Vinyl Records are alive!

Vinyl record player history uncovered

2008-06-28T11:14:00.002+02:00

Vinyl record player history dates back to November 21, 1877 when Thomas Alva Edison announced his invention of the first phonograph, a device for recording and replaying sound. He demonstrated the device for the first time on November 29 (it was patented on February 19, 1878 as US Patent 200,521).

Edison's early phonographs recorded onto a tinfoil sheet phonograph cylinder using an up-down (vertical) motion of the stylus. The tinfoil sheet was wrapped around a grooved cylinder, and the sound was recorded as indentations into the foil.

Edison's early patents show that he also considered the idea that sound could be recorded as a spiral onto a disc, but Edison concentrated his efforts on cylinders, since the groove on the outside of a rotating cylinder provides a constant velocity to the stylus in the groove, which Edison considered more "scientifically correct".

Edison's patent specified that the audio recording was embossed, and it was not until 1886 that vertically modulated engraved recordings using wax coated cylinders were patented by Chichester Bell and Charles Sumner Tainter. They named their version the Graphophone...............

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

How to make sure you are buying records safely on the net

2008-06-25T11:29:00.002+02:00

Unfortunately buying records safely in the net can be a bit of a lottery. How often have you heard of friends being fooled by unscrupulous individuals saying they are recommended dealers? Here are 10 simple and straightforward ideas to ensure it doesn’t happen to you.

1. Before buying from someone who represents themselves as a record dealer, ask for references - and check them! Anyone who says they are a dealer would not have a problem with supplying references - so don't hesitate in asking for them!

2. Check the dealer's return policy and make sure that you may return damaged or mis-graded product within a reasonable amount of time. Don't expect a dealer to accept returns weeks after the fact or accept returns simply because you don't like the record you ordered.

3. Pay by credit card. All credit cards companies offer recourse these days.

4. If not paying by card - use PayPal. I find it invaluable in these days as it provides a wonderful audit trail.

5. Dealers who have their own websites are a safer bet than those who don't. Setting up shop on the net indicates a degree of permanence and commitment.

6. If you still have some doubts, ask that your package be shipped COD. Don't expect the dealer, however, to pay the COD charges.

7. Always buy postal insurance. This small investment is prudent. Don't assume the dealer will automatically mail with insurance, always specify it.

8. Always request recorded delivery. You will have to sign for the package on delivery so ensuring the dealer cannot simply say "but …I did post it". This will protect both you and the dealer, as, again, it provides a wonderful audit trail.

9. Don't forget to ensure the dealer packages your prized records correctly! Any decent dealer wouldn't think twice - but I once bought a record from Ebay before I knew better, and it came in a normal envelope - it was not surprising that by the time it reached me it was no good!

10. Only buy from dealers who are recommended by organisations such as 'Vinyl Records Still Live'!!

From my experience I find if I follow these simple guide lines buying records safely on the net is not a problem

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Quad 99 Pre Amplifier - Just LOVELY!!

2008-06-24T12:28:00.003+02:00

All inputs, including those for moving-coil and moving-magnet cartridges, have adjustable sensitivity whilst the main outputs have adjustable levels settings. This flexibility also extends to the wide range of precise tone-control adjustments that can be made. In addition to the usual high-frequency filter, there are adjustments for the bass response, and the unique Quad 'Tilt' control which skews the entire frequency response to give a preferred tonal balance.

The 99 Pre-Amplifier includes noiseless solid state signal switching and digitally addressed analogue volume and balance controls. These track both left and right channels with a previously unattainable accuracy of better than 0.1dB.

