- Sources
- Amplifiers
- Loudspeakers
- Connecting interfaces
- Power supply
- Valves (either solid state or tube)
- Inputs/outputs
- Sometimes a volume control element
- Power supply
- Valves (either solid state or tube)
We're not engineers
by Paul McGowan
Several of my readers have written me expressing concern on the course we're embarking upon; learning about power supplies. For, as they have said to me, we don't know what a power supply is and we're not too sure if we should care. We just want good sounding stereo equipment.
Good thoughts and I appreciate the dilemma. One doesn't necessarily have to know the difference between a 4 cylinder and an 8 cylinder engine to appreciate the virtues of a car. But in the broader sense we, as music lovers and Audiophiles, need a certain level of savvy to understand the difference between a receiver and separates, a boom box and a component audio system. Even the most uninformed among us probably knows what a DAC, turntable, loudspeaker, power amplifier are. And who among us does not recognize the difference between a tube and solid state product? Many do not give themselves adequate credit for their knowledge.
I think it important to dig a bit into the workings of things so that we may understand better what to expect when we play music though our equipment.
Let me attempt to simplify things for those struggling with the understanding. We can break the components of a stereo system into sub groups easily:
Paul McGowan
Founder & CEO
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Table of Contents – Issue 211
It’s safe to say that every Copper reader grew up with Radio Shack, especially if you’ve ever burned your fingers on a soldering iron. Now, every Radio Shack catalog ever...
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Table of Contents – Issue 211
It’s safe to say that every Copper reader grew up with Radio Shack, especially if you’ve ever burned your fingers on a soldering iron. Now, every Radio Shack catalog ever published can be accessed on the website, www.RadioShackCatalogs.com. A sister site, www.alliedcatalogs.com, features catalogs from Allied Radio going back to 1929. Both sites offer a wealth of additional material including advertisements, vintage TV commercials and much more. They’re incredible treasure troves of audio history.
The music world has lost two songwriting legends with the passing of Kris Kristofferson (88) and JD Souther (78). Kristofferson wrote iconic songs including “Help Me Make it Through the Night,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” Me and Bobbie McGee,” and also had a successful acting career. JD Souther struck gold with his “You’re Only Lonely,” and penned many hits for the Eagles and others.
In this issue: B. Jan Montana says the Titanic’s musicians knew…about life and its meaning. Adrian Wu has a report on the Hong Kong High-End Audio Visual Show. Wayne Robins has a conversation with Perla Batalla about her album, A Letter to Leonard Cohen: To a Friend. Batalla sang in Cohen’s band for years and knew him well. Rich Isaacs has the latest installment in his series on test records and demo discs. I talk with singer/songwriter extraordinaire James Lee Stanley about his new album, The Day Today, and review the Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra’s wonderful new Things Will Pass album, with an interview from the composer. Paul McGowan continues his look back on 50 years of PS Audio. Ray Chelstowski offers a tribute to the late JD Souther and interviews the masterful blues guitarist/singer Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
Harris Fogel has thoughts on quality, style, and class, in audio and elsewhere. We cover the latest release from Octave Records, The Art of Hi-Fi, Volume 06: Guitars. Rudy Radelic covers The Vinyl Beat and new reissues from Black Sabbath, Idris Muhammad, John Lee Hooker, War, and more. I continue my series on playing in a rock band with advice on getting mentally prepared for a gig. PMA magazine designs the ultimate listening chair. Ken Kessler keeps spinning reel-to-reel tapes. PS Audio earns positive reviews from Hi-Fi News and Alpha Audio. We conclude the issue with potent portables, playlist priorities, and calavera.
Contributors to This Issue:
Ray Chelstowski, Frank Doris, Harris Fogel, Rich Isaacs, Ken Kessler, Paul McGowan, B. Jan Montana, Olivier Meunier-Plante, Rudy Radelic, Wayne Robins, James Schrimpf, Adrian Wu, Peter Xeni.Logo Design:
Susan Schwartz-Christian, from a concept by Bob D’AmicoEditor:
Frank DorisPublisher:
Paul McGowanAdvertising Sales:
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