People tell me all shippers are the same but here in Austin, I've had more problems with UPS than any other carrier when it comes to gear being shipped. Today brought another example of their idea of 'handling' when this arrived on my doorstep. Normally UPS won't deliver anything without a signature but I guess the driver was too embarrassed to stick around for me to answer the door. This gash goes clear through the outer box and shows evidence of contact being made with the internal component 4" inside. Do you think the forklift operators actually take aim at the 'fragile' signs? I only ask as this is not the first time I've seen such damage. Fortunately, all inside seems ok but really, if I can ever avoid using UPS I do and I discourage anyone from shipping audio gear through them.Tuesday, May 28, 2013
UPS strikes again
People tell me all shippers are the same but here in Austin, I've had more problems with UPS than any other carrier when it comes to gear being shipped. Today brought another example of their idea of 'handling' when this arrived on my doorstep. Normally UPS won't deliver anything without a signature but I guess the driver was too embarrassed to stick around for me to answer the door. This gash goes clear through the outer box and shows evidence of contact being made with the internal component 4" inside. Do you think the forklift operators actually take aim at the 'fragile' signs? I only ask as this is not the first time I've seen such damage. Fortunately, all inside seems ok but really, if I can ever avoid using UPS I do and I discourage anyone from shipping audio gear through them.
Eventually, everything hits the used market
After loving what the somewhat mysteriously designed BSG qol did when I had it for review last year, I was wondering how long it would take for one to turn up on the second-hand market. Well, now one has, at $1500k off the list price, it may be the start of a supply for the less well-heeled. I have no data to back up this point but I always advise people to watch the various lists assiduously if they really want to find a piece, sooner or later what you want will show up. Hey, you can now get those Magicos at 50% off is you try. Of course, you have to factor in your time and how much you really save when you commit so many hours to a search but hey, price browsing on the 'Gon is fun right?
Monday, May 27, 2013
Analog labor of love in the news
Short but interesting video piece on music restoration from The Guardian today. Glad some newspapers think this worthy of news.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
What do you call a pair of parodies?
Or how can you know parody from the original? I don't know but I have been amusingly parodied on the Naim forum where member Jan-Erik turned my Unease of the Audiophile sketch from a couple of years back into an alternative, the Ease of the Naimophile. It is good fun.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
It's official: men need their caves
Psychologists have spoken: men really do need their caves. "Space is very important for regulating emotions. It's incredibly important to be in one's own space and resonate with who one is" says Dr. Sam Gosling. Point your spouse at this article for confirmation. I particularly like the resonation idea, and the argument that a guy's needs are not met the same way in other spaces. The good doc goes on to argue that this man cave must be designed by the man with 'no compromise'. Now that's good science in the service of audiophiles. If only we could get the same science to work on reviewing!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
How to use the Dr. Feickert Adjust+ software
If you've wondered what the Feickert software can do for you when adjusting your cartridge, here's an example of azimuth setting through crosstalk measurement. And this is just one parameter, I gather the tool can do more. Yes, I know, pretty soon you can spend as much on set up devices as you can on your table but if you are in for the long-haul, you've got to be tempted. Of course, as I run a Mac and an SME V, I am not sure this would ever help me but it is interesting to note how far we've come in the effort to improve the vinyl experience.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
The master passes
Sad but not too surprised to learn this week of the death of great cello player Janos Starker. I'd been drawn to the great Kodaly recordings over the last year and they never fail to move me. There's little anyone can add to the praise that he received in his lifetime but he really was a wonderful character. At Indiana, he was one of the last faculty who could get away with lighting a cigarette in his office and I love the quote from Maria Kliegel, former student, who said he once commented on a piece she'd played for him that 'if you ever play so out of tune again I'll deny I was ever your teacher'. Put on a recording, have a scotch, and let the man's music live on.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Brad Mehldau, Chris Thile blend, bend and transcend boundaries
When the superb Brad Mehldau was announced as coming to Austin, tickets had to be bought and I was perhaps a little concerned when I learned that instead of the trio format, Brad was performing in a duo format with Chris Thile a mandolin player. Well, so much for preconceptions as the 90 minute show last night at the beautiful Paramount Theater was a sheer, unbridled celebration of music without boundaries. Mehldau has hands that command the keys with such ease that he offers both drive and counterplay touches simultaneously, a true joy to watch while you listen. Thiele plays the mandolin like a guitarist, wresting lead lines, bends, riffs and runs that give you a new appreciation of the instrument's potential.
