Tag Archives: HiFi

Reviews

Pure Analog Excellence: AT-LP7X Turntable

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Our friends at  Audio-Technica have just introduced the AT-LP7X fully manual belt-drive turntable — The AT-LP7X delivers sound that’s as clean and refined as its appearance. —

STOW, OH, January, 2026 — Audio-Technica is excited to announce the release of the AT-LP7X, blending analog excellence with style and versatility. While designing the AT-LP7X, Audio-Technica paid close attention to chassis geometry to ensure the platter, spindle and tonearm were optimally positioned for accurate, distortion-free tracking. This, along with the J-shaped aluminum tonearm with dual-axis gimbal with precision ball bearings, further enhances the tracking performance.

The turntable’s 20 mm acrylic platter is driven by an optical sensor-monitored motor that ensures a continuously accurate platter rotation speed of 33-1/3 or 45 RPM. The motor is mounted on vibration-dampening rubber bushings designed to decouple the motor from the plinth, minimizing the transmission of mechanical noise and oscillations. An external switching power supply isolates the AC-to-DC conversion to prevent it from adding any electrical interference, and the turntable’s spring-based, height-adjustable isolation feet offer excellent protection against external noise.

Additionally, the AT-LP7X features a dense MDF plinth to minimize unwanted resonance and vibration. The turntable has an elegant, matte black finish.

Equipped with an AT-LT10 headshell and black AT-VM95E cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus, the AT-LP7X provides excellent channel separation and low distortion for outstanding tonal quality. For easy customization, the stylus can be replaced or interchanged with other styli in the VM95 line, offering a wide array of options for every budget and application. An included MM/MC switch and subcounterweight add to the customization level, making this the perfect turntable for those interested in experimenting with alternate cartridges.

The AT-LP7X comes with a detachable RCA output cable (dual RCA male to dual RCA male with ground), 45 RPM adapter, and removable dust cover, and will be available for $999.00 usd / $1,375 cad MAP on www.audio-technica.com.

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Reviews

Newly Improved Moving Coil Cartridges To Propel Your Record Listening

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Our friends at Audio-Technica have debuted their improved AT33x Series moving coil phono cartridges and you are gonna love them!

Stow, OH, October, 2025 — Audio-Technica announces the introduction of its AT33x dual moving coil phono cartridges, featuring a host of sonic and engineering upgrades over the previous AT33 Series. The new lineup offers five models including two dedicated mono cartridges, all designed to deliver warm, full-bodied and balanced sound along with easier installation.

“The AT33 Series has long enjoyed a cult following among moving coil fans in the know,” said Bob Peet, Audio-Technica Global Product Manager – Analog Products. “With the introduction of the AT33x models, listeners can enjoy even better sound in a variety of systems. We continue to support listeners seeking exceptional performance and high value in high-end stereo moving coil cartridges, as well as enthusiasts who enjoy their classic monophonic LPs.”

The new AT33x lineup includes the following:
AT33xMLB – microlinear nude stylus, solid boron tapered cantilever, $899 usd/ $1,257 cad
AT33xMLD – microlinear nude stylus, duralumin tapered pipe cantilever, $799 usd/ $1,117 cad
AT33xEN – 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical nude stylus, duralumin tapered pipe cantilever, $699 usd/ $977 cad


AT33xMONO/I – mono, 0.65 mil conical nude stylus, duralumin pipe cantilever, $649 usd/ $907 cad
AT33xMONO/II – mono, 0.65 mil conical nude stylus, duralumin pipe cantilever, $449 usd/ $623 cad

All AT33x Series cartridges are all hand-crafted in Japan.

All feature Audio-Technica’s unique dual moving coil structure with independent left and right coils, which provides exceptional channel separation, imaging and tracking capability for the stereo models, and sound quality that is dynamic yet delicate and refined. The AT33xMONO/I and AT33xMONO/II are configured as a true mono design that is unaffected by any vertical noise components picked up from the record groove. (They are also ideal for mono playback on a stereo system.)

All models have threaded mounting holes for easier installation and feature composite cartridge bodies made of die-cast zinc, aluminum and high-rigidity polymer to ensure clear, detailed sound with freedom from unwanted resonances. Rigid, dense die-cast zinc is used for the cartridge base for additional resonance suppression and to add clarity to the bass and midrange.

Every cartridge in the series utilizes PCOCC (pure copper by Ohno continuous casting) and gold-plated cartridge pins to ensure maximum signal transmission and musical clarity. Depending on the model, AT33x Series cartridges employ either neodymium or samarium cobalt high-strength magnets for responsive, high-resolution vinyl playback. A newly-developed suspension and rubber damper design (with lower compliance than other Audio-Technica cartridges) enable every AT33x model to be used with a variety of tonearms.

