Audio & Vinyl LP Resources

A discussion of audio and the High-End could literally go on forever. Since I'd rather spend my time looking for (and listening to) new music, I'll just mention a few of my favorite resources for those who would like to investigate the topic further.

The WWW

• The History of Vinyl
  An ongoing series of essays which begins with the early experiments of Faraday and Edison. Ever wondered who invented the record label? There'll be a quiz at the end of this website.

• For a look at what was hot in 1958, check out this History of the Turntable. In fact, if you put your ear close to the monitor, you may even be able to hear Martin Denny's latest release!

• Turntable Gallery
  A century-long marriage of fashion and industry (in alphabetical order).

• Dick Olsher's "Tip Of The Month"
  A sub-link of his Black Dahlia / Audio Mecca site. DO is/was a regular reviewer for Stereophile and Fi magazines, as well as co-designer of the Swans Allure loudspeaker and proprietor of his own Black Dahlia record label.

• Analogue Heaven
  A mailing list for people interested in playing, collecting, modifying, and designing analog musical equipment.

• "Enjoy The Music"
  Steve Rochlin's fun-filled site with lots of tips, tweaks, and freebies. There is also a comprehensive list of links to virtually every audio manufacturer you can name (at least the ones with URLs). Steve is famous for his "live" online coverage of high-end trade shows.

• The Dead Wax Cafe
  Formerly The Vinyl Zone, this is Gary D. Markowitz's large collection of articles and links on our favorite subject.

• Still feel like browsing? There's always the Audio Loop of audio and acoustics related sites.

• Then there's Audio Web, a site which includes classified ads, as well as a smorgasbord of related sites and topics.

• Don't overlook The Vinyl Tourist Visits The Internet, another page on this very site.

• And finally, The Audiophile Webring - It really is endless!

Newsgroups

• The ongoing discussion can be found at popular Usenet sites which include the rec.audio newsgroups:

  • rec.audio.high-end
    A moderated group for the civilized mind.
  • rec.audio.opinion
    An unmoderated group where flame wars are common.
  • rec.audio.tech
  • rec.audio.tubes
    

  Don't forget to check out the rec.audio groups' FAQ.

Magazines & eZines

• 10 Audio
  Somewhere between a blog and an eZine, lies Jerry Seigel's 10 Audio site. It's a collection of comparative reviews, DIY projects, and think pieces. Online, free.
   
  
• Audio Critique
  Arthur Salvatore's refreshingly biased views on High-End Audio and it's gurus. Online, free.
   
  
• Audio Perfectionist Journal
  An advertising-free quarterly published by Richard Hardesty. Emphasis is on theory (proper set-up and auditioning), rather than equipment reviews. Issues 1 & 2 can be downloaded for free; the balance require a subscription and are sent as PDF's via eMail (issues 3-8) or via postal service (issue 9 onward).
   
  
• Bound For Sound Report
  An advertising-free newsletter published monthly by Martin DeWulf featuring news, views, and reviews. Selected excerpts are online and free, but you'll need to subscribe for regular installments delivered through the mail.
   
  
• Enjoy The Music
  A free eZine published by Steve Rochlin featuring high-end news and live show reports. Contains advertising, but (thankfully) no pop-ups.
   
  
• Positive Feedback
  Formerly the print journal of a major American audio club, in 2002 it reinvented itself as a free eZine. Contains advertising.
   
  
• REG On Audio
  REG is Richard E. Greene, a long time writer for The Absolute Sound magazine, and the site is a collection of his reviews and essays. Online, free.
   
  
• sixmoons.com
  A free eZine published by Srajan Ebaen which boasts one of the most sophisticated looks on the web. sixmoons's roster of contributors review the latest in hardware and software. Contains advertising links, but tastefully grouped together.
   
  
• 
  Formerly a quarterly published by Joe Roberts, the entire 16 issue run is available on a single archival quality Taiyo Yuden CD-ROM. Issue 3 features a visit to Arthur Loesch's listening room by Herb Reichert. The cost is USD $25 + $2 postage, mailed anywhere in the world.
   
  
• Stereophile and The Absolute Sound
  Once rivals in the realm of the alternative or underground audio press, they now dominate the credible mainstream. Love 'em or hate 'em, together they are largely responsible for creating high-end audio as we know it today. Excerpts and archives are published online; full copies available at your local bookstore or newsstand.
   
  
• TNT-Audio
  An advertising-free newsletter published in Italy in both English and Italian. Includes reviews, tweaks, and a discussion forum. Free. Updated weekly.
   
  
• The Triode Guild
  The collected musings of the late Dr. Harvey "Gizmo" Rosenberg, the Buddha of Audio and one of the high-end's truly original thinkers, are gathered here for your amusement and edification. Free, but (sadly) no longer updated.
   
  

Books

• The Complete Guide To High-End Audio, by Robert Harley, was first published in 1994, but is still up to date as a leading reference. Its strength lies in the ability of the author to clearly suggest options in choosing one component or another without being too doctrinaire, as well as explaining how things work. Acapella Publishing, Albuquerque, New Mexico. ISBN 0-9640849-1-0 (hardcover) and 0-9640849-1-2 (softcover).

• Good Sound, An Uncomplicated Guide To Choosing And Using Audio Equipment, by Laura Dearborn, contains clear and concise information about all levels and aspects of home stereo, especially for the novice. William Morrow and Company, New York, 1987. ISBN 0-688-06424-8. Still in print in 1998.

Used Equipment

• AudiogoN has become the de facto leader in the online listing of used equipment. Registration is required and there is a feedback system in place, similar to the one made popular by eBay.

• Audio Shopper is another on-line source for pre-owned equipment. Unlike Audiomart (above), which requires personal references in order to subscribe, Audio Shopper is open to anyone who's connected.

• Hi-Fi Heaven Marketplace is an online audio bazaar which includes user feedback.

• AudioREVIEW.com Classifieds is a relatively new site which includes a power search and daily updates.

• HiFi Classifieds provides you a free alternative for buying and selling used gear online for both home audio and home theater.

• eBay is the on-line auction site where anything can turn up.

New Equipment & Supplies

• Music Direct offers many useful accessories in addition to a large stock of new LPs.

• Acoustic Sounds publishes new LPs and also offers many useful accessories.

• KAB Electro Acoustics specializes in 78 rpm, early vinyl, and sound restoration and enhancement gear. A source for turntables, cartridges, and accessories with an online catalogue.

• Jerry Raskin's Needle Doctor is an on-line source for everything you need for vinyl playback.

• Expert Stylus Company at PO Box 3, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 2QD, England. Run by Mr. Wyndham Hodgson, they make and can supply styli for both modern and antique players, including Edison and Pathe machines.

• Elex Atelier says it is "your one source for premium [turntable] belts and parts."

  

• Antique Electronic Supply is principally known as a source for tubes and parts for vintage radios and amplifiers. However, buried deep inside their catalogue, you will find new steel and sapphire phonograph needles for that old 78rpm Victrola, plus new Amberola needles for that even older Edison cylinder player.

• Electron Tube Enterprises is an even groovier source for vintage vacuum tubes. Owner Dick Bergeron is a friendly and helpful fountain of knowledge.

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