September - October 2019 Archives - Positive Feedback https://positive-feedback.com/issue/september-october-2019/ A Creative Forum for the Audio Arts Sat, 20 Apr 2024 18:19:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 IMPEX Records Legrand Jazz - A Wonderful New 45 RPM LP Reissue https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/music-reviews/impex-records-legrand-jazz/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/music-reviews/impex-records-legrand-jazz/#respond Mon, 28 Oct 2019 19:29:33 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41729 Legrand Jazz, Michel Legrand. IMPEX Records. I'm very much falling in love with 45 RPM LPs. I'm also very much falling in love with IMPEX Records and their recent series of vinyl releases. Merge this format and this label together and you have a real winner: Legrand Jazz. This is a pressing that could possibly... Read More »

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The Power of Tubes: Manley Neo-Classic 250W Monoblocks https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/manley-neo-classic-250w/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/manley-neo-classic-250w/#respond Thu, 24 Oct 2019 16:42:37 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41506 For those who have been around audio for a while, Manley Labs has been an industry stalwart for a long time. Headed by EveAnna Manley they produce products for both the home and professional markets. I stumbled upon the company once again when I heard of a new headphone amplifier that they had recently developed... Read More »

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Paradox Pulse Amplifiers https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/paradox-pulse-amplifiers/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/paradox-pulse-amplifiers/#respond Wed, 23 Oct 2019 22:19:39 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41525 "If you want the finest amplifiers money can buy here is your chance. The Paradox Pulse mono amplifier uses only the finest of parts throughout including MUNDORF MLytic power supply capacitors, 12 gauge copper foil chokes (DC PI filtering), paralleled transformers, quad stacked Schottky diode bridge, finest transistors available 4302 and 4281, A/C PI filtering,... Read More »

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KRONOS Audio SSCPS Takes You Higher https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/kronos-audio-sscps/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/kronos-audio-sscps/#respond Wed, 23 Oct 2019 21:50:59 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41582 Just looking at the SSCPS, you can tell Louis Desjardins knows a thing or two about materials design. But don't get him started—unless you've got a sizable chunk of time. We'll rev him up a bit later. First, let's give the floor to the Sparta Super Capacitor Power Supply and let it speak for itself.... Read More »

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Impressions:  My Audio Oasis! Awards for RMAF 2019, Part the Last https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/impressions-my-audio-oasis-awards-for-rmaf-2019-part-the-last/ https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/impressions-my-audio-oasis-awards-for-rmaf-2019-part-the-last/#respond Mon, 21 Oct 2019 22:05:31 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41533 David W. Robinson:  Self-Portrait, Variation 3, Happy Valley, OR, 2019 Wilson Audio & VTL As usual of late, the Wilson Audio/VTL room did not disappoint…quite the contrary. The Wilson Audio Sasha DAW loudspeakers and their accompanying Wilson Watchdog Subwoofers, with an external crossover, were sounding quite full-range and authoritative, driven by the VTL S-400 Monoblocks.... Read More »

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Akiko Audio Corelli Power Conditioner https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/akiko-audio-corelli-power-conditioner/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/akiko-audio-corelli-power-conditioner/#respond Mon, 21 Oct 2019 16:59:26 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41511 It was around 5 year ago that I learned a valuable lesson; never discount the validity of an audio tweak even, if it does not seem to have any apparent scientific basis, without trying it out first. The component that helped me learn this lesson was the Akiko Audio Tuning Sticks. It was claimed that... Read More »

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Bakoon International AMP-13R https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/bakoon-international-amp-13r/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/bakoon-international-amp-13r/#respond Sat, 19 Oct 2019 16:12:06 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=40703 They say a lot of things about small packages. "Good things come in small packages." There is a certain wisdom in that statement. Of course it rarely has an applicability to Heavy Weight Boxing! The professional athlete that goes 6'8" and plays, basketball, football, soccer, or whatever rarely feels that they would be better off... Read More »

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Top 500 SuperSonic List - Part 15 https://positive-feedback.com/music-supersonic-recordings/top-500-supersonic-list-part-15/ https://positive-feedback.com/music-supersonic-recordings/top-500-supersonic-list-part-15/#respond Sat, 19 Oct 2019 16:00:00 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41470 This is an ongoing project by Claude Lemaire of Soundevaluations 111. Count Basie, Live at the Sands (Before Frank). MoFi ‎– MFSL 2-401 (2013), (2x33 1/3 rpm). Genre: big band swing, jazz. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, and apparently that is exactly what happened to this original 1966 recording before Reprise finally release it in... Read More »