All are available now. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 with the mission of producing high-quality audio for everyone. As we have grown to design critically acclaimed headphones, turntables and microphones, we have retained the belief that great audio should not be enjoyed only by the select few, but accessible to all. Building upon our analog heritage, we work to expand the limits of audio technology, pursuing an ever-changing purity of sound that creates connections and enriches lives

Sci-Tech

Supercharge Your Vinyl Setup With These Tools

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Audio-Technica expands turntable accessory offerings for all vinyl enthusiasts
Stow, OH, October, 2025 — Our friends at Audio-Technica, a leading innovator in transducer technology for over 60 years, are excited to launch a new range of turntable accessories designed to help vinyl listeners achieve the best from their record collections. The latest additions include two new slip-mats, precision alignment tools and a stainless-steel disc stabilizer.
These new additions join Audio-Technica’s established lineup of turntable accessories including the AT6012 Record Cleaning Kit, stylus cleaners and more, expanding a complete family of products designed to help vinyl users care for and enjoy their collections to the fullest.

New to the Audio-Technica Slipmat series is the AT-SMCR2 Cork-Rubber Slipmat (MAP: $35.00 usd/ $49.00 cad) and AT-SMC1 Cork Slipmat (MAP: $25.00 usd/ $35.00 cad). The AT-SMCR2 is engineered from a premium blend of cork and rubber to absorb a wide range of vibrations, particularly at lower frequencies, delivering clearer audio reproduction. The cork-rubber blend also provides antistatic properties to reduce pops and clicks caused by static discharge. For listeners seeking a simpler option, the AT-SMC1 provides excellent resonance control and a stable playback surface without shedding particles or attracting dust like traditional felt mats.

Beyond vibration control, Audio-Technica introduces two new cartridge alignment tools designed to ensure precise playback geometry: the AT-VTAZ1 Azimuth + VTA Alignment Tool (MAP: $14.00 usd/ $20.00 cad) and AT-CAP1 Cartridge Alignment Protractor ($17.00 usd/ $24.00 cad). The AT-VTAZ1 allows users to achieve accurate tonearm height and cartridge azimuth adjustment. Proper alignment ensures even stylus wear, accurate channel balance, and minimal distortion. The AT-CAP1 utilizes the widely used Baerwald alignment method to set cartridge offset angle and null points to deliver optimal tracking and reduced distortion.

The new AT628a Stainless Steel Disc Stabilizer (MAP: $79.00 usd/ $111.00 cad )is designed to minimize resonance and keep records firmly in place during playback. The stabilizer accommodates even slightly warped records with two recessed inner rings on its underside for secure contact.

Rounding out the new launches are the AT-ST3 Speaker Stands (MAP: $59.00 usd/ $83.00 cad), designed to enhance the performance of the AT-SP3X or other similarly sized bookshelf speakers. Constructed from rigid alloy steel with vibration-damping cork feet, each stand provides stable support for speakers weighing up to 3 kg (6.6 lb). The 13-degree angled design directs sound upward for clearer projection and helps reduce sound wave reflections off hard surfaces, ensuring cleaner, more accurate audio reproduction.

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 with the mission of producing high-quality audio for everyone. As we have grown to design critically acclaimed headphones, turntables and microphones, we have retained the belief that great audio should not be enjoyed only by the select few, but accessible to all. Building upon our analog heritage, we work to expand the limits of audio technology, pursuing an ever-changing purity of sound that creates connections and enriches lives.
Reviews

The Audience Bellare Loudspeaker Is Extraordinary

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San Marcos, California, October, 2025 – In one of the most significant product introductions in the company’s history, Audience will debut its extraordinary Bellare loudspeaker at two US events: T.H.E. Show New York and Capital Audiofest 2025. As stunning in appearance as it is to listen to, the new Bellare full-range speaker incorporates a number of proprietary technologies including the company’s full-range driver approach to deliver a never-before-achievable level of musical realism.

The Bellare (Italian/Latin for “beautiful”) will be featured at T.H.E. Show New York 2025 at the Hilton Hasbrouck Heights/Meadowlands, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey (October 24 – 26, 2025), and at Capital Audiofest at the Hilton Hotel Rockville, Rockville, Maryland (November 14 – 16, 2025). It will be demonstrated as part of a complete high-end system including an all-new Audience equipment rack, and Audience cables and power conditioners (see complete equipment list at the end of this press release).

No need for the usual crossover requirement

At the heart of Bellare’s extraordinary performance is its use of multiple identical 3-inch wideband high-resolution drivers that cover the entire frequency spectrum from 120 Hz through the midrange and treble – eliminating the need for a crossover or different types of drivers for the midrange and high frequencies. This results in remarkable sonic coherence, tonal purity, and imaging, with excellent dispersion. There are no phase anomalies, discontinuities in frequency range, or disruptive changes in radiation pattern.

Bass Is Handled Separately

The bass below 120 Hz is handled by Bellare’s built-in 300-watt active bass module with DSP that offers remote control of its volume, and automatic room correction. The inclusion of this built-in bass unit enables Bellare to be used with even lower-powered amplifiers such as Class A or single-ended tube amplifiers, since they are only driving the midrange and high frequencies.

The result is a loudspeaker that offers a seamless, natural musical presentation with remarkable spaciousness, presence, dynamic impact and tonal truthfulness. The Bellare achieves a level of sonic realism undreamed of until now. It is one of the finest loudspeakers ever produced by Audience – or anyone.

The Audience Bellare loudspeaker will be available in March 2026 at a suggested US retail price of $36,000 per pair/ $50,374 CAD (at today’s conversion rate).

Key Audience Bellare Loudspeaker Features:

  • Identical 3-inch drivers provide seamless performance above 120 Hz
  • Crossover-less design (above 120 Hz) preserves coherence, phase integrity, tonal purity and an ideal radiation pattern
  • Built-in 300-watt bass module powers the woofer and mid-woofer
  • DSP offers remote control of its volume, and active room correction
  • Frequency response: -3 dB at 28 Hz and 22 kHz
  • 105 dB continuous output without driver compression
  • Smooth impedance with minimal phase shift for effortless amplifier control
  • 88 dB sensitivity. Very easy to drive thanks to its well-behaved impedance curve and integrated bass augmentation system
  • Nominal impedance of 9.5 ohms and does not drop below 8.5 ohms
  • Exceptionally smooth phase response

List of Components to be Used in T.H.E. Show New York and Capital Audiofest Demonstration Systems:

  • Audience ClairAudient Bellare Loudspeakers
  • Audience equipment rack (price TBA)
  • Atma-Sphere MP-1 vacuum tube balanced line stage ($7,850 usd/ $10,985 cad)
  • Atma-Sphere Class D monoblock amplifiers ($6,100/pair usd/ $8,535 cad)
  • Exemplar Audio eXpression DUAL ES9028PRO DAC with outboard power supply ($5,500 usd/ $7,696 cad)
  • SONY UBPX – 1100ES disc player ($700 usd/ $979 cad)
  • Audience Adept Response aR6-T4 6-outlet reference power conditioner ($6,900 usd/ $9,655 cad) with optional FrontRow Reserve HP powerChord ($7,600 usd/ $10,634 cad)
  • Audience Forte V8 8-outlet power strip w/Forte F3 power cord ($980 usd/ $1,371 cad)
  • Full loom of Audience frontRow Reserve interconnects, speaker cables, and power cords.

Audience
800-565-4390 (US and Canada)

About Audience

Audience was formed in November 1997 by John McDonald and the late Richard Smith, as a design and production company focused on building the best possible audio and video equipment. To pass the Audience test, each product must truly make a significant contribution to the reproduction of audio and/or video. Audience offers loudspeakers, electronics, cables, power conditioners, high-resolution capacitors and the Auric Illuminator optical disk resolution enhancement.

Audience’s commitment is to develop the very best products possible, and the company is committed to unexcelled customer service and product support. All Audience cables have an unconditional lifetime warranty and power conditioners have a ten-year warranty. For more information visit www.audience-av.com.

Reviews

This Transport Reveals Hidden Sonic Details In Compact Discs And SACD

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CDs played through the PMG Signature SACD Transport come closer than ever to high-resolution PCM and DSD, uncovering new layers of dimensionality, soundstage, depth, and musicality previously unobtainable in other optical readers or server-based audio systems. 

What is a Transport?

Like its predecessor (the PerfectWave SACD Transport) the PMG Signature opens the long-restricted DSD layer of SACD to PS Audio DACs. The PMG will deliver the raw DSD layer of copyright-protected SACD directly into your PS Audio DAC through I²S. This means that you’ll uncover the wealth of audio’s finest digital medium, DSD, and hear exactly what the mastering engineers who created these discs have enjoyed all along. Hear what you’ve been missing with the PMG Signature SACD Transport.

PMG Signature SACD Transport

Locked inside your CD and SACD collection is a treasure trove of music you’ve never truly heard. How do we know? Because PMG, like you, know every note of our reference discs—and we were stunned when we heard them through the new PMG Signature SACD Transport. This isn’t just another player. It’s the finest optical disc transport we’ve built in 43 years, and for the first time in our history, our founder has signed his name to it.

The PMG Signature SACD Transport is an engineering triumph, designed to extract every nuance and detail from your CDs and SACDs with unmatched precision. With galvanically isolated outputs and ultra-low jitter design, it breathes new life into your CD collection when paired with any DAC. And when connected via I²S, it unlocks the raw DSD layer of your SACDs—delivering what was once hidden to external DACs. This is not nostalgia. This is revelation. The PMG Signature SACD Transport is the ultimate disc playback system—worthy of the name, and the legacy.

For the Silo, Paul McGowan.

Sci-Tech

New Audiophile Equipment Guide Is Ten Volumes Comprehensive

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Boulder, Colorado, March, 2025 – PS Audio announces the release of The Audiophile’s Guide, a comprehensive 10-volume series on every aspect of audio system setup, equipment selection, analog and digital technology, speaker placement, room acoustics, and other topics related to getting the most musical enjoyment from an audio system. Written by PS Audio CEO Paul McGowan, it’s the most complete body of high-end audio knowledge available anywhere.

