Katz's Corner Episode 25: Adventures in Distortion
This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.comI believe that second harmonic distortion is sonic gold for audiophiles: It's very seductive, especially if you want a warm sound quality, three-dimensionality, and beautiful reproduction of ambience and depth. Based on the listening tests, there does not seem to be a sonic negative side if the proportions are done right. Yes, too much second harmonic and detail will be lost or the sound can become flubby, like some inferior tube preamp designs. That's why this listening test was so useful, as we can discover how much harmonic distortion is "just enough".
Katz's Corner Episode 8: My Current Affair
This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com
This episode is full of ideas on what makes audio sound better (or worse). If you're like me, constantly searching for scientific reasons, you'll enjoy this episode. Join me in trying to make audible sense of it all.
Katz's Corner Episode 9: Astell & Kearn AK T1p Headphones and AK380 Music Player
This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.comI'm not a shy guy. If I don't like a headphone, I'll pull it off my ears within five minutes! So far, I've had the Astell & Kearn AK T1p on for over 40 minutes and I keep wanting to check them outso there must be something about them that's keeping me listening.
Katz's Corner, Episode 6: Things Are Looking Up
This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com
I am certain that sound quality improves when we sample at higher rates.
Katz's Corner: Episode One
This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com
Famed recordist and mastering engineer Bob Katz is a headphone enthusiast...who knew?
Bob recently offered to write a series of articles for InnerFidelity readers on his recent adventures with headphones. I just couldn't turn down an opportunity for a peak at our favorite head-worn audio device through his venerable ears.
Welcome, Bob!
Katz's Corner: The Great Headphone Shootout - Part 3
This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com
I've spent $4000 on the Stax 007 Mk2 and a custom-built KGSS amp, which can drive them as loudly and cleanly as you like. These are the most transparent reproducers I own, revealing details that are masked even on my fabulous loudspeaker system. That's what electrostatic transducers can do for you. I've always felt they have excellent and solid bass. So it was quite a shock to discover and admit that the cans which I have preferred for over forty years may have a victor: .......
Katz's Corner: The Great Headphone Shootout - Part 4
This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com
On Monday it was raining lions and tigers all day, but four of the faithful eventually arrived, between an hour and two late. Except Mitch Corbin, musician (Suzy Bogguss, David Bromberg, Byron Berline, David Grisman) and project studio owner, arrived early. That was a good thing, because I gave him a solo audition. When the four others arrived, they each had a headphone to check out and shuffle around. Mitch stuck around to learn everyone's reactions and schmooze for the evening, and a wonderful time was had by all.
Katz's Corner: The Great Headphone Shootout Part 2
This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.comThe Headphone Slutz group meeting was fast approaching, and the demo cans would soon arrive from the Cable Company. I was excited! In a few weeks I would be able to hear and compare four of the world's best headphones, in my own room with the finest associated gear and music sources, and share that experience with seven friends.
Katz's Corner: The Great Headphone Shootout. Part 5: The Revisions
This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.comI've seen some reports that the Stax 007 MkII (the "Omegas") sound a bit bassy and dull, but I don't have that reaction with the KGSS amp and a superior DAC. My precious Stax is clearly missing something in the bass department and I wanted to see if I could transfuse the slam of the Audeze into the Stax and have the best of both worlds.
Katz’s Corner Episode 12: Throwing Down the Gauntlet
This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.comThis kind of performance leads us to this question: Can a pair of state-of-the-art loudspeakers placed in the far field of a room sound as transparent, defined, impacting and pure as the world’s best headphones? These Dyns give my Stax 007 MkII headphones a good run for their money. The Stax are driven by a KGSS amplifier. And what about dynamic headphones? I upped my game here, selling my Audeze LCD-X to invest in a pair of LCD4’s. And I borrowed a Deckard headphone amp on reviewer’s loan. No slouches here!