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December 26, 2008 - 12:39am
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Audio/Music Related Holiday gifts
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Santa came down the chimney with a pair of van Den Hull triple shielded 'hybrid' interconnets for my cartridge to phono-preamp link but I'm skeptical it will be an improvement. I'll have to wait till february to find out. tThe builders won't be back until then to finish my new listening room. In the meantime I cleaned out my ears with an organ recital on the mindbogglingly brilliant Rieger organ at Scots Church Collins St Melbourne. The most exalted high end system cannot even approach a gloriously rich sound like that. Feels like music is being absorbed direct into the bloodstream. AMAZING! !
A Wadia iTransport awaits me at home (we away at family). Looking forward to firing it up when I'm back on Sunday!
In addition to the Cartridge, I got a record and a stylus cleaner...not a bad haul.
Amazing album, from THE best songwriter of our generation. I believe at this point, he has surpassed Gram Parsons, and is gaining ground..
I got an album from my childhood that my daughter damaged a while ago.
and the new version of Bob Katz amazing book, "MASTERING AUDIO" (a must read for any recording.mix.mastering engineer or any music lover)
I didn't get anything but I did get these for Mrs. Sanford.
https://store.acousticsounds.com/browse_detail.cfm?Title_ID=55107
https://store.acousticsounds.com/browse_detail.cfm?Title_ID=49710
https://store.acousticsounds.com/browse_detail.cfm?Title_ID=52754
I got the Ultimate Analogue Test LP and a pair of Anti-Cables (for the HDTV speakers).
I have to figure out how to use the Ultimate Analogue Test LP; it looks like one needs test equipment to use it in setting up your TT with this thing. Anyone have this test LP? I am curious how one gets the best out of w/o test equipment.
I also got my vintage HK Citation 12 (which I bought used around Thanksgiving from an ad on CL) back from the stereo doctor! It had a nasty snapping, crackling, popping sound when it was turned on for any length of time. It turned out it's snapping, crackling and popping problems were due to the fact it had 10 bad transistors on the circuit board. I have plugged in to the system now, driven with a vintage preamp, a NAD 1300, while my 3120 is down for a rebuild and it sounds really good. Sure smokes the Arcam AVR280 for playin' rock 'n roll. Dire Staits Brother in Arms sounds really good.
I am surprised how good the Citation 12 still sounds to this day. It images and has better bass than my SOTA AVR, the Arcam AVR280.
This weekend I will be auditioning an Antique Sound Lab tube preamp. I am thinking of getting one of these; they have always sounded great when I am in at my local high-end shop.
I kept hinting to the hubbie that I wanted maple shelves to replace the MDF shelves on my Ultrarack. Instead, he bought me clothing. (At least I have a pair of pants for CES). But there's more than one Santa Claus in Serinusland. Another sent me the new Bel Canto 24/96 USB to BNC link, which allows me to play files on my Apple G4 laptop through my Theta Gen. VIII, Series 2 DAC/preamp. They sound great. I am as jazzed as can be.
Look for an exciting article on new CD quality and hi-res downloads that will appear on the homepage in the next 10 days or so.
jason
i got lp's. radiohead in rainbows; iron and wine; serfut stevens (i think)(very unusual music) all new; used, several al jereau albums; several doobie brothers albums; don ho's greatest hits (tiny bubbles - whoo hoo); and arlo guthrie - alice's restaraunt. these last 2 were 99centers i believe and meant to be kind of jokey. A fine haul. What is interesting is that the i was bored on christmas eve and went and picked up about 10 used albums at the used record store, so i am wearing out my cartridge now.
happy belated holiday wishes to all.
Hubbie?
Yes. David and I were married (for the second time) by Mayor Ronald V. Dellums and Rep. Barbara Lee in a public ceremony in Oakland City Hall on June 16, 2008. Our first marriage was in San Francisco on February 13, 2004.
There are gay men prominently positioned throughout the high-end industry, btw. As is the case with every profession and avocation.
jason victor serinus
Jason,
What's the status of your marriage now that California voted to deny gay marriages? How are you supposed to file your taxes?
If Prop. 8 had not been passed by 52% of the voters, we would have been able to file our state taxes jointly. Since the Federal Government does not recognize either same-sex marriage or civil unions, we are "single" in the eyes of the IRS.
