Daily Dose

Did you take your vitamins today?  The oily, liquid variety are the best.

Deacon Blues

Experienced a fantastic Steely Dan show at Masonic Center in San Francisco, this past weekend. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, joined by an all star musical cast, brought the house down in one of the best Steely Dan performances I’ve seen.  I must say, it was a good time.  I’ve seen them a few times in the past, and this was like seeing old friends again, actually.

The prior day, Walter hung out at Pitch Perfect Audio jamming out with a Shindo Aurieges, Shindo Montille and DeVore Nines.. suffice to say.. he loved it. It’s always fun having Walter visit.

Flash back over 12 years ago, when I was living in New York, phasing out a career in painting/full time artist and morphing into the audio sales scene –  I met my wife, Keenya, innocently, under the pretense of loving music, New York’s Central park, Jazz and the group Steely Dan.  It was, in fact, one of the things we first spoke about.  For me to actually have Walter Becker, now, listening to tunes at my store – well – it’s really come full circle.  Funny how that happens.

Golden Opportunity

For a limited time, every $1,000. spent at Pitch Perfect Audio will buy you a $50 gift certificate from Acoustic Sounds!

For example, spend $4.5K and you receive a $225 gift certificate.  Cool, eh?

Good way to add to your music collection, while at the same time buying into excellence!

Offer ends November 30th.

Note: This limited time offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or previously agreed upon system packages from Pitch Perfect Audio, LLC.

Technicolor

If you crave the technicolor, bursting with flavor, authenticity and startlingly realistic portrayal of your favorite music, then you have come to the right place.  At Pitch Perfect Audio we strive to put together music systems, for you, that will satisfy your search.  Have the 6922 tube blues?  If other equipment has left you feeling…not quite right…give me a call.

Photographed above, the incomparable Shindo Vosne-Romanée preamplifier.

Inner Pilgrimage

I recently dug deep, within, to explore turntable options Pitch Perfect Audio could proudly represent and have finally found a solution for my customers.  For many years, there was simply a lack of turntables I was comfortable representing at the entry price level.  I literally refused to sell other manufacturers budget tables, because of their lack of musical prowess.  Suffice to say, the recommended options for most customers was always a tough decision for me.  A Lignolab 301/401 table or Shindo 301 Player System define the word ultimate in vinyl playback, but at a price point many times what most folks want to spring for, at this time.

We are now proud to represent a sub $3k table complete with tonearm (cartridge additional) that gives up little in performance, especially considering the price.  The Well Tempered Lab Amadeus ($2,850) and Amadeus GT ($3,850), both super performers, differ in plinth material composition. Backed by years of experience and designed by William Firebaugh, who brought the original Well Tempered Turntable to the market years ago, these new tables are a force to be reckoned within this price category.  To re-iterate.. there is nothing close that will compare musically to this table, at this price point, from my experience.

The table is very well packed, with many goodies included. For example, an accurate electronic stylus force gauge and strobe disc are included as standard fare.  Fit ‘n Finish are superior to the original tables.  I have had first hand experience with the vintage Well Tempered Reference tables, having been an owner.  I’m very familiar with their superb musical traits, as well as their functional anomalies.  These new tables are superior in every way – sonically, aesthetically and functionally.

Pitch accuracy, musical ebb and flow, continuity, drive… presence and emotional connection… the feel… to me, are paramount in quality turntable music playback.  The Well Tempered Amadeus/GT table has received the Pitch Perfect Audio Stamp of Approval™, in it’s ability to communicate these vital aspects of music reproduction.

The unique tonearm design and bearing are one of the keys to the sound. The platters ‘zero tolerance’ bearing, as well as the adjustable tonearm damping, provides an extremely low noise floor, stable pitch and accurate groove tracking. The string drive (as opposed to rubber belt drive tables) opposes the rubber band effect, typical of drive tables. Easier and straight forward to set up, unlike the WT tables of yore, these tables are a breeze to start enjoying right away.

Well Tempered Lab – now officially included in my select group of products.

I’m currently enjoying the superb EMT JSD5 ($3,495) Moving Coil cartridge played through an A23 Step Up Transformer. Another fine cartridge match would be the EMT TSD15 ($1,800) or the low impedance/low output EMT TSD15LZI ($2,400).  If these are still a bit pricey, the venerable Denon 103 would make an excellent cartridge.

