Monthly Archive: April 2005
Weekly Audio News for April 27, 2005
Dolby Pro Logic II for Digital Radio – The Pro Logic II matrix surround sound audio format has been approved by licensee Dolby Laboratories and iBiquity Digital Corporation for the HD Radio system, which is finally being offering by a growing number of radio stations in the U.S., on the same frequency as the station’s present analog transmissions. Since HD Radio is only a two-channel system, this will enable stations to broadcast surround sound sources by encoding them into the Dolby Pro Logic II matrix on two channels, to be received as either standard stereo or decoded to five-channel surround by the tens of millions of tuners, receivers and AV preamps with Pro Logic II decoders. (This usually provides improved surround sound over merely processing a standard stereo source with Pro Logic II.) Network TV has been using Pro Logic II on certain programs. Boston Acoustics Digital HD Radio – The Recepter Radio HD will be introduced by speaker-maker Boston Acoustics in June as one of the first home radios for HD to be made available. In addition to the usual FM and AM it will offer reception of the iBiquity Digital HD Radio signals now being added to the […]
Music Humor Sites for April Audio Fools
1. Classical Music Bloopers 2. Band-Naming from Yahoo 3. An Economist’s Analysis of Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony 4. Instrument Jokes 5. OXymoron Music Humour Archive (Merton College, Oxford) 6. A Player’s Guide for Keeping Conductors in Line 7. Science and Music [Offered as a service of TheWilliam and Gayle Cook Music Library, Indiana University School of Music]
“SACD Dying…Or Not?” – Producers & engineers check in
An answer to rumors that the SACD format is dying – even though 3500 releases have come out internationally and more on their way.
Extreme Prejudice and the Pursuit of Hi-Res Audio
Editor John Sunier forwarded me the following email message he recently received: You should stop allowing Tom Gibbs to publish reviews of DVD-A and DualDisc releases because of his extreme prejudice against these formats. I think it’s now generally understood that multi-option DVD-A discs require use in a system (home theater, usually) with a video display to select menu options. Reviewers who refuse to (do) this are not qualified. The comments no doubt reference my reviews from the Jan/Feb issue detailing my first experience with DualDisc; while I do not deny that my impressions were indeed negative in tone toward the fledgling new format, I take the gravest offense at the characterization of “extreme prejudice” on my part. I generally reserve those kind of heavy-handed remarks for individuals or institutions I really despise. I’m also troubled by the inference that I don’t bother to use the available technology to avail myself of all the wonders that these “multi-option” discs offer the consumer-at-large – which engenders a distinct lack of credibility on my part as a reviewer. I’d like to take a moment to describe my personal circumstances as they relate to my enjoyment of our hobby/addiction – and as often […]
Weekly Audio News for April 20, 2005
Higher Incomers Buy More Home Electronics – An Irish market research firm has offered a Luxury Tracking Report which in its first iteration surveyed 717 affluent consumers with over $75,000 household income and who purchased at least one luxury item in the third quarter of 2004. During this period their consumption of travel, fine dining, jewelry, watches and various service businesses fell, but they bought more home luxuries – with the greatest increase tracked in home electronics and photography. Record Company Beefs With Apple – The major record labels basically put the online digital music business into Apple’s hands with the iTunes Music Store. Apple doesn’t make much off iTunes after payments are made to publishers, labels and artists, but they make a bundle selling iPods. However, the labels have different aims in selling their music from the 99 cents per track of iTunes. They would prefer various pricing methods like charging less for reissue material and more for newer tracks and albums – helping them take advantage of the demands for music and maximize their revenue. Some labels are now looking into different ways to sell digital music, including even digital downloads to cell phones. Beefing Up the “Betamax” […]
