K2 Technology Based on “Closer to the Musical Truth”
Advantages of Analog Sound Sources
While music streaming services are gaining ground, vinyl records are regaining popularity these days and a return to analog sound is underway.
One reason for this is that the sound of records is said to have warmth and emotional appeal. Analog sound sources such as vinyl records contain frequencies in the high bandwidth of 22kHz and above, which are not contained in CDs or compressed digital sound, and are inaudible to humans.
Recently, one theory suggests that these higher frequency bands have a soothing effect on the human mind, and those sounds may work to make the sounds we actually hear more pleasant. The appeal of sounds unique to analog, which are said to retain far richer expressive power than digital, is now being reevaluated.
K2 Technology Faithfully Reproduces the Original Sound
K2 technology recovers music information above 22kHz (high-frequency bandwidth) that is missing in Bluetooth transmission and reproduces high quality sound that is extremely faithful to the original sound.
K2 technology was developed based on the "Closer to the musical truth" philosophy, which emphasizes the creator's thoughts and feelings that went into the original sound source. By approaching the quality of the original sound, K2 technology enables the expression of even the most minute nuances, such as a performer's breath, the atmosphere of the place, and the sense of presence.
K2 Technology Processing
K2 technology performs upscaling processing and high-frequency bandwidth extension using K2 parameters. These K2 parameters were carefully selected from among approximately 4 trillion combinations of original master sound sources accumulated at the professional Victor studio, and contribute to the perfection of original sound restoration.
Even if other companies were able to create a similar program, they would not be able to duplicate the parameter settings selected from the quadrillion possible combinations. This substantial know-how encompasses K2 technology and our unique advanced sound quality technology.
Upscaling
Difference in resolution between compressed and upscaled sound
High-Frequency Bandwidth Extension
Restores the high-frequency harmonics that have been cut from compressed audio, using a proprietary algorithm and parameters derived from a quadrillion possible combinations. This reproduces sound approaching the quality of the original master.
Original Master
The sound of a musical instrument is composed of the "fundamental tone", which is the lowest frequency sound comprising the basis, mixed with the "overtone", which is an integral multiple of that frequency.
Compressed Sound
The compressed sound source, like CDs, has a sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz, so the playback frequency is limited to 22.05 kHz, and overtones with higher frequencies are cut off.
K2 Technology
K2 technology recreates sound that's close to the original master quality by restoring cut high-frequency overtones from the remaining sound using a proprietary algorithm based on the Victor Studio’s know-how.
Image of K2 Technology Reproduction
Especially with music such as classical and jazz, the music is reproduced with a realistic feel including the sound of breathing and the rubbing of strings. The presence of the performer can be felt with a sense of being there.
HA-FW1000T’s High-Quality Sound
Made Possible with K2
Natural Sound of HA-FW1000T
The sound characteristics of the HA-FW1000T are best expressed as natural. Its sound is so comfortable that you will not tire of listening to it for a long time. Sit back and enjoy the original sound quality with the HA-FW1000T.
How to Test the K2 Effect
Compare the sound quality with K2 off and on. Try it especially with music played with live instruments, such as classical music and jazz. You'll feel as if you were there, as if you're listening to the performer's breath and the sound of the strings being played. Experience the subtle nuances of high-resolution sound.
Note: Due to inherent characteristics of the high-frequency bandwidth, the perception of the effect varies from person to person.