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LATEST ADDITIONS

Recording of December 2021: A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle

Kurt Gottschalk Nov 24, 2021

John Coltrane: A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle
Impulse!/UMe (CD B0034290-02, LP B0034291-01, download). 2021. Ravi Coltrane, prod.; Kevin Reeves, eng.
Performance *****
Sonics ***½

John Coltrane's career as a bandleader can be divided, with haphazard tidiness, into three periods. His so-called classic quartet with pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Jimmy Garrison, and drummer Elvin Jones, which deserves every bit of its legendary status, dominates the 19621965 middle section and encompasses Coltrane's greatest achievements. Before that was the ramp-up and after lay the free jazz experiments.

Floor Loudspeaker Reviews

Perlisten S7t loudspeaker

Kalman Rubinson Nov 23, 2021

I received an email from a longtime press representative I've known for years, telling me about a new loudspeaker company he's representing. The company is bursting from the gates with a line of products that includes floorstanders, standmounts, wallmounts, surrounds, center channels, and a range of subwoofers.

Integrated Amp Reviews

Bryston B135³ integrated amplifier

Herb Reichert Nov 22, 2021

Out of the blue, a forever friend I hadn't spoken to in years called and asked me to join him at Riverside Church for a concert of William Basinski performing his renowned Disintegration Loops. Dedicated to the victims of 9/11, the work was completed as Basinski watched the airplanes crash into the World Trade Center from his Brooklyn rooftop.

News

Michael Fremer enlivens impressive Audio-Ultra demos

Jason Victor Serinus Nov 22, 2021

Audio-Ultra, a Seattle-area (Sumner, Washington) dealership representing Magico, MSB, Taiko Audio, Kuzma, Vitus, StromTank, Equi=Tech, AudioQuest, Ansuz, and more, held an impressive two-day event November 12 and 13 at the Cedarbrook Lodge near SEATAC Airport. Of all the audio events I’ve attended over the years, this one, masterminded by Audio-Ultra’s Edward DeVito, made the most convincing case for the need of careful setup to fully appreciate the rewards of vinyl remasters of classic rock and jazz.

Products of the Year

Stereophile's Products of 2021

Jim Austin Nov 19, 2021

Here's another Stereophile milestone, our second one this year. In August, we celebrated the magazine's 500th issue. This month, we celebrate a number that's smaller but almost as round: our 30th Annual Product of the Year Awards.

Re-Tales

Re-Tales #15: The Beat Goes On

Julie Mullins Nov 18, 2021

Finding fresh approaches to doing business isn't easy, especially in the current climate. But now it's becoming essential. Audio manufacturers, distributors, and dealers must figure out how to attract new customers while continuing to provide service for existing customers. Neither thing is easily accomplished in an era of change. But failure isn't an option. People with something to sell must connect with customers, and vice versa. Access is key.

Audacious Audio Floor Loudspeaker Reviews

Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx V loudspeaker

Jim Austin Nov 17, 2021

The Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx V ($135,000$151,000/pair) is the biggest, heaviest, most expensive loudspeaker I've had in my listening room. It replaces the original Alexx in Wilson's lineup; Michael Fremer reviewed the earlier Alexx, bought it, and owned it until replacing it recently with the Wilson Chronosonic XVX.

As We See It

Complicated

Jim Austin Nov 16, 2021

Even though I'm the editor of Stereophile, I sometimes struggle to get my audio system to play. It's a little bit embarrassing. Just last night, I put on a record and there was no sound. I figured out the problem immediately: I'd forgotten to turn on the amplifiers. But the reason isn't always so obvious.

Music and Recording Reviews

November 2021 Classical Record Reviews

Kurt Gottschalk, Jason Victor Serinus, Stephen Francis Vasta Nov 12, 2021

J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos, Christopher Otto & JACK Quartet: rag'sma, R. Strauss: Alpine Symphony and Fairy Tales: Recital Music From Eastern Europe: Music by Prokofiev, Tubin, Körvits, Herdzin, Balsys, Tcherepnine, and Markovitch.

Music and Recording Reviews

November 2021 Jazz Record Reviews

Thomas Conrad, Tom Fine Nov 12, 2021

Johnathan Blake: Homeward Bound, Bill Charlap Trio: Street of Dreams, Renee Rosnes: Kinds of Love and Oliver Nelson: The Blues and the Abstract Truth.