Thick, Dense, Flavorful

Nothing like crisp bacon wrapped around juicy filet.  Your music system should be as enjoyable as this tastes.  Take a moment to admire the burning coals,  earthy smoke, glistening fat  and caked on carcinogens, after a long grill session.  It’s a thing of beauty.  Especially on a gorgeous evening, enjoying the tunes wafting from inside the living room, out to the patio…wine..food…family…friends…

It’s the same old story. Vinyl or mp3 digital?  Tubes or digital amps??  Film or digital camera? Charcoal or Gas?

Well, you get the idea.  If you are Vegan, you may enjoy going here or here. Seriously, I do enjoy Edamame and Goji berries and they really are super foods, without question. Heck, I’ve been known to serve them as a snack during customer visits.  But in the long run, I need comforting flavor and only the real thing satisfies.

Time Out

Hope your Labor Day weekend was an enjoyable, relaxing one.

Also, just a quick reminder, the pitch perfect audio system promotion is ending shortly! Thanks to everyone who has taken advantage of this opportunity.

Customer Music System – Robert L. – Tigard, OR

This system rocks.  Check it out.  Shindo Aurieges Preamplifier with MM phono input, Shindo Montille 6v6 Stereo Amplifier driving Altec Model 19 Speakers.  Very Cool.

Robert chucked the sonically aged original Altec crossover and DIY’d a new one. Rounding out this fine system is a Denon DP 60L Turntable, Audio Technica AT150MLX Moving Magnet Cartridge and Musical Fidelity A5 CD Player.  This system does double duty as a music room and home theater room for the family.

Enjoy, Rob!  Looks like I have a couple of customer visits to make when I visit the North West….

Photo courtesy of Robert L.

Customer Music System – Noel J. – Detroit, MI

Hiro digs the vibe.

Emanating from the cartridge, onward: Denon 103 MC Cartridge/SME3012 Tone-Arm/Lignolab Plinth/Garrard 401, Auditorium 23 Step Up Transformer feeding a Shindo Masseto Preamplifier, Shindo Cortese F2a Single Ended Amplifier, Auditorium 23 Speaker Cable, Vintage Altec Valencia Loudspeakers. Awesome.  Noel built this system up, one component at a time, working diligently on maximizing performance by selecting components with synergy.

This is what it’s all about, folks.  Customers of mine who ’stay on the path’ – that is to say – appreciate and understand the definitive music playback capabilities of these systems by taking their time to match, appropriately, the source to the preamp and amp to the speakers – will gain the full sonic potential of the design parameters Shindo Labs, Leben Hi-Fi, Auditorium 23, et.al, envisioned.

Noel says this about this system…

“In my opinion this is the ultimate audiophile budget sytem. In a freak accident with a 4′x5′ painting during a move, my Altec Valencia’s had a little grill accident – had for only $1700. But, I’ve been blessed with better sounding speakers, for removing the grills. The table is a Lignolab Plinth, SME 3012 arm… and the Garrard 401 table was had for $400! This was fine and dandy hooked up to my Eastern Electric M520, but I wasn’t happy. When I brought home the Shindo Masseto and Cortese, I finally knew what the high life was all about  After playing records for friends and family, even my Mom thinks my Shindo system was a sound investment.”

Noel dreams of Shindo 301 Turtable Player System and Shindo Latours at some point.. and we’ll just have to do our best to make that happen.  The next item Noel is planning to add is a Shindo Mr. T, EMT cartridge for his SME Tone-Arm.

Photos courtesy of Noel J.

Elegant Beast

My wife and I required an audio equipment rack at home that was stylish, sonically awesome, yet…well… ok, I admit… ‘cheaper’ than the mighty awesome Lignolab Pneumatic Equipment Support, which I own and is on demonstration at my showroom.

Lucky for me, Anthony from BOX Furniture Co. was working on a specialized version of his current product offerings. “Hey Matt, I have something that would fit the bill.. something special I’m working on…”

Knowing full well the sonic ability and craftsmanship of his current production pieces, on display at my showroom, there was no hesitation in my voice.  ”Sign me up, Tony!”

Well, after 2 months of eager anticipation, the beast arrived.  My custom made BOX Furniture Co. equipment stand, that is.  All 560 (crated) lbs of it.  Brutal does not describe the weight.

The photos are jut a tease – sorry – you will have to wait until I have it loaded with gear, for further shots.

