Every year we see something new and, as often as not, something
that rivals the best commercial audio products. This year was no
exception. Ron's prototype speakers with the
revolutionary internal cabinet design (he’s sworn to secrecy but
our spies have gleaned it’s something like a hybrid T line/folded
horn – no internal reflections the man says!) with their rectangular
boxes angled semi skyward generated more than their share of
questions. And they sounded good too. I hope there’s a photo in
this issue as their appearance is very difficult to describe!!
Greg's two way floorstanders had most of the evening’s
sonic duty and boy, did they sound sweet. Piece de resistance
was Martin's lovingly (and ingeniously) restored Mitchell
(Gyrodeck?) Hydraulic Reference Transcription turntable. Not
only was it in 70’s showroom condition but, using just the humble
ShureV15, it delivered classic vinyl sound.
Our thanks too, to Glenn for demonstrating his excellent own design hand built complete
stereo system and Kendrick for revealing just how good a PC based audio system, with it’s thousands of
immediately accessible songs, can sound.
Manuel Stamatiou
| November 2006 |
|
Rockian comes to town |
Another November G.M. and another series of music revelations!
The powerful pairing of Ian and Bev Hooper with their
consistently dazzling array of audiophile label product and Greg
and Yvonne Osborn, speaker builders par excellence, always
guarantees a quality evening.
Audiophiles are still sometimes wary of Chinese Designed and
Made Hi Fi product even though more and more examples
continue to both meet and match acknowledged High End
standards. The evening`s Droplet CD player was one such
product. Its superb finish was more than complimented by the
grace and authority with which it delivered beautiful music.
Similar observations apply to the Consonance Cyber 845
monoblock amplifiers used on the night.
And what of the music? Regardless of personal taste there was
something for everyone. Nowhere was this more obvious than at
Bev`s Bazaar with its consistent brisk trade in both bargains and
new audiophile delights. One of the evening`s many highlights
was the incredibly stylish Barb Jungr`s 5th album Walking In the
Sun distributed by Linn Records.
Manuel Stamatiou
| October 2006 |
|
Music on the Move - Move Records |
Owner and founder Martin Wright
explained how Move had come into
being and the particular Australian
musical niche it satisfies. Early in the
presentation he demonstrated how the
recording process takes place by using
an unusual example of ‘throat music`.
This was all the more interesting because
the gentleman featured on the
demonstration track is an Australian
living here in Melbourne and not some
exotic tribesman from a remote corner of
the world! Recorded together with a
local choir we were able to listen to the
various ‘layers` of sound both in
isolation and in combination.
To say the evening`s musical choice were eclectic would be an
understatement. Just prior to the coffee break we were treated to
examples of 13 different church organs from around the Bendigo
region! Members were able to purchase Move CDs at a
discounted rate and had the unique benefit of actually hearing one
track from their newly acquired CD played on the evening`s
sound system. Our thanks to Martin for a highly informative
evening and also a special thank you to the club members who
brought the items of equipment that made up the evening`s
presentation system.
Manuel Stamatiou
| September 2006 |
|
Redgum Signature Stereo System |
Ian and Lindy from Redgum Audio provided an excellent
evening's entertainment when they gave us the first public demonstration of the new
Redgum Signature stereo system. Totally new components were the pair of fully shielded, front ported
2 way bass reflex RGS Regnan floor standers with the muscle supplied by a pair of dual mono RGM175ENR monoblocks.
These conservatively rated 175wrms per channel power amplifiers which truly double their power output as speaker
impedance halves sport a unique cooling system. Instead of conventional fins either on the sides of the case or hidden
internally the RHM175ENR's fins cover the power amplifier's entire base. Their scalloped design means there are two primary
lengths which, like rails, support the amp and thereby provide a good sized gap for air to circulate underneath. Unusual as this may
sound the design is attractive as well as practical.
Several members commented the sound was "the best heard in the Willis Room" and, indeed, there was an astonishing breadth to the soundstage with
crystalline clarity in the upper registers, haunting vocals and a deep satisfying bass. Even at $5800 a pair the RGS Regnans certainly deliver their money's worth.
Members who stayed after supper (and, by golly, there were a lot of them) received a rare treat. Lindy's love of Opera came to the
fore and it was hard to decide which was the most satisfying—her fascinating personal insights to the artists and the compositions or
the musical experiences themselves. It was truly a memorable evening.
Manuel Stamatiou
Boyd Kraigher owner and audio savant of Total Recoil demonstrated his
‘Wide Range` stereo speaker system to an enthusiastic roomful of members.
