The WFMU Record Fair

The WFMU Record Fair

I should have known by the looks in their shining eyes. When people told me that I'd probably enjoy it, that it was probably a good idea for me to go, they were being coy. But never mind: No words could have prepared me for the enormity of the event, for the knee-weakening prospect of innumerable treasures. And so, on Saturday morning, when I decided to go to the <a href="http://www.wfmu.org/recfair/">WFMU Record Fair</a>, I was entirely, woefully, indubitably unprepared. I am reminded of <a href="http://www.stereophile.com/news/010605cessm/index.html">my first Consumer Electronics Show</a>. You can't know what it's like until you've been. And only after it's over can you pretend to prepare for the following year. I will begin pretending to prepare for next year's event today&#151taking for granted that next year will exist&#151but, until then, I'm left wanting a do-over, wondering <i>why didn't anybody tell me it would be like this</i>, while nevertheless enjoying the few treasures I did come home with.

Peggy, Miles, and Trane on Speakers Corner

Peggy, Miles, and Trane on Speakers Corner

Speakers Corner Records, the German audiophile vinyl reissue label (distributed in the U.S. by Acoustic Sounds), has one of the more diverse jazz catalogues, drawn from a variety of golden-age labels (Verve, RCA, Impulse, Columbia, among others). Three new additions are worth mining:

Which composer would you recommend as an introduction to classical music? Explain your reasons for your choice.

Category

Reader "max" says he has a young friend who "wants to try classical music, but does not know where to start." Which single composer would you recommend to introduce someone to classical music? And why?

More Output from Left Channel - Cart

I thought I noticed this before, but confirmed it when I started archiving some records. My right channel is louder than the left. I've determined it is the cartridge, because when I swap it out for my old (cheaper) one, the audio is level. (I had also tried switching the L/R input into my phono pre, and the left channel was louder then - so same thing).

I've contacted the dealer and I'm going to try to swap it out or upgrade it (it is the Bias 2, and I think I'll fork over the dough for the Elys if the dealer lets me).

SHM-CD (Super High Material CD)

I just wanted to give a heads up on the SHM-CDs I have purchased. So far I have only received 2 of the 3. The Led Zeppelin SHM-CD versions of ZoSo and Physical Graffiti. The CDs come in a nice Mini-LP that gets all the detail of the original.

but...

I was hoping for better sonics. I probably should have chosen better titles. These sound pretty bad. (or I should say, no different) I guess my system isn't good enough to notice the laser could read the 1s and 0s easier.

Audio Power Supply

During RMAF 2008 the presentations in the Nordost room and the Tuning & Setup seminar hosted by HiFi+ (Roy Gregory) emphasized the importance of the house power supply in audio systems. Not only is the electric source noisy but house appliances and indeed even audio devices themselves add noise to the house power grid. Dedicated electrical lines from the main electrical panel to audio systems and the use of power conditioners can greatly improve the power source. But are they alone enough? A completely separate line and accompanying electric meter is not practical in my case.

What I would like to see in Stereophile Magazine

I really look forward to receiving my monthly issue of Stereophile but I have to admit that in all likelyhood that I could never afford 85% of the components within the issue. As much as I enjoy the magazine here are some things I would like to see:

Product Reviews: On the side of the page I would have a section for components say under $5k and below and then $7K and below etc. There is nothing more of a bummer than reading a great review of a product only to learn that one could never afford to purchase it.

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