The Audiophile’s Guide hardcover book series is filled with clear, practical wisdom and real-life examples that guide readers into getting the most from their audio systems, regardless of cost or complexity. The book includes how-to tips, step-by-step instructions, and real-world stories and examples including actual listening rooms and systems. Paul McGowan noted, “think of it as sitting down with a knowledgeable friend who’s sharing hard-won wisdom about how to make music come alive in your home.”

The 10 books in the series include:

The Stereo – learn the essential techniques that transform good systems into great ones, including speaker placement, system matching, developing critical listening skills, and more.

The Loudspeaker – even the world’s finest loudspeakers will not perform to their potential without proper setup. Master the techniques that help speakers disappear, leaving the music to float in three-dimensional space.

Analog Audio – navigate the world of turntables, phono cartridges, preamps and power amplifiers, and vacuum tubes, and find out about how analog sound continues to offer an extraordinary listening experience.

Digital Audio – from sampling an audio signal to reconstructing it in high-resolution sound, this volume explains and demystifies the digital audio signal path and the various technologies involved in achieving ultimate digital sound quality.

Vinyl – discover the secrets behind achieving the full potential of analog playback in this volume that covers every aspect of turntable setup, cartridge alignment, and phono stage optimization.

The Listening Room – the space in which we listen is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of musical enjoyment. This volume tells how to transform even challenging spaces into ideal listening environments.

The Subwoofer – explore the world of deep bass reproduction, its impact on music and movies, and how to achieve the best low-frequency performance in any listening room.

Headphones – learn about dynamic, planar magnetic, electrostatic, closed-back and open-air models and more, and how headphones can create an intimate connection to your favorite music.

Home Theater – enjoy movies and TV with the thrilling, immersive sound that a great multichannel audio setup can deliver. The book explains how to bring the cinema experience home.

The Collection – this volume distills the knowledge of the above books into everything learned from more than 50 years of Paul McGowan’s experience in audio. Like the other volumes in the series, it’s written in an accessible style yet filled with technical depth, to provide the ultimate roadmap to audio excellence and musical magic.

Volumes one through nine of The Audiophile’s Guide are available for a suggested retail price of $39.99 usd , with Volume 10, The Collection, offered at $49.99 usd. In addition, The Audiophile’s Guide Limited Run Collectors’ Edition is available as a deluxe series with case binding, with the books presented in a custom-made slipcase. Each Collectors’ Edition set is available at $499.00 usd with complimentary worldwide shipping.

About PS Audio
Celebrating 50 years of bringing music to life, PS Audio has earned a worldwide reputation for excellence in manufacturing innovative, high-value, leading-edge audio products. Located in Boulder, Colorado at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, PS Audio’s staff of talented designers, engineers, production and support people build each product to deliver extraordinary performance and musical satisfaction. The company’s wide range of award-winning products include the all-in-one Sprout100 integrated amplifier, audio components, power regenerators and power conditioners.
 
www.psaudio.com

For the Silo, Frank Doris.

Reviews

Audio-Technica Intro New Open Ear Audiophile Headphones

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STOW, OH, October, 2024 — Our friends at Audio-Technica are at it again and have just announced the introduction of their ATH-ADX3000 Open-Air Dynamic Headphones, designed to bring true high-end sound quality to the under-$1,000 usd headphones category. Celebrating 50 years of headphone design and production, the new ATH-ADX3000 features Audio-Technica’s most advanced driver technology to deliver natural, spacious audio.

A Few Takeaways (more below)

Light and comfortable, weighing less than 10 ounces and with velour earpads, the ATH-ADX3000 headphones are comfortable, to say the least. If you are a home recordist know that they’re ideal for long mix sessions, and not just due to comfort or their open-back design.

58-millimeter integrated driver units house tungsten-coated diaphragms (which produce excellent transient response), voice coils, baffles, and pure iron magnetic circuits. Coupled with Audio-Technica’s proprietary Core Mount Technology that optimally places the driver units, this results in full-range audio reproduction across an astonishing 5Hz–45kHz frequency response that needs to be heard to be believed.

These near-flagship headphones come with a specially designed aluminum carrying case.

Uses the A2DC proprietary coaxial connector which reduces connector rotation and glitchy connections.

The Nitty Gritty

The ATH-ADX3000’s open-back design allows unrestricted airflow of the diaphragm, for extremely pure audio quality with realistic soundstaging and imaging, with nearly no use of dampening material or acoustic aids. The ATH-ADX3000 features a full-range driver that is designed entirely by the engineers at Audio-Technica and manufactured and hand-assembled in Audio-Technica’s Machida, Japan factory. The driver utilizes the same technology as the company’s acclaimed flagship ATH-ADX5000 headphones.

Japanese Craftmanship

As a leading innovator in transducer technology for over 60 years, Audio-Technica places special emphasis on driver design to achieve the optimal sound from each pair of headphones. Did we mention that the ATH-ADX3000’s integrated driver units are handmade in our Machida, Tokyo, facility to ensure the highest quality? Sure did- but it is worth repeating.

