The Muse Newsletter
A monthly celebration of music, gear and events for the audiophile community
| One Audiophile's Journey
By Jeff Kalina
Enhanced by OpenIA ChatGPT (GPT-3.5)
Who else feels the urge for a fresh pursuit, a new direction, or an alternate outlet approximately every seven years? In 2017, I revisited the realm of two-channel audio after around two decades of reveling in the realm of surround sound. Was it a return to euphoria or an encounter with "stuporia"? My journey spanned from Pioneer to HH Scott 350 to Cary 120 Mk2 to Pass Labs INT25 to Coda Continuum TS V3 in the power domain. Meanwhile, in the DAC landscape, I journeyed from Oppo to Denafrips Ares to Denafrips Pontus to Audio Mirror Termador to the ANK 4.1X. And for speakers, my path wandered from Macke to Klipsch Chorus to Altec Maestro to Tannoy FSMs to Fritz Carerra 7 BEs to Sanders Sound 12Es.
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A Beginners Guide and Other Thoughts on Audio - Chapter 6: Digital
By Roger A. Modjeski & Anthony Chipelo
This month’s Roger’s Corner focuses on the topic of digital. First, I was very surprised to see that Roger wrote a chapter on this topic. Roger often told me that he had no desire to design digital equipment. He was very happy with his Sony CD players that he felt were reliable and easy to service. I will let those interested read the chapter to find out why audio playback quality was not part of that last sentence. I am so sure that it will go over most audiophiles’ heads but that is the life that the audiophile chose so they should rightfully live with it. However, Roger being the researcher that he was, he did have a very good understanding of the analogue to digital and digital to analogue conversion processes. Since the time this was originally written digital technology has evolved quite a bit and now many of us use computers, streamers, and other types of software and equipment for digital music playback. Nonetheless I think you will find that the basic principles still apply.
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In Memoriam: Gordon Burwell
May 9, 2024 Facebook post
It comes with great sadness to inform everyone that Gordon Burwell Sr. is no longer with us. He was a one of a kind individual that many had strong feelings for (some good, some bad). He had a huge heart and loved his family and those around him intensely. We appreciate everyone who has already reached out to us and offered their condolences. We've been able to experience first hand how Gordon was able to impact so many peoples lives, it was just one of his many admirable qualities. We'll post an update on the celebration of life once we get more things together in the coming weeks. Thanks everyone and God bless.
In July there will be a celebration of life, in remembrance of Gordon, at their home in San Mateo. Email Mcburwell22@gmail.com for more information.
Read More
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Upcoming Foundation Events
| MSB Technologies at AV Integration in San Rafael
Saturday, June 8th
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM PST
The Audiophile Foundation is pleased to announce this exciting in-person event highlighting MSB Technologies digital products at the Audio Video Integration store in San Rafael.
Daniel and Jonathan Gullman, the principles at MSB, will talk about their history, approach to digital and what's new and innovative. Tony Probst of Audio Video Integration is excited to host this event where attendees will be able to experience a listening session with MSB gear.
There is a nominal fee for Audiophile Foundation members and the public.
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A Virtual Meeting with J.R. Boisclair of WAM Engineering: Audio Myths
Saturday, August 10th
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM PST
J.R. Boisclair will be giving a zoom talk on "Audio Myths"
J.R. will talk about myths related to acoustics and bass propagation as well as myths related to discoveries in vinyl playback optimization.
This is a free event to Foundation members and the public. Registration is required and the link to the Zoom meeting will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
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Monthly Wednesday Virtual Meetings
| A Discussion Regarding the Future of HiFi
June 12th, 6:00 to 7:00 PM PST
This month we'll be having a friendly discussion regarding the future of HiFi.
Is HiFi dying or is it just changing with the times? Bring your ideas, thoughts, opinions and suggestions.