Product Specifications

Aux. & Tape Inputs: Sensitivity - 100, 300 or 775mV; Signal-to-Noise Ratio - >97dB (A) ref. 775mV; Distortion - <0.002%
Phono Inputs MM (MC): Sensitivity - 1, 3 or 7.75mV (100, 300 or 775uV), Signal-to-Noise Ratio 78dB (a) ref. 7.75mV (775uV); Distortion <0.005% (<0.01%)
Pre-Amp Output: Level 775mV (3.3V max.); Source Impedance - 100 ohms
AMPBUS Output: Level 2V (8V max.); Source Impedance - 20 ohms
Tape Output: Level 100, 300 or 775mV (10V max.); Source Impedance 330 ohms
Frequency Response: All Inputs except MM/MC 10Hz - 20kHz +0dB/-0.3dB
3Hz - 56kHz +0dB/-3dB; MM/MC Inputs 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.5dB
7Hz - 53kHz +0.5dB/-3dB
Dimensions: 70mm x 321mm x 310mm

See All Quad Amps

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

It's Great Fun Finding Rare Vinyl Records!!

2008-06-19T10:54:00.001+02:00

Finding rare records can be time consuming, but, at the same time, can be fun and rewarding. Who hasn't dreamt of one day, entering a charity shop, walking up to a bin of records, and there before your very eyes, lies a stack of records that you have been wanting for years. And to top it off, you purchase them at a bargain price. Of course this is just dreaming - but hey, it could happen!

A local record shop is a good place to find rare records. You should find a large selection of records to choose from - but expect to pay top price for your selections. At Vinyl Records Still Live I am trying to build a data base of records shops around the UK who might not have a website. So please help in this task by sending me your recommendations

The ones on our list so far can be found at Record Shops If you know of any others you would like to recommend please send their details to me by clicking the Contact Page It will be my pleasure to add them to our listing.

You should also try looking in Yellow Pages for any charity shops in your neighbourhood. There, you will no doubt, find fewer recordings than at a record store. They will quite possibly be of a lower quality, but you should expect to pick them up at bargain basement prices. Also include in your search, any used book shops in your area. Although, their selection may be limited, they are also known for having used records for sale.

After you have finished with the phone book, grab the local free adds newspaper, and look under car boot sales. There have been many situations where a "Vinyl Hunter" has walked away from one of these events, with a box of vinyl gems, and in most cases, for only a few pounds.

If you are the type that prefers to stay at home and do your shopping with the use of your computer , there are several ways for finding records. One particularly fine method is to visit one of the many online auctions which have appeared in recent years. Two of the biggest, and perhaps the best, are Ebay.com and the Yahoo Music Auctions. At these sites, you can be sure to locate literally thousands of recordings (vinyl, shellac, tapes and CD's). To many collectors, online record auctions are another form of entertainment.

While competing with other collectors for the same album, you experience a rush of adrenaline in very much the similar fashion as you would when participating in legalized gambling. But buyer beware! Much like the gambling experience, online auctions can be addictive. Additionally, if you get caught up in a bidding war, you can easily end up paying much more for a recording, than it is really worth.

Perhaps the most plentiful resource on the Internet for purchasing records albums, is the record dealer website. Here a buyer, could buy or sell an entire collection of records. There are two methods for locating these websites. One way is by the use of a search engine (Yahoo, Excite,etc.). But you may wish to consider the safest source of dealer websites is to look at the recommended dealers at sites like ‘Vinyl Records Still Live’. This way you can have a high degree of comfort in doing business with a recommended dealer.

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Should you catalogue your record collection?

2008-06-18T12:08:00.001+02:00

The answer to should you catalogue your record collection is really simple - YES!!

BUT .......... The best way to achieve it isn’t so simple! I've spent a lot of time thinking about the differing options, and as I have a mixed collection ranging from Amadeus Mozart to Led Zeppelin, I tried to design an Access data base to handle them all.

Possibly a waste of time!

Still - of course the problem needs to be addressed - after all, if I am broken into and my collection stolen - or if it’s damaged in fire, I’ll need to make a claim on my insurance company.

By the way - you have got your record collection insured haven’t you? Just work out (use the advice you will find on this site) the value of your collection in monetary terms. Then think what would happen if you had to replace them all.

