Mike Mettler

Mike Mettler  |  Oct 12, 2022  |  First Published: Oct 12, 2022  |  4 comments

Yesterday, I spoke at length on the phone with Robert Hagemann of Acoustic Signature, the notable German manufacturer of top-tier turntables, tonearms, cartridges, phono preamps, record clamps, and other related accessories. Read on to learn more about the ins and outs regarding the scope of and philosophy behind all the NEO series entries in Acoustic Signature’s turntable and tonearm product offerings, and which of the company’s ’tables we’re likely to review next. . .

Mike Mettler  |  Oct 11, 2022  |  First Published: Oct 11, 2022  |  12 comments

BMG isn’t messing around with this one — and neither are we. To wit: The late, great singer/songwriter Jim Croce’s benchmark April 1972 album You Don’t Mess Around With Jim is getting properly feted with a 50th anniversary 180g 1LP release on November 25. Read on to find out all the operational details. . .

Mike Mettler  |  Oct 04, 2022  |  First Published: Oct 04, 2022  |  10 comments

Admirers of Hagerman Audio Labs’ Bugle series of phono preamps have plenty to trumpet about these days, as the company’s fourth-generation Bugle MC is now available. What’s changed, and what’s been upgraded in this 4th-gen unit? Read on to find out what’s what. . .

Mike Mettler  |  Oct 03, 2022  |  First Published: Oct 03, 2022  |  11 comments

The Beach Boys sailed into quite a creatively fruitful period in 1972, and a new 180g 5LP+1EP box set dubbed Sail On Sailor - 1972 — slated to be released on November 18 via Capitol/UMe — captures the gist of their labors during such a key transitional year in the band’s history. In addition to the linchpin bookend releases Carl And The Passions – “So Tough” and Holland, this 105-track collection also includes 80 unreleased outtakes, live recordings, demos, alternate versions, alternate mixes, instrumentals, and a cappella tracks. Read on, reader to find out everything that lies within this historical Beach Boys collection. . .

Mike Mettler  |  Sep 27, 2022  |  First Published: Sep 27, 2022  |  1 comments

Bowers & Wilkins has just served up eight new speakers that caught our immediate attention. To wit: The company’s new 700 series offers three floorstanding models, three stand-mounts, and two center channels all worth perusing. Read on to find out about all the 700 series speaker specs and pricing accordingly. . .

Mike Mettler  |  Sep 23, 2022  |  First Published: Sep 23, 2022  |  5 comments

Luxman has just announced a pair of new products that we find very much of interest — and we think you will too. To wit, the PD-151 MkII turntable offers an upgraded tonearm, while the L-507Z Class AB integrated amplifier is the flagship entry in the company’s new Z series. Read on to find out more about both pieces of intriguing gear. . .

Mike Mettler  |  Sep 21, 2022  |  First Published: Sep 21, 2022  |  16 comments

Let’s face it — January 1977’s Animals has always been considered to be somewhat of a dark horse in the Pink Floyd recorded canon. Yet here in Year 45 of Animals, the album is finally getting a rightly deserved re-evaluation, thanks to the just released Animals 2018 Remix. To learn more about the process of getting from there to here, AnalogPlanet spoke exclusively to Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason about what elements of the original album stand out more on the remix, which Pink Floyd albums sound better in mono on vinyl, and why the band was compelled to make new music in 2022. Read on to find out why that Animals 2018 Remix is breaking away from the pack . . .

Mike Mettler  |  Sep 19, 2022  |  First Published: Sep 19, 2022  |  3 comments

If you love Lyra MC phono cartridges like we do, then you’ll relish the following: Lyra has selected MIBS Distro to be its official U.S. and Canadian distributor. Read on to see what cartridges will be available, and at what price levels. . .

Mike Mettler  |  Sep 16, 2022  |  First Published: Sep 16, 2022  |  32 comments

The hangman isn’t hanging but Steely Dan are stowin’ away the time, and they’re now back on vinyl where they belong. On November 4, Geffen/UMe and Analogue Productions commence an important year-long reissue series with 180g and 200g versions respectively of Steely Dan’s November 1972 debut album Can’t Buy a Thrill. Read on to find out more about what tapes are being used for this series, and what else is on the way on wax from Steely Dan’s 1972-80 heyday. . .

Mike Mettler  |  Sep 15, 2022  |  First Published: Sep 15, 2022  |  30 comments

Last week, I told you about strawberry fields, where — sorry, wrong Beatles reference. One, two, three, four (cough) — last week, I told you how it will be on October 28, when Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe will be releasing The Beatles seminal August 1966 album Revolver in a 180g 4LP/1EP Special Edition Super Deluxe box set. This week, I talk exclusively with producer Giles Martin about mixing and de-mixing Revolver, the “analog vs. digital” question, what Paul McCartney told him when they both listened to the new and original Revolver mixes together, and who ultimately makes the final calls on anything he mixes for The Beatles. Read on to find out just what he said, he said. . .

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