LATEST ADDITIONS

News
RTI Absolved: Shipping Snafu Caused These Abrasions
Michael Fremer  |  Jan 01, 2014  |  First Published: Dec 31, 1969  |  18 comments
What caused the abrasions seen in the picture of the one of four abraded LPs in the Record Store Day Roy Orbison box set? Analogplanet asked the question and wondered whether it was industrial sabotage, sloppy handing or a shipping snafu. We now think we have an answer.

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Phono Preamp Reviews
PS Audio's NuWave DSD/PCM Phono Converter Reviewed
Michael Fremer  |  Dec 29, 2013  |  First Published: Dec 31, 1969  |  8 comments
This is a review of the NuWave Phono Converter's phono preamp section only. A review of the double DSD based A/D converter will follow soon.

Multipurpose products like PS Audio’s snazzy new NuWave Phono Converter offer a mix of great possibilities and possible compromises. In one sleek box you have a capable and versatile MM/MC phono preamplifier and an analog to digital converter through which you can conveniently digitize your vinyl—as well as any analog input you feed it— at up to double DSD resolution. All for $1895.

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News
Kronos Audio Products to Introduce Lower Priced Sparta Turntable at the International CES Show
Michael Fremer  |  Dec 23, 2013  |  First Published: Dec 31, 1969  |  8 comments
Canada based Kronos Audio Products announced the introduction of Sparta, a lower priced edition of its dual platter turntable design. The new dual platter $21,000 'table (introductory price) is similar in concept to the more expensive Kronos Limited Edition and Kronos PRO models.

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Video Reviews
Roy Orbison: "In Dreams"
Michael Fremer  |  Dec 23, 2013  |  First Published: Dec 31, 1969  |  1 comments
At times he didn't look much like a rock star—and at other times he looked like nothing but one. On stage he didn't act like one either. He hardly moved. Dressed in black and wearing black-rimmed "coke bottle" sun glasses the self-effacing Roy Orbison just stood before the microphone singing and strumming his guitar.

His lips barely parted but what came out seemingly so effortless and free, was a voice that defied and continues to defy explanation. While singing about heartache and loneliness Orbison exuded a spooky detachment that made him sound more like a channeler than an entertainer.

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Book Reviews
"Original Classical LP Labels & Pressings [From the 1950's to the 1980's] Volume One THE EMI YEARS" By Lucas Stephanidis
Michael Fremer  |  Dec 20, 2013  |  First Published: Dec 31, 1969  |  1 comments
While it's probably too late to order this book as a Christmas present for your vinyl and classical music loving significant other or friend, (or for yourself) since the book must be ordered from Greece, you could put an IOU in a box, wrap it nicely and your giftee will be happy to receive it.

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News
RTI: a Victim of Industrial Sabotage, A Shipping Snafu, Or Just Getting Sloppy?
Michael Fremer  |  Dec 19, 2013  |  First Published: Dec 31, 1969  |  43 comments
When a copy of the new Roy Orbison box set arrived in the mail the other day it was cause for celebration for this big Roy fan. The box includes Roy's first three Monument albums that I already had, both original Monument pressings and Classic Records' reissues, superbly remastered by Bernie Grundman from the original tapes.

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News
Music Matters Returns to 33 1/3 and Some Mono For New Blue Note Reissues
Michael Fremer  |  Dec 18, 2013  |  First Published: Dec 31, 1969  |  29 comments
Music Matters, the jazz reissue label best known for its beautifully packaged double 45rpm stereo jazz reissues cut by Kevin Gray from original analog master tapes recently announced a new 33 1/3 Blue Note series. While this may sound like "old news" to some, please listen up!

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Can I Have My Money Back?
The Worst Print Ad Ever Created? (Not the One Pictured Below This Headline)
Michael Fremer  |  Dec 15, 2013  |  First Published: Dec 31, 1969  |  42 comments
Look at this print ad for the Manila Hi-Fi Show I recently attended. It is a model of clarity, good taste and communicates effectively the event. Do you agree?
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News
The 78 Project Readies For Release Vinyl Edition of Volume 1 Of a One-Of-A Kind Recording Project
Michael Fremer  |  Dec 15, 2013  |  First Published: Dec 31, 1969  |  4 comments
The 78 Project releases on January 28th, 2014, the Volume 1 Soundtrack album to the acclaimed web series that chronicles recordings made using a 1930's vintage Presto direct-to-acetate disc recorder similar to the one Alan Lomax used for his field recordings made between 1933 and 1942.

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Album Reviews
Ensemble HD "Live at the Happy Dog"
Michael Fremer  |  Dec 13, 2013  |  5 comments
Chamber music at a corner dive? Not likely, but this Kickstarter financed double LP set bears witness to the unlikely success of what sounds like an impossible combination of Beethoven and beer at an ex-polka bar located in the recently gentrified but once less than savory area now known as Cleveland, Ohio's Gordon Square Arts District.

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