Audio-Technica’s exclusive Core Mount Technology positions the driver’s voice coil in the middle of its housing, so that the acoustic space is balanced in both the front and the back of the driver. Audio-Technica lead engineer Hiromichi Ozawa noted, “Our engineers worked hard to achieve a frequency response that is not easy to obtain by using only natural air flow. Our expertise in driver technology influenced our approach to open-back headphones, and enabled us to ensure that the driver diaphragm moves with the purest motion possible.”

The ATH-ADX3000 employs a 58 mm tungsten-coated diaphragm, pure iron magnetic circuit, voice coil, and aluminum housing, which are all combined in a single integrated driver unit. The diaphragm is extremely lightweight and responsive, and the pure iron magnet enables exceptional dynamic range and high efficiency. Together, this approach creates an optimum structure that offers superb clarity and stereo imaging, with articulate bass, a smooth midrange, and detailed, extended high frequencies.

The ATH-ADX3000 is designed for long-wearing comfort, thanks to its light weight of only 280 grams. It’s supplied with a detachable 3.0m (9.8-foot) cable with A2DC connectors and comes with a robust aluminum storage case.

A2DC Connector

The Audio-Technica ATH-ADX3000 Open-Air Dynamic Headphones is available starting October 24, 2024, at a suggested retail price of $999 usd/ $1,387 cad.

Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 with the mission of producing high-quality audio for everyone. As we have grown to design critically acclaimed headphones, turntables and microphones, we have retained the belief that great audio should not be enjoyed only by the select few, but accessible to all. Building upon our analog heritage, we work to expand the limits of audio technology, pursuing an ever-changing purity of sound that creates connections and enriches lives. For the Silo, Frank Doris.

Reviews

New Flagship Turntable From Audio-Technica Delivers

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STOW, OH, September 30, 2024 — Our friends at Audio-Technica are pleased to announce the introduction and availability of its AT-LP8X Semi-Automatic Direct Drive Turntable.

The AT-LP8X is Audio-Technica’s new flagship turntable and its first-ever semi-automatic model.

It is designed to deliver exceptional vinyl record playback, with features including a VM95 Series cartridge (included), adjustable VTA (vertical tracking angle), a newly-designed motor, and additional refinements.

In addition to delivering outstanding sound from 33-1/3, 45 and 78-RPM records, the Audio-Technica AT-LP8X offers the convenience of semi-automatic operation, where the tonearm raises itself off the record and the motor stops at the end of a side. The AT-LP8X comes with a pre-mounted high-performance AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge with an elliptical stylus, for superior resolution, stereo imaging, and tracking. The cartridge is pre-mounted on Audio-Technica’s new AT-L10 removeable headshell (also available separately) for easy installation. The AT-VM95E is compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus.

Adjustable Vertical Tracking Angle VTA

The J-shaped aluminum tonearm is inspired by classic Audio-Technica designs and has adjustable VTA, enabling it to be optimized for virtually any phono cartridge. In addition, the AT-LP8X provides adjustments for anti-skating and tracking force, and comes with a sub-counterweight that enables the use of cartridges with a weight range from 14 to 23.5 grams.

The AT-LP8X incorporates a new low-torque direct drive DC motor, with a speed sensor system that ensures accurate speed stability. It features a 1-inch-thick (25 mm) rubber-damped, anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter and a rubber mat, the most substantial platter ever offered on an Audio-Technica turntable, for reduced resonance and more accurate and uncolored vinyl playback. It also features a new internal switching power supply that is optimized for audio use, ensuring minimum noise in the signal chain. The AT-LP8X comes with a detachable RCA cable, removeable hinged dust cover, and 45-RPM adapter.

The Audio-Technica AT-LP8X Semi-Automatic Direct Drive Turntable is now available, at a suggested U.S. retail price of $999 / CAD $1,348. For the Silo, Frank Doris.

Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 with the mission of producing high-quality audio for everyone. As we have grown to design critically acclaimed headphones, turntables and microphones, we have retained the belief that great audio should not be enjoyed only by the select few, but accessible to all. Building upon our analog heritage, we work to expand the limits of audio technology, pursuing an ever-changing purity of sound that creates connections and enriches lives.

— For further information regarding product availability and pricing in Europe, contact Tanya Williams ([email protected]) please mention The Silo when contacting.

Reviews

New Volume Of Guitar Music Extravaganza From Octave Records

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The Art of Hi-Fi, Volume 6: Guitars from Octave Records Features an Extravaganza of Playing Styles and Sounds – Octave’s latest offers a wide selection of guitar styles and genres, from solo acoustic to all-out rock on overdrive  –
September, 2024 – What’s not to love about guitar music? Especially when it’s as well-recorded and soulfully played as the selections on The Art of Hi-Fi Volume 06: Guitars, the latest release from Octave Records. The album features a wide range of artists, styles, and instruments, from the solo acoustic 12-string guitar of Bill Kopper on “Hungry Heart” to Americana, jazz, pop, well-loved covers, and Connor Terrones tearing it up on Jimi Hendrix’s “Manic Depression.” It’s all here, captured in Octave Records’ stunning Pure DSD high-resolution recording quality.

