist, sind die dänischen Handwerksdesigner immer die Modernsten und Ambitioniertesten in der Szene und…

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#Bedeutung des Digitalen #Biennale 2023 #Biennalen for Kunsthåndværk & Design 2023 #Building A #Bygning A #Cyberspace #Danish Crafts & Designers #Design #Handwerk #Kopenhagen #Krypto-Kunst #Kunst des Erlebens

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craft2eu · 3 years ago

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Frue Plads Marked: Kopenhagen (DK) vom 12. bis 14.08.2021

Der Kunsthandwerkermarkt auf dem Frue Plads in Kopenhagen zeigt neues dänisches Kunsthandwerk und Design in den Bereichen Textilien, Keramik, Drucke, Glas, Schmuckdesign und vieles mehr. Der Markt ist der größte Outdoor-Kunsthandwerksmarkt in Skandinavien mit über 130 Ausstellern. Seit 1983 wird der schöne Platz in Kopenhagen jedes Jahr von professionellen Handwerkern und Designern, ausgewählte…

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#Danish Crafts & Designers #Frue Plads #Frue Plads Marked #Glas #Handwerksdisziplinen #Handwerkskunst #Innivationen #Keramik #Kopenhagen #Korb #Kunsthandwerk #Kunsthandwerkermarkt Skandinavien #Metall #outdoor #Schmuck #Textil

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craft2eu · 4 years ago

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Danish Jewellery Box: Köln & überall vom 02. 02. bis 18. 04. 2021

Die Ausstellung “Danish Jewellery Box“ bietet einen eindrucksvollen Einblick in 50 Jahre dänisches Schmuckdesign anhand von rund 200 ausgewählten Arbeiten. Als dialogischer Diskurs sind zusätzlich einige Beispiele aus der Schmucksammlung des MAKK in die Ausstellung integriert. © Anne Lahn, Brosche “Flower Flashy Girl”, 2018 Schmuck als eigenständige Kunstform blickt in Dänemark auf eine lange…

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craft2eu · 4 years ago

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Superposition - Mette Colberg: DK-Kopenhagen vom 02. bis 21.08.2020

Superposition – Mette Colberg: DK-Kopenhagen vom 02. bis 21.08.2020

Mette Colberg stellt die dualistische Natur von Glas als Form und Filter in Frage, seit sie 2003 begonnen hat mit dem Material zu arbeiten. Mit der Ausstellung SUPERPOSITION im Officinet untersucht Colberg anhand von Glas- und Fotoarbeiten, wie die Welt, in der wir leben, durch Wahrnehmung verstanden wird und wie visuelle Verschiebungen eine Grundlage für neues Verständnis schaffen können.

Mette…

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#Architektur #Überlagerung #Bornholm #Danish Crafts & Design Association #Design #Fotografie #Glas #Glaskunst #Glasmuseum Ebletoft #Inspiration #Königlich Dänische Akademie #Konstfak #Kopenhagen #Medium #Mette Colberg #Stockholm #Superposition

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trendingnewsb · 7 years ago

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High Quality Home Speakers That Can Fit In Any Home Easily

This list of home speakers is handpicked by the music lovers of Lifehack. Below you’ll find the right one for you, with high quality and which fits in your home, no matter the size.

1. Plox Star Wars Levitating Death Star Speaker

Plox Star Wars Levitating Death Star Speaker, $179.99

2. BeoPlay S3 Flexible Wireless Home Speaker

You can also quickly and easily change the speaker covers to customize the appearance of your S3.

BeoPlay S3 Flexible Wireless Home Speaker, $105.69

3. AuricSound A7 Vacuum Tube Amp XLR Stereo Hybrid

Back this in Indiegogo: AuricSound A7 Vacuum Tube Amp XLR Stereo Hybrid

4. OIO Amp iPad Speaker Stand

This amp is designed to fill a room with incredible sound at double the volume of most portable Bluetooth speakers.

OIO Amp iPad Speaker Stand, $199

5. Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 35 Home Multiroom Wireless Speaker System

With BeoLink Multiroom and the BeoMusic App, you can connect all your Bang & Olufsen products in one wireless multiroom system! Mount this on the wall or use a table stand.

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 35 Home Multiroom Wireless Speaker System, $2,495

6. BeoLab 50 High-End Floor Loudspeaker

BeoLab 50 also has an adjustable acoustic lens, so you can alter its sound delivery to match the position of the audience.

Purchase this speaker here: BeoLab 50 High-End Floor Loudspeaker

7. Bossa Moonraker Wireless Speaker System

If you like minimalist design as well as great audio, this is the speaker for you. The Bossa Moonraker is a wireless speaker system that delivers pristine sound in an elegant package.

The curved polymer shell has been carefully engineered to minimize resonances and diffraction. The result is a loudspeaker with exceptional imaging qualities and a remarkable lack of harshness.

Bossa Moonraker Wireless Speaker System, $2,399

8. KEAS MOV-1 Ceramic Audio System

MOV-1 Ceramic Audio System, $499.95

9. Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 2 Home Wireless Music Speaker System

This system also features 360º sound. The conical speaker body creates a 360-degree sound image that will fill the room from any position!

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 2 Home Wireless Music Speaker System, $1,995

10. Mellow Multi-Media Table

The Mellow will deliver 7 hours of playing time and a whopping range of 10 meters. Its super-cool, multipurpose design is in the form of an elegant table.

What’s more, Mellow is powerful enough to charge several mobile devices!

Pre-order at Kickstarter here: Mellow Multi-Media Table

The post High Quality Home Speakers That Can Fit In Any Home Easily appeared first on Lifehack.

from Viral News HQ http://ift.tt/2yl5FdJ via Viral News HQ

#IFTTT #Viral News HQ

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