First in line

Congratulations goes to Allen K. for being the first to take me up on my offer for a sweet new free MacBook (to be used in conjunction with a USB DAC, as a music server) with the purchase of a new hifi system.  In this particular case, Allen is the proud new owner of a Shindo Apetite, DeVore Gibbon 3XL Monitor Loudspeakers, Wavelength Audio Proton USB DAC, Shindo Interconnects and Auditorium 23 Speaker Cable.  This system makes music, pure and simple.  System photos coming, once it’s delivered and wired up.

Frequency Modulation

Enjoy listening to radio?  My son, Jared, loves it.  Although, I think he really just enjoys fiddling with the analog tuning dial, as it traverses the cozy illuminated display.

How about streaming internet radio stations, through your hifi (preferably with a good DAC)?

Being a big fan of radio, I enjoy listening throughout the day, as it brings me varied genres of music that I wouldn’t normally hear.  This holds especially true when listening to college stations.  I usually listen through some sweet vintage tube tuners (Fisher, Marantz, REL), although, when I want to extend reception beyond their boundaries world-wide streaming internet radio fits the bill.

Speaking of which, check out the 91.7 FM (KRTU.org) stream from Trinity University, in San Antonio, Texas.  My good customer Chuck hosts a weekly show called The Jazz Lab, every Thursday night, from 8-10pm.  Tune in and check it out!  Broadcasting from the Department of Communication at Trinity University, KRTU is listener-supported Jazz for San Antonio and worldwide at KRTU.org.

Chuck is the proud owner of a Shindo Monbrison Preamp and Shindo Cortese F2a Single Ended Stereo Amp, as well.  You have good taste, Chuck.

Think outside…

The BOX Furniture Company owner and master craftsman, Anthony Abbate, creates outstanding furniture to showcase your audio system.  Besides aesthetics, a solid foundation will guarantee superior sonic performance of your music system.  A variety of dimensions are available to suite your installation configuration.  Available in Anigre and Sapele.

Jules Coleman has just finished a review of the three shelf, double wide BOX stand in his system.

Heightened Senses

Along with Stephen in New Mexico, my customer Nicholas from New Orleans, recently bought a Shindo Masseto preamplifier. Check out his enthusiastic reaction, upon wiring it in his system.

“Matt- The Masseto is up and running… what a trip! My first cd is wilco’s yankee hotel foxtrot. What is amazing is how much more detail the Masseto is able to unravel. The stage lays out horizontal as before, but there’s more ‘verticality’ to my ear, to individual notes, and better spatial delineation… and the PACE is perfect. It swings harder.. it moves and propels the music forward on rails, wow! BRAVO! I can’t wait to hear the Masseto break-in! More later, thanks for everything Matt.  -Nicholas”

Nicholas, I look forward to your reaction once you listen to the phono stage…(!)

Special Offer for Pitch Perfect Customers

For a very limited time, with the purchase of any aforementioned systems (other combinations available – please inquire), I’ll buy a new Apple Macbook for you, to be used as your digital music server for your newly purchased USB based D to A Converter.

This exclusive Pitch Perfect Audio offer expires on September 30th, 2009.

I’d like to give everyone a free turntable, believe me, but that’s not in the cards at the moment.

Three’s Company…

I get email all the time:

“Matt, what is a great system for $x ?”

“…I need to get back to listening to music, and stop monkeying around with buying and selling gear because I am unhappy…”

Another email:  ”I find myself no longer listening to music… help me figure out my next step…”

Let’s get back to making music, shall we?

I’m here to help and happy to answer your emails regarding ways to improve your music enjoyment.

Even at the entry point you can get a system that will knock your socks off. I get considerable comments upon playing any of the following systems- that they are some of the finest customers have ever heard.  At Pitch Perfect Audio you will not find a mish mosh product mix.  The following gear has been carefully selected to work as a whole.

The packages, below, are some of the many iterations that are available.

Package Uno:

Leben CS300 Integrated Amplifier – Quality hand wired craftsmanship with 12 gutsy wpc’s – $2,995.

Devore Gibbon 3XL Monitor Loudspeaker – $4,400. pr.

Auditorium 23 Signal Cable – $450. 1/2M pr.

Auditorium 23 Loudspeaker Cable – $950. 2.5M pr.

Wavelength Audio Proton D to A Converter 24.96 – $900.

Total package: $9,695.*

Options:  Add the awesome Leben RS-30EQ phono stage for $2,595. and get back to spinning some vinyl records!  Regarding the turntable, I recommend the new Well Tempered Lab Amadaeus Turntable for only $2,850. (more soon, on this great new table). Cartridge?  EMT TSD15 series is a perfect mate – or if you are feeling thrifty a Denon 103 would be excellent.  Add an A23 Step Up Transformer and you are in business.

