Interesting article on the vinyl resurgence

Including numbers on sales etc. from Pitchfork by Joel Oliphint, including sales figures over time. What is most interesting here though is the behind the scenes examination of pressing plants and the costs and hazards of setting one up. Seems many bands have no idea that vinyl requires particular mastering steps and then there's the depressing nugget that 15% of record sales are to people who never listen to them but download the MP3 accompanying it or, one imagines, hold on to them in the hope of selling on for profit later. All in all, an excellent read, worth checking out. Lots of good images too.

Pioneer launch a new turntable

The Technics 1200 is still mourned by many but this appears to be a close alternative from Pioneer, the new PLX-1000. Weighing in at nearly 29lbs, this direct drive alternative might actually have something. I expect a few folks on the audio forums to come up with some mods and tweaks for this in short order. List price is $699, it offers an alternative to some of the overpriced Technics selling on Ebay. Sadly, the search function on Pioneer's site leaves much to be desired if you want track one down quickly. Certainly there does not appear to be a model available anywhere near here. If you get to hear one, let me know. I won't hold my breath waiting for a review sample.



And, not for the faint of heart, see some DJs putting it through it's paces in the video below. Don't try this at home audiophiles :)

Charlie Haden dies.

Sorry to report this, but I heard this afternoon that Charlie Haden has died:

"It is with deep sorrow that we announce that Charlie Haden, born August 6, 1937 in Shenandoah, Iowa,  passed away today at 10:11 Pacific time in Los Angeles after a prolonged illness. Ruth Cameron, his wife of 30 years, and his children Josh Haden, Tanya Haden, Rachel Haden and Petra Haden were all by his side."
Tina Pelikan
ECM Records Publicity

Charlie was in poor health recently but this was still unexpected. Time for some memories and celebration of a great musician through some listening this weekend. For now:

Maraschino Mono review is live

I had an interesting time with the DAC Maraschino Monos in my rig for the last few months. You can read the review now here in HiFi'Zine.   There's something interesting going in with DAC products, they have a unique sound that is very easy on the ears, and the form factor of these little monos is very unusual.  Next up, a comparison of two phono cables on my SME V.