Sony SCD-CE595 SACD/CD Changer
Price (Street): $149
Weekly Audio News for April 13, 2005
Satellite Radio Has 5 Million Subscribers – From a slow start about 3 1/2 years ago, the two satellite radio services – XM and Sirius – have now signed up over five million subscribers at from $10 to $13 a month – that’s well over $100 a year for a type of product that has been free in this country for over 80 years. One factor aiding its success has been the dismal condition of terrestrial commercial radio – way too many commercials, too narrow song playlists, and a stultifying sameness of programming. The 120 or so separate channels of each service offer a huge variety of specialty programming, and those channels with commercials run a fraction of the number heard on standard radio. More new cars are coming out with one or the other service receivers built in. The threat is causing commercial broadcasters to loosen up their formats and reduce the number of commercials, though with the relaxed FCC regulations multiple station ownership and sameness continues. While the complete freedom from multipath distortion in vehicles is a welcome benefit of the satellite services, their audio quality on music is nowhere near that of CDs. However, it is not […]
SURVEY OF THE AUDIO & HT PRINT PRESS – Updated 4/12/05
WIDESCREEN REVIEW (May) – Seems to be leaning toward the Blu-ray format in the HD DVD battle, since these two cover stories are side by side: “Blue-ray Attracts Support;” “The Need for One HD Format.” (Have to agree with WSR.) Other cover stories: Analog TV Cutoff for 2006?, Reviews of Sony Qualia 006 SXRD 70-inch RP HDTV; Myrad MXD7000 & MXA7150 Pream/Processor/Power Amp; Over 40 DVD Reviews. Sword-wielding Elektra graces the cover. Inside articles: Sharp XV-Z2000 DLP Projector; Eggleston Works Fontaine II tower speaker system, The future of 3D movies, DVDs under $3. WIDESCREEN REVIEW (April) – A feature story on the Broadcast Flag questions FCC decisions allowing unprecedented control by Hollywood forces over the final viewing or time-shifting of broadcast programming. The product reviews for the month include Yamaha’s DPX-1200 Digital Cinema Projector, Arcam’s AVR300 Surround Sound Home Theatre Receiver, Belkin’s PF30, PF60 Power Conditioner, Console & HT cabling, and the various AV systems using in the publication’s hardware and software reviews are listed. Awards given by the American Society of Cinematographers are featured, and a story on the CEA’s support for a hard cut-off date for analog TV-casting. DVD ETC. (May/June) – The busy front cover covers […]
Weekly Audio News for April 6, 2005
Changes in How Consumers Access Media – A new study by Arbitron and Edison Media Research shows that an estimated 27 million Americans have taken control of their media and entertainment. This is the portion of the population who own one or more on-demand media devices, such as TiVo, iPod and similar units. Among the interesting results:10% watched video-on-demand via cable or satellite in the past month. 11% accessed their news on the Internet. 37 million listen to Internet radio. 27% of 12-to-17 year olds own an iPod or other portable MP3 player. 43 million Americans timeshift TV programming. 76% own at least one DVD disc and 39% own 20 or more. Public awareness of the two satellite radio services has increased to over 50%. Only slightly less time was spent by this group listening to traditional radio compared to the national average. Broadband connections are now in as many households as are dial-up connections. The number of Americans who made a purchase from the Web in the past week has more than tripled. The monthly Internet video audience is estimated to be 35 million and the weekly online video audience is nearly 20 million. Kenwood and TDK Cutbacks – […]
