Hi-Fi Choice - May

More documents

Recommendations

Info

FEATURE HOME RE-MASTERING than the main deck as it plays back some records with less background noise, although it’s prone to sibilance.” For a typical job, all vinyl is first cleaned on the VPI – and Sean’s happy to divulge the ingredients of his home-created cleaning solution: “I use one part surfactant, scentless medical soap, basically, and a bit of wetting agent, which helps to break the surface tension of the water, some pure alcohol, and lots and lots of distilled water.” Alcohol is used to help the solution evaporate from the grooves and the surfactant – washing up liquid can also be used – if used incredibly sparingly, typically just a pindrop of soap to a gallon of water. Next, the record is ‘shot’ with the anti-static Milty gun before the process of transferring to PC begins. As the turntable has two tonearms, two simultaneous recordings are made of each record or track, using cartridges with very different characteristics. “The reason for this,” Sean explains, “is that different stylus shapes affect playback in several ways, so even the same cartridge will track – and therefore sound – differently when fitted with, say, a conical stylus, as opposed to an elliptical one. Pretty much all styli – the actual needle tips – will be either conical, which is more common on cheaper, usually moving-magnet cartridges, or an elliptical variant, such as micro-line, fine-line, Shibata, or others.” I’ve had to work with recordings that sound closer to AM radio than anything close to hi-fi The differences in these variants can be profound and all have benefits and shortcomings, depending on the records they play, he adds. “The reason I make two recordings is simple: the better cartridge reveals more of the imperfections in vinyl, despite offering improved tracking, groove-tracing, frequency response and overall clarity. The lesser cartridge offers less of the sonic benefits, but plays back with less clicks, crackles and groove noise – in some cases by a considerable amount.” Once recorded levels are adjusted, loud clicks are removed manually and Sean uses a subsonic filter to regain some headroom – essentially the audio palette. The audio is then played through the Cedar process and any remaining clicks, thumps and broadband noise – such as rumbles and constant background hiss – are removed manually. This can take a considerable amount of time and patience on Sean’s part: “It’s not unusual to spend over an hour trying to eradicate a single problem click,” he admits. “I once spent over eight hours on something like the first 90 seconds of a Brazilian LP. I sit in front of a screen scrolling the waveform in spectral view (the intensity of the sound Sennheiser’s HD 600 – the only component Sean has that he’s 100 percent happy with elements are shown as colours, so ‘hot’ sounds like clicks will ‘light up’ against the darker shades, making them easier to identify and remove) playing back the audio in bursts of as little as less than a second, listening for impulse disturbances left behind, as the real-time hardware Cedar Declickle unit I use isn’t quite as thorough as the more expensive offline processing system, but still indispensable. Headphone heaven “I monitor on Sennheiser’s HD 600, which I’ve had for a long time. They’re the standard I judge everything by and the only component I’ve ever had I’m 100 percent satisfied with. I wanted a high-quality in-ear monitor I could use for both my iPod and mastering, so I got a pair of JH 13 Pros. They’re way better than the boxy Shure SE535s I previously used for portable listening, but nowhere near as revealing as the HD 600. All tracks are then topped and tailed. “If the client requires, I’ll EQ the tracks and apply some gentle limiting,” he says. “I’ll even brick-wall when requested. If the end product is for vinyl, I don’t use a limiter.” “I feel I’ve gotten better at restoration throughout the years, learning more from trial and error than anything else,” perfectionist Sean admits. “I would love to re-do much of the earlier stuff, but that’s not going to happen – I’m always looking at ways to improve what I do. All I try to do is take everything that is an adverse analogue artefact out and leave the music unimpeded, but I’m at the mercy of the source material.” Thankfully, the results of all the hard work carried out by Sean’s expert eyes and ears speak volumes, and we can only expect even greater accomplishments on a return visit to this skilled audio-restorer’s unique setup ● SHOPPING LIST For a taste of Sean’s incredibly eclectic collection, seek out these killer compilations, which have been curated, compiled or re-mastered by the man himself... Eyes On The Prize (Sureshot) A nine-track set of US 12in club tracks centred around the early eighties, Some tracks were from Sean’s personal vinyl collection. No restoration was available. Prelude: The Sound Of New York (Deepbeats) “Unfortunately, an oversight meant the compilation couldn’t be sold legally after a few months and the remaining copies were destroyed.” Disco Not Disco – Vol. 1 & 2 Strut Curated in conjunction with producer, Joey Negro, as Sean puts it these are: “Collections of danceable tracks compiled by two dance music aficionados who can’t dance.” Destination Boogie Z Records “28 early eighties tracks which were originally 12in singles, indicative of