Paul McGowan, Octave Records’ CEO pointed out: “Guitars are part of the soundtrack of our lives, from sweet acoustic and warm jazz tones to the powerful electric guitar sounds that have galvanized generations of listeners. Yet it’s extremely challenging to capture these many and varied musical and sonic flavors on a recording. We are thrilled with the sound and performances of our Octave artists on The Art of Hi-Fi Volume 06: Guitars, who did a fantastic job of showcasing the almost limitless potential of the instrument.”

The Art of Hi-Fi Volume 06: Guitars was recorded with Octave’s Pyramix-based Pure DSD 256 recording system, using a variety of microphones to capture the wide variety of guitars on the album: steel-string and nylon-string, 12-string guitar, electric, pedal steel, resonator, and even baritone guitar. Everything from the crystalline overtones of a steel-string guitar to the roar of a guitar amp speaker pushed beyond its limit is here to enjoy. The album was recorded, mixed and produced by Paul McGowan, with Terri McGowan and Jessica Carson assisting in the recording and production duties. It was mastered by Gus Skinas.

The album begins with Julian Peterson’s soulful Americana-tinged “Am I Wrong” by Keb’ Mo’, singing and playing a resonator guitar using a slide, a deep, elemental sound. The bossa-nova-tinged “Amor Prohibido” features Bill Kopper on nylon-string, accompanied by bass and percussion. It’s a lively musical dialogue, beautifully recorded. Kopper and the trio also contribute “Sweet Lorraine,” played gypsy jazz style with a snappy, cutting guitar tone, and he goes solo with the gorgeous 12-string sound and complex fingerpicked voicings of “Hungry Heart.”

The wailing sound of the pedal steel guitar is featured on Greg Schochet’s country original, “Broken Down Chair,” with Schochet’s plaintive singing and sparse acoustic guitar playing carrying a wry tune about likening his life to the well-worn piece of furniture. Khabu Young contributes a dazzling instrumental version of the Beatles’ “Come Together” on solo baritone guitar, and the amount of sound he gets out of just the one instrument is remarkable.

The Seth Lewis Trio offers intimate versions of the Bacharach/David classics, “The Look of Love” and “Close to You,” featuring the warm, rich tones of Lewis’ acoustic and electric basses, along with piano, organ, and drums. Wyn Walke digs into the 1930s American classic “Deep Elem Blues,” made popular by the Grateful Dead in the 1960s, performed here in a stately version with vocals, lap steel guitar, bass, percussion, and piano. The Art of Hi-Fi Volume 06: Guitars closes with a dramatic musical shift: Connor Terrones’ incendiary instrumental version of “Manic Depression,” with multiple guitars, bass, and drums blasting away to bring the album to a roaring no-holds-barred conclusion. Turn it up!

The Art of Hi-Fi Volume 06: Guitars features Octave’s premium gold disc formulation, and the disc is playable on any SACD, CD, DVD, or Blu-ray player. It also has a high-resolution DSD layer that is accessible by using any SACD player or a PS Audio SACD transport. In addition, the master DSD and PCM files are available for purchase and download, including DSD 512, DSD 256, DSD 128, DSD 64, and DSDDirect Mastered 352.8 kHz/24-bit, 176.2 kHz/24-bit, 88.2 kHz/24-bit, and 44.1 kHz/24-bit PCM. (SRP: $29usd / $39 cad.)
For The Silo, Frank Doris.
Reviews

$7500 Phono Cartridge Supercharges Record Players

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STOW, OHIO, June, 2024 — Audio-Technica today announced the introduction of its new top-of-the-line phono cartridge, the AT-ART1000X Direct Power Stereo Moving Coil Cartridge. Hand built in Tokyo, Japan, the AT-ART1000X builds upon the engineering excellence of the previous rave-reviewed AT-ART1000 with improvements in design and materials, and threaded mounting holes for easier installation.

Innovative New Design

Unlike conventional moving coil cartridges, the AT-ART1000X’s Direct Power System places its dual moving coils on top of the stylus tip rather than at the base of the cantilever, enabling the cartridge to deliver extraordinary fidelity with greater musical detail. The AT-ART1000X’s coils are now rectangular rather than round, which positions more of their surface area in the magnetic field. This provides improved reproduction of record groove modulations, along with a higher output voltage for better signal-to-noise ratio and an expanded low-frequency range.

“By placing the moving coils, which convert the motion of the stylus and cantilever into electrical signals, directly on top of the stylus, the effects of the cantilever’s length and material type are minimized,” noted Yosuke Koizumi, Audio-Technica Cartridge Engineer. “This design and the additional refinements we’ve made to the AT-ART1000X achieve a new level of sonic realism, with remarkable resolution, tonal and spatial accuracy, and dynamic impact.”