Index to All 127 Discs Reviewed
Index to All 127 Discs Reviewed for April 2005: HI-RES REVIEWS, PT 1 (Classical) – Multichannel Disc of the Month: BRAHMS: Sym. No. 1, Tragic & Academic Festival Overtures – London Philharmonic/Marin Alsop; BRAHMS: The Four Symphonies – WDR Sym./Semyon Bychkov; SOUSA/GOLDMAN/GOULD – Brass & Percussion; Frederick Fennell cond. SOUSA; BACH Cantatas – Thomas Quasthoff, bass-baritone with Berlin Baroque; BACH: The Art of Fugue – Hesperion XX/Jordi Savall; BACH: Orch. Suite 4, Oboe Concerto, Orch. Suite 2 – Alexei Utkin, oboe; Anna Netrebko, soprano – Sempre Libera; Handel Arias – Renee Fleming; “Poeme” (violin works) – Akiko Suwanai, v./Dutoit; GUBAIDULINA: Canticle of the Sun etc. – Pieter Wispelway, cello; ALESSANDRO SCARLATTI: Cecilian Vespers – Nicholas McGegan; MAHLER: Sym. 2 “Resurrection” – Royal Concertgebouw Orch./Riccardo Chailly; Surround Yourself with Enrico Caruso; Surround Yourself with Hindustani Ragas HI-RES REVIEWS, PT. 2 (Classical conl.) – BERLIOZ: Sym. fantastique – Vienna Philharmonic/Colin Davis; MOZART Requiem – Karajan; BEETHOVEN: Sym. Nos. 5 & 7 – Vienna Philarharmonic/Carlos Kleiber; Tube-Only Violin – Daniel Gaede/Xuesu Liu; Music for Organ, Brass & Timpani – Anthony Newman, org./Graham Ashton Brass; Romantic Music for Brass – MENDELSSOHN, EWALD, BOHME – Center City Brass; VIVALDI: Six Flute Concertos Op. 10 – […]
Home Page-April 2005
Our ninth Hi-Res Drawing features SACDs from Chesky Records. A dozen lucky AUDIOPHILE AUDITION readers who Register Here (or have registered earlier) will receive their choice of one of the three multichannel SACD discs above: Chuck Mangione’s classic Flugelhorn outing Everything for Love, The Orchestral Spectacular especially recorded for surround, or the wild & crazy Dr. Chesky’s 5.1 Surround Show demo disc. Drawings will be April 1, we’ll announce the winners thereafter, and we won’t sell/share your information. Check back with us frequently for reviews & news! March 2005 Contents 158 Discs Reviewed! Incl. 14 New Jazz CDs! New Audio News! 45 SACD, DVD-A, DualDisc & Gold CD Hi-Res Reviews (Pt. 1 – Jazz, Pt. 2 Classical, & Pt. 3 – Pop/Rock) 14 New Jazz Reviews (Pt. 1, Pt. 2) 23 Classical CD Reviews (Pt. 1, Pt. 2) 33 DVD Video Reviews (Pt. 1 – Music Videos, Pt. 2 – Music & Features, Pt. 3 – Features) Components: InFocus ScreenPlay 5700 DLP Projector; Von Schweikert LCR-15 Speaker; Sennheiser Wireless RS 65 Headphones 17 Classical Reissue Reviews (Pt. 1, Pt. 2) 2 Features of the Month: 26 Soundtrack CDs Reviewed!; The System Is The Hero Summary of the Audio & […]
18 Classical Reissue Reviews Part 1
April 2005, Pt. 1 of 2 [Pt. 2] HAYDN: Andante and Variations in F Minor/BEETHOVEN: Sonata No. 14 in C# Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 “Moonlight”; 32 Variations in C Minor/CHOPIN: Scherzo No. 3 in C3 Minor, Op. 39/KODALY: Dances of Marosszek/MOZART: Sonata No. 14 in C Minor, K. 457 Annie Fischer, piano BBC Legends BBCL 4166 74:22 (Distrib. Koch)****: Studio recordings from Hungarian virtuoso Annie Fischer (1914-1995) made 1958-1971, mostly in dark intimate colors. Although Fischer’s repertory embraced an international assemblage of composers, she made a reputation on discs in the music of Beethoven and Mozart. Her approach to the familiar Moonlight Sonata (2 November 1958) eschews anything like a sentimental affect, opting for a linear detachment in the opening Adagio sustention and high fioritura in the final movement that outstrips her commercial EMI recording for sheer speed. Fischer’s grasp of the architecture undergirding the C Minor Variations (19 May 1963) of Beethoven is no less firm, playing the groupings as studies in dark and light, with effective cascades of sound that move toward a preconceived end. The Mozart Sonata (24 February 1971) is both graceful and supple, the last movement achieving a clarion quality in […]
14 Classical Standard CD Reviews Part 2