‘Wide Range` is Boyd`s proprietary name for what lesser mortals would call
Full Range speakers.
The speakers demonstrated consisted of 8" drivers mounted in what appears
to be a unique speaker enclosure. Boyd was a little cagey about the design
itself which, although not a fully sealed enclosure, was not bass reflex
either. Each speaker was observed to have 8 small vents in the rear.
Presumably to reinforce bass although Boyd was reluctant to be drawn on
the ‘secrets` of his original box design.
The speakers were powered by a Genius 300 wrms mosfet amp built by
Tasmanian Anthony Holton. The front end utilised a Denon 2900 as
transport feeding into Boyd`s custom built pre amp.
A feature of the presentation was a the real time 1/3 octave spectrum
analyser which ran the entire presentation providing a colourful display of
dancing lights. This was connected to a microphone on a stand mounted in
front of the speakers. Boyd used this during the night to demo the response,
not so much of the speakers, but with particular reference to what was on
the CDs played.
Members commented on the delightful mid range presence and fast transient
response. Typically these speakers are used in conjunction with a sub
woofer which explains why the bass at times lacked authority. Overall a
thoroughly delightful evening.
Manuel Stamatiou
| July 2006 |
|
The last Australian record plant |
Members were treated to a highly informative, detailed presentation on
the processes involved in pressing LP records plus some of the
problems associated with moving an entire processing plan from
Moorabbin to Richmond.
Blanks and master stamping plates were passed around so members
could ‘get a feel` for the critical elements in the manufacturing process.
Tirren Staas, owner of Obese records, fielded many question from the
floor, each expanding members knowledge of what goes on behind the
scenes in the recording industry. Tirran`s plant uses premium quality
vinyl sourced from the UK – no recycled materials are used – and the
resulting LPs are of World Class standard. To the bemusement of some
members Tirran took time out to explain the origins of Hip Hop and its
relevance in today`s contemporary music scene.
Finally I would like to thank Tirren for his unexpected generosity in
donating 100 free copies of the Hilltop Hoods latest CD single ‘Crown
Prince.` Any members who were unable to attend the G.M. and who
are interested in obtaining a copy please contact me. me as per my
details in the MAN.
Manuel Stamatiou
Thank you to all who attended plus a very BIG thank you to all
our newly elected club officers. Typically June AGM evenings
finish with the new President scratching his/her head wondering
what on earth will need to be done to fill vacant committee
positions and home meeting convenor roles. THIS time, with
exception of Opera – which is usually self fulfilling – we
closed the meeting with a full muster of officers. Fantastic!
My thanks, too, to the 2005/2006 club officers who served us so
well over the past year. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
Matt Jelicich
| May 2006 |
|
Jeff Mai / Kendrick Pavey – Computers and Music |
Jeff and Kendrick put on a VERY INTERESTING evening where they presented
their computers as music servers and compared the results against traditional music
servers.
Jeff`s computer was built and optimised specifically to be a music server, and
therefore Jeff went to a great deal of trouble to choose components which were very
quiet, eg the number of fans used was minimised, and the actual fans chosen were
slow spinning fans. The central processing unit had no cooling fan at all, and the case
had sound deadening.
Jeff`s computer hardware included a P180 CPU; 200GB hard disk drive; HAG
soundcard assembled from a kit; and USB SPDIF -> DAC. Software included Foobar
2000 shareware music software; and Exact Audio software for copying CDs to hard
disk drives
Kendrick on the other hand, was looking mostly for convenience, and his computer is
an all-purpose computer for business, video, as well as music.
Kendrick`s computer hardware included P2.8 CPU; 2 x 200GB hard disk drives, one
of which was dedicated for music and movies. Software included Itunes music
software, and Feedertech DVD emulation software.
Both compressed and uncompressed music was played from the computers and
compared against music from a normal CD transport. Most members found it quite
difficult to tell the difference.
Most people came away from the meeting with a better understanding of the role that
computers can now play in music, and how that role will become increasingly more
important as traditional music equipment and computer technology continue to
converge.
David Alexander
| April 2006 |
|
John Corneille – How Far Have We Come ? |
John went to an ENORMOUS amount of trouble to organise 3 separate systems, each
about 20 years apart ie 1960, 1976, and today.
Where possible we tried to play the same music on each system so that members
could form their own opinions on what (if any) advances had been made in the
reproduction of music as we progressed from older to newer equipment.