While the musical selections were varied, from "I cover the waterfront" through Irish airs and Fiona Apple to Dylan's "Don't think twice it's alright", the tune selection was less the point than the way the duo took the tunes apart and reassembled them. Yes, with players this good you are going to get staggering, virtuoso moments but for me, the incredible interplay between them, with each taking turns to lead yet apparently effortlessly slipping behind to provide the bass and rhythm when the other soared, only for both to dance around the tune together, back and forth, was a joy to behold. Yes, the music transcended musical boundaries, reminding us again and again last night of the common humanity behind all forms, the players themselves transcended roles and created a live musical experience that I doubt could easily transfer to a recording. Magical stuff indeed.
While the musical selections were varied, from "I cover the waterfront" through Irish airs and Fiona Apple to Dylan's "Don't think twice it's alright", the tune selection was less the point than the way the duo took the tunes apart and reassembled them. Yes, with players this good you are going to get staggering, virtuoso moments but for me, the incredible interplay between them, with each taking turns to lead yet apparently effortlessly slipping behind to provide the bass and rhythm when the other soared, only for both to dance around the tune together, back and forth, was a joy to behold. Yes, the music transcended musical boundaries, reminding us again and again last night of the common humanity behind all forms, the players themselves transcended roles and created a live musical experience that I doubt could easily transfer to a recording. Magical stuff indeed.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Smoke on the martini....
Never heard them play it like this but if you want to hear the current Deep Purple playing a lounge version of Smoke, follow this video and move about 5 mins in to hear the live performance, great stuff.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
When albums ruled the world video
Fascinating video on the rise and fall of the LP as a medium for recorded sound, by the BBC. Worth watching all the way through.
Cartridge alignment joys
I've been trying out a couple of cartridge alignment gauges recently to celebrate the installation of an SME V on my table. The experience convinces me that those who find vinyl too fussy to deal with have good cause.
First off, in need of a new alignment protractor for the arm, I found that these are not always readily available, and rather than buy one from the UK, I ended up dealing with the fine folks at Flat Earth Audio who were out of stock but told me they could get some from SME probably faster than I could. Deal done. At $18 shipped, this is never going to break the bank but given that you are only getting a piece of card with the devilishly clever SME design that allows alignment with single point adjustment, you cannot complain. However, from my perspective, there are still a couple of problems with this alignment tool.
On my SME 20, the centre hole on the gauge is larger than the spindle on my player, which was not a problem on my old 309 gauge. With the roomier hole, the placement of the gauge is never certain and either SME makes difference center hole sizes for different tables, or my older SME has an older sized spindle. The solution for this was careful placement of tape over both sides of the hole which I split carefully with an Exacto knife on two-diameter lines to allow me to center the gauge tightly on the spindle. Plenty of room for the anal-obsessive to worry that the diameter lines were not perfect but it worked well enough for me. Seems odd though that I am reduced to this.
Problem two is the degree of precision one can get using a single point that is determined by eyeballing the arm's alignment from above for placement within two lines representing the outline of the tapered tonearm. It is possible to move the arm slightly fore and aft while still getting the appearance of a good fit, which means that the stylus point also moves slightly without ever being certain that you have got it perfectly set. SME's literature suggests not to sweat it -- and that is probably the most appropriate advice here but surely they know who they are speaking to? Audiophiles live to sweat it! For the sane few, this is fine, but how many sane purchasers of multi-thousand dollar analog rigs are out there? So, ease of use is wonderful but the sense of precision one demands, especially with a table/arm combo as otherwise perfectly engineered as my SME 20/SME V, is lacking.
In search of alternatives (or could it be reassurance?) I have purchased the alignment gauge designed by AVID for SME arms from Analog Seduction in the UK whose price and service were very good. This arrived promptly and safely but you should be warned, the only instructions are etched onto the gauge. In form, it's a hard, mirror-like plastic, quarter-circle-ish in shape, which (incidentally) fits the spindle of my SME 20.2 perfectly. Good for several models of SME tonearm, it's almost impossible to photo clearly but this image from Avid will give you a good idea. Here are the instructions:
1. Point alignment guideline at tonearm pivot
2. Immobilise alignment tool
3. Align cartridge using one of the grid patterns
4. Without moving guide check correct alignment with other grid.
As one intrepid owner on an audio forum put it, it's easy from step 2 on, the problem is step 1. While the tool does allow you to sight down a guideline (unlabeled) toward the pivot point of your tonearm, if you can see it, the line does not go all the way, and in my experience, it can tolerate slight sighting errors which, if you can imagine the tool, means you would move it slightly left or right to get your fix. Of course, in so doing, move the position of the two etched alignment grids on the gauge. Small errors, perhaps, but variance in use that you'd obviously wish to avoid. In fairness, I've not heard to many complaints from other users, but then I've wondered how confident all of them are in their sighting?