Pure Copper Coils Make A Difference

Each of the AT-ART1000X’s two moving coils is made of 20 µm diameter PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) wire, hand-wound in eight turns to create a 1.1 mm x 0.6 mm (0.043 in x 0.024-inch) rectangle. The coils are contained in an ultra-thin 25 µm (0.98 mil) special film and housed in an 0.5 mm (0.020-inch) gap of the powerful magnetic circuit (smaller than the previous 0.6 mm gap), enabling each coil to generate a higher 0.22 millivolt output with a 3.5-ohm coil impedance, despite having a non-magnetic core.

The AT-ART1000X employs a special line-contact stylus and solid boron cantilever for superb accuracy in tracking the record groove.

The support base for the magnetic circuit, stylus and cantilever is made from titanium. The base, and the cartridge’s aluminum housing and hard plastic cover all operate together to disperse any internal resonances that would otherwise affect sound quality. In addition, a special coating protects the magnetic circuit from corrosion. The musical result is rich, natural full-bodied reproduction of vocals and instruments, with weight, presence, and depth, presented on an expansive soundstage.

The Audio-Technica AT-ART1000X Direct Power Stereo Moving Coil Cartridge is now available at US$5,499.00/ CAD$7,574. For the Silo, Jamie Bobek.

Reviews

Technology Pushing 10,000$ Loudspeaker

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Just in time for audiophile Christmas~
PS Audio Introduces Its aspen FR10 Loudspeaker, Ideal for a Wide Variety of Listening Rooms and Systems — New FR10 floorstanding speaker delivers the sonic magic of the aspen series in a smaller, more affordable form factor —
Boulder, Colorado, December, 2023 – PS Audio today announced the introduction of its aspen FR10 loudspeaker, an elegant, slim 3-way floorstanding tower that brings the extraordinary sound quality and innovative driver design of the aspen series to a wider range of listening environments, systems, and budgets.

The new FR10 (SRP: $9,999 usd / $13,300 cad per pair, available now) features PS Audio’s acclaimed push-pull planar magnetic midrange and high-frequency driver technologies, complemented by ultra-low-distortion, linear-magnet woofers, high-excursion passive radiators, and a host of additional refinements. Like all the models in the aspen series, the FR10 has a sleek, refined appearance.

Paul McGowan, PS Audio CEO noted, “The aspen FR10 embodies more than 50 years of experience in audio in learning what works in a loudspeaker, and what it takes for a speaker to ‘disappear’ in a listening room and deliver a magical musical experience. Our goal with the aspen FR10 was to offer no-compromise full-range loudspeaker performance in a smaller, more affordable form factor that fits easily into smaller and medium-sized rooms.”

All the drivers in the FR10 are custom-designed from the ground up. The 8-inch planar ribbon midrange and 2.5-inch planar ribbon tweeter employ a push-pull design with an identical symmetrical motor structure on either side of their driver diaphragms. This inherently linear configuration provides lower distortion than conventional single-sided magnet structures, along with higher efficiency.

The midrange and high-frequency drivers employ high-strength magnets and diaphragms made from Teonex® film, a thin, highly stable material that provides exceptional transient response and resolution, with a fast, clean decay. The drivers are housed in a sealed sub-enclosure to ensure maximum clarity and freedom from internal cabinet colorations.

The PS Audio aspen FR10 utilizes dual 6.5-inch cast-frame woofers with a non-woven carbon fiber PMI foam sandwich cone, for an articulate response that complements the speed and transparency of the planar-magnetic midrange and high-frequency drivers. The woofers utilize a split magnetic gap with dual copper shorting rings, and have a large 3/4-inch peak-to-peak linear excursion for low distortion and a dynamically responsive bass output. The woofers are augmented by three flat-piston carbon fiber passive radiators. The FR10 offers wide range frequency response from 32 Hz – 20 kHz (- 6 dB, half-space; 25 Hz – 6 dB in-room).

The FR10’s slim enclosure measures 41.5 inches high by 8 inches wide (11.75 inches wide with its stand) by 16.25 inches deep. It’s available in a striking new matte finish in either black or white, and comes with magnetically detachable grilles. The aspen FR10’s room-friendly design makes it easy to set up and enjoy, and the FR10 comes with a handy setup booklet and CD to get the most out of the speaker. The FR10 has a visually distinctive “floating” appearance, with a curved bottom and an anodized aluminum base that is supplied with mounting feet that can be used with either removable stainless-steel spikes, or a soft rubber foot underneath.

