Reviews Archives - Positive Feedback

Jimmy Wakely's Songs Of The West

Robert Pincus — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:15:37 +0000

Historians refer to Jimmy Wakely (1914-1982) as one of the last of the singing cowboys. Although he wasn't the very last, he was the last to sign with a major record label and produce a steady stream of records. He was, along with Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, one of Hollywood's greatest singing cowboys. His... Read More »

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New From Origin Live: The Gravity Two Record Weight

Bruce Kinch — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:08:13 +0000

Back in 2023 I reviewed (HERE) the innovative Gravity One record weight from turntable/tonearm manufacturer Origin Live (along with their "Upgrade" platter mat and Cartridge Enabler head-shell isolator). All available to any vinyl fiend for use with any brand turntable, arm, or cartridge. Sure, they were prototyped and developed on Origin Live's own gear, but... Read More »

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Klipsch Heritage Heresy IV Loudspeakers: High-Efficiency, Magnificent Sound, and Gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Looks

Tom Gibbs — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:42:11 +0000

I did some serious catching up with Public relations maven Sue Toscano¹ during the 2025 Florida International Audio Expo; talking with her is an absolute joy, and her zeal for the projects and brands she represents is nearly irrepressible. Shortly after FLAX, Sue reached out to inform me about a webinar scheduled for mid-March, where... Read More »

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Shanling CD80II CD Player and Streamer

Ed Kobesky — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:39:35 +0000

When I reviewed the Marantz NA6006 network audio player back in 2021 (HERE), I was fairly new to streaming. I still am. It's an occasional source at best, and vinyl LPs occupy the vast majority of my home listening time. That Marantz had replaced my departed Rega Apollo CD player after I realized I was... Read More »

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SVS Ultra Evolution Tower Loudspeakers: Affordable Quality, Reference Sound

Tom Gibbs — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:12:18 +0000

When Dr. David Robinson reached out to me mid-year 2025 with a review opportunity available for a pair of SVS Ultra Evolution Tower loudspeakers, my curiosity was truly piqued. Yes, SVS Sound are beyond doubt the high-performance subwoofer gurus, but their forays into full-range loudspeakers for me were an unknown. However, a quick online peek... Read More »

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Recent Finds No. 66 HDTT Further Extends Its Treasure House of Great Performances in Superb Sound Quality

Rushton Paul — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:58:10 +0000

I've noted before that the offerings available in the HDTT catalog are a treasure house of the great recordings from the golden age of stereo. Yet again, Bob Witrak brings to us six new releases that further expand that marvelous library of great performances in some of the best sound quality in which these recordings... Read More »

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Up Your Vinyl and Digital Games With These Accessories!

Myles B. Astor — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:38:08 +0000

For over 30 years, I've enjoyed reviewing audio accessories—or "tweaks"—including power line conditioners, record cleaning machines and fluids, vinyl storage solutions, vibration isolation devices and cable burn-in devices. Even developing an inexpensive "tweak" for air bearing tonearms that significantly improved their sound. One thing, however, that differentiates today's from yesteryear's "tweaks" is cost. "Tweaks" were... Read More »

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In Passionate Pursuit Of The Very Best! Five Outstanding Audiophile Reissues From The Vinylphile Series for Jellyfish, Peter Frampton, The Velvet Underground, The Band And Heart!

Robert S. Youman — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 20:37:59 +0000

We audiophiles are living the good life. Never before have we had so many outstanding reissue opportunities. These reissues continue to amaze as they have consistently provided what most audiophiles clearly yearn for. This includes excellent packaging, pressing, and sound quality along with some very interesting if not wonderful title selections. In the past, we... Read More »

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Back to the Golden Age? Arias by Bizet, Delibes, Donizetti, Rossini, and Verdi

Stephen Francis Vasta — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 03:19:07 +0000

Golden Age, Arias by Bizet, Delibes, Donizetti, Rossini, and Verdi. Erin Morley, soprano; Lawrence Brownlee, tenor; Munich Radio Orchestra/Ivan Repušić. Pentatone Music PTC 5187 400. TT: 62.53 Donizetti, La fille du r馮iment: Quoi! Vous m'aimez?...De cet aveu si tendre. Rossini: Le comte Ory, Ah, quel respect...Ce t駑駻aire qui croit nous plaire. Bizet Les p鹹heurs de perles: ﾀ cette... Read More »

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"Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar" on 180 gram, 45 rpm Mono LPs from Intervention Records

Tom Gibbs — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:51:43 +0000

Ancient history, I know, but I grew up in a small rural town where I was indoctrinated by the music of Johnny Cash daily on AM radio. And even though my ten-year-old self soon had enough cash (pun intended) stuffed in my pocket to procure Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison—which would be my first LP... Read More »

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World Premier Review of Zesto Audio Athena DAC with ESP Power Supply

Robert H. Levi — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:32:20 +0000

Zesto Audio is a relatively new company located in Los Angeles where it manufacturers a full array of excellent tube audiophile equipment to bring music to life in the home. Though not priced atmospherically like many of its all tube competitors, it strives to surpass the finest gear available using smart technology, extraordinary transformers and parts,... Read More »

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IsoAcoustics GAIA Neo II and Aperta Sub Isolators: Eliminating Resonance and Vibrations, While Getting You Closer to the Music!