This is a free event to Foundation members and the public. Registration is required and the link to the Zoom meeting will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
Register Now
| Your Favorite HiFi Tweaks
July 10th, 6:00 to 7:00 PM PST
This should be a fun and interesting discussion about the various tweaks you've tried that have either worked well for you, made no difference or made things worse!
This is a free event to Foundation members and the public. Registration is required and the link to the Zoom meeting will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
Register Now
| Cookie Marenco Virtual Meeting
Cookie discusses the six degrees of degradation in music reproduction.
| Virtual Discussion on How to Buy and Sell Used Equipment
Manrique and Jeff share their knowledge and experience with our community.
| A Souped-Up Boltz Record Rack
By David Hicks
In conjunction with this being the Century of Vinyl’s Revival, and the accolades heaped on my last furniture write-up of my wall-mounted turntable shelf, I’m bringing you a recap of my Boltz Record Rack modifications.
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Audiophile Foundation
Website Highlights
| Changes are coming to our Community Forums
Stay Tuned...
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Buy and Sell Locally Forum
Check out these tasty listings that have been added over the past few months:
And don't forget to set your favorite forums to notify you of new content by clicking on the "My Forum Preferences" button.
| This sound-suppressing silk can create quiet spaces
By Adam Zewe, MIT News
Researchers at MIT engineer a hair-thin fabric that can actively absorb noise, act as a microphone, or a transducer.
| Down Home Community Parking Lot Record Sale
June 23th, El Cerrito California
- Sunday June 23rd starting at 8 am
- 10341 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito CA
- (510) 525-2129
- No entry fee / no sellers fee
- Weather pending
- Vintage LPs, 45s, all thing audio
- Lots of vendors
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Radio Day by the Bay 2024
July 20th, Alameda California
California Historical Radio Society on July 20th will host Radio Day by the Bay 2024: Live in Alameda from 8am to 3pm.
- Jul 20th from 8am to 3pm.
- CHRS Radio Central: 2152 Central Avenue, Alameda California
- Adult admission $10, children free
- Antique Radio Auction | Live Jazz Concert | Live Radio Play | Surplus Electronics Sale | Radio Hall of Fame announcements | Food | Tours |
A benefit for the California Historical Radio Society - celebrating 30 years - 1974-2024
|  | Capital Audiofest 2024
Nov. 8-10, 2024 at the Hilton Hotel, Rockville, MD
The Capital Audiofest - the East Coast Audio Show. CAF started out in 2010 as a very casual show and has evolved into a well-organized and well-attended event that most everyone in the audio industry knows about.
CAF is recognized as a fun, friendly and family-oriented show, where you often see families strolling from room to room listening to music, auditioning gear and browsing the multiple bins of vinyl records, CDs and accessories in the Atrium Marketplace. In the evenings we have live music in the bar and special live performers in the Theater, and local distillers offering tastings.
|  | The Los Angeles Audio Show
SAVE THE DATE
January 17 - 19, 2025
Location TBD
The Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society presents The Los Angeles Audio Show '25.
Note: The Audiophile Foundation will have a presence at the show, plus there will be a show discount for Foundation members once the signup is available and there will be some added perks for members.
| Find all the latest audio show info at the following link under our "Benefits and Resources" page:
| Is Class D Amplification Now Better Than Class A/B and Class A?
By Robert Schryer, PMA Magazine
Has modern Class D amplification now surpassed the sound quality of traditional Class A/B and Class A amplifier designs? This article explores the possibilities and features several interviews with respected current designers that have been developing Class D circuits.
Read Article
| Inside the extraordinary experiment to save the Stradivarius sound
Popular Science Magazine
Popular Science Magazine discusses an ambitious project aimed at preserving the unique sound of Stradivarius violins. Spearheaded by sound engineer Leonardo Tedeschi and supported by Koritke’s company e-Instruments, the Stradivarius Sound Bank project seeks to digitally capture and replicate the sound of these historic instruments.
