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LATEST ADDITIONS

Quad II Classic Integrated amplifier

Art Dudley Nov 17, 2011

Given that Quad's founder, the late Peter J. Walker, wasn't around to design the Quad II Classic Integrated, the English firm relied instead on Tim de Paravicini, whose credits include the comparatively recent Quad II-eighty mono amplifiers and QC-twentyfour preamplifier (not to mention his own line of E.A.R./Yoshino electronics and countless other well-regarded products). It's with respect for both men that I say: In turning to Tim de Paravicini, Quad has probably chosen the closest approach to the original.

Integrated Amp Reviews

Luxman SQ-38u integrated amplifier

Art Dudley Nov 17, 2011

Let's not beat around the bush: this is what an amplifier is supposed to look like. The silver front panel contains over a dozen knobs and switches, yet somehow avoids seeming cluttered. The solid wood cabinet wouldn't look out of place next to Hugh Hefner's cognac decanter. And the controls! The SQ-38u is as full-function as they come ("as they used to come" would be closer to the truth), with a Balance knob, separate Bass and Treble Tone Controls, a low-frequency cutoff (aka "rumble") switch labeled Low Cut, a Mono/Stereo switch, and a mute button; plus switching and connectors for two pairs of loudspeakers. Everything but curb feelers.

Stephen Mejias

What is Sound?

Stephen Mejias Nov 17, 2011

SoundCloud, the neat “social sound platform” that allows users to create and share sounds with anyone who has an internet connection, turned to design company, The Wilderness, to help answer the question, “What is sound?”

See what the experts&#151Moby, Imogen Heap, Julian Treasure, Martyn Ware, and others&#151have to say.

Stephen Mejias

Now on Newsstands: Stereophile, Vol.34 No.12

Stephen Mejias Nov 16, 2011

The December 2011 issue of Stereophile is now on newsstands. Here are 60 reasons to buy it:

News

Hi-Fi Expo Sophia

Stephen Mejias Nov 15, 2011

The massive Clearaudio Statement (seen here: just the topmost 567 pixels) will be on display at Hi-Fi Expo Sophia in Bulgaria.

Thursday&#150Sunday, December 14: The second Hi-Fi Expo Sophia will take place at the Grand Hotel Sophia in Sophia, Bulgaria.

News Stephen Mejias

Hi-fi Hootenannies at Whetstone Audio

Stephen Mejias Nov 15, 2011

Look eye! Always look eye!

Friday, December 2, 69pm: Whetstone Audio (2401 East 6th Street, #1001, Austin, Texas) will host an evening of music with Bob Clarke of Profundo (Heed, Transfiguration, VivA, Trenner & Freidl, Silent Source) and Colleen Cardas of Colleen Cardas Imports (Unison Research, Opera Loudspeakers).

Brian Di Frank of Whetstone Audio says this is just “the first of many hootenannies” and he offers a warm invitation:

Stand Loudspeaker Reviews Budget Component Reviews The Entry Level

The Entry Level #11

Stephen Mejias Nov 15, 2011

On Thursday, August 11, Cut Copy performed for a massive crowd at Brooklyn's Prospect Park, putting the perfect end to what had been a beautiful summer day. Concert photos by Natalie.

The enormous sky above Brooklyn's Prospect Park was a dazzling watercolor. Warm, soft shades of yellow, orange, and violet swept across a saturated canvas as the sun slowly dissolved into the horizon and day reluctantly gave way to night. It was the second week of August and, though no one wanted to admit it, the days had become noticeably shorter.

I walked alone through turnstiles that led to the large band shell where thousands of people would congregate for the final night of "Celebrate Brooklyn," a summerlong series of outdoor concerts. This year's season included performances by a wonderfully diverse and talented collection of artistssome obscure, some renowned, all worthwhile: Andrew Bird, Larry Harlow, Animal Collective, Real Estate, The Feelies, Los Lobos, The Bad Plus, Dr. John, and dozens of others.

Interviews

George Avakian: That Rhythm Man!

Robert Baird Nov 15, 2011

"So where did it all go wrong, George? When did the major-label record business begin slipping away?"

Before he can answer, I recall something George Avakian once told me over the phone. "Goddard Lieberson [former president of Columbia Records] said, 'I'm tired of sitting in A&R meetings with record guys. Get me some lawyers and accountants who don't want to argue about music.'"

"I don't remember saying that, but that's very interesting," Avakian says with a mischievous smile of recognition.

Headphone Reviews InnerFidelity

AKG Quincy Jones Q460

Tyll Hertsens Nov 15, 2011

This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com

Quincy Jones has it going on, and I liked their higher-end Quincy Jones Q701 when I reviewed it a while ago. But now we come to a very small, sealed portable headphone, the Quincy Jones Q460.

Let's see how it does.

News Ariel Bitran

NHT SuperPower Desktop Loudspeakers

Ariel Bitran Nov 14, 2011

John Johnsen, NHT’s Owner and Director of Marketing, shows off his new SuperPowers.

On an early Thursday morning on November 10th, 2011, NHT’s John Johnsen presented his new SuperPower powered desktop loudspeaker ($398/pair) to members of the hi-fi and consumer electronics press.