Tom Gibbs — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:13:42 +0000

When I finalized my plans to attend last August's Audio Advice Live manufacturer showcase in Raleigh, North Carolina, publicist Jaclyn Inglis contacted me in advance to gauge my interest in a show demonstration of IsoAcoustics' new GAIA Neo loudspeaker isolators. Her excitement for the product line sold me, and I quickly agreed to stop by... Read More »

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First Recording from Bert van der Wolf's High Street Studio Shows Off Superb Acoustics

Rushton Paul — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:05:20 +0000

I have been waiting for the chance to hear a recording made in Bert van der Wolf's new High Street Studio in Heerewaarden, Netherlands—a performance hall and recording studio inside a converted church. Bert has described this building as an incredible find with wonderful acoustics. In the conversion process, those inherently excellent acoustics have been... Read More »

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New Pure DSD256 from Analog Tone Factory and Jerome Sabbagh

Rushton Paul — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:21:10 +0000

Stand Up! Jerome Sabbagh, Ben Monder, Joe Martin, Nasheet Waits. Analog Tone Factory 2025 2026 (Pure DSD256, Stereo) HERE When tenor saxophonist Jerome Sabbagh released Stand Up! on vinyl and open reel last year, I remember thinking, I hope he gives us a Pure DSD256 transfer from that half-inch 30ips master tape. Now he has!... Read More »

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…and Steve says...Listening to All My Records, Part 5

Steve Lefkowicz — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 16:02:05 +0000

For those readers new to this column, please read the introductory comments in Part one HERE. One thing you probably will notice as this series progresses is the preponderance of used records listed. Of course some of those are used copies to replace records I've previously owned that were stolen, but quite honestly, the bulk... Read More »

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Recent Finds No. 65 New HDTT Offerings That Belong In Your Collection

Rushton Paul — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:47:04 +0000

HDTT continues to release recordings of historical significance that are treasures to hear once again, and all in excellent sound quality. We have five classical recordings that deserve a place in every classical music collection. And three jazz recordings of interest, with the Sonny Stitt and Paul Gonsalves album, Salt and Pepper, beyond outstanding. Enjoy.... Read More »

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Recent Finds No. 64 NativeDSD Releases Pure DSD256 Audio Treasures

Rushton Paul — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:01:41 +0000

Over the years I've freely admitted to being something of a sound nut. I revel in recordings that feel transparent, timbrally truthful, and utterly convincing in their portrayal of natural acoustic space. For me, the deepest listening pleasure comes from acoustic instruments captured in real environments, without artifice. With that in mind, I'm delighted to... Read More »

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Carl Perkins' Classic "Dance Album of Carl Perkins" on 180 gram, 45 rpm Mono LP from Intervention Records

Tom Gibbs — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:57:29 +0000

Intervention Records has just announced their Intervention Sun Records Hi-Fi Series, which will offer deluxe 180 gram, 45 rpm mono LP editions of classic Sun Records albums. The series has kicked off with Dance Album of Carl Perkins, the iconic guitarist's 1957 compilation album that not only commemorates the 70th anniversary of his classic hit... Read More »

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John McLaughlin's "Music For Abandoned Heights" on Impex HQ-180 gram LP and SACD

Tom Gibbs — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:06:23 +0000

Impex Records has just released incomparable guitarist and jazz fusion legend John McLaughlin's latest recording, Music For Abandoned Heights. It's an album that hearkens back to not only his classic early recordings, but continues to build on a legacy of remarkable fretwork that spans a half-century of thrilling and often groundbreaking performances. Music for Abandoned... Read More »

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Don't Fence Me In: Western Music's Early Golden Era

Robert Pincus — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:02:30 +0000

Every now and then I discover an album that changes the course of my musical journey. Don't Fence Me In: Western Music's Early Golden Era (Ronder CD 1102), a CD that I found in the late-nineties, is one such title. My favorite music is sixties rock, followed closely by classical music, but in 2008 I... Read More »

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Recent Finds No. 63 HDTT Continues Knocking it Out of the Park

Rushton Paul — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 23:01:05 +0000

I admit to getting utmost pleasure from the outstanding releases Bob Witrak continues providing to us via his High Definition Tape Transfers catalog. As I've said before, his extensive offerings are like wandering into a treasure room filled with some of the greatest classical and jazz albums ever released. I'm delighted to have these opportunities... Read More »

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Arne Mk2 Integrated Amplifier

Key Kim — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 22:51:16 +0000

Engstrom is a small family-run company from Stockholm Sweden. The EE emblem represents the two founding partners, Lars & Timo Engstrom, who are a unique uncle and nephew duo. They embody a balanced and "less is more" approach to design and engineering that is central to the company's identity. Lars Engstrom was born in the... Read More »

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Family Heirlooms? Two Amazing New Reissues! Vince Guaraldi, A Charlie Brown Christmas (UHQR) and Nat King Cole, The Christmas Song (One-Step). Iconic Music At Its Best!

Robert S. Youman — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:52:41 +0000

Please be patient as I share some personal backstory. When I was a kid, our family had certain traditions for Christmas week that were lovingly established and then re-enforced by my father every year. He and my mother seemed to enjoy them as much or more than the seven kids. These traditions have carried on... Read More »

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…and Steve says...Listening to All My Records, Part 4

Steve Lefkowicz — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:31:52 +0000

For those readers new to this column, please read the introductory comments in Part 1 HERE. As I mentioned in previous parts of this series, many times in my articles and reviews, and probably to everyone I've ever talked to about records or audio, I had a bunch of records stolen at some point in... Read More »

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World Premier Review of Kubala•Sosna Research Celebration OptimiZ4 Series Interconnects

Robert H. Levi — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 22:27:11 +0000

I have enjoyed Kubala•Sosna interconnects, speaker cables, digital cables, and power cords for over 20 years, and value the advice of Joe Kubala greatly. My systems are tuned with Kubala•Sosna Emotion, Elation! and more, and have used these excellent cables to compare newcomers from all parts of the world. It is heartwarming to know the... Read More »

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