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Recording of November 2022: From Afar

Jason Victor Serinus Oct 18, 2022

Víkingur Ólafsson: From Afar
Víkingur Ólafsson, grand and upright pianos
DG 4861681 (24/192 WAV, available on 2 CD, 2 LP). 2022. Christopher Tarnow, prod. & eng.
Performance *****
Sonics ****

From Afar seems on its face like a dream recording for audiophiles and music lovers. The 2-CD, 44-track project spotlights Víkingur Ólafsson, the sensitive, 38-year-old Icelandic pianist, performing a captivating program of short pieces twice on dissimilar pianos with very different sound: a concert grand and an upright. The very different performances are dictated by Ólafsson's response to these very different instruments. The contrasts are wondrous.

Floor Loudspeaker Reviews

Snell Type B loudspeaker

Robert Harley, Larry Greenhill Oct 14, 2022

The Snell Type B is the culmination of three years' research and development effort by designer Kevin Voecks. Along the way, various iterations of the B have been shown at Consumer Electronics Shows. Like other Snell models, the facilities of Canada's National Research Council were used extensively during the B's development, both their anechoic chamber and their double-blind listening techniques.

Tube Power Amp Reviews

Jadis Defy 7, Quicksilver KT88, VAC PA90 tubed power amplifiers

Sam Tellig Oct 13, 2022

"It's the difference between a stuffed dog and the real thing," said Gunter (George) Bischoff, of Melos Audio, on the difference between solid-state gear and tubes. "The real dog may piss on the rug, needs visits to the vet, gets fleas, has to be walked, but it's a living thinga real dog. The stuffed dog requires no care, needs no maintenance, but has no life."

Stand Loudspeaker Reviews

Wharfedale 507.2 loudspeaker

John Atkinson Oct 12, 2022

Probably best-known in recent years for their best-selling "baby" speaker, the Diamond, Wharfedale is one of the UK's oldest manufacturers of loudspeakers. The company was the subject of a management buyout earlier this year, following a rather unsettled period when it changed hands several times. Now with American distribution as of 1989 by Vector Research (footnote 1), the brand is reinventing itself in the US with two new ranges of loudspeakers, the 507.2 being one of the "audiophile" models. Both drive-units are made in-house; the first generation of Wharfedale loudspeakers to feature this 19mm aluminum-dome tweeterthe 506, 508, and 708appeared in early 1985.

Analog Corner Phono Cartridge Reviews

Analog Corner #264: Ortofon Windfeld Ti Cartridge

Michael Fremer Oct 11, 2022

Ortofon (footnote 1), which turns 100 in 2018, launched the original Windfeld cartridge nearly a decade ago. Named for cartridge designer Per Windfeldwho had just retired at age 75, after 30 years with the companythat top-of-the-line cartridge cost $3400 at the time of its introduction.

Music and Recording Reviews

October 2022 Classical Record Reviews

Jason Victor Serinus, Stephen Francis Vasta Oct 07, 2022

Aloys Schmitt: Piano Concertos 12; Rondeau brillant, India Gailey: to you through, Brahms: Symphonies 3, 4 and György Kurtág: Kafka-Fragmente.

Music and Recording Reviews

October 2022 Jazz Record Reviews

Robert Baird, Thomas Conrad Oct 07, 2022

Enrico Rava, Fred Hersch: The Song Is You, Reinier Baas/Jonas Burgwinkel/Kit Downes: Deadeye, Kirk Knuffke Trio: Gravity Without Airs and Anteloper: Pink Dolphins.

Music and Recording Reviews

October 2022 Pop/Rock Record Reviews

Anne E. Johnson Oct 07, 2022

Angel Olsen: Big Time and Bananarama: Masquerade.

Re-Tales

Re-Tales #25: Get rid of the ego, keep the fun and the music

Julie Mullins Oct 06, 2022

Attracting new customers is essential for brick-and-mortar dealerships' long-term survival. Over the last several years, many b&m dealerships have continued to expand into home automation and custom installation. Home theater is also undergoing a resurgence. These services can supportand complementtwo-channel audio-equipment sales.

Miscellaneous

Nordost QNet network switch & QSource linear power supply

Jason Victor Serinus Oct 05, 2022

"A switch? Why do I need a switch?" That was my response to Meredith Gabor, head of marketing and PR for cable and accessories manufacturer Nordost, after she dropped the news. She had just arranged with Jim Austin for me to write a shorter, "ancillary" review of the new Nordost QNet Network Switch ($3199.99) with its optional QSource linear power supply ($2749.99) and premium QSource DC umbilical interface cables ($339.99 for 1m). Why did I need an expensive QNet switch when my router was functioning reliably? Good question.