search

Tris McCall's 2008 Pop Music Abstract

I think you'll enjoy Tris McCall's 2008 Pop Music Abstract.

He shares his thoughts on pop music. All of it, from 50 Cent to Lykke Li to Weezer. For instance, this bit on Vampire Weekend:

Latest NYC export occasions as much animosity as the Strokes did, and for the same reason: they're a frat-rock band for wealthy postgraduates who believe themselves above frat-rock.

Or this on Elvis Costello:

Cool beans: Steve Nieve has brought the Vox Continental out of mothballs. Homie can play anything with keys, of course, but it's always nice to dance with…

Getting the Awards Ready

The show is about to begin, and John Atkinson is getting the annual Product of the Year awards ready for handout.

Last year PS Audio teased us with a prototype disc player called the memory link which never quite made it to production. Instead, the company evolved the idea further and created a new line of products branded PerfectWave.

First up is the PerfectWave Transport Memory Player, likely to run $2,999 when it hits the streets in March. The TMP is essentially an optical disc player that can play any resolution WAV file (including Reference Recordings' new high definition HRX format DVDs) and FLAC files. MP3 decoding may be added to the mix in the future, but SACD won't be possible, since…

More PerfectWave

PS Audio is also showing a prototype of the new PerfectWave DAC/pre, also slated for around $2999, and sporting a touch screen. There are four HDMI imputs on the back (only compatible with their I2S flavor of HDMI) and a touchscreen on the front for controlling volume and such.

On the back is a slot for the $500 "Bridge" which would enable the DAC/pre to interface with a NAS drive and iPhone/Touch controller and become a full-fledged music server. McGowan promises several future products to fillup the HDMI ports on the back.

Screamin' Streamers

I've always maintained that whatever the mass market selects, audiophiles then perfect. Meaning that we make silk purses out of the format sow's ears thrown our way.

Leave it to Muse's Kevin Halverson and Classic Records' Mike Hobson to flip the idea on its head and bring audiophiledom to the masses. They've formed a new venture called High Resolution Technologies to market products that don't quite fit in line with their own company's offerings.

First up are two USB to analog converters called the Music Streamer ($89) and Music Streamer Plus ($249). Both products hook up…

Meridian/Sooloos First Offspring

The recent marriage between Meridian and Sooloos didn't take long to bear progeny. They've started resorting the Sooloos line of media server products beginning with the Control:One touchscreen which is now the Control 10.

Next they've developed a tabletop touchscreen called the Control 20 which features a 15" screen (the Control 10 screen is still 17") and along with the 10, an interface on the back allowing it to be directly connected to Meridian's powered speakers and Comm S network.

The Control 20 will retail for $3,500 and is expected to be available in a couple months…

Back of the Sooloos Control 20

S/PDIF, Meridian Speakerline, Comm S, 12 volt triggers and assorted connectors on the back of the Control 20.

Muse-ing

Kevin Halverson was excited about the latest version of the Model 200 integrated amplifier ($3750), which has a larger display than the older version, as well as an active front panel optional module ($50), which allows yu to control the 200 with any Muse remote control. Additional Modular Audio/Video Platform modules (MAPs) accommodate analog or digital inputs ($750/ea).

Driving Halverson's Avalon Indras, the 200 had plenty of moxy playing Workingman's Dead. The sound was compelling and I complained that he was making my job harder—I wanted to tarry a while and listen, but needs…

Hiato Means Something in Maori

Another massive integrated that impressed me was Plinius' 200Wpc Hiato ($8900), which can also include a modular phono section ($1275). It accepts RCA and XLR inputs. Weighing in at a whopping 60 lbs, the Hiato sounded sauve and unflappable, living up to its name, which means "coming together in harmony" in Maori.

Oh, Vincent.

Vincent was showing a room full of well-built, good-sounding, surprisingly affordable tube gear.The first thing that caught my eye (ear) was the 60Wpc V-60 ($3995). The V-60 sports four EL-34s per channel for that classic themionic caramel color (but just the teensiest bit). Pairs of 69273 and 6FQ7s complete the complement. Another sweet spot I never wanted to leave.

Across the room was the 150Wpc hybrid SV-236 mk. II ($1995). That 'un sports two 6N4s and a 12AX. It looked tasty, but it wasn't in an active system.