Wexler
It’s appropriate that I’d be listening to Irma Thomas’ new R&B record, <I>Simply Grand</I> when I heard that Jerry Wexler had died.
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Esoteric MG-20 loudspeaker
Audio shows are where reviewers search out products for possible review. We are always on the lookout—or listenout—for components that transcend the boundaries of the ordinary, that set the pulse racing a little faster. The 2007 Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, held in Denver last October, was the first RMAF I had attended, and among the rooms that impressed me was one featuring components from the Japanese brand Esoteric, which was celebrating its 20th anniversary.
News from Sonos
Uncle Isaac is building a new house. When he asked me how he might go about getting music to play throughout several different rooms of his home, the first thing that came to mind was <a href="http://www.stereophile.com/budgetcomponents/1006sonos/index.html">Sonos…;. (Of course, if it was <i>my</i> house, I'd have <a href="http://blog.stereophile.com/stephenmejias/the_rega_p3-24_iin_colouri/">a different-colored turntable</a> in each room: Colonel Mustard in the library, Professor Plum in the study, Mr. Green in the billiards room, Miss Scarlet in the kitchen (wink wink)….)
Definitive Technology Mythos STS SuperTower loudspeaker
John Atkinson and I were in a Manhattan loft apartment that could have stood in for every sophisticated NYC loft you've ever seen in films. We were surrounded by fabulous contemporary art. Asian and South American antiquities were discreetly displayed. The furniture was sparse but choice. And, over in one corner, facing a conversation grouping of paintings, two sleek metal tower loudspeakers were making extremely convincing music. We managed to delay examination of this urban paradise long enough to drink adult beverages and inhale some music.
Recording of August 2008: Romaria
<B>THE DOWLAND PROJECT: <I>Romaria</I></B><BR>
The Dowland Project: John Potter, tenor; John Surman, tenor & bass recorder. soprano saxophone, bass clarinet; Milos Valent, violin, viola; John Stubbs, baroque guitar, vihuela<BR>
ECM New Series 1970 (CD). 2008. Manfred Eicher, prod.; Markus Heiland, eng.
DDD. TT: 77:00<BR>
Performance ***½<BR>
Sonics ****
Baby You Can Drive My Car
In July, I received an invitation from Bentley to participate in a "driving event" involving the 2009 model Continental Flying Spur and Continental Flying Spur Speed. How come? Because the 2009 Bentleys have the <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/news/022108bentley/">Naim For Bentley music system</A> and, in addition to debuting it for the automotive press, Bentley wanted some hi-fi writers along for the, umm, ride.
Dynamic EQ
Adjusting the EQ for every 1km change in speed, the Dynamic EQ has over 300 settings. Other fun tricks include various EQ "modes," allowing the system to be voiced for the driver's position or for the rear right passenger's seat. ("Home James, and give me the sweet spot!")
Control!
While the Naim for Bentley system has a six-disc changer, I found its glove-box mounted iPod cradle awfully useful. It has the MFI (made for iPod) authentication chip, so all of your iPod's playlists, titles, and other metadata are displayed on the GPS touchscreen in the center of the console. All iPod functions can be controlled through the touchscreen, including scrolling though all selections or leaving a playlist for shuffle.
Power!
The Continental Flying Spur was demonstrated in two varieties: The "regular" Flying Spur, which has 19" tires and a 48-valve, 552bhp W12 engine, and the "Speed," which put the Flying Spur on 20" rims, and a 600bhp version of that W12—and outfits it with Bentley's carbon/silicon carbide brakes.
Acceleration Exhilaration
Naturally, this NY resident, who doesn't own a car, was given a Speed for a starter car. No problem—as it turns out people get out of the way when they see eight Bentleys coming at them. As a result, I managed not to hit any pedestrians or guardrails—only the road.