I'd add another couple of potential problems here. When you go to step 3, do you lower the stylus onto the gauge or just above it? No instructions there but I lowered to the surface and noticed that if you really want to hit the target, minor movements become very important, all the more reason to get the tonearm pivot point sighting perfect, not just close. My solution was to run a taut thread along the line and across the top of the SME to try to ensure I hit the pivot point. It might get easier with practice but since the thread must rise above the tool to hit the upper pivot point on the SME, there is room for error here too. All this makes me think those expensive tools which contain an adjustable pivot to spindle element such as the Feickert, are not overkill; precision costs. Alternatively, stick with the SME paper gauge and 'don't sweat it'. More as I go.
First off, in need of a new alignment protractor for the arm, I found that these are not always readily available, and rather than buy one from the UK, I ended up dealing with the fine folks at Flat Earth Audio who were out of stock but told me they could get some from SME probably faster than I could. Deal done. At $18 shipped, this is never going to break the bank but given that you are only getting a piece of card with the devilishly clever SME design that allows alignment with single point adjustment, you cannot complain. However, from my perspective, there are still a couple of problems with this alignment tool.
On my SME 20, the centre hole on the gauge is larger than the spindle on my player, which was not a problem on my old 309 gauge. With the roomier hole, the placement of the gauge is never certain and either SME makes difference center hole sizes for different tables, or my older SME has an older sized spindle. The solution for this was careful placement of tape over both sides of the hole which I split carefully with an Exacto knife on two-diameter lines to allow me to center the gauge tightly on the spindle. Plenty of room for the anal-obsessive to worry that the diameter lines were not perfect but it worked well enough for me. Seems odd though that I am reduced to this.
Problem two is the degree of precision one can get using a single point that is determined by eyeballing the arm's alignment from above for placement within two lines representing the outline of the tapered tonearm. It is possible to move the arm slightly fore and aft while still getting the appearance of a good fit, which means that the stylus point also moves slightly without ever being certain that you have got it perfectly set. SME's literature suggests not to sweat it -- and that is probably the most appropriate advice here but surely they know who they are speaking to? Audiophiles live to sweat it! For the sane few, this is fine, but how many sane purchasers of multi-thousand dollar analog rigs are out there? So, ease of use is wonderful but the sense of precision one demands, especially with a table/arm combo as otherwise perfectly engineered as my SME 20/SME V, is lacking.
In search of alternatives (or could it be reassurance?) I have purchased the alignment gauge designed by AVID for SME arms from Analog Seduction in the UK whose price and service were very good. This arrived promptly and safely but you should be warned, the only instructions are etched onto the gauge. In form, it's a hard, mirror-like plastic, quarter-circle-ish in shape, which (incidentally) fits the spindle of my SME 20.2 perfectly. Good for several models of SME tonearm, it's almost impossible to photo clearly but this image from Avid will give you a good idea. Here are the instructions:
1. Point alignment guideline at tonearm pivot
2. Immobilise alignment tool
3. Align cartridge using one of the grid patterns
4. Without moving guide check correct alignment with other grid.
As one intrepid owner on an audio forum put it, it's easy from step 2 on, the problem is step 1. While the tool does allow you to sight down a guideline (unlabeled) toward the pivot point of your tonearm, if you can see it, the line does not go all the way, and in my experience, it can tolerate slight sighting errors which, if you can imagine the tool, means you would move it slightly left or right to get your fix. Of course, in so doing, move the position of the two etched alignment grids on the gauge. Small errors, perhaps, but variance in use that you'd obviously wish to avoid. In fairness, I've not heard to many complaints from other users, but then I've wondered how confident all of them are in their sighting?
I'd add another couple of potential problems here. When you go to step 3, do you lower the stylus onto the gauge or just above it? No instructions there but I lowered to the surface and noticed that if you really want to hit the target, minor movements become very important, all the more reason to get the tonearm pivot point sighting perfect, not just close. My solution was to run a taut thread along the line and across the top of the SME to try to ensure I hit the pivot point. It might get easier with practice but since the thread must rise above the tool to hit the upper pivot point on the SME, there is room for error here too. All this makes me think those expensive tools which contain an adjustable pivot to spindle element such as the Feickert, are not overkill; precision costs. Alternatively, stick with the SME paper gauge and 'don't sweat it'. More as I go.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Latest HIFI'Zine published
The March 2013 issue of HiFi'Zine is out this morning. It includes my review of the Legacy Studio HD monitors, plus interviews with the brains behind Vapor Audio and a new electrostatic panel for the DIY community, as well as a survey of mid-priced DACs by Oliver Masciarotte. As always, comments welcomed on all articles.