Read Article
| "The Sound of Jazz" CBS Studio TV Broadcast from 1957 Featuring Timeless Jazz Legends
Sent by John Hughes
This incredible slice of music from 1957 features some of the biggest Jazz artists of all time.
Vocals: Billie Holiday, Jimmy Rushing
Tenor Sax: Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Lester Young, Jimmy Giuffre
Alto Sax: Earle Warren
Baritone Sax: Gerry Mulligan, Jimmy Giuffre
Clarinet: Jimmy Giuffre, Pee Wee Russell
Piano: Count Basie, Thelonious Monk, Nat Pierce, Mal Waldron
Guitar: Danny Barker, Freddie Green, Jim Hall
Drums: Papa Jo Jones, Osie Johnson
| An Audiophile Visits The Art of Noise at SFMOMA
By Robert Brook
The Sausalito weather this spring has been spectacular. So much so that I’ve lately been lured out of the rabbit hole that is my audio cave and into the cool refreshing air and clear blue skies of the weekend outing world. Me and seemingly everyone else in the Bay Area. Where did all these people come from?
The irony of my being an audiophile, arguably one of the more sedentary hobbies one could have, is that when I’m not sitting around listening to and/or blabbering about records and audio, I spend most of my time training other people to move better and encouraging them to do it more often.
|  | Visit the Art of Noise Exhibit from now till August 18th
By John Hughes
"Art of Noise" at SFMOMA is a must-visit for anyone who loves music, design, or just having a good time. Whether you're there for Devon Turnbull's high-fidelity soundscapes, Teenage Engineering's playful installations, or Yuri Suzuki's ambient city symphony, this exhibition promises an experience that will leave you buzzing with joy. So grab your tickets, and get ready to immerse yourself in a world where music and design collide in the most delightful ways.
Art on Noise is at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art from May 4th to August 18th
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Music Picks
Our monthly feature where our members can share their favorite old or new music selections.
"One who knows the secret of sound, knows the secret of the whole universe".
- Hazrat Inayat Khan
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Grant's Guitar Corner Music Pick
By Grant Stoner
My album pick for this month is Emily Remler "Firefly" 1981 Concord jazz CD.
Back some years ago, there weren't many female guitarists of note. Nowadays you can find 8 year old girls playing Paganini's 24th Caprice or Van Halen on guitar all over YouTube. But I think Emily Remler was one of the first truly great female guitar players, at least that I know of. And not just like the stupid old saying " pretty good for a girl". She can be mentioned in the same breath as any of the greats like Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Herb Ellis and any others you might name.
|  | Steve Davis' Bluesthetic
By jazzfan
On Bluesthetic, Steve Davis "Stevie-D" assembled a sextet of notable performers. He blends hard bop with modern jazz sensibilities. After graduating in 1989 from The University of Hartford Hartt School's Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz, Steve joined Art Blakey's final edition of his Jazz Messengers.
Who is Steve Davis? Here is what All About Jazz said about Mr. Davis.
Steve Davis is widely regarded as one of today's leading improvisors on the trombone. His lyrical, hard-swinging style first gained him broad recognition during the 1990's while working with the bands of jazz legends Art Blakey, Jackie McLean, Chick Corea's acclaimed sextet Origin and the renowned cooperative sextet, One For All.
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If you can spare a few hours, or even a few days a month as a volunteer, your time will have an impact. If you would like more information about any of the volunteer opportunities available, click the button below to send a note to Volunteer Services to discuss joining our team.
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Suggestions or Submissions?
Our Leadership Team wants to hear from you! If you have something written up about some music you'd like to share, or piece of equipment you're fond of, or an idea for a presenter or event, just send it to contact@audiophilefoundation.org.
The Muse Publication Team
Editor-in-Chief: Leslie Lundin
Editor: Larry Deniston
Editor: David Hicks
Editor: Larry Gee
Editor: John Hughes
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