The aspen FR10 delivers remarkable loudspeaker performance in every respect, with authoritative bass, an inviting midrange, smooth, extended highs, wide dynamic range, and palpable imaging on a wide and deep soundstage. It’s sure to thrill even the most demanding audiophiles and music aficionados.aspen FR10 Features at a Glance:
Enclosure type: sealed upper midrange/tweeter module and lower cabinet for the woofers and passive radiatorsHigh-frequency transducer: 2.5-inch planar magnetic ribbon tweeter with Teonex diaphragm Mid-frequency transducer: 8-inch planar magnetic ribbon midrange with Teonex diaphragm Passive radiator: three 6 by nine inch flat-piston carbon fiber Woofer: dual 6.5-inch cast-frame, non-woven carbon fiber PMI foam sandwich cone Thermoset resin fiberglass-composite woofer baffle Magnetically-attached grille Computer-optimized custom crossover with premium film capacitors and air-core inductors Polished stainless-steel spikes with soft rubber feet enable a variety of mounting options Frequency Response: 32 Hz – 20 kHz (- 6 dB, half-space; 25 Hz – 6 dB in-room)Crossover Frequency: 550 Hz, 1,750 Hz Sensitivity: 86.5 dB Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms (3.3 ohms minimum)Recommended Amplifier Power: 50 – 125 watts Dimensions: 41.5 x 11.75 x 16.25 inches with base Weight: 75 lbs. (34.1 kg)Teonex is a registered trademark of DuPont Teijin Films.
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New Charlie Brown Goes To The Nutcracker Christmas Album

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Octave Records Celebrates the Holidays
With Two New Christmas Albums — Charlie Brown Goes to The Nutcracker by Ron LeGault’s jazz quintet, and guitarist Alfredo Muro’s The Spirit of Christmas offer musical holiday cheer in stunning Pure DSD sound–
Boulder, Colorado, November, 2023 – Octave Records warmly invites everyone to celebrate the holiday spirit with two uplifting new releases: Charlie Brown Goes to The Nutcracker by the Ron LeGault quintet, and The Spirit of Christmas by internationally-renowned guitarist Alfredo Muro. Ron LeGault puts a jazz spin on the beloved Charlie Brown soundtrack music and the holiday classic The Nutcracker, while Alfredo Muro brings a heartfelt intimacy and virtuoso performances to a wide range of seasonal favorites. Both albums are recorded with extraordinary sound using Octave Records’ exclusive Pure DSD high-resolution audio process.

Pianist Ron LeGault has been performing his Charlie Brown Goes to The Nutcracker show to packed audiences at the St Julien Hotel in Boulder, Colorado for more than 10 years. “The band and I have wanted to capture the show for posterity, and Octave Records gave us the opportunity. We are thrilled to be able to present this music for everyone to now enjoy.” Recorded live in the studio, the album captures the confident yet relaxed interplay that only comes from years of playing together, with Ron joined by Andrew Vogt (tenor sax, baritone sax, clarinet, flute), Curtis Fox (trombone), Dave Weinand (bass) and Andreas Schmid (drums).The quintet performs a host of Charlie Brown tunes like the familiar “Linus and Lucy,” the “Charlie Brown Theme,” “Christmas is Coming,” and others, along with jazz-laced versions of pieces from The Nutcracker including the iconic holiday classic “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Added to the mix, the quintet plays a wry, swinging take on “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”Alfredo Muro is a concert guitarist, composer, arranger, and improviser. He’s been described as a Latin guitar virtuoso, yet his styles and tastes are far more wide-ranging, from the classical repertoire to folk, jazz, Brazilian and more. He noted, “The idea of the program presented on The Spirit of Christmas was to choose traditional Christmas themes, combined with Christmas music popular in Spain and South America. Many of those songs are connected to my heart – they are part of my childhood in Latin America.”

The selections range from holiday standards like “Silent Night,” “The Christmas Song” and “White Christmas” to spiritual works such as “Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude” (“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”) and “Ave Maria, and songs that are deeply personal to Muro including “Preludio de Adiós” and “El Noi de la Mare.” Muro’s Paco Santiago Marin classical guitar has a deeply rich tone with a wide color palette and superb dynamic nuances, all captured in remarkable fidelity. On “Villancico de Navidad,” Alfredo is joined by guitarists Robert Chirico, Adam Buer and Felicity Muench and bassist Allen Bossard, to close The Spirit of Christmas on a beautiful and graceful note.

The albums, available on disc or via download, were recorded, mixed and produced by Paul McGowan at Octave Records’ studio, with assistance from Jessica Carson, Alfredo Muro, Ron LeGault, and Terri McGowan. Both albums were mastered by Gus Skinas. Charlie Brown Goes to The Nutcracker and The Spirit of Christmas feature Octave’s premium gold disc formulation, and the discs are playable on any SACD, CD, DVD, or Blu-ray player. They also have a high-resolution DSD layer that is accessible by using any SACD player or a PS Audio SACD transport. In addition, the master DSD and PCM files are available for purchase and download, including DSD 256, DSD 128, DSD 64, and DSDDirect Mastered 352.8 kHz/24-bit, 176.2 kHz/24-bit, 88.2 kHz/24-bit, and 44.1 kHz/24-bit PCM. (SRP: $19usd – $39usd, depending on format.)

About PS Audio
Founded in 1973, PS Audio has earned a worldwide reputation for excellence in manufacturing innovative, high-value, leading-edge audio products. Located in Boulder, Colorado at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, PS Audio’s staff of talented designers, engineers, production and support people build each product to deliver extraordinary performance and musical satisfaction. The company’s wide range of award-winning products include the all-in-one Sprout100 integrated amplifier, audio components, power regenerators and power conditioners.
 
www.psaudio.com