The Legacy's are packed up and ready to ship out (non-trivial when I have to haul the box to UPS myself) but I have some Absolute Fidelity cords in the rig, which are causing reactions in listeners, and a test of the PS Audio PowerBase is up next. Both, hopefully, in the June issue but for now, enjoy the March edition -- this is a labor of love, remember, the 'Zine is a truly volunteer effort.
The Legacy's are packed up and ready to ship out (non-trivial when I have to haul the box to UPS myself) but I have some Absolute Fidelity cords in the rig, which are causing reactions in listeners, and a test of the PS Audio PowerBase is up next. Both, hopefully, in the June issue but for now, enjoy the March edition -- this is a labor of love, remember, the 'Zine is a truly volunteer effort.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Axpona -- the new RMAF?
I've not been to Axpona but I wish I could be there. Chicago is just a great location but I suppose once you get there for an audio show, location is not really a concern. Looks a little quieter than RMAF, which has got to be a plus for all but the dealers. This video from Cor Dekker gives you some sense of the occasion:
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Legacy Studios in the house
Also purchased several of the Sony Legacy reissues of the Rory Gallagher back catalog, and they are sonically a step up from earlier CD copies I have, perhaps closer to the original LP sound wise, which was a complaint I've repeatedly heard of all the reissues, regardless of origin, to date.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Improvements by Mapleshade
I always enjoy the Mapleshade catalog when it arrives, though I am not sure if it's the products or the claims that capture most of my attention. If you're not familiar with Mapleshade, they are home to a range of products from recordings to modified turntables. They also are probably most known now for their massive maple racks and plinths, which they sell as bases for everything from CD players to bookshelf speakers (which they recommend positioning low on the floor but tipped back so the drivers aim up at the listener).
The latest catalog doesn't disappoint and comes with the usual tales of endless listening tests behind their products such as the thin $100 speaker wire which 'customers' report besting mega-buck cables, the choice of maple over everything else for supporting gear, and their proprietary wash for steam cleaning LPs, that before you place them on their microdot platter spots which, you've guessed it, are of optimized geometry and yield 'bigger sonic dividends' than spending $3k on a cartridge upgrade. All of this might be true but I don't actually know anyone who's tried their products so unless they are sending stuff out for review, I'll just have to continue enjoying the claims.
Their thin power cords and strips, which look like they are wrapped in cellophane bags certainly lack the bling factor of most audiophile products, but they also probably elicit shrieks from spouses when introduced into a living room. All a matter of taste, I suppose, but among their free tips for better sound, they recommend sitting with your chair back to the wall behind you (long wall preferably) with the speakers pulled up to 5ft in front of you. Now, I might be able to sell my significant other on the cellophane wrapped wires but rearranging the furniture and speakers in this way would be a quick path to bachelorhood I fear. If you try it, let me know how you get on, sonically that is (I don't want to know about your relationships!)
Now I am not saying there is nothing of value here - the Stanton table upgrades seem impressive, but the endless claims of listening tests, $90 tweaks that outperform multi-grand component upgrades, and exact percentage increases in sonic quality that result from one or other addition tends to elicit guffaws rather than respect after awhile but who knows? If you've tried one of these products, share your experience.
The latest catalog doesn't disappoint and comes with the usual tales of endless listening tests behind their products such as the thin $100 speaker wire which 'customers' report besting mega-buck cables, the choice of maple over everything else for supporting gear, and their proprietary wash for steam cleaning LPs, that before you place them on their microdot platter spots which, you've guessed it, are of optimized geometry and yield 'bigger sonic dividends' than spending $3k on a cartridge upgrade. All of this might be true but I don't actually know anyone who's tried their products so unless they are sending stuff out for review, I'll just have to continue enjoying the claims.
Their thin power cords and strips, which look like they are wrapped in cellophane bags certainly lack the bling factor of most audiophile products, but they also probably elicit shrieks from spouses when introduced into a living room. All a matter of taste, I suppose, but among their free tips for better sound, they recommend sitting with your chair back to the wall behind you (long wall preferably) with the speakers pulled up to 5ft in front of you. Now, I might be able to sell my significant other on the cellophane wrapped wires but rearranging the furniture and speakers in this way would be a quick path to bachelorhood I fear. If you try it, let me know how you get on, sonically that is (I don't want to know about your relationships!)
Now I am not saying there is nothing of value here - the Stanton table upgrades seem impressive, but the endless claims of listening tests, $90 tweaks that outperform multi-grand component upgrades, and exact percentage increases in sonic quality that result from one or other addition tends to elicit guffaws rather than respect after awhile but who knows? If you've tried one of these products, share your experience.
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