Package Duo:

Leben CS-600 EL34/6L6 tube type Integrated Amplifier – $5,795.

DeVore Gibbon Super 8 Loudspeakers – $4,500.

Auditorium 23 Signal Cable – $795. 1M pr.

Auditorium 23 Loudspeaker Cable – $950. 2.5M pr.

Wavelength Audio Brick v2 D to A Converter – $1,795.

Total package: $13,835.*

Options to consider:  Wavelength Mortar Power Supply Upgrade for Brick, for only $250. Add a matched pair of Winged C EL34 tubes for $100. to the CS-600.  Of course, you could augment the system with vinyl, such as system one.  Sweet!!

Package Trio:

Shindo Apetite Integrated Amplifier – $5,500.

DeVore Nine Loudspeakers – $6,500.

Auditorium 23 Signal Cable – $795. 1M pr.

Auditorium 23 Loudspeaker Cable – $950. 2.5M pr.

Wavelength Audio Cosecant v3 D to A Converter 24.96 – $3,500.

Total package: $17,245.*

Further options:  Add select cherry or walnut or select the ltd. edition walnut to the DeVore Nines for $500 and $1,000 respectively.  Again, add a Leben RS-30EQ or consider the superlative Shindo Aurieges phono stage for delicious vinyl playback.

The addition of a Box Furniture Co. Equipment support, for any of the above systems, would do wonders to improve your music playback even further.  Prices start at only $2,300 for a beautiful Sapele 3 Shelf Stand.  Do not underestimate the sonic importance of a good equipment foundation.

* Plus applicable taxes & shipping

Customer Music System – Stephen D. – Santa Fe, NM

Check out this cozy abode.  Stephen built up this wonderful system over a period of time to include Shindo Masseto Preamplifier, Shindo Cortese F2a Single Ended Amplifier, DeVore Nines Loudspeaker, Ayre C-5xe Universal Player, VPI TNT jr. Turntable w/SDS and Triplanar tone-arm w/Denon Zu103, Auditorium 23 Step Up Transformer, and Magnum Dynalab Ft101 Tuner.  The all important Auditorium 23 Speaker Cable, Shindo Silver Interconnect and Shindo Mr. T wire up the system.

A highly prized Navajo rug adds richness to this already great system. This tweak soon to be all the rage in the audiophile community.  You heard it here first.

Stephen is an original Blue Note Records collector and those shelves are filled with originals. Nice!!

Here is a quote from Stephen regarding his DeVore Nines…read on…

“Matt,

I don’t get these speakers.  They are the most unremarkable speakers I’ve
ever owned–even my early Vandersteens had more going on visually.  To tell
you the truth, even though I knew they were small, as I set them up I was
more than skeptical.   Had I just followed another yellow brick road hook
line and sinker?  I mean the drivers are tiny.  The ports are tiny.  Where
is the base going to come from?

Then I took a listen.  What’s going on here?  This huge sound startling sound
coming from my front wall.  The speakers sat there innocently like no sound
was coming out of them.  I’m tansfixed.  This is way more than I thought I
was getting.  They could be finished in red fur with white stripes for all I
care.

Right now I’m a little speechless.

Steve”

Another one…

“Matt,

…The Masseto is startling.  It gives such a present and alive
reproduction–the most life-like I’ve ever heard.  If you listen at “live
music level” you have to be prepared–the dynamics will shock you.  I have a
CD of Bruno Walter conducting Beethoven’s 6th.  I have used it for 13 years
as a reference.  What the Masseto did with this is was crazy (and I’ve
schlepped this CD to showrooms and played it on some pretty upscale gear).
The Masseto unraveled the music.  Opened up not only the soundstage but the
complex passages made sense.  You could hear their relationship to each
other…

Then there is this timing thing–the Masseto seems to pull you in not only
with its tone and aliveness but its rhythm–don’t know what else to call it.
It makes the beat or pace of the music infectious.

Also, I’m pretty sure it is the greatest preamp on the planet at playing at
low levels.

…Dudley said the Cortese’s made the music sound BIG when he combined it with

the Masseto.  Right now that’s a scary concept.

Best,
Steve”

Steve, enjoy your system, and thank you for the kind words!

Photo courtesy of Stephen D.

Summit

Jonathan Halpern called me a few days ago with some Pablo recording recommendations, at exactly the same moment I was in the process of thumbing through some delicious Pablo recordings on my LP shelf.  Cool when that happens.

