The Sound Room

All Things Vinyl, August 20, 2009: SoundSmith Strain Gauge Cartridge; Garrard 301 Video.

by Oliver Amnuayphol

MM or MC? If you read the previous ATV post, you'll know when it comes to phono cartridges, you usually have a choice between two flavors: moving magnet or moving coil. Sure, once in a while there are variations on the theme, such as Joe Grado's or the Soundsmith's moving iron carts; but in terms of technology, there's nothing new. There is however one decidely old school cartridge type that's new again: the strain gauge cartridge. More kudos to the folks at the Soundsmith for re-introducing this fab technology, and since Soundsmith proprietor Mr. Ledermann can explain how it works much better than I can, I'll let him do the talking:

And speaking of old school tech, many of you long-time analoggerheads might remember that venerable British turntable brand, Garrard and their legendary tables, the 301 and 401. Check out this YouTube video of one sweet vintage-inspired, valves-n-vinyl system featuring the 301:

Hi-Res Focus: SACD Specialty Labels Pentatone Records, Alia Vox, and Caro Mitis

by Oliver Amnuayphol

Remember SACD? Once upon a time, the format was the audiophile’s great hi-res hope for two and multi-channel, lifelike sound. I recently read one of our forum threads, “Who buys SACDs?” that got me thinking about my history of hi res music purchases. Unfortunately the format has lingered in near obscurity since its introduction almost ten years ago, reduced to a niche format for that increasingly endangered species, the quality conscious music lover. But ask any classical-luvin’ audiophile and he’ll tell you (it’s almost always a “he,” isn’t it?) that SACD is far from dead. Everyone knows I'm a vinylhead first but, when it comes to newer classical releases, nothing beats SACD. I've found that, for classical music afficionados, there's an embarrassment of super riches out there in the super audio format.

Take for example Pentatone Records, who releases only SACD titles of first rate classical performances. A large majority of their recordings are also multi-channel and recorded direct to DSD; if you have a multi-channel SACD set up with direct from DSD conversion, you'll be amazed by the realistic, warm and rich sonics of their recordings (two channel playback is equally impressive if you're so inclined). You can purchase Pentatone discs at a variety of locations, but my fav is Arkiv Music. Hands down I'd say they are the best classical e-tailer ever: you can also search/browse exclusively within the SACD format, and they've got over 2000 SACDs available. Of course, you can also purchase Pentatone's discs from their own site (if you're a member). 

 

If you love renaissance, consort or Baroque music (or any early music for that matter), you'll surely agree that record label Alia Vox is like mana from the gods. I mean, how can you not love the label Jordi Savall calls home? I need a daily dose of French and English Baroque to survive, and Alia Vox's catalog is loaded with superb performances of works by Couperin, Marais, Lully, Hume and Lawes among many others. If you've ever heard a theorbe or bass viol up close and in person, you'll marvel at how sumptuously realistic these instruments sound on Alia Vox's recordings. Where to buy? Again, Arkiv Music is a great source, as is Amazon.

 

Also, a shout out to my peeps at Caro Mitis, a classical label specializing in SACDs of Russian and European musicians, ensembles and orchestras. Many releases are world premier recordings, and their selection of exclusive oboe works featuring oboist Alexei Utkin are first class. Check out their recordings featuring the Pratum Integrum Orchestra with authentic period instruments as well. Purchase these fine discs again at Arkiv, or at special prices from MA Recordings, another fine label who is closing out their selection of Caro Mitis discs.

 

 

 

Got your own suggestions for where to buy SACDs? Leave a comment, or hit up the above referenced forum post.

All Things Vinyl, November 12, 2008

Love them YouTube videos: This week, more analog-luvin' the video way. Check out the video-slash-stills collage below of Portal Space Records, a small, "indie" record pressing outfit that bought EMI's pressing plant before the vinyl revival. There's some good info and picture stills here on the record production process. Mad props for keepin' the luv alive:

Peep this video below for a more in-depth look at the record resurgence, and what makes a music lover choose vinyl over, say, lifeless digital MP3's:

And just in case you missed it the first time around, here's the CBS news story about vinyl's comeback that features some kids waxing ecstatic over the vinyls--praise be them hip youngsters! Oh, and the story also features Miss Shelby Lynne, a record junkie herself:

All Things Vinyl, October 8, 2008

by Oliver Amnuayphol

This week, a little of this, a little of that: For starters, how about some most excellent LP news? One of the premier vinyl re-issue labels in existence, Classic Records, has cooked up an all new, clear vinyl LP formulation appropriately dubbed Clarity SV-P II. Known to have some of the best vinyl profiles around, Classic Records will debut Clarity in four initial, 200-gram, single-sided, 12"-45 rpm releases: John Coltrane, Blue Train; Cannonball Adderly, Somethin' Else; Leo Kottke, 6 & 12 String Guitar; And Cannonball Adderly, Autumn Leaves and Alison's Uncle. Classic claims their clear vinyl formulation isn't just for show; word is Clarity SV-P II sounds much better than black licorice pizzas for reasons that definitely make sense to this vinyl junkie (see the Clarity link for a detailed explanation). Blue Train and Somethin' Else are available now; second two titles are shipping very, very soon.