Of course a lot of my records - like yours - have stories behind them, and so simply replacing them wouldn’t be the same - but at least the insurance money would help ease the pain!

One point about insurance companies - make sure your collection is listed separately and not just under the general contents insurance - advice from a friend who got caught out!

So - for now - here you will find a couple of free record collection catalogue software downloads which will enable you to make a comprehensive data base of your records.

I haven’t tried them yet - so if you do please let me know how you get on. I’m going to keep trying with Access - if you’d like to help - or would like a copy when (if!) I get it finished, just contact me and I’ll keep you updated.

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

How to Appraise Vinyl Records

2008-06-16T14:56:00.002+02:00

Look at everything about a record. It's playing surface, it's label, it's edges...under a strong light. Then based on your overall impression appaise your vinyl record on the following criteria:

Mint (M) Absolutely perfect in every way. Probably never been played, possibly even still sealed. (More on still sealed under "Other Considerations"). Should be used sparingly as a grade M, if at all.

Near Mint (NM or M-) A nearly perfect record. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect. The record should show no obvious signs of wear. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling.

An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits or other noticeable similar defects. No cut-out holes, either. And of course, the same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves and the like.

Basically, an LP in near mint condition looks as if you just got it home from a new record store and removed the shrink wrap.

Near Mint is the highest price listed in all Goldmine price guides. Anything that exceeds this grade, in the opinion of both buyer and seller, is worth significantly more than the highest Goldmine book value.

Very Good Plus (VG+) Generally worth 50 percent of the Near Mint value.
A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.

Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK".

The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. The centre hole will not have been misshapen by repeated play.

Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turned up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear also and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation or corner indicating it was taken out of print and sold at a discount.

In general, if not for a couple things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint. All but the most mint-crazy collectors will find a Very Good Plus record highly acceptable.

Very Good (VG) Generally worth 25 percent of Near Mint value. Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.
Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them.

Goldmine price guides with more than one price will list Very Good as the lowest price. This, not the Near Mint price, should be your guide when determining how much a record is worth, as that is the price a dealer will normally pay you for a Near Mint record.

Good (G), Good Plus (G+) Generally worth 10-15 percent of the Near Mint value. Good does not mean Bad! A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear (on a styrene record, the groove will be starting to turn white).
A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object.

If it is a common item, you'll probably find another copy in better shape eventually. Pass it up. But, if it's something you have been seeking for years, and the price is right, get it...but keep looking to upgrade.

Poor (P), Fair (F) Generally worth 0-5 percent of the Near Mint price. The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing. The LP cover barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully seam split, crinkled, and written upon.
Except for impossibly rare records otherwise unattainable, records in this condition should be bought or sold for no more than a few cents each.

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Shure V15 - a benchmark in magnetic cartridges

2008-06-15T10:31:00.000+02:00

The first of the classic Shure's was the Shure V15 that arrived on the hifi scene in 1964, that cartridge is named after it's VTA of 15° and the descendants of this cartridge are still manufactured to this day, it featured a biradial elliptical stylus (0,0002x0,0009).

It was replaced with the Shure V15 Type II in 1966, main improvements were in trackability according to the Shure website. The Type II Improved was introduced in 1970 and had a slightly improved element and a better stylus.

The Shure V15 Type III was introduced in 1974 and it had a new pole piece and that amongst with other improvements meant that it had a 25% less effective mass than the Type II, you could also get it in a more expensive version called V15-IIIHE with an Hyper elliptical stylus.

The later and more modern Shure V15 Type IV was introduced in 1978 and it has a better stylus than the previous model (an hyper elliptical as the IIIHE had), it's also the first in the line that has the "Dynamic Stabilizer" damper brush that we have come to associate with classic V15's, the V15 Type V version had a Beryllium cantilever and a differently cut stylus, the year after that the company introduced a more upmarket version called V15 Type V-MR that was identical to the V but featured a Micro-Ridge line contact stylus.

