COPPER

A PS Audio Publication

Issue 109 • Free Online Magazine

Issue 109 Opening Salvo

Balancing Act

Balancing Act
This issue’s cover: Judy Garland (1922 – 1969). One of the most iconic actresses, recording artists and performers of all time. Though haunted by personal struggles, she attained greatness that few ever achieved. Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue. Like everyone else, we at Copper have been impacted by the coronavirus, whether by disruption in our work and home lives to financial impact, stress, anxiety and writer’s block. And yes, one of us contracted the virus – thankfully, he’s doing OK. So, over the next few issues you might see some changes – temporary absence of some writers, a different balance of articles and other differences from the usual. We trust you’ll understand, and we look forward to when these pages, and our lives, reach a new equilibrium. It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Stereophile deputy editor Art Dudley. He was one of the finest men ever to grace the audio industry. My tribute to him is in these pages. Also in this issue: Rich Isaacs begins a series on Italian progressive rock with a look at the great PFM (Premiata Forneria Marconi). Ken Sander takes us on a wild rock and roll ride with Eric Burdon and War. Professor Larry Schenbeck continues his series on immersive sound. WL Woodward gets jazzed about bass. John Seetoo concludes his series on legendary Yellow Magic Orchestra/film composer/techno-pop pioneer Ryuichi Sakamoto. In a special report we ask audio companies how they’re responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Measurements don’t lie – or do they? J.I. Agnew offers a revealing look. Dan Schwartz is obsessed with stereo. Anne E. Johnson rides with Grand Funk Railroad. Jay Jay French talks about two of the most astounding audio systems he’s ever heard. We conclude the issue with cartoonist James Whitworth seeking variety, Realistic sound, and contemplation in the land of walnut trees.

