LATEST ADDITIONS

Best known for its sexy looking Delphi turntable first introduced in 1979 and currently in its MK VI iteration ($8850), Canada-based Oracle Audio recently updated its lowest priced Origine turntable to MKII status.

The upgraded version includes a new “wall-wart” powered 16V AC synchronous motor (the original was 24V AC—customers with that motor can get a free upgrade, paying for shipping one way) and a new silicon damped cueing mechanism replacing the original’s “direct action” cueing system (which for original Origine owners can be upgraded for $85). It uses a knob rather than a traditional lever, that you turn to raise and lower the arm.

Capitol/UMe releases on August 31st a newly remixed and remastered 50th Anniversary edition of The Band's epic 1968 debut Music From Big Pink.Bob Clearmountain re-mixed from the original 4 track tapes in both stereo and 5.1 channel surround mixes. The release will be available in various iterations including 2 180g black vinyl LPs, and a limited edition 2LP pink vinyl edition. There will also be a "Super Deluxe CD/Blu-ray/2LP/7-inch box set as well as a CD edition and a digital download.

At 80 Charles Lloyd can musically pretty much do whatever the hell he wants, though he did likewise at age 30 in 1966 when he fronted a group featuring 21 year old Keith Jarrett, 24 year old Jack DeJohnette and at 31 the group’s “elder statesman” Cecil McBee, and produced the classic Forest Flower (Atlantic SD 1473), recorded live at the Monterey Jazz Festival.

With more than 15,000 views on YouTube in two weeks, young record collector and audio enthusiast Malachi Liu's first visit to editor Michael Fremer's listening room clearly resonated with viewers. He's soon off with his family to Portland, Oregon but before leaving and after returning home from summer music camp, he paid a second visit.