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Song Review: Syrinx by +Ingelrii+ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/music-reviews/syrinx-ingelrii/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/music-reviews/syrinx-ingelrii/#respond Fri, 18 Oct 2019 17:37:09 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41389 If you frequent Positive-Feedback, you may have noticed my lengthy interview with Ketil Vestrum Einarsen, who was recently described by Jacob Holm-Lupo as "prog's mad scientist." Well, he is back with a new project called +Ingelrii+, which includes long-time collaborator Gaute Storsve on guitar, bass, and percussion. Trond Gjellum plays drums. In addition to his... Read More »

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Acapella Audio Arts:  the Sphäron Excalibur https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/acapella-audio-arts-spharon-excalibur/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/acapella-audio-arts-spharon-excalibur/#respond Thu, 17 Oct 2019 20:53:10 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41362 Three years ago, while visiting Acapella's showroom in Duisburg, I experienced that a Poseydon could bring you closer to the dynamics of a concert event than even the most demanding hi-fi enthusiast could have ever dreamed of. And, the acoustic transducer currently being there in demonstration is intended to narrow the gap between reality and... Read More »

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Stacore CLD Footers; A Universal, Rigid Audio Equipment Footer https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/stacore-cld-footers/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/stacore-cld-footers/#respond Thu, 17 Oct 2019 20:30:25 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41344 In the beginning I was the tweakaholic. I spent much time fooling around with and writing about all manner of audio accessories, searching for the sonic Band-Aid that would repair my sound. It wasn't what I wanted—actually, I wasn't sure what I wanted—and these devices always delivered something. I wore the moniker like a badge... Read More »

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Focal Utopia, Abyss Phi CC, and the Hifiman Susvara - Three End Game Headphones: Which One is Right for You? https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/focal-utopia-abyss-phi-cc-hifiman-susvara/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/focal-utopia-abyss-phi-cc-hifiman-susvara/#respond Wed, 16 Oct 2019 17:13:16 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41319 I started my audiophile journey in 2011 with the purchase of a Sennheiser HD 600 and a Yulong D100 headphone AMP/DAC combo. The total cost for that system was $400 all in. My feelings on the purchase were mixed to say the least, I loved the performance, but the cost also seemed silly to both... Read More »

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Centrance Cerene dB Transparent Reference Headphones https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/centrance-cerene-db-transparent-reference-headphones/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/centrance-cerene-db-transparent-reference-headphones/#respond Tue, 15 Oct 2019 16:50:36 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41296 I've owned a number of decent headphones over the course of my life as an audiophile, and I always generally have a couple of pairs on hand. Mostly for listening when my wife, Beth, has control of the television and has landed on HGTV or some insanely sick horror flick that I could care less... Read More »

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Impressions:  My Audio Oasis! Awards for RMAF 2019, Part the First https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/impressions-my-audio-oasis-awards-for-rmaf-2019-part-the-first/ https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/impressions-my-audio-oasis-awards-for-rmaf-2019-part-the-first/#respond Mon, 14 Oct 2019 16:28:52 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41222 Ye Olde Editor at RMAF back in 2015 (photograph by Jeff Day) Introduction:  RMAF at a major new site After a hiatus of three years (2016-2018), during which my colleagues Dave and Carol Clark headed up show coverage for Positive Feedback at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, it was time for Lila Ritsema (PF's Business... Read More »

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The Neoteric Listener - The Audio Research VSi75 Stereo Integrated Amplifier https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/audio-research-vsi75-stereo-integrated-amplifier/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/audio-research-vsi75-stereo-integrated-amplifier/#respond Thu, 10 Oct 2019 17:28:34 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41201 It was I who killed punk rock in the Listening Room with the Record Player. Well, kill might be too strong a word, defanged it might be closer to the mark. But at least I learned something about audio, so it wasn't a total loss. The moment square poseurs like me played Black Flag's Damaged... Read More »

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McIntosh RS200 Wireless Loudspeaker System https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/mcintosh-rs200-wireless-loudspeaker-system/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/mcintosh-rs200-wireless-loudspeaker-system/#respond Wed, 09 Oct 2019 17:24:15 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41182 If you are an audiophile, and have been in the hobby for more than the last five nanoseconds, then you know McIntosh. Easily one of the stalwarts of the industry, and a company that has always paid as much attention to aesthetics as to engineering prowess and quality. That is a lot of attention, by... Read More »

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LampizatOr Amber III Hi-Res DAC https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/lampizator-amber-iii-hi-res-dac/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/lampizator-amber-iii-hi-res-dac/#respond Mon, 07 Oct 2019 18:41:02 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41150 Review By Dave Hanson With this article, Positive Feedback continues its content-sharing relationship with Enjoy the Music. Dave Hanson shares his thoughts about the LampizatOr Amber III Hi-Res DAC. Read, and learn.... Dr. David W. Robinson, Editor-in-Chief World Premiere Review! Fall in love with your music all over again. It's one thing to create a component that listeners can... Read More »

