2007 Stereo Times Holiday Gift Suggestions

               


DIY Acrylic shelves from www.Delviesplastics.com
(approx. 30.00 to 65.00 depending on shelf thickness and dimensions)

Ho Ho Ho and all that jazz. Stocking stuffers they aint, unless you have well hammered nails and strong stockings, though extremely effective they is (are?). I am speaking of course of acrylic shelves for your audio rack. Yes, I know butcher block and solid maple are all the rage these days, and they’re great if you wanna warm up your sound a bit and bask in its glow. Hey—it’s cold out there! But if you want to hear just how Hi your Fi can soar, I highly recommend you pull the trigger on some inexpensive ¾” or 1 inch thick acrylic shelves for your audio rack. See, acrylic is extremely dense and non-resonant, available in a rainbow of colors and de rigeur on the top-end (read: high-priced) racks from some of the best known manufacturers like PArticular , Arcici, Grand Prix and Quadraspire. Go ahead—Google their best racks—I’ll wait. See? Nothing but acrylic. Why? These guys know the sound of acrylic is no sound (or at least as close as it gets). Did I mention your turntable probably has an acrylic platter and, if you spent enough money on it, an acrylic plinth as well? Ever wonder why? For about 30 or 40 dollars per custom cut (you read right) shelf, you can find out! One source is www.delviesplastics.com. Tell ‘em David sent you from The StereoTimes. They wont have a clue who that is—but you’ll thank me anyway. Trust me on this one!


JPS Labs Superconductor 3 Interconnects
(999.00 per meter with RCA terminations)

Ho Ho Ho yet again. Don’t know about you, but I get asked about my stereo a lot. Whether it’s my girlfriend asking me from whence my latest amplifier hails (France) or my friend Charles asking me for the fourth time if I can really hear any difference between my rig and a Hello Kitty boom box (he can’t)…well, you get the idea. Ever since I put the JPS Labs Superconductor 3 interconnects in my system though, I seem not to mention them in my replies. Audiophile friends even sometimes directly ask me what wires I use and I tell ‘em all about my power cords (Signal Cable Magic Power—awesome and affordable!) or my speaker cables (JPS Labs, Stereovox and Audio Art) or what have you. But interconnects? Hmm… lemme think for a sec. That’s because in my system, the SC 3’s are so not there sonically I tend to forget they’re physically part of my system too! I guess I started taking the poor little purple devils for granted early on in our relationship and that’s perhaps the best compliment I can pay a piece of audio equipment—I forget about it entirely and take it for granted. In my system Joe Skubinski’s Superconductor 3 cables have achieved (drum roll please) anonymity. They’re just wires I use to connect things-- there physically and not there sonically (or mentally). I’m sure they have a sound of their own, but I’m equally sure it’d be entirely too much work to figure out exactly what it is. I’ll leave it to my fave reviewer Art Dudley or something. He writes well and likes that sort of thing—futzing about with wires ;). Now what were you wanting to know about? My power conditioner or something? Happy Holidays!

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Silverline Audio Minuet Speakers ($600 per pair). These small, but robust mini-monitors deliver unusually transparent sound. Imaging is outstanding, and being quite efficient they can be powered by most low-powered tube amps with great success. But make no mistake, their power handling capacity of 10W to 300W RMS is indicative of a very robust loudspeaker that can be used safely with the vast majority of today’s amplifiers.

Measuring only 9"H x 5.5"W x 7.25"D, the Minuets will work well in small and medium size rooms and will appear cute and inconspicuous to significant others. They are available in vinyl veneers of either Cherry or Dark Rosewood and have removable black cloth grills. The Minuets are equipped with two pairs of input terminals for easy bi-wiring or bi-amping. Of course single amplifiers may also be used in conjunction with the supplied gold-plated terminal straps.

The Minuets produce natural, well-balanced sound with articulate bass down to 60Hz. Simply add a decent powered subwoofer and you’ll have the recipe for an impressive sounding full-range system. At their low-low price they surely must rate as one of the biggest bargains in audio.

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Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival [Rhino Records DVD] ($25.99). One suggestion this Holiday Season is to grab tickets to an upcoming concert in your area and stuff the socks with them. There is nothing better than giving the gift of a live performance and also supporting the artists and your local concert halls and venues. Alternatively, grab a copy of Clapton’s Crossroads Festival DVDs from either his 2004 Crossroads Guitar Festival recorded at the Cotton Bowl in Texas [on Reprise Records) or the newly released Crossroads recorded this past July in Chicago [Rhino Records). Both releases contain blistering sets from greats like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, Jimmie Vaughan, Steve Winwood and a host of others, with Clapton sitting in. The recordings range far and wide in Blues country: an acoustic barnstorm here from guitarists Dan Tyminski and Ron Block to a blistering solo from J.J. Cale there. The sound on both DVDs is excellent, offering great crackling energy. All royalties from the sales of the DVDs benefit the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, a centre for the treatment of alcohol and substance abuse founded by Clapton. It doesn’t get any better than this: giving the gift of the Blues and giving a little back…Peace to all!

