Virtual Salon

Montreal Sneak Peek

I'm not sure if I'm authorized to be showing these yet . . . but it's not the first time I've used the "Shoot first, apologize later" philosophy.

ANYWAY, our shipment left today for the Montreal show, and with it went some "interesting" products.

Tweak isn't the right word, modded doesn't seem to quite fit either.  Maybe we'll coin a new term here: "Rick Schultz'd".  Yeah, that's better . . . Rick happened to it.  You'll see in the photo that the Luminance Audio KST-150 is now THREE chasis, instead of it's usual, more than enough, one.  It's also evolved some beefy brass legs!  What's in the extra boxes?  Let's start with about 1.2 million microfarads of capacitance (more simply described as 1.2 Farads).  Throw-in some Level 4, Judge* Speed of Light Technology, Resonance Transfer Technology (audiopoints galore), oil & paper caps and you'll start to understand why there's now three boxes.  Note: this is a brand-new prototype (a product of Rick's mad experimenting), and may or may NOT be offered by Luminance Audio.

Rick's been a busy boy.

Judge* Series
Also not yet available to the public, take a look at this 14lb digital interconnect about to make it's first  public appearance in Montreal next weekend.  It's job is to provide companionship to the Wadia 9 Series.  Judging by what we heard in our pre-show set-up this morning - let's say they hit it off REALLY WELL!

I know this is just a teaser, but I may have already said too much, too soon.  I'm horrible with secrets.  Oh well.  If you see a new ad in the paper showing that Virtual Dynamics is looking for a new marketing guy - you'll know what happened.

Keep watching for tons of updates on the Montreal Show, the new Luminance products, Judge rumors, photo's, and maybe even some video footage for you broadband users.

-Jeff

Goodwill Auction Final Update

Although the door to a Goodwill Auction was closed, thanks to your generosity we were able to deliver a much-appreciated gift to our friend regardless.  Your contributions were combined with Virtual Dynamics', and the immediate need was met.  Thanks to everyone for your quick-giving, and obvious concern.

Once again we are humbled by the openhandedness of our customers.

Music Set Free

The major record companies are finally starting to grasp that ideas (ie: music) cannot be locked to things (devices).

EMI has announced in partnership with iTunes the availability of DRM free music.  Also, of even more importance to audiophiles, the new EMI catalogue will be available in a higher quality format: 256 kilobit-per-second AAC format in iTunes.

Although this still isn't what you can do with your store-bought CD's and records, I'm all for it.  The nearest record store is 1.5 hours away, and my Rega P3 suffers from slight quality loss when strapped to my back while jogging.  The convenience of iTunes and my mobile music devices keeps me coming back, this is a welcome enhancement.

You can read the news here.

John Mayer's on my P3

I've ordered the newish record from John Mayer, "Continuum", on vinyl from Edmonton dealer The Gramophone.  Yep, this is my first vinyl purchase, it'll be spinning on the Rega P3 turntable that I've recently set up in my basement. 

It's also my first John Mayer album purchase.  I've enjoyed a couple singles on the radio - and I can't help but notice the similarities to my all-time favorite songwriter/artist; Dave Matthews.  For a relatively young artist, Mayer seems to hangs out with an established crowd.  He's been known to collaborate with the likes of Eric Clapton, B.B King, Herbie Hancock, among others.

Anyone else spinning this record that can comment on the quality?  Any recommendations on maximizing the performance of the P3?

I also ordered the bright red, wool, turntable mat to brighten up my basement!  How convenient that The Gramophone also deals Rega?

-Jeff