Yanni, Laurel and the differences in hearing

OK, unless you've been asleep this week, you've probably come across the Yanni-Laurel soundbite, wherein different people claim to hear one work or the other when the signal is played. I first heard it in my car, and it was clearly one, not the other. When I got home I tried it on my laptop and heard the other word, again indisputably. Hum......

So, it's really a matter of frequencies and how they are both reproduced in your listening device and your own range of perception, which alters as you get older or otherwise lose hearing acuity. The NYT came up with the best little tool to allow you to play around with this and to shift the sonic signal to hear one or other word distinctly. You can even tease out your own trigger point and submit the data. I am Yanni in the middle, Laurel with a very slight adjustment of the scale to the left, but I can even find a point where both seem to be perceived. Fun stuff, especially when you think about all the arguments you've had with people over who can or cannot hear certain audiophile phenomena. We're all dynamic and aging humans.

Check it out 

(follow link above, not screen shot)

New video of Bernie Grundman cutting the new Sabbagh and Tuohey recording

Kickstarter backers of Jerome's latest were treated to this today....nice video

UK's Musical Fidelity bought by Pro-ject Audio

The end of the road for one British stalwart, Anthony Michaelson now set to retire as his company is bought by Pro-ject. Quite a happy marriage, by the sound of it (ba-dum!)

Read more here

No comment on the amount of Stereophile coverage MF used to receive, please.

Paradigm offering new color options

Odd push from Paradigm to outline the color and finish options on their speakers. Lots of talk and shots about finishes, personality, individuality etc, and of course plenty of images of uncluttered rooms with modern furniture, colorful speakers, and not a speaker cable in sight. Ah, the dreams of marketing pass reality by, again.

Garrard brand acquired by SME

No, it's not a flashback or joke, SME, newly energized, has bought the Garrard and Loricraft brands in what one imagines might be a strengthening of their impact on the turntable market. Here's a snap shot of the press release:

Commenting on the acquisition, Stuart McNeilis, CEO of SME, said, “It is with great pleasure that we can announce the acquisition of the Garrard audio brand.  Responsible for true icons of vinyl reproduction with the 301 and 401 turntables, in many ways, Garrard’s legacy mirrors SME’s, with precision engineering, design and manufacturing, based in the UK. Many of these great turntables were paired with SME tonearms and there has always been a natural synergy between the two company’s products.  As an iconic British brand, Garrard deserves to be enjoyed by a new generation of audiophiles.” 

To support owners of existing Garrard idler drive turntables, SME has also acquired Loricraft Audio, the only authorised Garrard service agent.  Responsible in many ways for keeping the Garrard legacy alive, Terry O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Loricraft, and his team has serviced and re-built Garrard products since 1997, along with manufacturing support products, including its renowned range of vinyl record cleaning machines.  “With years of experience and expert knowledge that will be crucial as SME develops the Garrard audio brand, the acquisition of Loricraft Audio was essential, as it enables the continued ability to service and maintain existing products.” added McNeilis.  “We are delighted that Terry and his team will join the SME family and bring their vast experience with them.”

Full details here