Currently, our marriage remains valid in CA, and is I believe recognized in NY State, MA, and other places. I am cautiously optimistic that the CA Supreme Court will declare Prop. 8's amendment of the CA state constitution invalid. There are very strong arguments against (1) amending the state constitution on such a fundamental level by a simple majority vote as opposed to a vote by 2/3 of the electorate, and (2) allowing a simple majority to deny Constitutionally-granted inalienable rights to a minority. Many of CA large city mayors, legislators, and most recently the CA state Attorney General have signed on as opposing the validity of Prop. 8, and have asked the CA Supreme Court to declare it invalid.
It should be noted, btw, that the initial analysis that Prop. 8 (Marriage in CA is only between one man and one woman) was passed because of votes by people of color was faulty. It does not take into account the real split: older voters of all races tended to be more in favor of the amendment than younger voters. Although it's very different in countries ruled by Muslim fundamentalists - by fundamentalists of any religion, actually - in Judaeo-Christian-based countries, acceptance of LGBT peoples and relationships is increasing.
The key is education and familiarity. No one's soundsystem has yet exhibited soft highs and flaccid bass after I've touched their cables.
jason
I wouldn't make a statement with the IRS. Good move.
As for the majority? That is how elections work. California is broke. Unfortunately, election issue is going to the bottom of the pile right down. The election was bad timing for gays in California.
Also, you can't have your cake and eat it too. When Bush won the first election by electorate and not the popular vote I would bet your argument about that election is the exact opposite of your argument on Prop 8. That's a republic for ya
Jason,
If Fed gov't doesn't recognize same sex marriages, what difference does it make whether California recognizes your relationship or not? I'm talking about from a purely practical point of view.
I regret that the analogy is incorrect. Bush "won" (although that has been disputed) according to Federal law. The argument concerning Prop. 8 is that its passage violates constitutional law in California.
But let's get back to what Santa and whomever brought everyone for Hanukkah/Christmas/Kwanza/Winter Solstice/New Year. I've got to clean house before we host our neighbors' potluck tomorrow.
jason
From my vantage point, marriage is a spiritual union. That for me is what this is about. Of course I want all the protections of marriage as well. But my initial and overriding motivation is spiritual.
Cleanliness is next to godliness. With thanks to all for your supportive questions, I now bid this discussion adieu and prepare to clean house. Santa and your elves, please take it from here. Certainly others have new toys they want to talk about.
jason
We'll see what court cases (hint hint) gets mentioned when Prop 8 goes to the U.S. Supreme Court. Because that is where it is headed.
Also, AlexO is coming from a taxable point-of-view. Married filing jointly or separately with no children makes you a citizen (taxpayer where cash is king) and not a subject. Marriage isn't everything it is cracked up to be. You'll see.
I also got a new multimeter, soldering iron, a renewal of my acoustic gtr, stereophile, and audioExpress magazines, and also, the most cool/weird gift..
Hemi-Sync
AP is something I am very, very interested in, even though a lot of folks would call it voodoo or crazy or fringe..havent learned how to yet, but I really, really want to.
"AP is something I am very, very interested in, even though a lot of folks would call it voodoo or crazy or fringe...haven't learned how to yet, but I really, really want to. "
AP? Not sure what that would stand for. Are we talking lucid dreaming basically, or a variation of deep state meditation with the intention of greater conscious control?
I have no experience with CDs and other enhancers, but have done a fair bit of meditation. Like many things, there is rarely a shortcut to mastery. It'd be interesting to hear if you find that it works for you.
My wife got me a 5.5G iPod 80GB, which she found, new-in-box, on craigslist. Sweetness. It's now with Vinnie at Red Wine, getting the iMod treatment. So I'll have a brand new iMod set up... since I commute so much these days, a good portable solution is a must, and I can't wait for this portable set-up to be completed.
On the software side, I discovered that the EMI 'Icons' series of boxed CDs are available stateside, too. (They're made in Holland). Found them at Borders and used the 40% off coupons. Got the Solomon set and the Cortot set, 7 discs each. Could have gotten the Michelangeli set, but I've never been moved by Michelangeli, other than his Scarlatti... I already have like half of the Solomon individual albums both on LP and Testament CDs... but wanted to get the set, because I love his playing, the sensibility, the tone...