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The Gudebrod Audio 3T12V Tube Preamplifier Strikes a Nice Balance https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/gudebrod-audio-3t12v-tube-preamplifier/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/gudebrod-audio-3t12v-tube-preamplifier/#respond Fri, 04 Oct 2019 22:15:08 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41105 Arlington Heights, IL - The music swirled about the room like wine in a sommelier's mouth. I'd first heard them in a packed Arlington Room at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum in February 2018. The frozen, yellow grass out front was thawing and inside, principals Eric Krupp and John Brunner were demonstrating their Gudebrod Audio... Read More »

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Hagerman Audio Labs Tuba Headphone Amplifier [UPDATED] https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/hagerman-audio-labs-tuba/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/hagerman-audio-labs-tuba/#respond Fri, 04 Oct 2019 20:53:33 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=41134 The Hagerman Audio Labs Tuba Headphone Amp (image by Bob Levi) About 12 years ago I reviewed the Hagerman Trumpet, a very fine all-tube phono stage, built in Hawaii. It was impressive and musical and priced around $2000. It outperformed my Pass X Phono, a $4000 piece, and I almost bought it. When I was... Read More »

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Serving Up the Straight Wire Expressivo AG and Serenade 3 - A Quick Comparison of Two Audiophile Interconnects https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/straight-wire-expressivo-ag-serenade-3/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/straight-wire-expressivo-ag-serenade-3/#respond Tue, 01 Oct 2019 20:54:35 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=40951 Audio cables act as passive filters, affecting the performance of a high fidelity speaker system for better or worse, depending on interactions with the room, first, the electronics, second, and personal tastes of the listener, third. As with a wine and food match at a chic bistro, the resulting interactions can be mediocre to stellar,... Read More »

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The Duelund-Altec Project – Dare to Dream! https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/duelund-altec-project/ https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/duelund-altec-project/#respond Tue, 01 Oct 2019 16:44:42 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=40964 This particular feature article for Positive Feedback isn't your typical audio review, but rather is intended to be a fun and inspirational "dare to dream" article that is decidedly outside of the usual audio mainstream. This is an article that tells the story of the successful marriage of the latest state-of-art Duelund Coherent Audio CAST... Read More »

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ampsandsound Leeloo Mono Tube Amplifiers: Superior Single-Ended Triode Performance for Headphones and High-Efficiency Loudspeakers https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/ampsandsound-leeloo-amplifiers/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/ampsandsound-leeloo-amplifiers/#respond Mon, 30 Sep 2019 21:16:12 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=40890 I've owned a pair of Zu Audio Omens—the Dirty Weekend (DW) variety—for over five years now. Zu builds high-efficiency loudspeakers that employ 10-inch full range drivers and compression tweeters, with many of their models approaching 97dB per 1 watt input. During operation, the 10-inch drivers, which are custom-manufactured for Zu by Eminence in Kentucky, run... Read More »

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The Editors Series 27 - Marc Phillips of the Occasional Magazine https://positive-feedback.com/interviews/marc-phillips-editors-series-27/ https://positive-feedback.com/interviews/marc-phillips-editors-series-27/#respond Mon, 30 Sep 2019 16:53:43 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=40892 THE EDITORS is a cycle of interviews with audio magazine editors from all over the world—both those in charge of printed publications, as well as online magazines and portals. It started on January 1st 2012 and 26 interviews have been published since then—the one below is No. 27. Our aim is to familiarize our readers... Read More »

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Grado Labs GH4 Limited Edition Headphones: A Must Own! https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/grado-labs-gh4-headphones/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/grado-labs-gh4-headphones/#respond Mon, 30 Sep 2019 16:12:46 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=40844 The Grado Labs GH4 in place at Chez Levi (photograph by Bob Levi) The GH4 is Grado's second foray into creating headphones using Norwegian pine, upping the ante and overall headphone performance quite nicely along the way. By my count, Grado has used two types of mahogany, maple, oak wood treated by a whiskey barrel... Read More »

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The AudioQuest Niagara 5000 and the PS Audio P20 DirectStream Power Plant AC Line Purification Products https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/audioquest-niagara-5000-ps-audio-p20-directstream-power-plant/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/audioquest-niagara-5000-ps-audio-p20-directstream-power-plant/#respond Sat, 28 Sep 2019 21:40:30 +0000 http://positive-feedback.com/?p=40858 Let's face it, AC line power is the bedrock of every audio system. Not only is this singularly common commodity a fundamentally important component, vital for powering all gear in a system, the quality of that AC power line happens to significantly influence the performance capability of every component in each HiFi rig. The bad... Read More »

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