John used the following setups:
1960
1. Thorens TD 124II/Grace arm/Shure M33 Cartridge
2. Either Quad II/22's amps
3. Tannoy 12" red speakers.
1976
1. Linn LP12/Fidelity Research arm/Denon 103 cartridge
2. Luxman CL32 tube amps
3. Yamaha NS1000 speakers.
Today
1. Sony 333 ES SACD/CD player
2. ME 25 Preamp
3. ME 850 Power Amp
4. "Heavily breathed upon" Note Perfect "Maestro" speakers.
A special thank you to John for all of the effort he put in to put on a very special night
for us, and to the other members who contributed hardware.
David Alexander
| March 2006 |
|
Gil Askey – Legendary Motown Producer and Jazz Musician |
Gil began his extraordinary music life through being unwillingly drafted into the
school band at the age of eight. He didn`t want to be in "that" band; bands were for
"sissies", and he wanted to play football. Anyway, luckily for the world, he did end
up playing in "that" band.
Gil remembers when as a little boy he was at his uncle`s music club and the performer
on stage was Louis Armstrong. He was really inspired by Louis to practice his
trumpet.
Gil played in military bands as a young man, and ended up in New York playing with
stellar performers like Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Gil started doing the arranging as well as playing, and looked after the musical
arrangements for the 4 Tops when they were backing singers for Billy Eckstein. When
the 4 Tops moved to Mowtown, Berry Gordy wanted to know who had produced their
music, thus Gil was invited to join the Mowtown family, where he stayed for 20
years.
During Gil`s time with Mowtown, he produced music for the likes of The Supremes,
The Temptations, The 4 Tops, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Jackie Wilson, and
many, many others. Gil has arranged, played on, and produced more than 60 albums,
as well as writing film scores, and musicals.
Gil came to Australia in the mid 80`s on a tour with The Supremes, met a lady, and as
they say "the rest is history".
We are INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE to have one of the finest musicians in the world
living right here in Melbourne where we can enjoy his music at Dizzy`s or the
Mentone Hotel, anytime we wish.
David Alexander
| February 2006 |
|
Tony Floyd – Percussionist Extraordinaire |
Tony put on an extraordinary night`s entertainment for the benefit of the MAC
members. He took us through the highs and lows of a professional musician`s life.
Tony started down the music path at the age of eight when his parents asked him if he
wanted to go to scouts or learn a musical instrument. He obviously chose the latter
and so a career was born.
Tony went to Eltham College where he played in the school jazz band and then at the
age of 13 played drums in bands with his older sister`s boyfriends.
When Tony was 19, Vince Jones manager approached him on a Tuesday to join the
band and begin playing on Saturday. In his naivety he turned up on Saturday at the
duly appointed time and was sat at the drums and told to play; there was no rehearsal,
no preparation, no nothing. As it turns out, the previous drummer had been fired on
the Tuesday and Tony contacted to replace him. Tony played us a CD that he had
made when working with Vince Jones with some very nice pieces on it.
In the mid to late 80`s Tony was living in England and playing in many different
bands and ensembles, mostly Jazz with a little bit of pop. After a number of years
Tony moved back to Australia and started a band called "Things of Stone and Wood"
which had a top 10 hit. Tony related how easy it is to go from "hero to zero" in the
popular music business, and now prefers to play in jazz bands that he says are much
more musically satisfying and far less fickle.
He explained the different types of drum kits and played a number of solos to
demonstrate the different beats and rhythms appropriate to the various types of music.
Now Tony teaches at the Victorian College of the Arts and plays, produces, and
records.
Anyone wanting to contact Tony to buy some of the very excellent CDs Tony has
played on, or to just “chew the music fat”, can do so to floydy@bigpond.com
David Alexander
| January 2006 |
|
Buy, Swap and Sell |
The meeting went particularly well with lots of members bringing gear to buy, sell, or
swap.
There were 12 tables set up around the perimeter of the Willis room, and these tables
were groaning under the weight of huge piles of audio "goodies".
Our stomachs were also well catered for with 20 delicious pizzas; red and white wine,
beer, and soft drinks.
We also managed to fit in a music session with classical, blues, and jazz being played.
Pieces included Bach; a Melbourne based Japanese blues player playing "that`s
alright my mama"; Cream playing "Stormy Monday Blues"; and Sony Rollins
Saxophone Colossus.
Thanks to Ron for the speakers, Andrew for the amp, and Ray for the DAC and CD
player.
There were approximately 70 members present and ALL went away replete with
audio goods, full tummies, and empty wallets.
THE "BUY, SELL, AND SWAP" IS A GREAT MEETING AND NOT TO BE
MISSED, SO START COLLECTING YOUR GEAR FOR THE JANUARY 2007
MEETING
David Alexander