Read some more>>

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

SME - Mill Road, Steyning, Sussex, England

2008-06-14T10:13:00.002+02:00

Set in the heart of the Sussex countryside at the foot of the south downs SME is the home of arguably the finest precision gramophone pick-up arms and turntables in the world. Some say to own an SME product is to possess a jewel of near perfection in both performance and construction...

The original company was formed in 1946 under the title The Scale Model Equipment Company Limited to manufacture scale models and detail parts for the model engineering trade.
During the 1950's movement was away from model making to precision engineering, principally parts for aircraft instruments and business machines.

In 1959 Alastair Robertson-Aikman, the Company's founder and Managing Director, required a pick-up arm for his own use and an experimental model was built. It received such an enthusiastic reception from friends in the sound industry that it was decided to produce it commercially and the first SME precision pick-up arm appeared in September 1959.

Production was 25 units per week composed entirely of individually machined components. At this time a new factory situated in Mill Road, Steyning was opened and the Company's name was changed to SME Limited, a less committal title to suit its new activities.

Read some more>>

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

AKG 272HD Closed Back Headphones

2008-06-12T12:17:00.003+02:00

Product Features

*Around-ear, closed-back design
*Self-adjusting headband comfortably conforms to your head
*Gimbal-suspended phones settle snugly against ears without pinching
*Ultra-soft velvet earpads
*Loud and rugged, ideal for single-ear DJ use
*High-efficiency output with wide dynamic range, perfect for mobile environments
*Single-sided, 99.99% oxygen-free cable for pure sound transmission
*Hard gold-plated contacts and plug with 3.5-6.3 mm adapter

Minimum sound leakage and maximum reduction of ambient noise. K 272 HD headphones deliver both, with an around-ear, closed-back design that makes them a great choice for broadcast and audio engineers. Offering the same accurate performance and uncolored sound that has made AKG K 270 Studio headphones indispensable in radio, TV and recording studios around the world, K 272 HD headphones are lightweight, comfortable and

Priced at £149.99

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Linn Sondek LP 12 Transcription Turntable

2008-06-09T11:24:00.002+02:00

LP12 is the abbreviation for the legendary Linn Sondek™ LP12 transcription turntable produced by Glasgow, Scotland-based Linn Products, manufacturers of hi-fi, home theater, and multi-room audio systems.

Introduced in 1972, it utilises a suspended sub-chassis design and an innovative single-point bearing machined to extremely tight tolerances. The turntable has evolved since its introduction, but its basic suspended sub-chassis design has remained unchanged.

The record player is loved by tens of thousands of audiophiles around the world for its excellent ability to play music with "pace, rhythm and timing". It is often used by hi-fi reviewers as a reference turntable.

The Linn Sondek LP12 has acquired such cult status amongst audiophile turntables that many seek to knock it off its pedestal. In truth, the design has not been fundamentally revisited and could be showing its age. There have been improvements in turntable design and in material science since its launch.

Linn capitalised on the success of the Linn Sondek LP12 by introducing the more affordable Basik and Axis turntables, complementary tonearms for the Sondek and cartridges at different price points.

Read a bit more>>

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Building Valve Amplifiers

2008-06-08T11:47:00.000+02:00

Synopsis
"If you actually intend to create, modify, restore or repair tube audio equipment, I would highly recommend purchasing "Building Valve Amplifiers", even if you are seasoned by many years of practical experience. I am convinced that all readers will be amazed at the quantity of new useful knowledge it contains." - "Audio Ideas Guide magazine". "This book can be thoroughly recommended for experienced builders and novices alike." - "Electronics World"."Building Valve Amplifiers" is a unique hands-on guide for anyone working with tube audio equipment as an electronics experimenter, audiophile or audio engineer. Particular attention has been paid to answering questions commonly asked by newcomers to the world of the vacuum tube, whether audio enthusiasts tackling their first build, or more experienced amplifier designers seeking to learn the ropes of working with valves. The practical side of this book is reinforced by numerous clear illustrations throughout. As well as the design and build of new valve amplifiers, complete with constructional projects, Morgan Jones introduces the modification, fault-finding and repair of new and classic equipment.The companion volume to "Building Valve Amplifiers", Morgan Jones' "Valve Amplifiers", has been widely recognised as the most complete guide to valve amplifier design written for over 30 years.