April 2005 Pt. 2 of 2 [Pt. 1] Felix Mottl Plays WAGNER – The Complete Welte Piano Rolls – Lohengrin Introduction, Parsifal Introduction, Tristan und Isolde Introduction, Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus & Elsa’s Dream, Parsifal Good Friday Music, Tristan und Isolde Act II Duet, Mastersingers of Nuremberg: The Quieter Hearth at Winter, Quintet, Parsifal Transformation Music & Entry of the Knights of the Holy Grail – Tacet 135, 88:43 (2 discs) ****: This is the latest CD in the new series Tacet is presenting of the most advanced and SOTA mechanical reproducing piano ever developed. You can read more about the Welte-Mignon system in our first review of this series Here. Unlike the Telarc CDs of Rachmaninoff piano rolls, which transferred the holes in the rolls to digital data which was then cleaned up in a computer and output to a Bosendorfer Reproducing Piano, the Tacet project uses the original Welte “vorsetzer” unit which rolls up to the keyboard of any grand piano and contacts its keys with 88 little wooden fingers. It has been meticulously adjusted and enhanced as only a German technician could probably do, and the result is perhaps even a bit better than the Telarcs (because […]
14 Classical Standard CD Reviews Part 1
April 2005 – Part 1 of 2 [Part 2] HAYDN: Piano Concertos – Andreas Staier, fortepiano/Freiburger Barockorchester conducted by Gottfried von der Goltz – Harmonia Mundi HMC 901854 (64 mins.): Andreas Staier and friends turn a trick on the usual coupling of three Haydn solo piano concertos by substituting the lovely, rarely heard Concerto for Violin, Piano and Strings. Coupled with a miracle of an audiophile recording, once again from Martin Sauer working in the Teldex Studio in Berlin, this is definitely a winner. If you’ve enjoyed pianist Leif Ove Andsnes’ brilliant recordings of the two solo piano concertos for EMI, this new CD will certainly open your eyes to a new range of delight. The trick with fortepiano concertos is balance the sound of the instrument with that of the orchestra without seeming to add an artificial electronic boost to the soloist. Here, thanks to a totally natural transparence, Staier’s fortepiano project without losing its naturally sweet and gentle character. And make no mistake about it, Monika May’s 1986 copy of a Walther of 1785 is not one of those loud, obnoxious reproductions, but a thing of delicate beauty, transparent and wonderfully colored itself as if it were a […]
DVD Video Reviews Part 3 Features
Pt. 3 of 3 – April 2005 [Part 1] [Part 2] The River (1951) Directed by Jean Renoir Studio: Janus Films/Criterion Collection 276 Video: 4:3 fullscreen color Audio: Dolby Digital mono Extras: Intro to film by Jean Renoir, BBC 1995 documentary on author Rumer Godden, New video interview with Martin Scorsese – involved in the restoration of the film, Interview (audio only) with the film’s producer Ken McEldowney, Stills gallery with production photos and publicity stills, Theatrical trailer, Essays by film scholars Ian Christie and Alexander Sesonske in the color booklet Length: 99 minutes Rating: **** Jean Renoir shot his first color feature entirely on location in India, and the audio commentary by its producer reveals the serious obstacles they had to overcome to complete the film. There were problems of weather, heat (the Technicolor film would melt), insufficient budget and time among them. This was the first and last film McEldowney – an LA florist – every produced. It is also a visual feast in color which occasionally even evokes the style and colors of the famous impressionist paintings by the director’s father. The story of Godden’s original novel based in India concerns the coming of age of […]
DVD Video Reviews Part 2 Features
