Interesting blog from nearby dealer

Well, consider me surprised to learn about a local dealer whose premises I've probably driven close by dozens of time without realizing they existed. Austin HiFi turns out to be an importer and dealer who sells the excellent Harbeth and ATC speaker lines, as well as a couple of more unusual products. Nothing too unusual there but the owner runs a nifty little blog that's full of nice entries and links to the wide and esoteric world of music and art. Check it out.

qøl™: review upcoming

One of the more talked about audio products so far this year has been the 'signal completion stage' from BSG Technologies (called the 'qol'). The forums started buzzing once Robert Harley gave it a positive review in TAS and reported an interview with chief designer, Barry Goldfarb. I can make neither head nor tail of the explanations of how this product works but I am giving it a good listen in my own system before I make up my mind. Review anticipated for the June issue. 

Speaking of speakers...

Got to love the new Morrow Audio (as in Morrow the handmade cable) mailing that invites you to learn about their new deal Lansche speakers.  You can actually hit an 'Add to Cart' button on a pair of $200,000 speakers....go on, you know you want to......

Got a few more bucks? Try the new Hartvig Audio turntable......price on request.  Described by the manufacturer as offering 'pure sound with soul'....as opposed to that pure sound without soul, I suppose. Is he having a go at my SME?

Origin Live does speakers...

Known for their good looking turntables and arms more than anything else, Origin Live have a new speaker on the way, the (perhaps aptly named) 'Astute'.  Using bamboo composite and string (apparently) they are eye-catching. Few reports as yet as to the sonics but the company reports a positive debut at UK show from attendees. Not enough info to see where the connections are or if that lamp-look for a base is a awful in real life as it appears here but the full range (if it comes to fruition) promises some interesting new ideas that move speakers beyond the typical box and driver look of so many others. Bet we'll have lots of arguments about arches in or arches out for placement once folks get their hands on them. It's not still April 1st is it? 

Loricraft in the house

OK, I had to do it. I eventually located a good condition Loricraft PRC-3 on the 'Gon and made a good deal with the seller. It came with a missing part so while I was working around this, I went looking for more info on line and turned up this excellent video on the PRC-3, complete with microscopic images of before and after cleaning. This is the best video explanation of the machine I've found and it's worth the 10 mins it takes to watch it all.