Description: Solid-state preamplifier with four line-level inputs, one phono input switchable between MM and MC, two tape loops, one video loop, and bass and treble controls. Specifications: Frequency response (phono): 40Hz–100kHz ±0.2dB. Frequency response (line-level): 4Hz–100kHz +0 –3dB. Input impedance: 47k ohms in parallel with 100pF (MM phono), 180 ohms in parallel with 100pF (MC phono), 24k ohms (line). Output impedance: 1200 ohms (main). Maximum output level: 10.75V RMS into 1M ohm. Sensitivity (phono): 2.5mV RMS input for 1V output (MM), 260uV RMS input…
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Sidebar 4: Postlude
Do I still think that the preamplifier is the sonic heart of a system? 'Fraid so. Nothing that I heard while conducting these budget-priced preamplifier reviews caused me to shift from my position (stated in the November 1987 "As We See It") that when it comes to acting as a wide-open window to the music, every facility and function added to a basic preamplifier detracts, even if slightly, from the ultimate sound quality. If I had no money limitations, I would be forced to choose something like the Mark Levinson No.26 to get the best sound from LP (that is, if I ever…
Silent Voices (New Amsterdam Records) comes from the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus. The recording, from young forces who have performed with everyone from the New Philharmonic and Mariinsky Orchestra to Barbara Streisand and Elton John, showcases works composed for their ongoing multimedia, multi-composer concert series, Silent Voices. Some of these works, which have already been heard at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, National Sawdust, and other prestigious venues, are sure to find their way into the songbooks of many a professional and student organization.
One measure of…
Even newbie audiophiles can be smitten with the vintage hi-fi bug. Keyboardist and composer John Escreet was once a streaming kind of guy. Then he heard the Fisher 500-C/Falcon LS3/5a-endowed system of bassist Matt Brewer, partner of former Stereophile editorial coordinator Jana Dagdagan.
"Their system sounded so realistic," Escreet recalled from his Brooklyn apartment, where he lives with his girlfriend, vocalist Teresa Lee. "It gave a lot more clarity to the recordings. When I'd go around to Matt and Jana's apartment, music through their system sounded focused and warm. It sounded like…
Music of Edgar Varèse, Vol.2
Arcana, Déserts, Offrandes, Chanson De Là-Haut (Song From High)
Dona Precht, soprano, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Robert Craft, conductor.
Columbia Masterworks MS-6362 (LP). John McClure, Thomas Frost, prods. TT: 24:45.
Arcana, Déserts, Offrandes, Chanson De Là-Haut (Song From High)
Dona Precht, soprano, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Robert Craft, conductor.
Columbia Masterworks MS-6362 (LP). John McClure, Thomas Frost, prods. TT: 24:45.
In electronic music, the sounds of musical instruments, natural noise-makers and electronic signal generators are recorded on tape, modified by running them at higher- or lower-than-normal speeds and manipulating their tonal content, and then combined in rhythmic and tonal patterns to create entirely new forms of music.
…
I recently experienced an alarming audiophile episode. John Atkinson wanted to send me BorderPatrol's Digital to Analogue Converter SE, so that I could write the Follow-Up published in the November issue. But he wouldn't tell me anything about Herb Reichert's original review of the product, which had not yet been published. Instead, he said, cryptically, "If this is a 'great' DAC, I'll have to hang up my measurements." I took this to mean Herb liked it, but JA's test rig did not.
Sure, why not? Go ahead and send me the DAC, I thought. I'd love to hear what something covered in audio fur…
Wolfgang Muthspiel: Where the River Goes
Wolfgang Muthspiel, electric & acoustic guitars; Ambrose Akinmusire, trumpet; Brad Mehldau, piano; Larry Grenadier, bass; Eric Harland, drums
ECM 2610 (CD). 2018. Manfred Eicher, prod.; Gérard de Haro, Nicolas Baillard, engs. DDD. TT: 48:15
Performance ****½
Sonics ****½
Wolfgang Muthspiel, electric & acoustic guitars; Ambrose Akinmusire, trumpet; Brad Mehldau, piano; Larry Grenadier, bass; Eric Harland, drums
ECM 2610 (CD). 2018. Manfred Eicher, prod.; Gérard de Haro, Nicolas Baillard, engs. DDD. TT: 48:15
Performance ****½
Sonics ****½
Wolfgang Muthspiel of Austria has been active and respected on the European scene for 30 years. But like so many of the best European jazz musicians, he began to get famous only when he began recording for ECM: His Travel Guide (2013) and Driftwood (2014) were…
How to encompass the myriad delights in Mozart's multiple Sonatas for Violin and Fortepiano? Judging from the three chosen by baroque violinist Isabelle Faust and period instrument/modern music keyboard specialist Alexander Melnikov for their November 23 release, Mozart Sonatas for Violin and Fortepiano, Vol.1 (Harmonia Mundi 902360), we will be fortunate enough to struggle with that question for some time to come.
It's one thing to hear Mozart's sonatas performed on modern instruments. Arkivmusic.com, for example, lists 53 recordings for one of the three sonatas in Faust and Melnikov's…
Since fake news is on everyone's minds these days—I would say it's been in the news a lot, but that kind of reasoning is too circular even for me—it's worth keeping in mind that there's also such a thing as fake praise. You see it every day, whether it's a fake Google review—an alarming number of businesses seem unaware that real people don't actually say things like "the team at New Hartford Chevrolet really listened to all of my needs"—or fake trophies handed out to all 20 co-captains of your child's soccer team.
Then there are fake awards.
Let's say you're a hi-fi enthusiast…
Joint Loudspeakers of the Year
Sonus Faber Aida ($130,000/pair; reviewed by Michael Fremer, October 2018, Vol.41 No.10 review)
Wilson Audio Specialties Alexia Series 2 ($57,900/pair; reviewed by John Atkinson & Jason Victor Serinus, July & August 2018, Vol.41 Nos. 7 & 8 review)
Finalists (in alphabetical order)
DeVore Fidelity Orangutan O/93 ($8400/pair; reviewed by Sam Tellig, Herb Reichert & Art Dudley, January 2014 & December 2015 & May 2018, Vol.37 No.1 & Vol.38 No.12 & Vol.41 No.5 review)
Dynaudio Special 40 ($2999/…