For those unfamiliar with Pablo Recordings, it was founded in late 70’s by Norman Granz. Norman was the founder of Verve Records in 1956.  You know, that little label that represented some of the greatest Jazz performers in the history or recorded music.  He then founded Pablo Records in 1973.

If you don’t have any Pablo Records in your collection, I urge you to do so.  They are plentiful, and cheap.  Sonically, they are all fantastic.  Big, wet, juicy, dense, organic, palpable and a completely open window to the music event.  I love’em.  The paying is the stuff of legend and the musicians are at the top of their game.  At this point in their career, these guys and girls are finely aged, much like a burnished heirloom or the brassing of metal on a fine camera housing.  Japanese call this Wabi Sabi, btw.  I love that, don’t you?  There is a deeper musical wisdom here than any other time in their history of playing – the interplay and musical knowledge they portray within these recordings is phenomenal.

Spinning today at the shop – The Trumpet Summit – this one cooks! Ray Brown’s insane walking bass lines keeps side one moving while Dizzy, Freddie Hubbard, Clark Terry, Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass & Bobby Durham strut their stuff.  Dig it!

Turntable shown is the LignoLab 401 – a vinyl spinning masterpiece composed of the following components:  LignoLab plinth, Garrard 401, EMT 997 tone-arm, Shindo precision bearing/platter/mat/tuned weight, Shindo SPU cartridge and Shindo signal cable.

Sweet as Syrup

Well, my good customer, Cliff in Oregon, received delivery of his LignoLab Pneumatic Suspension Equipment Support.   Cliff chose the beautiful, refined, Maple finish to match his SoloVox Loudspeakers (the stand is also available in deep, rich Walnut).

No need for me to describe his impressions, I’ll let Cliff do it for you…

” Here are some pics of the new LL stand.I finally got it installed and the system back up and running.I was trying to think of how I would explain my reaction to hearing it in the system for the first time:Imagine a guy sitting in a room,maybe an office or something,and in walks a very attractive and well put-together young woman who, without any warning or explanation, removes her top(completely)and starts to dance seductively before him.Can you see his face?His expression?

That is what I have looked like for the last couple of hours:Eyes bulging,mouth open,with the occasional scratch…of the head,er,scalp.

Having previously owned some very good specialty audio stands such as the Sistrum,Grand Prix Audio Monaco,Finite Elemente Pagode Master Reference, and heard and investigated some other very good ones(one a good bit more expensive than the Lingo),I have to say that I am once again shocked and utterly amazed by one of your products and the amazing craftsmanship and artistry in the service of music of Keith and Norbert. It is amazing that a wood stand(which does float),no matter how thick and well put together IT is,can increase the resolution and dynamics of an audio system to the degree that this one does.The tone or flavor of the system hasn’t changed,it is just bigger sounding,much more resolved and dynamic,and much more holographic.

The LL should be a mandatory purchase for anyone with the Solovox and a TT.

Please thank the guys at Lingolab for me and thank you and J for bringing this stuff to us.

Thanks,

Cliff “

Thanks for the insight Cliff.  It is amazing, isn’t it?

Photo courtesy of Cliff C.

Magnetic Personality

Keith Aschenbrenner, of Auditorium 23(A23) manufacturers the finest step up transformers for moving coil phono cartridges. He produces three models for various cartridge types.  Which one is right for you depends on your cartridge specifications (for example, low impedance or higher impedance).  They are, simply, one way to bring your vinyl playback up several notches.  Step up transformers add a certain quality of sound that cannot duplicated by any other method.  Have a moving coil phono cartridge?  You need a transformer to step up the cartridge voltage, so you may best benefit from the capabilities of your moving coil cartridge.

” Hey Matt,

Well, it’s 4am and I am still listening glued to the couch – I just can’t believe how well the A23 SUT works between the Allaerts and the Monbrison. I had tried several highly regarded step-ups over the last few months (Bent Mu TX103 Silver, Cinemag, Lundahl 9206, Koetsu MCR-1), none sounded as rich, textured, detailed, and controlled as the A23. Many of the other step-ups worked well with Jazz and Rock, but for Classical instrument separation was difficult, dynamics were compressed; with the A23 there none of the problems. Everything is well organized, controlled without loosing musical flow and drama.

I should have listened to you earlier and ordered A23 right from the beginning with the Monbrison

Best wishes,

Rene – thoroughly enjoying myself with my “new” analog set-up”

Glad you are enjoying the A23 step up transformer, Rene!