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#226 JJ Murphy’s Sleep Paralysis is a Genre-Bending Musical Journey Through Jazz, Fusion and More by Frank Doris Jan 05, 2026 #226 Stewardship by Consent by B. Jan Montana Jan 05, 2026 #226 Food, Music, and Sensory Experience: An Interview With Professor Jonathan Zearfoss of the Culinary Institute of America by Joe Caplan Jan 05, 2026 #226 Studio Confidential: A Who’s Who of Recording Engineers Tell Their Stories by Frank Doris Jan 05, 2026 #226 Pilot Radio is Reborn, 50 Years Later: Talking With CEO Barak Epstein by Frank Doris Jan 05, 2026 #226 The Vinyl Beat Goes Down to Tijuana (By Way of Los Angeles), Part One by Rudy Radelic Jan 05, 2026 #226 Capital Audiofest 2025: Must-See Stereo, Part Two by Frank Doris Jan 05, 2026 #226 My Morning Jacket’s Carl Broemel and Tyler Ramsey Collaborate on Their Acoustic Guitar Album, Celestun by Ray Chelstowski Jan 05, 2026 #226 The People Who Make Audio Happen: CanJam SoCal 2025, Part Two by Harris Fogel Jan 05, 2026 #226 How to Play in a Rock Band, 19: Touring Can Make You Crazy, Part One by Frank Doris Jan 05, 2026 #226 Linda Ronstadt Goes Bigger by Wayne Robins Jan 05, 2026 #226 From The Audiophile’s Guide: Active Room Correction and Digital Signal Processing by Paul McGowan Jan 05, 2026 #226 PS Audio in the News by Frank Doris Jan 05, 2026 #226 Back to My Reel-to-Reel Roots, Part 25: Half-Full, Not Empty by Ken Kessler Jan 05, 2026 #226 Happy New Year! by Frank Doris Jan 05, 2026 #226 Turn It Down! by Peter Xeni Jan 05, 2026 #226 Ghost Riders by James Schrimpf Jan 05, 2026 #226 A Factory Tour of Audio Manufacturer German Physiks by Markus "Marsu" Manthey Jan 04, 2026 #225 Capital Audiofest 2025: Must-See Stereo, Part One by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 Otis Taylor and the Electrics Delivers a Powerful Set of Hypnotic Modern Blues by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 A Christmas Miracle by B. Jan Montana Dec 01, 2025 #225 T.H.E. Show New York 2025, Part Two: Plenty to See, Hear, and Enjoy by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 Underappreciated Artists, Part One: Martin Briley by Rich Isaacs Dec 01, 2025 #225 Rock and Roll is Here to Stay by Wayne Robins Dec 01, 2025 #225 A Lifetime of Holiday Record (and CD) Listening by Rudy Radelic Dec 01, 2025 #225 Little Feat: Not Saying Goodbye, Not Yet by Ray Chelstowski Dec 01, 2025 #225 How to Play in a Rock Band, Part 18: Dealing With Burnout by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 The People Who Make Audio Happen: CanJam SoCal 2025 by Harris Fogel Dec 01, 2025 #225 Chicago’s Sonic Sanctuaries: Four Hi‑Fi Listening Bars Channeling the Jazz‑Kissa Spirit by Olivier Meunier-Plante Dec 01, 2025 #225 From The Audiophile’s Guide: Controlling Bass Frequencies Through Membrane Absorbers (and How to Build Your Own) by Paul McGowan Dec 01, 2025 #225 Your Editor’s Tips for Attending Audio Shows by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 PS Audio in the News by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 Back to My Reel-to-Reel Roots, Part 24 by Ken Kessler Dec 01, 2025 #225 Holiday Music by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 Puppy Prognostication by Peter Xeni Dec 01, 2025 #225 How to Post Comments on Copper by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 Living Color by Rudy Radelic Dec 01, 2025 #224 T.H.E. Show New York 2025, Part One: A New Beginning by Frank Doris Nov 03, 2025 #224 Fool’s Leap of Faith is the Extraordinary Octave Records Debut from Singer/Songwriter Tyler Burba and Visit by Frank Doris Nov 03, 2025 #224 The Beatles’ “Aeolian Cadences.” What? by Wayne Robins Nov 03, 2025 #224 Persona Non Grata by B. Jan Montana Nov 03, 2025 #224 Talking With Recording Engineer Barry Diament of Soundkeeper Recordings, Part Two by Frank Doris Nov 03, 2025 #224 B Sides, B Movies, and Beware of Zombies by Rudy Radelic Nov 03, 2025 #224 The Burn-In Chronicles: 1,000 Hours to Sonic Salvation by Olivier Meunier-Plante Nov 03, 2025 #224 A Conversation With Mat Weisfeld of VPI Industries by Joe Caplan Nov 03, 2025 #224 Blues-Rocker Kenny Wayne Shepherd Celebrates 30 Years of Ledbetter Heights by Ray Chelstowski Nov 03, 2025 #224 Playing in a Rock Band, 17: When Good Gigs Go Bad, Part Two by Frank Doris Nov 03, 2025

Balancing Act

Balancing Act
This issue’s cover: Judy Garland (1922 – 1969). One of the most iconic actresses, recording artists and performers of all time. Though haunted by personal struggles, she attained greatness that few ever achieved. Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue. Like everyone else, we at Copper have been impacted by the coronavirus, whether by disruption in our work and home lives to financial impact, stress, anxiety and writer’s block. And yes, one of us contracted the virus – thankfully, he’s doing OK. So, over the next few issues you might see some changes – temporary absence of some writers, a different balance of articles and other differences from the usual. We trust you’ll understand, and we look forward to when these pages, and our lives, reach a new equilibrium. It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Stereophile deputy editor Art Dudley. He was one of the finest men ever to grace the audio industry. My tribute to him is in these pages. Also in this issue: Rich Isaacs begins a series on Italian progressive rock with a look at the great PFM (Premiata Forneria Marconi). Ken Sander takes us on a wild rock and roll ride with Eric Burdon and War. Professor Larry Schenbeck continues his series on immersive sound. WL Woodward gets jazzed about bass. John Seetoo concludes his series on legendary Yellow Magic Orchestra/film composer/techno-pop pioneer Ryuichi Sakamoto. In a special report we ask audio companies how they’re responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Measurements don’t lie – or do they? J.I. Agnew offers a revealing look. Dan Schwartz is obsessed with stereo. Anne E. Johnson rides with Grand Funk Railroad. Jay Jay French talks about two of the most astounding audio systems he’s ever heard. We conclude the issue with cartoonist James Whitworth seeking variety, Realistic sound, and contemplation in the land of walnut trees.

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