the disco/funk-infused soul music of this period. This type of sound has made a comeback recently.” “SupaFunkAnova – Vol. 1 & 2 Z Records A selection culled largely from independent, US 12in singles, focusing on the funk end of disco and R&B. The first volume was recently issued on vinyl for the first time.” Originals Vol. 3 Claremont 56 “A 10-CD series of compilations, each with a track list selected by a DJ. Sean’s killer funk and disco selections appear on the third volume. There was a run of just 1,000 copies.” Rock It... Don’t Stop It BBE “A set which brings together early hip-hop influenced records from the 1979-1984 period. Sean compiled, re-mastered and provided the sleeve notes.” Under The Influence Vol. 5 Z Records “The latest in the edition of a series, where collectors and DJs show off some of the lesser-known elements of their record collections worth showcasing.” Out very soon on Z Records. 64 MAY 2016
+44 (0)118 981 9891 www.audioconsultants.co.uk FINE TWO CHANNEL AUDIO SYSTEMS Merging Nadac Network Attached DAC that delivers the highest level of studio recordings for the discerning audiophile From the world’s foremost manufacturer of high-resolution digital audio recording systems Replays master quality recordings at the same level of excellence that has been recorded and mastered Ultra-precise communication clocking driven by the DAC using RAVENNA protocol for the highest level of time resolution Supports all file formats and sample rates, 44.1 – 384kHz PCM, DXD, DSD 64 to 264 info@audioconsultants.co.uk 4 Zephyr House Calleva Park Aldermaston Berkshire RG7 8JN UK AC/HFC/91 +44 (0)118 981 9891 www.audioconsultants.co.uk FINE TWO CHANNEL AUDIO SYSTEMS Jeff Rowland Design Class D amplification design done correctly offering a pure, open sound Trademark musicality, resolution, and authority for the most refined audio systems Stunning dynamic realism and refinement from advanced topologies <strong>Hi</strong>ghest quality build and components, utilising Cardas made connectors Elegant sculpted fascia panel, non-resonant chassis design Continuum S2 integrated amplifier £7999 info@audioconsultants.co.uk 4 Zephyr House Calleva Park Aldermaston Berkshire RG7 8JN UK AC/HFC/92
Page 1 and 2:
Talent scout VPI’s Junior package
Page 3 and 4:
INTRODUCTION PASSION FOR SOUND Welc
Page 5 and 6:
50 VPI Scout Jr TESTED THIS MONTH
Page 7 and 8:
for IAG said: “The Z Series is th
Page 9 and 10:
NU-VISTA 800 AMPLIFIER State of the
Page 12 and 13: AUDIOFILE Webwatch Andrew Simpson c
Page 14 and 15: SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM DIRECT DEBI
Page 16 and 17: AUDIOLAB IN-DEPTH M-DAC+ £800 Seco
Page 18 and 19: IN-DEPTH AUDIOLAB M-DAC+ £800 devi
Page 20 and 21: Future music Totally equipped for t
Page 22 and 23: Hi-Fi Choice employs the most rigor
Page 24 and 25: HEADPHONES £220-£350 Head rules h
Page 26 and 27: Everything you need. Nothing you do
Page 28 and 29: Enjoyed Worldwide. “The Sigma SSP
Page 31 and 32: HEADPHONES £220-£350 GROUPTEST Me
Page 33 and 34: HEADPHONES £220-£350 GROUPTEST Op
Page 35: HEADPHONES £220-£350 GROUPTEST Ph
Page 38 and 39: GROUPTEST HEADPHONES £220-£350 Gr
Page 40 and 41: £249 OR LESS 5 YEAR WARRANTY NEW
Page 42 and 43: MING DA EXOTICA DYNASTY DUET 300 PL
Page 44: MING DA EXOTICA DYNASTY DUET 300 PL
Page 47 and 48: TANNOY MERCURY 7.2 £230 REVIEWS Me
Page 49 and 50: Revolution starts from within. Look
Page 51 and 52: VPI SCOUT JR £1,650 REVIEWS Settin
Page 53 and 54: DALI ZENSOR 5 AX £800 REVIEWS A so
Page 55 and 56: Apprentice MM Phono stage HFC Recom
Page 57 and 58: KEF EGG £350 REVIEWS carry power a
Page 59 and 60: ONKYO TX-8150 £549 REVIEWS CONNECT
Page 61 and 62: HOME RE-MASTERING FEATURE uncredite
Page 68 and 69: STYLE. PERFORMANCE. FUNCTION. K3
Page 70 and 71: ‘I’ve made my decision, I’ve
Page 73: LETTERS M A D E W I T H KIMBER KABL
Page 76 and 77: HI-FI WORLD SUPPORTING BRITISH MANU
Page 78 and 79: VERDICT £ “Meet the Hana twins..
Page 80 and 81: Super Size Sound End user’s exper
Page 82 and 83: HI-RES MUSIC SERVER | PLAYER | STRE
Page 84 and 85: ‘The Audiobarn is an impressive p
Page 87 and 88: OPINION All white on the night Musi
Page 89 and 90: RETRO through specialist hi-fi deal
Page 91 and 92: BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM ASTELL&KERN/AUDEZE
Page 93 and 94: BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM ASTELL&KERN/AUDEZE
Page 95 and 96: LABELLED WITH LOVE Small Faces The
Page 98 and 99: HFC_A4_Ad_blank.indd 1 10/03/2016 1
Page 100 and 101: MUSICREVIEWS Chris Rea La Passione
Page 102 and 103: MUSIC LEGENDS BOB DYLAN Bob Dylan V
Page 104 and 105: MUSIC LEGENDS BOB DYLAN Dylan (1973
Page 106 and 107: CARTRIDGES £250-£395 Needle craft
Page 108 and 109: MINITEST CARTRIDGES £250-£395 Gol
Page 110 and 111: HIGH-PERFORMANCE SOUND & VISION IN
Page 112 and 113: Quality-Performance-Value-Service
Page 114 and 115:
GROUND-BREAKING TOWNSHEND SEISMIC P
Page 116 and 117:
Call: 0845 6019390 Email: choice@2n
Page 118 and 119:
INTERVIEW COLLEEN MURPHY For the lo
Page 120 and 121:
COMPETITION WIN: Geneva AeroSphère
Page 122 and 123:
Reader Classified ads www.hifichoic
Page 124 and 125:
Missed an issue? Have you missed a
Page 126:
HFC_A4_Ad_blank.indd 1 22/5/14 11/9
Page 129 and 130:
All About The Music Digital & Analo
Page 132:
IT TOOK 400 YEARS TO CREATE THIS CA
show all

Hi-Fi Choice - May

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?