It introduces the art of valve electronics to the newcomer and provides ready-made practical circuits that will be of great value to enthusiasts and professional audio designers alike. The practical guide to building, modifying, fault-finding and repairing vacuum tube amplifiers, it provides a hands-on approach to tube electronics - classic and modern - with a minimum of theory. Design, fault-finding, and testing are each illustrated by step-by-step examples. It is written by the author of the audiophile cult classic, "Valve Amplifiers".

Get your copy here>>

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Greatest Rock Discography

2008-06-07T10:51:00.002+02:00

Here is the tome that tells you everything you want to know about everyone you need to know about: with thousands of hits from the likes of the B52s, L7 and U2 to the Four Tops, Sevendust and 10cc. You can check out a whole spectrum of info on Living Colour and Rainbow; as well as Pink, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Deep Purple, Blue Nile and Green Day. Gorge yourself on Jam and Bread: Meat Loaf and Vanilla Fudge. From one hit wonders to mega stars it doesn't matter the size: you'll find Big Audio Dynamite, Big Black and Big Country - and given equal weighting Little Angels, Little Feat and Little Richard. It's all here.

An essential purchase for music lovers. Check out the best prices in the UK

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

The Great Pro-ject RPM10

2008-06-06T14:51:00.002+02:00

Manual turntable with 10" precision tonearm and equipment base Pro-Ject Ground it deluxe 1

Good sound from sound technology

* Tonearm bearing comprises inverted hardened stainless tips in ABEC7 spec ballraces
* Headshell and conical armtube formed from a single carbon fibre workpiece
* Armtube allows adjustment of needle azimuth despite fixed headshell
* Vertical tracing angle adjustable
* Acrylic platter with perimeter belt drive and brass record puck
* Magnet supported, inverted main bearing with ceramic thrust-pad
* Central metal block optimises centre of gravity
* Granulate filled plinth and equipment base Ground it deluxe 1 for universal damping
* Sorbothane-damped aluminium cones
* Drive motor housed in separate base

Product Features
* Pro-Ject 10cc tonearm
* Nominal speeds 33 / 45 r.p.m
* Record puck
* Gold-plated RCA phono sockets
* Plinth and equipment base in dark grey piano-lacquer finish
* Equipment base Pro-Ject Ground it deluxe 1 supplied
* Pro-Ject spirit level supplied

PLEASE NOTE cartridge is not included

Priced only at £1.499.99

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Sound Performance Lab

2008-06-04T10:56:00.002+02:00

Sound Performance Lab's Phonitor is the company's high-end interpretation for what a complete headphone amplifier should be. The basis for this high-end development is SPL Labs proven 120 Volts reference technology based upon their handmade operation amplifier. It corresponds to approximately twice that of most modern analog audio semiconductor technologies.

This 120 Volt technology is based on discrete operation amplifiers having SUPRA OPs work with high-performance semiconductors in Class A technology at a symmetrical voltage of +/-60V. Nine SUPRA OPs are employed in such a way that SNR is a low 116dB and offers nearly 34dB of headroom. The phase stability is said to be "always perfect." Aside from standard monitoring functions, the Phonitor offers new controls such as "Crossfeed", "Speaker Angle" and "Center Level".

These are the essential parameters to create what with loudspeaker monitors are perception of width, balance and overall space and how we humans recognize them coming from the loudspeaker. The unit's frequency response is from 10Hz to 200kHz (-3dB) with THD of 0.005% and a dynamic range of 129.5dB.