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Soundcare Superspikes (M8 Threaded Spike 4 per Retail pack $67.95): Solid steel footer that is an all in one design that helps to protect surfaces from the damages of using pointed spikes and also attempts to enhance the sound coming from source components, electronics and loudspeakers. I tried them on a number of loudspeakers and the soundstage expanded with greater focus and better clarity at the top end of the frequency range.

 

IsoTek Systems GII Neoplug ($110.00): This award winning filter is a plug-n-play device that cleans up the AC line from unwanted noise. According to IsoTek, “it is most effective when it is used right next to noisy appliances like computers, switching power supplies, microwaves, etc. Because of its sophisticated circuitry, it is only necessary to use two per household”. I tried the GII Neoplugs plugged into outlets close to appliances and also right next to my systems electronics. Each time there was a noticeable improvement in the sound. There was a more transparent presentation with a slightly more detailed midrange and a higher resolved top end.

IsoTek Systems Full System CD Enhancer ($32.99): This is a burn in disc that also includes a demagnetizer and complete system enhancer. It is an excellent tool to accelerate the time that it takes to burn in components and is also good for an occasional system “tune-up”. I’ve enjoyed countless more hours of listening to music instead of waiting for components to settle in. A testimony to the success of the CD Enhancer is that Esoteric recommends it.

Tube Time With the price of NOS vacuum tubes escalating as we speak it is nice to find a bargain every once in a while. My favorite 12au7’s are Telefukens from West Germany and the best sounding in my opinion. But at $125.00 for a pair that can get a little expensive just for casual listening. Here are a couple of recommendations that I believe have great sonics and are a lot more affordable.

NOS Brimar 12au7 ($25.00): An excellent sounding tube that is extremely quiet with a marvelous midrange, nice detail, and tight bass. The high end presentation is a little soft therefore I feel that it is an excellent choice to tone down an overly bright system. The Brimar’s can be used in both power amps or in preamps. I was able to find a matched quad at Triode Electronics Inc. in Chicago.

NOS RFT 12au7 ($27.00 - $30.00): Very quiet and musical tube from Germany. Neutral sounding with a tight, robust bottom end and great extension up top. I preferred it in power amps over preamps. A number of tube resellers carry them from The tube store, Tube depot, and quite a few others.

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Acoustic Systems Noise Filters ($180.00 per set, 17pcs): Franck Tchang, the “wizard” has done it again with this new and powerful room tuning device. I recommend this product to everyone whether it’s for an entry level or reference system. This product is a must-have for people who want a system that gets the most out of their recordings. The effects of these filters are very impressive. In short, music takes on a more three-dimensional and realistic presence. (www.avataracoustics.com)

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PAVAROTTI FOREVER, [Decca 2CD 80010170] ($17.98)
This 2 CD package was recently released by Universal Music to commemorate the passing of Luciano Pavarotti. It is a fitting tribute to, in my view, the greatest tenor of the second half of the 20th Century. CD 1 has many of the arias for which Pavarotti is best known. On CD 2, Pav sings some of the best known Italian songs. The duet with Pavarotti and Sinatra of Sinatra’s big hit, My Way, is almost worth the price of the double CD. If there is a heaven, you’ve gotta believe that those two guys are up there serenading the Angels. (An inexpensive but unforgettable Christmas gift for that special person.)

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KAB SpeedStrobe - ($99.95). This unique product allows the vinylphile to check his or her turntable speed in the most accurate manner. What sets this strobe system apart is that the strobe is not dependent on the AC power line frequency which can vary. The strobe is battery powered and uses a high accuracy quartz based oscillator to produce the strobe frequency. The accompanying strobe disc allows the user to check speeds at 16.67 rpm, 33.33 rpm, 45 rpm, and 70.59 – 90 rpm.

The SpeedStrobe is an essential component in my arsenal of turntable setup tools. I have used it for years without any problems. This product gets my highest recommendation.

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Velvet Revolver – Contraband [RCA Records] ($13.98): Bands featuring rock-n-roll all-star lineups rarely live up to the hype, but the dudes that make up the band Velvet Revolver have clearly bucked that trend with their first release, Contraband. With a clean and sober Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots) providing the band with emotionally charged and well earned world weary vocals, it is clearly Slash (Guns and Roses) that fuels the fire. While many of the tracks lean heavily on tried and true compositional convention, the talents of all involved elevate the familiar to the extraordinary. If there are any doubts regarding who reigns supreme at the top of the rock guitarist heap, this album should lay them soundly to rest. Backed by the former Guns and Roses rhythm section of Duff McKagan on bass, Matt Sorum on drums and rhythm guitar handled by Dave Kushner formerly of Wasted Youth, Contraband is in my opinion, the best straight up, flat out rock-n-roll album of the last 20 years. The sonics are not bad either.

