PARADOX: Why do we enjoy listening to sad music?

A study by Japanese researchers that Sad music might actually evoke positive emotions. Sad music might actually evoke positive emotions reveals a new study by Japanese researchers published in the open-access journal Frontiers in Psychology. The findings help to explain why people enjoy listening to sad music, say Ai Kawakami and colleagues from Tokyo University […]

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SEXISM: It’s rife in classical music says James Rhodes

  Why is sexism still tolerated in our industry? We need an immediate and total change in attitudes across the board. Classical music is not dying (pace yet another overly-enthusiastic report at Slate.com) but there are clearly many problems in the industry. Most of them are brought on by those of us in the business […]

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HEADPHONES: Berkeley creates the first graphene earphones, and (unsurprisingly) they’re awesome says Sebastian Anthony

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have created the first ever graphene audio speaker: an earphone. In its raw state, without any kind of optimization, the researchers show that graphene’s superior physical and electrical properties allow for an earphone with frequency response comparable to or better than a pair of commercial Sennheiser earphones. MORE

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TANGENT: RS4 speakers and the tricky question of appropriate resale pricing

Hi Howard. I own a pair of Tangent RS4 speakers. While searching the web for an approximate price I came across your review. I love these speakers and have owned them since I was in high school ( I graduated in 1980). I am 51 now and I am moving- downsizing. I recently sold my […]

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THE DAVE BRUBECK QUARTET: Columbia Studio Albums Collection 1955-1966 (19CD Box Set)

CD1 1. Audrey 2. Jeepers Creepers 3. Pennies From Heaven 4. Why Do I Love You? 5. Stompin’ For Mili 6. Keepin’ Out Of Mischief Now 7. A Fine Romance 8. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime? CD2 1. Ode To A Cowboy [2011 Remaster] [Version] 2. Summer Song [2011 Remaster] [Version] 3. Yonder For […]

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THURSTON MOORE / TOM SURGAL: Not Me (Limited CD)

Limited to 500 in replica Gatefold LP sleeve reissue of these two improv electronics/guitar/drums pieces, spanning over 22 minutes long between them, by the forever prolific ex-Sonic Youth founder/guitarist, also featuring Tom Surgal. Originally released in 1996 as a 10″ plus a CD jewel case. Both long o/p. This version is strictly limited to 500 […]

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DSD: The DSD data is identical to its beginning. It was never converted to another form

The three-letter acronym, DoP has a number of meanings depending on what you’re interested in. To the Italians, D.O.P. stands for Denominazione di Origine Protetta (Protected Designation of Origin): the name used to indicate a product that owes its characteristics to its place of origin, and its production, modification and processing occur within that geographical […]

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DYNAVECTOR: DV10x5 MC phono cartridge – test review. Stereophile Magazine.

The plumber’s here, and he says we need a new hot-water heater because the one we have now isn’t maintaining the correct water temperature, and because it’s been in use for nine years. “And the thing is, this is a five-year heater.” I responded by repeating his last six words, only louder, and with decorations. […]

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THE RAMONES: Eaten Alive: 4 Acres, Utica, NY November 14, 1977 (CD)

Recorded live a mere 10 days after the release of their seminal 3rd long player, Rocket To Russia, this classic radio broadcast captures New York’s (and arguably the world’s) greatest punk band at the pinnacle of their fast, loud, dumb powers. Everything you could hope for from a live Ramones set! 1. Rockaway Beach 2. Teenage Lobotomy 3. […]

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Mr. B.B. King (10CD) by B.B. King

We are informed …. This multi-format career retrospective is being released to celebrate his 50th Anniversary signing to ABC-Paramount Records in 1962. Leading the way with a 10 CD, 194 track collection chronicling his entire career from his first recordings in 1949 through to his most recent studio album. Housed in a beautiful deluxe box […]

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LAMP CORD and THE INFINITY IRSV

On the rear of my Infinity IRSV is a wire bundle connecting all the tweeters and midranges to the crossover. The wiring appears to be standard lamp cord until you look closely. There, in small white writing, are the words Monster Cable. Before Monster Cable we all connected our speakers to our amplifiers with what is […]

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THE ORIGINAL EXPERIENCE: Dialing it in with Tim de Paravicini at Stereophile magazine

  John Atkinson writes:  “Meeting Englishman Tim de Paravicini for the first time, you start to wonder if your mind has slipped a gear, whether premature brain fade has cut in. The conversation seems not only to be racing by unexpectedly quickly, but also subjects you hadn’t even realized were subjects are being examined in […]

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