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January 19, 2003

Last time out, I mentioned missing the LP’s 12 inches by 12 inch format, as it was just big enough to hold a piece of worthwhile artwork. I one reader wrote to confirm that we have indeed lost something that was worth preserving:

Just last week, I received a catalog from Crate and Barrel, one of my favorite stores, inside which, great looking 12.5 inch square record-cover frames are available for only $12.98. At this low price, why not buy three frames and use one to show off your favorite LP and one each for the cover and back liner notes (if you are like me, you probably own several copies of “Kind of Blue” or “Let It Be” or “Take Five,” so the sleeve wouldn't need to be split in half. Visit www.crateandbarrel.com for more details.

“Until I read your comments on record cover art, I had not realized just why I no longer enjoy buying music. Part of the source of my dissatisfaction with CD shopping and collecting is (you’re right on, as always) the crummy little, brittle plastic boxes that can’t compare to the record’s eye pleasing size and hand pleasing soft texture. So I dug out my record collection, which took 20 years and trips to 4 countries to amass, and I selected five covers that I had always enjoyed looking at and I arrayed them across the wall where my stereo sits. I think I’ll have all five covers framed properly. Thanks.”

The international electronics magazine, Elektor, January 2003 issue holds an article I wrote about tube-based crossovers. Be sure to pick up a copy of this issue, as an extremely flexible tube crossover is detailed, allowing the use of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th order crossover slopes. The article includes a PCB layout and a link to free software. Visit http://www.elektor-electronics.co.uk/ for more details. (It wouldn’t hurt to encourage them to publish more tube construction articles by buying this issue and if you have never read an issue of Elektor, then you have missed one of the best sources for electronic projects and electronic theory in the world. Sadly, the USA lags far behind.)

Remember the fictional letter from the high-end tube amplifier manufacturer demanding both help and secrecy? Well, it prompted some interesting responses:

“Thanks for the recent issue, particularly the send-up letter from the amplifier manufacturer. I've been building my own tube equipment for about 6 years now, still understand next to nothing and have sent letters myself that can somewhat resemble your sarcastic reprint. You have it dead on the mark. I wish I understood more of what I wire, but realizing that you know nothing is more than half the battle.......thanks for the laugh. BTW, those olive-oil coupling caps ARE the only sonically pure ones out there…”

“I don’t believe I have ever laughed while reading Stereophile or Glass Audio, but I broke up after reading your satire of a tube guru. I didn’t expect humor from a DIY site...”

“Your fictional letter from Acme Tube Design really cracked me up. It is so true! So many high-end "Guru" guys have the traits and attitudes you've captured in your letter. Then, on the other end of the spectrum are guys like Douglas Self who believe that all amplifiers must sound the same because their Audio Precision tells them so. Lots of audio guys need to loosen up, have fun and not try to set up fundamentalist cults! I used to get mad at the guys selling magic dots, $2000 IEC power cords and water-filled speaker cables. Now I realize that this stuff is a matter of personal expression, a type of performance art. People want to buy cool looking "art objects" to decorate their home Hi-Fi shrines...”

“I was extremely amused with your non-disclosure rant, that was funny as hell. And my initial reaction is to send you a circuit and NOT ask you to keep it secret...”

“I swear I must have bought my last two amps from that guy from Acme Tube Design. Now I understand why he just gives me blank stares when I ask technical questions. The sad truth is that many high-end-audio companies lack basic-electronic and simple-physics knowledge and are easily swayed by fashion trends. I am waiting for someone to come out with $1000 rice-paper gold foil capacitors... Keep shining light into the vast darkness…”

Not everyone, however, was amused: