2nd Edition
Gramophone Dreams #11
Which record player has achieved international acclaim as a musical instrument in its own right? Which turntable is revered for its near-indestructible build quality? Which disc spinner has played more records--and made more people drink, drug, dance, and make out--than any other?
Listening #164
I should have seen this coming: Less than a year after the last time I railed against the darkness of cable reviewing--the indignity of crawling around behind my equipment rack, the tedium of comparing one wire to another, the frustration of trying to wring from the experience some fresh and hopefully entertaining observations, the horror of dealing with manufacturers whose hunger for good publicity borders on the vampiric--I have once again invited into my home a cable manufacturer and his wares.
Moon by Simaudio Evolution 780D D/A processor
With the new Moon Evolution 780D Streaming DSD DAC ($15,000), Simaudio has altogether eliminated the spinning disc. If you buy a 780D and want to play CDs through it, you'll have to add a CD transport or a player with a digital output (the Moon Evolution 650D and Neo 260D remain in production).
Remembering Jim Hall: a Jim Hall/Red Mitchell ArtistShare Project
If you are a lover or a maker of jazz (or any music at all) you must be a fan of the legendary guitarist Jim Hall, who passed away on December 10, 2013. At least, that is the hope I have seared into my mind, as to not completely lose all faith in humanity.
PSB Imagine T3 loudspeaker
I am a big believer in supporting events promoted by specialty audio retailers. They reinforce the idea that audiophiles and manufacturers--even reviewers--are parts of a vibrant community that believes that listening to music with the highest possible quality is one of the more important things in life.
Danish String Quartet's Three "Firsts" Point the Way
One of the great joys of reviewing is discovering music with ideas so fresh, and harmonic progressions so inventive, that the simple act of listening without distraction inspires unique emotional and intellectual journeys. Such is the case every time I listen to the recent ECM New Series release, Danish String Quartet: Thomas Ades Per Norgard Hans Abrahamsen.
Sony SS-NA5ES loudspeaker
Your little car gets in and out of traffic better than minivans or monster trucks. Your little dog runs rings around the other dogs at the park. Maybe it's time to get a couple of little loudspeakers, too?
A Visit to the Pops Home
In New York City or more specially Corona, Queens, July is the month when thoughts turn to the legacy of one Louis Armstrong. According to his own reckoning, "Pops" was born on July 4, 1900, but in reality he was born on August 4, 1901. Last weekend, I made the pilgrimage with my patient wife to the Pops home in Corona, to view what is now the Louis Armstrong House Museum.
Source Stereophile
