While we all go through the horrors of the COVID-19 virus together, I know the feelings of hopelessness and the boredom of having to stay at home day after day. I also know that most of you have turned to music for solace. At our house, music has helped to relieve tension and shut out the noise and overdose of news from the outside world. So, as you listen, we wanted to reflect back on some of our reviews of exceptional audio products. We’re starting off with a few analog products. Enjoy!
DS Audio DS-W2 Optical Phono Cartridge and Preamp-Equalizer
If you have read my reviews for any period of time, you have probably noticed that I love the DS Audio optical cartridges. I have reviewed every one of their optical cartridges except for the latest one. Here’s a link to the review of the DS-W2 Optical Phono Cartridge and Preamp-Equalizer. This cartridge is the one that I consider to be the best value because it comes so close to the sound of their top-of-the-line Master1.
What makes these cartridges special? As I said in the review, “The ability to come so much closer to getting the timing and flow of a musical performance correct is part of what makes the DS optical cartridges so enjoyable to listen to.”
And, while you’re at it, you can find out more about Tetsuaki Aoyagi, the brilliant young designer of these cartridges in this interview by Becky.
TriAngle Art Maestro Turntable
In my review of the TriAngle Art Maestro turntable, I wrote, “The Maestro turntable makes a great first impression both for the way it looks and, more importantly, for the way it sounds. Now, don’t act like looks don’t matter to you because everyone who comes to your house will comment on how beautiful this turntable is.”
But, as I also said in the review, this turntable is about more than just the bling. Read the review to find out how this turntable makes different types of music really sing. Yes, there’s a lot more here than just bling!
Technics SL-1200GR
The Technics SL-1200GR is part of the latest generation of turntables, and frankly, they just aren’t the same turntables that your dad or grandad knew, even though they do pay tribute to the company’s rich analog history.
The SL-1200GR uses a single-rotor cordless motor similar to the ones used in the more expensive Technics turntables. However, unlike the more expensive tables, it uses a new die-cast brass and aluminum platter that is less than half the weight of the platter of the older tables.
As I said in the review, “With this turntable, anyone who was raised on digital sound will get an understanding of why there are so many vinyl lovers.” You can read the full review here.
EMIA Strain Gauge Cartridge with Equalizer Phono Preamp
As I said in my review a couple of years ago, “While so many people today are simply trying to copy and bring vintage technology to market, Emia strives to understand the underlying concepts of vintage designs. They then apply these concepts to contemporary sound reproduction through the introduction of their new designs.”
So what’s so special about this cartridge? “The Emia strain gauge sounds like beautiful music, full-bodied with great colorful textures that are truly musical. This cartridge had all of this along with great musical scale with exceptional dynamics, and it brings a sense of exciting drama to the appropriate music.” You can read the full review here.
A Look at the Classics
Now, this is just for fun. I wrote a post on My Five Favorite Classic Looking Turntables way back in 2015. This post featured five classic turntables, a couple of which I have owned. For those of you who are gray-haired audiophiles who came of age in the 70s, you will recognize some of these turntables. If you’re younger, let me assure you, these turntables contributed to the development of the tables you admire today. So, regardless of your age, take a look back, and feel free to drool!