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Jimi Hendrix and a Band of Gipsys

2008-06-03T10:48:00.003+02:00

Born: JOHNNY ALLEN HENDRIX. 27 Nov' 42, Seattle, Washington, USA

Jimi Hendrix was raised by a part Cherokee Indian mother and black father, who, at age 3, changed his forenames to JAMES MARSHALL and bought him his first guitar. Being left-handed, he turned it upside down and reversed the strings, teaching himself by listening to blues and rock'n'roll artists such as ROBERT JOHNSON, MUDDY WATERS, B.B. KING and CHUCK BERRY.

In the early 60's, he enlisted in the paratroopers, thus avoiding the draft into the US army. He was subsequently discharged for medical reasons in 1962, after injuring himself during a jump. Two years later, the young HENDRIX moved to New York and backed acts LITTLE RICHARD, The ISLEY BROTHERS and IKE & TINA TURNER.

Early the following year, JIMI HENDRIX's first real band, JIMMY JAMES & THE BLUE FLAMES, were born. With JIMI's reputation now spreading, he was seen by ex-ANIMALS bass man CHAS CHANDLER, who invited him to London. After auditions, they found a rhythm section of NOEL REDDING and MITCH MITCHELL, smashing their way into the UK Top 10 in early '67 with the 'Polydor' one-off 45, 'HEY JOE'. CHANDLER then set up a deal with Kit Lambert's new 'Track' label, and The JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE exploded onto the scene.

Continue with The Jimi Hendrix Story

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Paul McCartney - Gets an honorary Doctor of Music degree

2008-06-02T16:26:00.002+02:00

Sir Paul McCartney has received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the prestigious US university Yale.

The former Beatle is an incomparable songwriter and has given a fresh sound to "rock, roll, rhythm and blues", said the university's president Richard Levin at Monday's ceremony.

"Here, there and everywhere, you have pushed the boundaries of the familiar to create new classics," he said at the Connecticut ceremony, at which British astronomer Martin Rees was among those given an honorary degree.

"From the energy of I Want to Hold Your Hand to the melancholy of Yesterday, to the spirituality of Let It Be, you have played every chord, touched every emotion," Mr Levin added.

"We admire your musical genius and your generous support of worthy causes."

The 65-year-old did not make a speech at the Commencement ceremony, during which 3,117 students received their degrees.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair was also in town during the ceremony, as his son Euan is currently studying international relations at the Ivy League college.

He told students at the university's Class Day that Sir Paul had reminded him that the first record company the Beatles had approached had "rejected them as a band no one would want to listen to", the Yale Daily News reports.

"Be prepared to fail as well as to succeed, and realise it is failure, not success, that defines character," he added.

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Spectron Audio new Valve Amps

2008-05-31T11:04:00.001+02:00

Spectron Audio's new Musician III Signature Edition Mk. 2 flagship amplifier Musician III SE Mk. 2 is ideally suited to being deployed as fully balanced monoblock amplifiers which can deliver 7000 watts (for 500 msec). This unit represents the latest step in the evolutionary development of the company's Musician III technology that was first introduced four years ago.

The new Mk. 2 model features an improved input stage and redesigned, simplified output stage. It incorporates numerous upgraded parts throughout, including new power switching modules, audiophile-quality wire and custom-designed capacitors in the sonically crucial reconstruction filter. The design team believe that they achieved timbral texture representation and realism comparable only to the experience of a live concert. "We are confident that our new flagship compares favorably to the finest power amplifiers, whether tube or solid-state, available today," said John Ulrick, Spectron's founder, CEO and chief designer. "We are especially proud that in a time of upwardly spiraling costs for parts, materials and labor, as well as a historically weak dollar, our made-in-the-USA flagship remains an extraordinary value among high-powered amplifiers."