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Shatki Innovations Hallographs Reference Soundfield Optomizers: $1200 per pair

A no brains solution to age old acoustical room problems that continues to keep audiophile's onions in a bunch. My understanding, respect and appreciation for these "tuning" devices has continued to grow with every noticeable upgrade throughout. The Hallographs allow me to hear more music with minimal room interactions that smear and reduce minute details. Improves three-dimensionality and natural tonal shadings in a way that's addictive. 

Keith Jarrett Live at the Blue Note, The Complete Recordings $90.00 [ECM 6-CD Box Set]

Arguably the best "live" jazz CD recording available bar none. This recording's  five star sound quality is matched by a five star performance - which is very rare. Germany's ECM label, considered among the elite in respect to sound perfection, thanks to resident engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug, may have outdone themselves here.  This 6-disc box set captures this incredible jazz trio led by a moaning and groaning Jarrett (piano), Gary Peacock (bass) and Jack DeJohnnette (drums) at their best over a five-day date at one of NYC's premier jazz night spots. 

Shirely Horn Here's to Life $16.95 [Polygram]

What isn't there to say about this remarkable vocalist who could both play piano and sing with the best of 'em? Ella? Sarah? Billie? Horn was certainly in their class without question. The first time I heard Here's to Life, I was embarrassed I hadn't heard the music of this true jazz diva prior. Horn's forte was love songs with tempos slowed to nearly a halt. Horn's heartfelt emotions and incredibly deep musical depth will remain her trademark. Here's to Life was all it took to hypnotize this listener to eventually purchase most of Horn's works. Like in a hurried game of catch-up there's plenty to enjoy in her music but Here's to Life may be Horn's most hauntingly beautiful work.

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Silent Running Audio Tremor/Less Isolation Platform, ($200): SRA has made its mark with several lines of component-specific isolation devices, from individual platforms to racks. Component-specificity means that SRA designs and assembles its units as occasions demand. It would be impractical, indeed impossible, for a niche provider like SRA to stock specific isolation products for every audio / video component out there.

SRA's latest version of its one-and-only generic isolation platform is remarkable on two counts: one, it's very good at what it's designed to do, and two, for an audio / video item of this size, heft, fit and finish, it's an astonishing bargain. SRA's Kevin Tellekamp takes particular pride in his products' build and appearance. In this respect, a comparison with Wilson speakers is no exaggeration. Done up as they are in a handsome bamboo veneer, I had my "aha!" moment when I figured that Kevin has these TL pieces outsourced to China. I asked and got my comeuppance. No! The TLs are made right here in the USA.

Mine is under my Aurum Acoustics Integris CDP. The TL comes in two iterations, "mechanical," for components with moving parts, and otherwise, for amps, preamps and the like. The CDP's sound atop the "mechanical" TL is especially lovely in the midrange and bass. With the addition of four Nordost Quasar Points, treble detail is nicely enhanced. (Tellekamp takes no issue with the TL in combination with other products.) Even with these Nordost Points, we're still in bargain territory.

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The Legends of Jazz “Showcase” Season One, Volume One [LRS Media] ($19.98): The Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis "Showcase" is a wonderful two-disc (CD and DVD) collection of 13 excellent performances from some of the biggest names in traditional (Lewis, Dave Brubeck and Benny Golson) and contemporary (Chris Botti, Marcus Miller and George Duke) jazz.

The coolest part about this two-disc set is that it caters to both the audiophile and videophile. The CD is loaded with great performances like the duet between guitarists Robert Cray and Keb Mo singing “12 Year Old Boy,” and Kurt Elling and Al Jareau singing Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five.” The DVD brings these performances to life on the big screen (or whatever size screen you have) encoded from HD masters presented in 16 x 9 Widescreen with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.

I’ll be toting this bad boy around with to all the audio and video demo rooms at CES/T.H.E. Show.

mStation 2.1 Stereo Tower ($299.95): While this extruded aluminum beauty may not be typical audiophile fair, it possesses a shocking level of musicality and functionality at an extremely affordable price. The mStation 2.1 Stereo Tower is a sleek, floor standing "Made for iPod" docking station. It features a 5.25” powered subwoofer, (4) 2” midrange drivers and (2) 1” tweeters.

When I plugged my iPod in to it I was surprised at just how big it sounded. My godson immediately put a claim on it as a replacement for his Bose Wave radio. The mStation is a perfect gift for college students who are dorm room challenged yet still want some butt-thumping bass that they can party with. It also comes with a full function 10 key remote that allows you to navigate your playlists, as well as adjust the volume, bass and treble from a distance.