Got LP's by B-52's (the new one, Funplex; comes also w/ a CD), Elvis Costello (Momofuku, comes w/ a download code for mp3 version), and Hendrix (Band of Gypsys). The Hendrix LP in particular sounds really nice, with nice quiet vinyl. Except for a half minute of groove noise at the start of the 2nd side (why do records sometimes have that problem just at the start?)
And a SACD of the Pixies' Doolittle. I generally don't buy duplicates of music I have on another format but Pixies are such a favorite, just couldn't resist. Mostly, the SACD greatly improves the bass - the CD was always a little thin there, and so the overall sound balance is much better on the SACD. The detail and stuff is just a little better, but maybe because I have that album so deeply embedded in my skull already.
astral projection. oh, I know there are no shortcuts.. this is a multi disc set, with the emphasis on never moving on to the next disc until you have gotten the jist of the previous one.. Robert Monroe is an expert in the field, so this is very exciting.... i have had experiences such as sleep paralysis(allegedly the first stage of lucid dreaming) but have never had an idea that it was or could be part of the AP experience. it was always really frightening to me. every time ive done it, I have to force myself out of it.. now I need to embrace it.
i know to most this is weird, but it is someting i really believe in. remote viewing, astral projection.. good stuff.
OK- got it. I don't think sleep paralysis is the same thing at all as lucid dreaming. For one, usually lucid dreaming is an intentional process and happens earlier in the sleep cycle than at the end (not always of course). It could get addictive- a little like The Matrix. Once you know what it is, and you can start to take control, it really makes you want to keep going "back." It's in some ways related to a form of astral projection- the key being that in both cases you are accessing a process by which normally untapped and uncontrolled mental/psychic processes are brought to consciousness and controlled. Not easy stuff- you might well compare it to an attempt to consciously raise or lower your body temp! It's been documented a number of times in monitored tests- very rare. Good luck and post the results in the Open Bar!
interesting, d.. ive always heard mention that paralysis is the first stage or the entrance into the lucid world.
"interesting, d.. ive always heard mention that paralysis is the first stage or the entrance into the lucid world."
Well, I think it COULD happen, but the whole point is to be moving out of any connection to your body or normal conscious stimulus, right? I never noticed it when I've practiced any lucid dreaming- it's usually like going from relaxed drowsiness and then dropping right into the dream state. Like free falling into clouds and then out. Also, "sleep paralysis" can be a medical condition that occurs as part of some sleep disorders, so I kind of was referring to that- a more clinical definition I guess.
Sure does. Sometimes I do it with erotic intent. Other times I awake during a dream, think "Hm, wonder what would have happened if so and so didn't do such and such .."... then fall back into an altered dream that sadly doesn't always go as I've 're-scripted' it.
Decades of psychotherapy and reckless consumption of vast quantities of LSD at a young age may, or may not, have given me the ability to lucid dream. Who knows?
Tonight I think I'll dream about that Rockport 'Sirius' turntable I lust after........
The body (obviously inclusive of the brain) is astounding, indeed. One of the zillion things it can do is develop a subjective perception that can seem to show that "... one's consciousness is not solely confined to the functioning of the body." It is an amazing illusion. Unfortunately, there is no compelling evidence that consciousness survives the death of the body/brain.
"The body (obviously inclusive of the brain) is astounding, indeed. One of the zillion things it can do is develop a subjective perception that can seem to show that "... one's consciousness is not solely confined to the functioning of the body." It is an amazing illusion. Unfortunately, there is no compelling evidence that consciousness survives the death of the body/brain. "
Actually there is no evidence to prove or even map just what consiousness even is. In fact, other than mapping the phases of sleep. very little is even understood about it, or even how exactly it works. So far, unfortunately, science has not done a very adequate job of inquiring just what it is that makes us everything that is us- awareness, self-consciousness, intuition AND rationality that can go against bodily self preservation and instinct.
So far, it's like trying to look back at yourself with a magnifying glass, without even a mirror. All our tools, incredible though they are, still are looking "out." What is there to look "in" at the observer?