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

1950's Christams Lits

2008-05-30T12:31:00.003+02:00

1950 Gene Autry / Bing Crosby Rudoph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

1951 Teddy Johnson / Teresa Brewer Longing For You

1952 Al Martino Here In My Heart

1953 Frankie Laine Answer Me

1954 Winifred Atwell Let's Have Another Party

1955 Dickie Valentine Christmas Alphabet

1956 Johnnie Ray Just Walkin' In The Rain

1957 Harry Belafonte Mary's Boy Child

1958 Conway Twitty It's Only Make Believe

1959 Emile Ford & The Checkmates What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Do you need a Phono Pre-amp?

2008-05-29T11:54:00.004+02:00

If you have a current audio system, bought in the last few years, the chances are it will not have an input for a phono turntable.

This is because, at the time of manufacture of your audio system, it was not needed and thus considered a waste of money. So you will need to ensure you either; a) buy a new record deck that comes complete with an integral phono preamplifier; or b) buy a separate Phono preamplifier.

If not, your new phono turntable will not work on any of the inputs currently provided on your amplifier as the electrical signal from the turntable’s ‘needle’ is far too low for it to register on any of the available inputs.

However you will find more information about this important aspect by visiting our information about Phono Pre-amps

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Leema Hydra Stereo Power Amp

2008-05-28T11:21:00.002+02:00

HiFiBitZ is proud to announce Leema Acoustics as a new addition to their ever growing list of brands. Though new to the world of hi-fi, Leema Acoustics are an old head in professional audio circles. Hi-fi enthusiasts will be more than impressed with not only Leema's exquisite design principles but also the immense audio quality each unit produces.

The Hydra Stereo Power Amp is an intelligent stereo slave amplifier having exactly the same topology as Tucana. Hydra may be used in a bi-amp stereo system with a Tucana or may be used to drive the surround channels in a 5.1 or 7.1 home cinema system. It may also be used in a bi-amp stereo or multi-channel system. Input selection and volume controls track the system settings via LIPS commands from Tucana.

Product Specifications

Power Output: 8 ohms: 148 Watts
RMS per channel, 4 ohms: 285 Watts RMS per channel
Minimum load impedance: 2 ohms
Output current (impulse): >+/- 50 Amps
Frequency response +0/-3dB @ 1W: 5Hz-80KHz
Noise (A weighted, volume control minimum): -100dBm
Signal to Noise ratio (A weighted ref:285 Watts RMS 4 ohms): -104dB
THD (10 Watts RMS 4 ohms, 1KHz): 0.004%
THD (Max output before clipping, 4 ohms, 1KHz): 0.004%
Maximum DC offset: +/- 20mV
Sensitivity CD input (Tucana only): 565mV RMS
Sensitivity other inputs: 311mV RMS
Output Impedance: < 0.05 ohms
Damping Factor (8 ohms): > 160

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Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Pro-ject Debut III - CLEARANCE SALE

2008-05-27T09:56:00.002+02:00

Manual turntable with fitted Ortofon OM 5E cartridge.

Good sound from sound technology

Tonearm bearing comprises inverted hardened stainless-steel points and sapphire thrust-pads
Headshell and armtube formed from a single aluminium workpiece, rotation allows adjustment of needle azimuth despite fixed headshell
Steel platter with felt mat
Low-tolerance chrome-plated stainless-steel axle runs on a polished ball bearing in a brass bearing housing
Motor decoupled to reduce vibration

Product Features

Supplied with Ortofon OM 5E cartridge fitted
Pro-Ject 8.6 tonearm
Nominal speeds 33 / 45 / 78 r.p.m. (78 optional)
Dust cover
Only available in black!
Mail order return, Tatty packaging, otherwise perfect condition.

*PLEASE NOTE* due to limited availability items will be sold on a first come first served basis

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Clearance Sale of Mission M33 Speakers

2008-05-24T10:40:00.003+02:00

The Mission M33 is a compact floorstanding loudspeaker with powerful extended bass, natural sounding midrange, and finely detailed treble.

Product Features

Nominal Impedance 8 Ohm (min. 3.6Ohms)
Amplifier power 25 - 100W/Ch
Dimensions (HxWxD) 850 x 200 x 325(mm)
Weight (per cabinet) 14.7Kg, or 32.5lbs

Price per pair £179.99

Only available in beech
Image shown is the Mission m33i

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Shure V15 - a benchmark in magnetic cartridges

2008-05-23T08:44:00.003+02:00

The first of the classic Shure's was the Shure V15 that arrived on the hifi scene in 1964, that cartridge is named after it's VTA of 15° and the descendants of this cartridge are still manufactured to this day, it featured a biradial elliptical stylus (0,0002x0,0009).

It was replaced with the Shure V15 Type II in 1966, main improvements were in trackability according to the Shure website. The Type II Improved was introduced in 1970 and had a slightly improved element and a better stylus.

The Shure V15 Type III was introduced in 1974 and it had a new pole piece and that amongst with other improvements meant that it had a 25% less effective mass than the Type II, you could also get it in a more expensive version called V15-IIIHE with an Hyper elliptical stylus.

The later and more modern Shure V15 Type IV was introduced in 1978 and it has a better stylus than the previous model (an hyper elliptical as the IIIHE had), it's also the first in the line that has the "Dynamic Stabilizer" damper brush that we have come to associate with classic V15's, the V15 Type V version had a Beryllium cantilever and a differently cut stylus, the year after that the company introduced a more upmarket version called V15 Type V-MR that was identical to the V but featured a Micro-Ridge line contact stylus.

The Shure V15 type III is considered by most one of the all time great cartridges. The fact that you can still buy replacement stylii for the type III and not the type IV speaks volumes. With the VN35MR stylus the type III comes close to the type V performance. However, the type III does not match all arms, and works best in light weight arms.

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Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

Audiolab 8000M Mono Power Amp

2008-05-21T10:25:00.003+02:00

Using two monobloc amplifiers, rather than a two-channel stereo power amplifier can significantly improve the performance of any hi-fi system.

Although the 8000M offers greater power output than an 8000P, it is gain matched, so should you upgrade your system in the future, you can happily use the two in combination.

The 8000M provides a genuine 125W power into an 8Ohm loudspeaker load, and features twin output terminals for bi-wiring.

It has parallel phono connectors making it easy to connect several pairs of 8000Ms to any pre-amplifier. This allows you to daisy-chain units to further improve headroom in bi-amped and even tri-amped systems.

Simple styling belies the power and speed of response available from this compact amplifier.

Product Specification

Rated Output Power: 125W per channel
Typical Output power: 145W per channel
Input for Full-Rated Power: 1.13V RMs
Input Impedance: 47k nominal
Gain: 29dB at 1kHz
Signal to Noise: Greater than 96dB
Frequency Response (-3dB): 0.1Hz - 75kHz
Frequency Response (+/-0.3dB): 20Hz to 20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise: Less than 0.05%
Dimensions WxHxD (mm): 445 x 74 x 337

See all the Audiolab 8000 range

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment

The rising prices of Thorens TD160

2008-05-15T12:16:00.004+02:00

I have been thinking about obtaining a spare Thorens TD160 for some time now and have been watching the rising prices in EBay with horror!

Last week I saw a good looking TD160. It looked good so I bid £155 - yes mad wasn't I. But I thought - bound to get it for that.

Not so - it didn't even reach it's reserve. Who's kidding who I thought. I know they are getting rare - but come on!!

Anyway I've bought one needing restoration for £40 – and when I say restoration I guess I really mean a good clean-up, some new oil for the bearing and a new belt.

So I expect it’ll cost me another £20 max

If you are looking for a TD160 and don’t want to pay stupid prices give my friend j7 a nudge at Audio Origami – you’ll have to hurry ‘though as they are going quick!

Vinyl Records Still Live: dedicated to the preservation of vinyl records and antique audio equipment