Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent Review
April 30, 2020 Comments Off on Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent Review
“To try out the Clearaudio’s effectiveness, I place a brand-new LP on to the cleaning machine platter that’s been exhibiting some annoying surface noise crackle. After swinging the arm over the record and allowing the machine to apply the fluid, I rotate the record in both directions for a few revolutions as recommended. I then press the Vacuum button to remove the dirty liquid from the surface of the vinyl and then repeat the process with the second side. Once dry, I play the record on my turntable and am delighted to find that the crackle has disappeared, and I am able to appreciate the full dynamic range of the LP so much more and suggests to me that the surface noise was caused by the pressing plant’s mould-release agent.”

100 All Analog In Print Reissued Records You Should Own
April 27, 2020 Comments Off on 100 All Analog In Print Reissued Records You Should Own
Record Doctor VI Record Cleaning Machine $300 Review
April 14, 2020 Comments Off on Record Doctor VI Record Cleaning Machine $300 Review
“In the course of cleaning a bunch of records, I discovered a few techniques to more efficiently use the Record Doctor. First, if you keep the brush over the vacuum slot area while turning the record under it, the slot will provide support, making your brushing more effective. (In some ways, the Record Doctor’s lack of automation can be a benefit, as it lets you focus extra attention on areas of the record that are especially grungy.) I also found it useful to brush any leftover debris from the velvet strips with a toothbrush after cleaning a side, as this keeps them clean for the next side. The velvet strips do eventually become worn out, but replacing them is easy and inexpensive. For my review I used the supplied brush and cleaning solution, but there’s opportunity for further experimentation in this area, with a host of third-party cleaning formulations and brushes available. Some vinyl collectors also like to mix up their own home brew solutions, with plenty of suggested concoctions available online.”

classic Sony TC-765 Reel to Reel Tape Recorder
April 14, 2020 Comments Off on classic Sony TC-765 Reel to Reel Tape Recorder
Pangea Audio Record Doctor VI record cleaning machine Review
April 5, 2020 Comments Off on Pangea Audio Record Doctor VI record cleaning machine Review
https://www.dagogo.com/pangea-audio-record-doctor-vi-record-cleaning-machine-review/
“I made sure that everyone was able to make their case not just for their product but for methods and concepts behind their cleaners. Apart from those differences what really struck me was their respective pricing from a high of $3,999.00 to a low of $299.95. For just over an hour I peppered the panel with questions, doing my best to move things along in a narrative fashion so each could tell their story. I was rather taken with the story behind the Pangea Audio Record Doctor VI ($299.95) and how could it keep up with the other more expensive models. My analog readers, those with turntables and records, do ask/request/cajole me into finding more affordable solutions for them without sacrificing quality — a solution that won’t break the bank and won’t damage their records. Not one to shy from a challenge I spoke directly with Steve Niemi of Pangea Audio and Adam Sohmer of Adam Sohmer Associates, Pangea’s public relations firm, about acquiring a unit for review. They said yes and here we are.”

Nakamichi Dragon Cassette Tape Deck – Repair Restoration
April 4, 2020 Comments Off on Nakamichi Dragon Cassette Tape Deck – Repair Restoration
Shunyata Research Hydra Alpha A12 Power Conditioner and Venom NR-V10 Power Cord $4498 Review
April 3, 2020 Comments Off on Shunyata Research Hydra Alpha A12 Power Conditioner and Venom NR-V10 Power Cord $4498 Review
“As I write this, I’m somewhat amazed that, in the context of the gear usually reviewed on SoundStage! Ultra, my $95k stereo system would be considered a fairly modest one. But I’m just as amazed that the level of sound quality I now hear in my room can compete with virtually anything out there, with only the subtlest differences separating it from the state of the art. The fact that Shunyata Research’s Hydra Alpha A12 power conditioner and Venom NR-V10 power cords got me that much closer to the state of the art for only about 5% of the cost of my system is a testament to what Caelin Gabriel and his company have accomplished. That makes these products not only an easy recommendation from me, but one of the best values in high-end audio. If you buy them, you’ll be acting as a responsible steward of your stereo budget, and increase your enjoyment of your music as you get closer to true ultra-high fidelity.”


Core Power DEEP=CORE 1800 and Core Power Cables $1295 Review
April 2, 2020 Comments Off on Core Power DEEP=CORE 1800 and Core Power Cables $1295 Review
“The Diamond Power Cord gets my recommendation if you are a believer that after market power cords make a real difference. If you do, go try one, I think you will likely end up keeping it. If you don’t, I do not believe this power cord will change your mind, but I doubt any power cord will. For me Core Power got a three for three. Great work Mark and team!
To wrap up, when speaking with Walter and Mark from Core Power, they both shared with me why they wanted to get into the cable business. They told me that they watched as cable prices soared over the past few years, and they wanted to bring value back to the consumer. While I was skeptical at first by their lower prices, after spending time with them I have come to the conclusion that they are well built, well designed, and priced right. I have left incredibly impressed, and will likely add more Core Power cables to my system over the next few months.”


Abbey Road Mastering Engineer Miles Showell Comments on Apollo/Transco Disaster
March 24, 2020 Comments Off on Abbey Road Mastering Engineer Miles Showell Comments on Apollo/Transco Disaster
“On Thursday morning (February 6), the Banning, CA building housing Apollo/Transco Masters’ factory and storage space burned. By far the biggest of the world’s two lacquer master disc manufacturers, most of the world’s vinyl mastering facilities (especially smaller ones) relied upon Apollo/Transco blanks, as well as their cutting styli for Westrex cutting heads. Ruled a total loss, 82 firefighters battled the blaze’s toxic fumes; thankfully, there were no injuries (Banning is located in the Southern California desert, approximately 2.5 hours away from Los Angeles).”

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