Sumiko and Pro-Ject USA just introduced the handsome new Debut PRO turntable. Cosmetics are based around a satin black and brushed-nickel color scheme. Beyond the clearly great looks, there's a new 8.6" arm featuring a one-piece carbon fiber wrapped aluminum arm tube said to produce excellent rigidity and to reduce resonances.
There's never been an official press release about Pro-Ject's purchase of Musical Fidelity from owner Antony Michaelson so this site has held off reporting it until it could be confirmed. Last week, while at the EISA Global Press Convention in Antwerp, Belgium, AnalogPlanet editor Michael Fremer had an opportunity to speak with Pro-Ject CEO Heinz Lichtenegger about the Musical Fidelity purchase.
Legendary veteran record producer Joe Boyd (The Incredible String Band, Richard Thompson, John Martyn, R.E.M. Fairport Convention, Nick Drake, etc.) recently announced a new Kickstarter Project you should be aware of.
Among the many iconic records John Simon has produced: Leonard Cohen's Columbia Records debut Songs of Leonard Cohen, Blood Sweat & Tears debut album Child is Father to the Man and of course Music From Big Pink and The Band
Pro-Ject's Heinz Lichtenegger couldn't wait for next week's Munich show where he will hold a twenty fifth anniversary press conference and debut this handsome new turntable. Instead he flew to New York and debuted it first at the World of McIntosh (WOMA) townhouse.
This order sheet sent by Sundazed's Bob Irwin 14 years ago when the label was reissuing mono Byrds albums proves that 1A, 1B and 1C pressings are all "first pressings".
The following is PS Audio's press release for the company's new Stellar phono preamplifier:
Boulder, CO: 8/6/2019-----PS Audio's first product way back in 1974 was a phono preamplifier that outperformed and replaced far more expensive units. Since then, we've offered a number of excellent phono preamps--- but the new Stellar Phono Preamplifier is the best we've ever made.
Qobuz, the Hi-Res streaming and download service, just launched a "family plan" that allows up to six members per account for $24.99 per month—or $10 more a month than the current "solo" plan.
Hi-res streaming service qobuz just announced a now through May 15th offer of 21 CD resolution and hi-res titles you can download free. The music includes classical, jazz and "world".
In case you’re still wondering if the vinyl resurgence is a “bubble” or a temporary uptick, you’d best disabuse yourself of that thought. Despite the Apollo/Transco fire and other roadblocks like the record distribution debacle that had last year’s “Making Vinyl Hollywood” attendees in a near panic, record sales (and turntable sales) continue to soar—and best of all, a new, young and sophisticated clientele insists upon quality even as demand for novelty colored and splattered vinyl also grows. We welcome them all (even picture disc buyers).
I am so sorry to report the passing of Basis Audio's Armando ("A.J.") Conti, one of the audio industry's nicest, most interesting and talented turntable and tone arm designers.
Legendary recording engineer, producer, mixer and all around great person Al Schmitt died last week at 91. He was still working at the end of his life. The multiple Grammy winner engineered albums for Bob Dylan, The Jefferson Airplane, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Diana Krall, Sam Cooke, and on and on in an illustrious career that began as a child in his uncle Harry's New York City recording studio where he did odd jobs including cable cleaning.
Legendary mastering and recording engineer Stan Ricker passed away today. That is all I know at this time. As I learn more I will update this news item.