Leslie Shapiro

Features
The Reel-to-Reel Revival, Part 1: A Brief History of the Format
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 27, 2025  |  First Published: Jan 27, 2025  |  0 comments

There’s a whisper in the world of audiophiles, a spinning rumble that digital audio is out, and analog is back in a big way. Amongst the spinning of vinyl and the hum of tube amps, another important analog medium is rolling out of the past and right into the hearts of the modern-day sound purist — the reel-to-reel tape player. Read Part 1 of Leslie Shapiro’s in-depth reel-to-reel report to learn more about the history of this important analog format. . .

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Features
Tale of the Tape: Spotlight on Maxell, the Origin of the Blown-Away Guy, and the Comeback of Cassettes
Leslie Shapiro  |  Oct 21, 2024  |  First Published: Oct 21, 2024  |  13 comments

Cassette tapes are in the midst of enjoying a major comeback — and perhaps it has been a somewhat unexpected development, at least to some. Read Leslie Shapiro’s insightful feature on the history of the longtime leading cassette manufacturer Maxell, the true origins of the infamous Blown-Away Guy, and the bigger-picture reasons for why the cassette format lives on (and on). . .

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Analog Gear News
Ten New Turntables Include Something for Every Analog Lover’s Budget
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jul 26, 2022  |  First Published: Jul 26, 2022  |  16 comments

There is never a bad time for a roundup of current turntable offerings, so today’s the day! We’ve compiled ten new and notable ’tables that span a range of MSRPs, from the instantly affordable to the champagne-budget compatible. There’s something here for everyone in our ever-expanding Analog Planet universe, so read on, and spin on. . .

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