SoundStage! Access | SoundStageAccess.com (GoodSound.com)

How Do You Know Whether You Can Trust a Review?

Details: Written by: Dennis Burger; Created: 01 October 2024

I really didn’t plan on writing yet another vinyl-related editorial this month. I promise, I didn’t. But as I said in my recent review of the Record Doctor X record-cleaning machine, I still have a lot to learn about the format, and I’m struggling with finding good sources of information beyond my own compatriots here on the SoundStage! Network, who—despite their knowledge and wisdom—are finite in number and experience and can’t possibly have tried it all. But so far, most advice I’ve gotten from people outside our group has turned out to be quite bad. Live and learn, right?

TEAC VRDS-701T CD Transport

Details: Written by: Dennis Burger; Created: 01 October 2024

Recently, my wife asked me what I was working on at the moment, and I froze for a second. I should have answered, “A review of TEAC’s VRDS-701T CD transport” ($2699.99, all prices USD). What actually came out of my mouth was, “That raises an interesting question: Do you, as a normie, have any clue what a CD transport is? As opposed to a CD player?”

Dayton Audio Classic B65 Loudspeaker

Details: Written by: Thom Moon; Created: 15 September 2024

Note: measurements taken in the anechoic chamber at Canada's National Research Council can be found through this link.

Reviewers' Choice What could anyone possibly expect from a pair of bookshelf speakers that you can buy on sale for a mere $69.98 per pair (all prices in USD)? “Not much,” you’re probably thinking. After spending time with a pair of Dayton Audio Classic B65 bookshelf speakers, I’d have to disagree.

TEAC VRDS-701T CD Transport Unboxing and First Impressions

Details: Written by: Dennis Burger; Created: 15 September 2024

Oftentimes, one of the most difficult things about editing a publication focused on high-value audio, with a goal of reaching newer hi-fi enthusiasts, is simply guessing how much historical context said readers have.

Is Hi-Fi a Kink or a Fetish?

Details: Written by: Dennis Burger; Created: 01 September 2024

The original headline for this article was going to be a bit more vanilla—something along the lines of “Needs vs. Wants in Hi-Fi.” It was inspired by two conversations: one between me and SoundStage! founder Doug Schneider, another with my buddy Steven Guttenberg, the Audiophiliac, whose YouTube channel boasts an impressive 255,000 subscribers as I write this.

Record Doctor X Dual-Sided Record Cleaning Machine

Details: Written by: Dennis Burger; Created: 01 September 2024

Of all the uncertainties that plagued this total vinyl newb when I finally got around to buying my first proper grown-up turntable, the one I struggled with most was how to deal with the onslaught of old vinyl devotees telling me that if I didn’t follow this, that, or the other rule precisely, I might as well not even bother. Getting a turntable that won’t let me set vertical tracking angle? Absolutely scandalous! And replace that felt platter mat immediately! With cork. No, wait, acrylic. No, wait, rubber. No, wait, leather. No, wait . . . kozo washi! Truth be told, I’m glad I ignored most of the mandates and explored all of these things in my own way and on my own time. But I must admit, I wish I’d listened to the people who told me that there’s simply no substitute for a good wet-cleaning system. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something like the Record Doctor X ($599.95, all prices USD). But it has to be something.

Record Doctor X Unboxing and First Impressions

Details: Written by: Dennis Burger; Created: 15 August 2024

As I said in my August editorial, one of the most surprising things that I’ve discovered since adding vinyl playback to my reference system is that I really love the process of wet-cleaning LPs. Weird, I know. But it’s sort of half the fun of the hobby for me right now, whether I’m using my Big Fudge–branded Spin-Clean rip-off or the Record Doctor VI that will only really be mine once I’m finished making the $22/month loan payments to Affirm.

Confessions of a Recent Vinyl Convert

Details: Written by: Dennis Burger; Created: 01 August 2024

Let me make this clear from the start: I have not been caught in a sex scandal, my taxes are all paid up, and I’m not embezzling money from anybody. All of which I feel compelled to lay out, because those always seem to be the precursors to any conversion story. Which is why everyone hates such stories. But in a sense, it’s a conversion story that I’m writing here, much as I hate reading them myself.

Peachtree Audio Carina 300 Integrated Amplifier

Details: Written by: Dennis Burger; Created: 01 August 2024

Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click this link.

My toxic trait: I hate pandering except when it’s aimed at me. So much so that I sometimes see pandering where there obviously isn’t any. Case in point: I’ve written a lot here lately about solved problems in hi-fi and how I think audio manufacturers should stop trying to reinvent the wheel when the wheel works just fine, but rather focus their R&D dollars on ergonomics, styling, and technologies that still have plenty of room for improvement. So I can’t help looking at a company like Peachtree Audio—and a product like its new Carina 300 integrated amplifier ($1999, all prices USD)—and think that somebody there is listening.

Pro-Ject Audio Systems T2 Super Phono Turntable with Sumiko Oyster Rainier cartridge

Details: Written by: Thom Moon; Created: 15 July 2024

Reviewers' Choice Pro-Ject Audio Systems claims to be the world’s largest manufacturer of audio turntables by far, and I have no reason to doubt that claim. In addition to offering a comprehensive lineup of turntables under its own brand, Pro-Ject manufactures ’tables for other brands as well. Their products receive near-unanimous praise for their engineering, materials, and sonic performance.

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