If you were spinning the vinyls during the 80's, you probably remember British electronics manufacturer Revolver, maker of the low cost but fine sounding Rebel turntable. Revolver has been quietly making speakers ever since those dark days of vinyl replay, but now with the analog revival in full swing, they've decided to debut a new turntable, the Replay ($3500, available now). Featuring a marble split-plinth design, 1.5" thick polyester resin platter, single-point bearing and unipivot tonearm, the Replay promises to build on the Rebel's excellent reputation with modern day machining tolerances and cutting edge build quality.

If you're like me, chances are you've found yourself thinking, "Hey--wouldn't it be great if there were some sort of website dedicated to, ahem, all things vinyl?" Well high praise to the vinyl-luvin' web gods at Big Black Disk  (http://www.bigblackdisk.com/) for their vinyl-junkie repository. Full of LP reviews, vinyl news, a forum, and lots of other LP goodness, you can bet this analog lover will be visiting Big Black Disk with a fierceness.

New and recent vinyl Releases.

Jennifer Warnes - Famous Blue Raincoat: 20th Anniversary Edition (45-rpm 2 lp set); Bob Dylan - Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series Vol. 8; Wee - You Can Fly on My Aeroplane; Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger; Hayden - In Field & Town; Billie Holiday - Music for Torching; Jolie Holland - The Living and the Dead; Broken Social Scene Presents: Brendan Canning - Something for All of Us...

HDtracks and the Ultimate Download Experience!

by Oliver Amnuayphol

A very positive trend of late has been the increasing availability of high-quality, DRM-free downloadable music. A very good thing indeed--and even better when it's free! That's right--audiophile label Chesky Records recently announced the launch of their digital music store, HDtracks, and for a limited time, they're offering free hi-res downloads via their Ultimate Download Experience to help get the word out about their lovely site. Created by Chesky Records founders David and Norman Chesky, HDtracks offers DRM-free, high- quality digital music files in three different formats: AIFF, FLAC (both CD quality), and 320 kbps mp3 priced at $11.98 per album or $1.49 per track. The list of labels that have signed on is huge, and the number of available albums is mighty impressive.What's more, PDF files of liner notes are available, along with album reviews, biographies and discographies. Super-duper bonus: Since a good chunk of Chesky's datalog has been recorded in 24-bit/96khz resolution, HDtracks will also be debuting these super hi-res files when they become available. I've been relishing my Ultimate Download Experience all week and gotta say: I'm absolutely over the moon about the sound. This is hi-res done right, my friends. Well done, HDtracks!

All Things Vinyl, March 17-21, 2008: Paper Turntable, New Vinyl LP Releases

by Oliver Amnuayphol

Wanna get in on the vinyl craze, but a little short on flow? How about making your own turntable--out of paper! That's right: Artist and all-around creative genius Simon Elvins has made this sweet-looking turntable out of paper--and it works! I can't imagine it sounding any good--but it sure looks fun. I'll be investigating whether this art-is-life piece is actually available for sale so's I can get my mitts on one. Stay tuned!

Ever wondered how vinyl records are made? Check out these awesome Youtube videos of the whole process, beginning to end--from mastering lacquers to pressing the vinyls. You can find parts one and two of the video here and here.

Recent Vinyl releases:

--Shelby Lynne, Just a Little Lovin--Lynne's homage to Dusty Springfield is chock-full of intimate arrangements and was recorded with no overdubs or studio trickery. A gem of a record.

 

--B-52's, Funplex--The first new album in 16 years from this funtastic foursome, the B-52's have polished up their dance-friendly and groovy sounds for the next generation.

 

--The Black Keys, Attack and Release--So I haven't actually heard this one yet (not available until April 1st), but if it's anything like their previous stuff, I'm sold. Bonus: The LP also comes with a CD version!

 

--The Constantines, Kensington Heights--And yet another album I haven't heard in its entirety (April 15th release). But "Hard Feelings," the first sneak-peek single from the new release, may alone be worth the entire album price.

Next week: Good Analog Hygiene.