2nd Edition
The Even More Amazing ifi Micro iPhono 2 MM/MC Phono Preamplifier
While the new iPhono 2 appears on the outside to be identical to the original iPhono, reviewed back in 2012 on analogplanet.com, don't let the similar appearance fool you: the iPhono 2 is a completely new and vastly improved phono preamplifier--and the original was already plenty good.
Joe Jackson Reissues From Intervention Records
Joe Jackson's "angry young man" stance came late in the cycle and so at the time was less than fully convincing. Elvis and Graham had already been there and done that. The picture of Jackson on the back cover of his debut Look Sharp (IR-005) just wasn't convincing.
Levin Introduces Stylish Stylus Brush
It's not stiff enough to "scrub' dirt from your stylus like the stiff bristled ones do that come with some cartridges--especially those that as you to not use liquids containing alcohol because the stylus is bonded to the cantilever, but for casual cleaning of "dust ball" type stuff it works well, plus of course it looks great.
How Audio-Technica Builds the ART1000 MC Phono Cartridge (price and tech correction)
During my visit to Audio-Technica in Machida City, Tokyo, Japan, I was I given a tour of the factory, which mostly produces microphones along with some headphone components. Other than the new ART1000, all of the cartridge manufacturing and assembly takes place either at another factory in Fukui, Japan or at an Audio-Technica owned factory in China.
Check Out Koizumi-San's 45rpm Record Collection
Yosuke Koizumi, 36, who took over the ART 1000's final production supervision brought some of his 45rpm collection on the second day of my visit...perhaps to assure me that he's way into vinyl and not just doing a "job".
Analogplanet Visits Audio-Technica Headquarters, Machida, Japan
Analogplanet recently visited Audio-Technica's new Machida, Japan headquarters opened in 2015 to learn more about the fifty four year old company founded by the late Hideo Matsushita, and today run by his son company President Kazuo.
Audio-Technica ART 1000 Cartridge Designer Mitsuo Miyata Interviewed
To prepare for an upcoming full review in Stereophile, analogplanet.com editor Michael Fremer flew to Japan to see how the unique cartridge is manufactured as well as to meet with A-T executives and the cartridge's designer, the recently retired Mitsuo Miyata.
Simon and Halee Reunited Again Make Musical and Sonic Magic
Reunited with his old friend, producer and engineer Roy Halee, Paul Simon delivers an imaginative and vital record--his most fully realized since Graceland., though its musical complexity and mood more closely resemble Rhythm of the Saints"
1st Edition
Intervention Records Catalog Sweepstakes
Register to win the Intervention Records catalog (seven LPs with a retail value of $248) we are giving away.
What I Learned at the First Ever McIntosh Group Convention
Last week, McIntosh Group Inc. CEO and chief visionary Mauro Grange invited a few hundred guests to Forte Village a luxury resort on the Italian Island of Sardinia for five days of work and fun.
So You Want to Buy a Record Store?
Classic Records founder and current owner of Elite Distribution as well as the record store High Fidelity in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles is looking to sell the store. Hobson told this to me in person at T.H.E. Show Newport Beach this past June.
Audio Research Launches New Foundation Series at WOM Convention
--Sardinia, Italy, July 28th: Plymouth, Minnesota-based Audio Research introduced to its dealers and distributors at WOM (World of McIntosh) Convention its new lower priced Foundation line of tube electronics. The three pieces were on static display at the Munich High End Show, but here they played in a system with a pair of Sonus Faber Il Cremonese speakers.
McIntosh Debuts $2000 MP100 MM/MC Phono Preamp With Built In A/D Converter
This is the company's first ever stand-alone phono preamplifier. It features a mono button, front panel adjustable MM capacitance and MC resistive loading plus a clipping warning light for the A/D converter. You can lower the output with the push of a front panel (or remote control) button to avoid clipping.
At First World of McIntosh (WOM) Convention Sonus Faber's New sf16 Creates Near Chaos
The new sf16 is a limited to two hundred units per year compact, self-contained device that includes a pair of motorized, retractible powered satellites and a subwoofer. The design includes bespoke drivers in "push-push" configuration (satellites and sub) and Class "D" amplification.
Frank Kimbrough Interprets Andew Hill's "Laverne"
With permission, here's a transcription of Frank Kimbrough and group covering Andrew Hill's "Laverne" from Newvelle Records' first vinyl release, part of its subscription series of original jazz recordings available only on vinyl.
"Jack Johnson"---Miles Makes a Rock Album
1971's Jack Johnson is Miles Davis making as close to a rock record as he's made. First, compared to the serpentine complexity of Bitches Brew he stripped down the sound, with Herbie Hancock on Farfisa organ (!), John McLaughlin playing killer wah-wah drenched guitar, Billy Cobham on drums, Michael Henderson on Fender bass and Steve Grossman on saxophone. Plus of course, Miles.
Nina Simone's 1959 Debut "Little Girl Blue" Remains Timeless
Seeing the superb documentary "What Happened, Miss Simone" isn't mandatory but you'll so much more enjoy this astonishing debut album recorded in 1957 (but not released until 1959) that it's highly recommended, especially if you have Netflix. You'll sit transfixed by this exceptional woman's remarkable and often tragic life story.
Analogplanet Visits Audio Research Corporation
To prepare for a review in Stereophile of two pieces of the company's vacuum tube-based electronics, Analogplanet editor Michael Fremer visits Audio Research Corporation, in North Plymouth, Minnesota, just outside of Minneapolis.
Source AnalogPlanet