Pt. 2 of 3 – April 2005 [Part 1] [Part 3] The Incredibles (2004) Vocal Talent: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee Studio: Disney Video: 2.39:1 Widescreen Enhanced Audio: English, Spanish, or French DD 5.1 EX Extras: THX Optimizer, Previews (Cars, Chicken Little, Cinderella Special Edition, Lilo and Stitch 2, Miyazaki, The Incredibles Video Game, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Disney Attraction), Audio Commentaries (2), Deleted Scenes (6—30min), Making of the Film (28 min) and More Making of the Film (40 min), Blunders (2 min), Vowellet-Essay by Sarah Vowell (9.5 min), “Jack-Jack Attack” animaed short, Art Gallery (6 sections), Publicity (Character Interviews, Teaser, Trailer 1, Trailer 2), Top Secret (including files on 21 different Incredibles), “Boundin’” (5 minute animated short), Who Is Bud Luckey? Length: 115 minutes Rating: **** Brad Bird, writer and director of the film, has put together something special with The Incredibles. Pixar Animation Studios seems to be on a roll with films like Monster’s Inc., Finding Nemo, and now, a movie about a group of superheroes that have outlived their usefulness—or so we thought. Bob Parr is a strongman who spends his days saving lives, and is used to all sorts […]
DVD Video Reviews Part 1 Music Videos
April 2005 Part 1 of 3 [Pt. 2] [Pt. 3] BEETHOVEN: Overture Coriolan in C Minor, Op. 62/MOZART: Symphony No./ 33 in B-flat Major, K. 319/BRAHMS: Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98 Carlos Kleiber conducts Bavarian State Symphony Orchestra Studio: DGG DVD B0003841-09 (Distrib. Universal) Video: Color 4:3 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM Stereo Length: 76:04 Rating: ***** Recorded in concert 21 October 1996, the legendary Carlos Kleiber (1930-2004) delivers three polished and enthusiastic performances of exquisite beauty, wherein the Brahms Fourth receives perhaps the most athletically affectionate reading I have ever seen, as well as heard. Kleiber had become increasingly reclusive by 1996, his stage fright and innate perfectionism having conspired to make any appearance before an orchestra a cause celebre. What we see in the performances seems an almost effortless but deeply communicative relationship between Kleiber and his Munich orchestra, where a minimum of gesture in the left hand is compensated for by facial and bodily tics and indications, supplemented by a supple elastic baton technique that has already anticipated every nuance and agogic detail. The deep focus of the camerawork only accentuates the wonderful luster of the interpretations. Kleiber occasionally relaxes his hold […]
Terk HDTV antennas – HDTVi Indoor and HD-TVS – Slim Profile Outdoor HDTV
No. 2 [No. 1] • April 2005 Terk HDTV antennas – HDTVi Indoor and HD-TVS Slim Profile Outdoor HDTV HDTVi Tech Data: Type: Indoor Operating bandwidth: 12.5 MHz Output impedance: 75 ohms Mounting options: vertical or horizontal Dimensions: 13.5 “ W x 9.12” H x 16.5” D Shipping weight: 3.25 lbs. Warranty: 1 year parts & labor SRP, HD-TVS: $149.99 SRP: HDTVi: $39.95TERK Tchnologies Corp. 63 Mall Drive Commack, NY 11725 1-800-942-8375 Intro I determined a a couple years ago to make my “HDTV-Ready” Pioneer RPTV actually capable of receiving the many HDTV signals we were blessed with having in Portland (earlier than in many other cities). I began by researching both DTV tuners (since no HDTV-capable sets came with built-in tuners at that time) and antennas. I checked with a couple of dealers in the immediate area and they suggested what sort of rooftop antenna to purchase. The main point I got was that there was no need for a rotor since all the TV towers were pretty much on the same hills. I purchased a seven-element Yagi at Radio Shack and had a major struggle trying to mount it on the high chimney of my two-story house. […]
Sony SCD-CE595 SACD/CD Changer
[No. 1] [No. 2] [No. 3] • April 2005 Sony SCD-CE595 SACD/CD Changer Price (Street): $149 Specifications Type: CD/SACD multi-channel player SACD Player: Playback Frequency Range: 2Hz to 100kHz Frequency Response: 2Hz to 50kHz (-3dB) Dynamic Range: >100dB Harmonic Distortion: <0.0035% CD Player: DAC Converter Super Audio D/A Frequency Response 2 Hz – 20kHz (+/- 0.5dB) Dynamic Range more than 99dB Harmonic Distortion Less than 0.0039% Total Output Level Analog Balance: 2Vrms (fix) Inputs and Outputs: RCA Output 5.1 Channel RCA Output 2 Channel Optical Digital Output CD Only Weights & Measures Approx. 12 Pounds Approx. 17 x 4.33 x 16.53 (WxHxD in inches) Sony Corporation of America 550 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022 Voice: (800) 222-7669 www.sony.com Joe Audiophile Proclaims “A Super Bargain!” Trivial Bits Well, I did something that I swore to myself that I would never do. I bought an SACD player. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I have anything against SACDs or anything, it’s just that I’m still carrying a grudge (sort of) from when we all got duped with the introduction of CDs. (Editor Steve sez the rumors of SACD’s demise during the CES 2005 only weeks ago makes one wonder….) […]
