|
|
Reviewer's Bio
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
Rega RB250 Arm
Denon DL110 Moving Coil Cartridge
Dynavector DV20XH Moving Coil Cartridge
Digital: Jolida JD100A Vacuum Tube CD Player
Svetlana 12AX7 Tubes
FM: Carver TX-11 FM Tuner
Godar Passive Indoor Antenna
Amplification
Preamplifier: Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 Signature Hybrid Line Stage
Electro Harmonix 12AT7 Tube
Power Amplifier: Response Audio Bells Extreme Signature 3205 Vacuum Tube Amplifier
Groove Tubes, Electro Harmonix, Sovtek Tubes
Phono Stage: Cambridge Audio 640P
DIY Hi Fi Supply Cole Tube Phono Stage (Kit Build in Progress)
Headphone Amplifier: Creek OBH11
Speakers
Infinity Kappa 6.1
Sony MDRV6 Headphones
Power Conditioners
Dezorel LF-A1 MkII (Preamplifier and CD Player)
Panamax MAX 1000 (All other equipment except power amplifier)
Power amplifier plugged directly into the wall
Cables
Various Monster Cable, Clarity Labs, JPS Labs, Sonic Horizon, and DIY
|
|
