By Juan C. Ayllon In audio, there are all sorts of marketing claims made -- some bordering on the incredible. And in evaluating such claims, audiophiles fall somewhere along a continuum that, at one end, has scientific objectivity as king (i.e., an allegiance to measurability, blind A/B testing, etc.) and a very subjective viewpoint on the other (i.e., if you hear -- or think you hear -- a difference, it's valid).
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By Juan C. Ayllon Last year as part of our ongoing home makeover, Belle and I did some interior repainting in warmer, earthier tones. Then this last week, we revisited a sticky point of divergence: how we want our family room (i.e., my listening and home theater space, AKA the man cave) to look.
Ideally, she says she'd love to remove the large couch, presently positioned at the rear wall in front of a large window (with wooden shutters and an acoustic curtain for critical listening), for an unobstructed view outside and less clutter. Text and photos by Juan C. Ayllon HOLLYWOOD, FL -- We are sweating, sitting on a short wall separating the concrete walkway from the white sands, facing the Atlantic Ocean some 50 yards away. Clad in a baseball cap, navy tee, khaki shorts, black walking shoes, and a COVID-19 mask pulled down, teeth clenching a cigar, Straight Wire's president, Steven Hill, 63, is taking a break from our five-mile walk, fielding a business call on his cell. Formerly a North Shore high school hoops player who braved bullets and threats of bodily harm to up his game playing pickup ball against DuSable High's best on Chicago's South Side, he is hairy and thick through his torso and arms.
The late Jaco Pastorius is one of the giants of modern jazz who cast a long shadow, influencing many after he was long gone. However, if you're like many, there's a lot you don't know about this highly-acclaimed late jazz fusion bass player, and this cliff notes piece helps fill-in the gaps quite nicely. Produced by Scott's Bass Lessons, it takes the viewer through a poignant and fascinating tour of his life and achievements. I highly recommend it.
But, don't take my word for it; hit Play, sit back and enjoy the presentation! Apple's Hiked Fees on iPhone Qobuz App, a Straight Wire Cable Swap and More Heard Round the Cave7/9/2020 By Juan C. Ayllon Yesterday, I cued up Cliff Richard's album, Love Songs, to airplay for my mother-in-law, Mary, on her smart TV with the Qobuz app on my iPhone. It was a selection I've often streamed for my wife, Belle; as a child in Belfast, Ireland, she often listened with her family to Sir Cliff, who went on to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 1995.
"Oh, I like that," Mary said while playing a game of Trouble nearby. Then, at 30 seconds into "Miss You Nights", playback ceased and the next song started. It turns out that I had missed the email containing the gift code for Qobuz industry partners that extended my Hi Res streaming account for another six months and unbeknownst to me, it had elapsed (that's now fixed). However, my temporary inconvenience may be your gain. By Bess D. Ayllon EDITOR'S NOTE: As some of you read in my recent piece, 'Margins--Making Room for Life', my mother, Bess Ayllon, underwent heart surgery a few days ago (if you haven't read it, you can see it HERE). Thankfully, her operation was a success, she's doing much better now in her hospital room, and should be returning home in the next several days.
Mom liked my post and texted me a fascinating response that I thought some might want to read, as well. So, with her permission, I attached it as a post-script to my "Margins" post and am sharing it below. |
Juan C. AyllonA writer, artist, educator and owner of Prairie Audio Man Cave, he lives with his wife, Isabel (AKA Belle), and their Goldendoodle, Liam, enjoys listening to high fidelity music and all things hi-fi at their home in the greater Chicagoland area.. Archives
March 2024
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