Ken Micallef, Author at Positive Feedback

New York Audio Show 2015

Ken Micallef — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 23:41:43 +0000

Westchester, New York, November 6, 7 & 8 Roaming the sparsely populated halls of the Rye Brook Westchester Hilton during opening day of "New York Audio Show 15," the event looked to be a bust. Instead of the usual throng of audiophile fiends blocking access to popular rooms, one could stroll the show's two floors,... Read More »

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Master & Dynamic MH 40 Meets the Schitt Valhalla 2 Single Ended Triode Amp and Preamp

Ken Micallef — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 05:18:16 +0000

Today, headphones are designed for DJs, hipsters, style mongers and those willing to spend $3k on high-end "Wearable Technology." The $399 Master & Dynamic MH 40 headphones stand in stark contrast to those business models. Not only are the MH 40s an example of a well conceived and smartly designed product that surpasses marketing hype,... Read More »

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Ortofon Quintet Bronze Cartridge

Ken Micallef — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 07:40:33 +0000

Reviewing phono cartridges, be they of the moving magnet, moving coil, or moving iron variety, involves that old "devil in the details." Depending on your tonearm and headshell you'll encounter varying degrees of difficulty when mounting a cartridge, maintaining composure at all times to insure that fingers, tweezers, blood, and sweat don't damage the cartridge's... Read More »

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Music Hall Audio On Merit: MMF-5.1SE vs. Ikura

Ken Micallef — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 02:07:33 +0000

Tipping the register at $1095 and $1195, respectively, the Music Hall MMF-5.1SE and recently introduced Ikura turntables share certain design and implementation features in their equally attractive frames. Both share a dual-plinth design, the same Pro-Ject 9 tonearm, same motor, a "precision stainless steel main bearing sheathed in Teflon for noise-free operation (quoting the Music... Read More »

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Jasmine LP3.0 MM/MC Phono Preamplifier

Ken Micallef — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 03:24:10 +0000

Did you know that the sweet jasmine plant is represented by 200 species native to tropical temperate regions of Eurasia, Australasia, and Oceania? Or that jasmine is widely cultivated for the characteristic fragrance of its flowers? I assume you know the latter if not the former. Originating in China, where fragrance, tradition, beauty, and orderliness are... Read More »

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Vinyl in the Round: ECM Re:Solutions

Ken Micallef — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 21:41:59 +0000

Mastered from the original 1970s era analog tapes and pressed in Germany on beautiful 180 gram vinyl (and also released on CD), ECM's Re:Solutions series brings to light recordings by vibraphonist Gary Burton, saxophonist Sam Rivers, bassist Miroslav Vitous, and the duo of guitarists John Abercrombie and Ralph Towner. Some of these recordings have been... Read More »

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Devore Fidelity Orangutan O/93 Loudspeakers

Ken Micallef — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:52:58 +0000

As I learned at the recent 2104 New York Audio Show, there is no lack of absurd loudspeaker designs executed with all sorts of wacky and expensive materials. While this year's blessed event was not as off-the-charts as prior shows in regard to loudspeakers that look like they were built by aliens with auditory requirements... Read More »

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Line Magnetic Audio LM-502CA Vacuum Tube DAC

Ken Micallef — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 21:03:24 +0000

I live in Greenwich Village, New York City, within easy walking distance of two fine audio emporiums: Stereo Exchange and In Living Stereo. These vendors offer different gear and different purchasing experiences. Stereo Exchange, one of the oldest hi-fi shops in NYC, is outfitted with spacious, private listening rooms featuring such big audio players as... Read More »

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