Analog

There is no more emotional topic with audiophiles than the sonic characteristics of vinyl. Audiophiles go to the most over-the-top extremes to get the most from their collection of vinyl records. They spend anywhere from hundreds of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars on turntables that can deliver the most magical of sound. Critics say that vinyl has a high signal to noise ratio and limited dynamics compared to Compact Discs but it’s hard to argue that the analog sound is alluring, sexy and compelling. Vinyl also is the format that, by far, the most audiophile records are released on. 180 gram and 200 gram analog records provide a fantastic musical experience.

The Rise and Fall of the Printed Record

Analog • 5 Comments

Hey Kids! Want to make your own LP records? Here’s a place to start…

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My favorite FM Tuners

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As FM radio tuners recede in prominence, replaced by Internet radio, Steven Stone lists some of his favorite FM tuners from days gone by....

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Bootleg Records and Purloined Tapes – A Recollection

Analog

Before illegal downloads and file-sharing there were bootleg recordings for the RIAA to chase down. Back then they were almost as...

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Do You Really Need an FM Tuner?

Analog • One Comment

Do you still listen to FM radio over the airwaves? Some people have abandoned it for the pleasures of listening via the Internet. Steven Stone explains what made him switch…

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Plangent – A Better Way to Transfer Analog Tape

Analog

Tape-scrape induced wow and flutter are intrinsic to the tape recording process. But you don't have to listen to piano with vibrato on its...

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Generations

Analog

Audiophiles, regardless of their positions on other issues, all agree that the best source is the original master recording. But we rarely,...

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Another One Bites the Dust?

Analog

Atlanta’s Criminal Records has announced that it will close on November 1st. Is this a harbinger of future woes for record stores or an isolated phenomena? While some people feel that record stores are doomed, Steven Stone offers another scenario…

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Another One Bites the Dust?

Analog

Atlanta's Criminal Records has announced that it will close on November 1st. Is this a harbinger of future woes for record stores or an...

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Mastering – The Final Frontier

Analog

Does your CD copy of The Red Hot Chili Peppers new release sound different than the LP release? According to the guys who mastered it, the...

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Mastering – The Final Frontier

Analog

Does your CD copy of The Red Hot Chili Peppers new release sound different than the LP release? According to the guys who mastered it, the two versions SHOULD sound different because they were mastered differently…

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Rolling Your Own

Analog

The modern audiophile is different than he was fifty years ago. Not because methods of consumption have changed, but because a fundamental...

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Game-Changing Features

Analog

Everyone has a different idea of a revolutionary or game-changing feature. The idea that matters to one may not matter to another. The...

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Will Hipsters Save Analog Audio?

Analog

It would appear that the younger, hipper generation is going retro – even in terms of the audio they listen to. These hipsters are going back to listening to music via turntables and vinyl.

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Linn Says Your System Is Only As Good As Your Source. Is This Philosophy Still Relevant To Today’s Audiophile?

Analog • One Comment

Linn was a leader in the audiophile industry when vinyl was the source of choice. They continue to be a relevant company in the...

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Retro Styling: Form Following Foggy Recollections of Old Stuff

Analog

What is the deal with retro styling? It's one thing when it is applied to a pair of jeans. It is quite another when it is applied to an...

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Can a Turntable be as Simple as a CD Player? The Music Hall USB-1 Thinks So

Analog

There is a new turntable being made available by Music Hall, the USB-1 turntable, that is attempting to simplify the vinyl process, which would make it more attractive to a wider audience. It seems to be succeeding.

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