Gramophone Dreams #106: Lab12 Melto2 Phono, Tzar DST V1 Black Knight Corian, Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250
On the front page of its owner's manual, Greek amplifier manufacturer Lab12 describes the Melto2 ($4995) as a "Remote Controlled, Fully Adjustable Phono Preamplifier." I'd describe it as a clear-speaking, fun-to-use, cartridge- and record-collector's dream. Plus: It's got tubes.
Gramophone Dreams #11
Which record player has achieved international acclaim as a musical instrument in its own right?
Which turntable is revered for its near-indestructible build quality?
Which disc spinner has played more recordsand made more people drink, drug, dance, and make outthan any other?
Which turntable has sold over three million units?
Hint: It is not made in the US, the UK, China, or Switzerland.
Gramophone Dreams #110: LAiV Harmony µDAC, Etsuro Urushi Cobalt Blue, Bob's Devices Sky 20-S
In my studio, I have a hand-sized wood box. It is the soundbox of an African musical instrument with a small internal volume, a pencil-sized sound hole, a bent steel bridge, and an array of eight steel wires with flattened ends—a keyboard. It is called a mbira . . . you can buy a spiffy varnished mbira at Walmart, where it is called a "Kalimba."
Gramophone Dreams #112: Audio Note IO II phono cartridge & Audio Note AN-S4L SUT
When I began writing for Stereophile in 2014, I decided not to mention Audio Note. I decided this because during the best part of the 1990s, I enthusiastically represented both Audio Note UK and Audio Note Japan (Kondo). I did not want my new readers thinking my Stereophile review stories were biased by my previous affiliations.
Gramophone Dreams #113: Mono Carts and Glowing Tubes
I believe that every question has only one right answer. And that most of us are pretty challenged when it comes to knowing what it is. I know I am. To redeem myself, I've devoted my life to thinking up dumb questions.
Gramophone Dreams #114: Panning for (London Decca) Gold
Herb Senior raised me to be a wrench twirler. A problem solver. A mechanic. Not an intellectual. Or an artist. Following his example, I've devoted my life to measuring, cutting, and fastening. To putting things together.
Gramophone Dreams #24: Hana & Musical Surroundings
The days were long, the strawberries ripe, but it wasn't quite summer. It was, however, a perfect night for Otis Redding and Carla Thomas singing the Lowell FulsonJimmy McCracklin classic "Tramp," on a 7" 45rpm single (Stax 45-216).
Otis: What you call me?
Carla: Tramp! You don't wear continental clothes, or Stetson hats.
Gramophone Dreams #25: Dr. Feickert, Jelco, Koetsu, My Sonic Lab
I needed one black tiddledywink (not provided) to use Dr. Feickert Analogue's three-speed, two-motor, two-armboard Blackbird turntable. The tiddledywink was for covering the Blackbird's painfully bright power-on LED so that it didn't blind me when I cued up a record. The first night, in my dark listening room, this tiny indicator sprayed the wall behind and the ceiling above with more light than a bright-emitting 845 vacuum tube.
Gramophone Dreams #29: Etsuro Urushi & Hana phono cartridges
We were playing some old, cherished black discs when my partner, bb (the 6'-tall Aries artist), declared, "With records you hear touch, and you are not alone." Long pause. "Just holding the cover brings back memories—that's their humanity."
Gramophone Dreams #37: JSikora Initial turntable & Grado Aeon3 phono cartridge
My most cherished intangibleslove, beauty, glimpses of higher realmsenter my awareness only after I prepare my psyche to receive them. Extended bathing, lighting candles, making tea, and preparing food are ritual work forms that prepare my senses to accept both pleasure and illumination. In like manner, collecting LPs and storing them properly, setting up turntables, aligning cartridges, and cleaning styli are ritual actions that prepare me for the high moments of focused musical pleasure only a black disc can provide.