Pass Labs

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the Music.com
Reviewer's Bio
Nels Ferre

 

Nels Ferre  Born in Virginia in 1966, I have always had an insatiable appetite for music. Grew up listening to rock music, being greatly influenced by my older siblings. Upon completion of my formal education, I ended up in the audio industry, pulling a ten year stint as a store manager for a small audio video chain in Orlando, Florida. After the chain closed, there was another ten years in the automobile and computer industries and am currently employed as a manager in the trucking industry, for one of the largest carriers of refrigerated freight in the United States.

In addition to rock and roll, I love the blues, bluegrass, and classical music. My other hobbies include motorcycling and currently ride a Suzuki Boulevard C50 cruiser. Also enjoy dining out, deep sea fishing and reading.

Like Scott Faller, another writer at Enjoy the Music.com, I, too, have written for a European webzine. In that time, have learned a few things. First, every writer has biases and preferences that affect their viewpoint, no matter how unbiased one pretends to be. I prefer analog to digital, although digital has come a long way since its introduction. It involves more work to get good results, from setup, to record care to maintenance (stylus replacements and the occasional belt replacement.) The payoff, in my opinion, is more than worth the trouble. While most of my system uses vacuum tubes, there are excellent quality reasonably priced solid state components as well. While I have never owned a Linn component, can definitely understand the "Linn Logic": get it right at the source. This probably explains why I have held on to my trusty mid '90s vintage Infinity Kappa series speakers: each upgrade upstream has made them even more enjoyable. While I have reviewed other speakers through the years, some quite exceptional, I haven't found another compelling enough to justify an upgrade. On the subject of speakers, am not a fan of "full range" drivers Why? Because they aren't. They are an interesting diversion, nothing more. I prefer the door speakers in my car to remain there, they don't belong in my listening room. That's not to say that better than acceptable results can't be obtained from Lowthers and the like, but it usually requires an enclosure bigger than a refrigerator, or bi amplification. So much for "full range."

While the recording industry is currently experiencing a decline of which there seems no end, there is a renaissance of sorts in high end audio. Not since the Golden age of audio have there been so many different opportunities for music lovers. Computer based audio, a resurgence of interest in vinyl and tubes, and gear from the far east, professional modifiers, and upstart manufacturers have made this a great time to be involved in the hobby. Web based audio forums have made the exchange of ideas and advice easy. Websites like eBay and Audiogon have made it easier to find that elusive LP, CD or piece of equipment.

I am looking forward to exploring these exciting times with you.

 

Associated Equipment

Sources Analog: SOTA Star Series III Turntable (Vacuum Platter with Outboard Power Supply) Audiomods RB-250 ArmDenon DL110 High Output Moving Coil Cartridge, Zu Audio DL-103 Low Output Moving Coil Cartridge

Digital: Apple MacBook Black 2.16 Dual Core Intel Processor, 4GB RAM Snow Leopard10.6 OS, iTunes V 9.X Pure Vinyl, MHDT Labs Havana DAC with NOS LM Ericsson 2C51/396A Tube, Drobo Storage Robot (First Generation) Western Digital Elements Series External USB Hard Drive

Amplification Line Stage: Manley Laboratories Jumbo Shrimp Preamplifier with Remora Remote, Power Amplifiers: Manley Laboratories Mahi Monoblocks (Triode Mode, Std. Feedback)

Phono Stage: Response Audio Vacuum Tube Phono Stage with JJ 12AU7 Input Tube, new production Mullard 12AX7 Driver Tube, Outboard DIY Hi Supply MC Step Up Transformer, Headphone Amplifier: Creek OBH11

Loudspeakers Salk Signature Sound SongTower QWT, Infinity Kappa 6.1, Sony MDRV6 Headphones

Cables Analysis Plus Oval 9 Speaker Cables, Belkin Pure AV Silver Series Interconnects, Belkin Pure AV Silver Series USB, Cables To Go Mini Toslink to Toslink CableGrant Fidelity PC-1.5 Power Cables

Power Conditioners Belkin PF60, Adcom ACE-515 (MacBook and External Hard Drives)

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gryphon Audio

 

 

 

 

Abyss Headphones

 

 

 

 

Gryphon Audio

 

 

 

Add Us To Your Favorites        Link Your Website To Us        Make Us Your Homepage

Get Our Audiophile Internet Browser V12

 

Our free content is greatly helped with your kind support.

               

 

Quick Links

Audiophile Review Magazine
This Month's Reviews

Equipment Review Archives
Turntables, Cartridges, Etc
Digital Source
Do It Yourself (DIY)
Preamplifiers
Amplifiers
Cables, Wires, Etc
Loudspeakers/ Monitors
Headphones, IEMs, Tweaks, Etc

Superior Audio Archives
Ultra High-End Audio Reviews

Music Reviews
Classical Music
Jazz, Bluegrass, Blues, Etc.
Rock, Pop, Techno, Metal, Etc.

Columns
Editorials By Steven R. Rochlin
Audiolics Anonymous
Nearfield By Steven Stone
Various Think Pieces
Manufacturer Articles


Partnered Magazines
The Absolute Sound
hi-fi+ Magazine

HIFICRITIC
Hi-Fi World
Sound Practices
VALVE Magazine

Show Reports
T.H.E. Show Newport Beach 2013
Lone Star Audio Fest 2013
High End Show Munich 2013
New York Audio & AV Show 2013
Salon Son & Image Report 2013
ALMA Winter Symposium 2013
Sound Of The Valve 2013 Milan
APONA 2013 Chicago
CES 2013 Show Coverage
T.H.E. Show 2013 Report
RMAF Show 2012
Paris HiFi & Cinema 2012
TAVES 2012 Audiophile Show
California Audio Show 2012
Capital Audiofest Show
Click here for previous shows.

Other
Audiophile Contests
Cool Free Stuff For You
Tweaks For Your System
Vinyl Logos For LP Lovers
Lust Pages Visual Beauty
300B Tube Comparison

 

Twitter Twitter       Facebook Facebook

Pinterest Pinterest    RSS RSS 

Enjoy the Music.com eNewsletter Newsletter

Daily Industry News
High-End Audio News And Information

Internet Browser
Audiophile Internet Browser V12

Mobile Phone Apps
Android Audiophile App
Windows 8 And Phone 7/8 App

Resources And Information
Music Definitions
Hi-Fi Definitions
High-End Audio Manufacturer Links

For The Press & Industry
About Us
Press Releases
Official Site Graphics

 

All contents copyright©  1995 - 2013  Enjoy the Music.com®
May not be copied or reproduced without permission.  All rights reserved.

 

Sitemap  |  Industry News  |  Press Releases  |  Privacy  |  Manufacturer Links  |  Android APP  |  WP 7 & 8 APP  |  About Us  |  Contact Us