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Jeff checking in ... Triode Lab, Audio Note (UK), First Watt, and Leben!

06-16-2021 | By Jeff Day |

It's hard to believe we're already half way through 2021! Yikes! Where does the time go?

The Triode Lab 45 EVO integrated SET amplifier.

The feature article for the Triode Lab 45 EVO single-ended-triode integrated amplifier went live today at Positive Feedback HERE.

It's been really nice getting reacquainted with single-ended-triode amplifiers, and the Triode Lab 45 EVO is an absolutely terrific integrated amplifier if you've got the loudspeakers for it. 

My Tannoy Westminster Royal SE loudspeakers really took a shine to the charms of the 45 EVO, and there's a lot of musical synergy with the combination.

Audio Note (UK) Io I moving coil phonograph cartridge.

The Audio Note (UK) Io I moving coil phonograph cartridge (above) and AN-S4 step-up transformer (below) made cameo appearances in the article about the Triode Lab 45 EVO, and the feature article about them for Positive Feedback is next in my writing queue. 

Audio Note (UK) AN-S4 step-up transformer (SUT).

I've been listening to them for a while now, and the combination is impressive both musically and in terms of sound quality.

Also in that upcoming review, the Audio Note (UK) AN-V silver interconnects and AN-SPe silver loudspeaker cables will be featured. 

Audio Note (UK) AN-V silver interconnects.

Audio Note (UK) AN-SPe silver loudspeaker cables.

There's lots more goodies to come, as after that the new F8 stereo amplifier from Nelson Pass will be the subject of the next Positive Feedback feature article. 

The new First Watt F8 stereo amplifier from Nelson Pass.

I'll enjoy comparing the First Watt F8 stereo amplifier to the formidable First Watt SIT-3, and describing their musical and sonic flavors to you. 

The First Watt SIT-3 stereo amplifier by Nelson Pass.

Pass Labs XA25 Class A stereo power amplifier.

I'll also tell you about how the F8 and SIT-3 compare to the always musical Pass Labs XA25 stereo power amplifier.

Hint: they are all impressive musical devices, but each definitely has its own flavor of sound quality and musicality. 

Leben Hi-Fi Stereo Company CS-300F integrated amplifier.

Following the First Watt F8 article for Positive Feedback will be the article about the Leben Hi-Fi Stereo Company CS-300F integrated amplifier.

The Leben CS-300F has been logging lots of run-in time in my Altec A5 Voice of the Theatre audio-visual system in preparation.

Audio Note (UK) CD 2.1x/II Level Two Red Book CD player.

Serendipity has made a powerful appearance in my musical life in the form of the Audio Note (UK) CD 2.1x/II Level Two Red Book CD player, which has opened up new music vistas for me that wouldn't have been possible with just my turntable as a source. 

Don't get me wrong, I love my turntables and vinyl, but now I can love CDs too, thanks to the CD 2.1x/II, and I get to listen to a lot of music on CD that I would have never have been able to listen to if it wasn't here.

Caruso on the Nimbus Records 'Prima Voce' transfers from 78s.

The unassuming little Audio Note (UK) CD 2.1x/II Level Two Red Book CD player turns CDs into a rich musical experience, and I have been having a blast listening to jazz CDs ... and ... you're never going to believe it ... but 78 transfers of opera (as well as other music). 

Yeah, the jazz guy has fallen for opera. I'm not sure when I realized it exactly, but I really like opera. There, I've said it. I have particularly been enjoying listening to 78 transfers of opera to CD.

Public domain photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

78s are really something special, and you've just got to hear some! The easiest way to do that for most of us is to listen to 78 transfers on CD. 

Friend Dennis Voss picked up one of the Prima Voce 78 transfer CDs and told me, "Although opera hasn’t been part of my music library, I found myself completely drawn in by the performances and enjoyed them immensely. Yet again, I must thank you for improving my listening experience."

I know exactly what Dennis means. When you start listening to these 78 transfers you're not quite sure what to expect, and then you listen to them and its like ... OMG! These are really good! Hooked.

That's exactly how it happened for me too, Dennis!

Listening to these 78 transfers on the big Westminsters with the Triode Lab 45 EVO SET integrated amplifier has been a truly transcendent experience that I want more of in my life.

I've got quite a number of 78 transfer albums on the way, as well as a couple of box sets I've been told about by Stephen Fleschler, who is a 78 aficionado.

Many thanks to Stephen for sharing some record labels with me that are currently offering 78 transfers.

I'll be telling you all about them as they arrive, in my The 78 Experience - Feeling the Music posts, so stay tuned for that.

Herb Ellis and Joe Pass' "Two For The Road".

I'll also be continuing to tell you about jazz guitarist albums recommended to me by friend David Gitlen. David is an exceptional jazz guitarist, and has really shared some wonderful jazz guitar albums with me, which I'll in turn be sharing with you.

So what jazz guitar albums do jazz guitarists like to listen to? I'll be telling you all about them in my The Jazz Guitar Chronicles posts, so stay tuned for more great music!

Ok, that's it for now.

As always, thanks for stopping by, and may the tone be with you!

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