Grouses & Gripes About DualDisc; 12 Reviews
Grouses & Gripes About DualDisc; 12 Reviews Last issue we included our first Dual Disc reviews in our Hi-Res section even though they were not hi-res on the audio side of the discs but just standard 44.1 CD. Some readers objected to this, and we agree with them. The reason we included them in the hi-res section was because the original news release from the DVD Forum stated that all DualDiscs would offer a multichannel DVD-A option as well as Dolby 5.1. Now it appears that only the Silverline DualDiscs do (but they’re mysteriously keeping it secret), so for this issue I have set up this separate section for some of the many Dual Discs we have received. On the Silverlines the fact that they are DVD-Audio on the DVD side is completely disguised. There is a logo for Dolby 5.1 but nothing visible for DVD-A or MLP and no wording on either front or back of the discs indicating that they are DVD-A encoded. There also is absolutely no on-screen indication that the 5.1 surround option is DVD-Audio. The only way I identified it was to press the Audio button on my player’s remote – it displayed “24 96K.” […]
Jazz CD Reviews Part 2
April-May 2005 Part 2 of 2 [Pt. 1] Fantasy’s Great “The Best Of” Series Continues **** The mid-priced Best Of series from Fantasy continues with some of the best jazz reissues – both musically and sonically – that you can lay your hands on. All have been remastered at Fantasy Studios just recently employing the latest advances in CD mastering that achieve improved fidelity over most reissues of, say, a decade ago. Plus many of these tape masters come from such engineering masters as Rudy Van Gelder and Lester Koenig – even the mono tracks on some of the more historical discs sound terrific. Each one has new liner notes written especially for the reissue – not reprints. Plus you really get your buck’s worth in this series – probably the most music-packed to date; often running as high as 79 minutes – right up against the 80 minute CD limit today. I received more than the following in the latest batch but pulled these seven out since I found them especially appealing: ERIC DOLPHY was an amazing figure in bebop and free jazz until his death in l964. He was a master of reeds – the alto sax, bass […]
Jazz CD Reviews Part 1
April-May 2005 Part 1 of 2 [Pt. 2] Paul Motian – I Have The Room Above Her / Paul Motian, drums; with Bill Frisell, guitar; Joe Lovano, tenor saxophone / ECM Records ECM 1902 * * * *: After my only partially satisfactory experience with the other disc Bill Frisell was involved with in my reviews this month, I approached this new ECM disc with some caution; however, it’s drummer Paul Motian’s party, and I’ve generally loved his work. And that’s the case with this excellent disc as well, where the music is mostly about the blending of textures provided by Motian, guitarist Frisell and sax player extraordinaire Joe Lovano. And that’s both the strength of this disc and it’s Achilles’ heel – is it maybe too much of a good thing? With the exception of two cover tunes, Kern/Hammerstein’s I Have The Room Above Her and Thelonius Monk’s Dreamland, all are penned by session leader Motian. All offer healthy doses of extremely melodic strumming from Frisell (who was anything but that on his other disc I reviewed this month), and scads of equally fluid tenor sax runs from Joe Lovano. All lovingly anchored by the trademark cymbal and […]
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
