COPPER

A PS Audio Publication

Issue 146 • Free Online Magazine

Issue 146 Opening Salvo

The Write Thing

The Write Thing

“Writers write.” – Dave Kindred.
“Nuff said.” – Stan Lee.

Ken Kessler is back! He started with Copper Issue 2 and returns after a long absence with the beginning of a series on the open-reel tape revival.

We are proud to welcome two new contributors. David Snyder plays a leading role in the Atlanta Audio Club and Arizona Audio/Video Club and co-leads the Digital Audio Focus Group for the San Francisco Audiophile Society. David describes himself as a "network audiophile." He is excited about helping others to navigate this relatively new aspect of high-performance audio.

Steve Kindig recently concluded a 36-year career at electronics retailer Crutchfield. He wrote and edited articles and product descriptions for their catalogs and website. Steve has also been a DJ for more than 30 years at radio station WTJU in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he’s the host of an American folk program as well as a world music show.

In this issue: J.I. Agnew wraps up his interview with Martin Theophilus and the Museum of Magnetic Sound Recording. I cover Octave Records’ latest release, Clandestine Amigo’s Things Worth Remembering. Tim Riley reviews a new disc of Leoš Janáček music by pianist Lars Vogt. Rudy Radelic begins a series on the music of Burt Bacharach. John Seetoo continues his in-depth look at Christian rock innovator Phil Keaggy. B. Jan Montana keeps riding to Sturgis. Ray Chelstowski interviews former Spirit band member-turned-lawyer Al Staehely about some rediscovered recordings.

Anne E. Johnson gives insight into the music of soul icon Isaac Hayes and 18th century French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau. Ken Kessler begins a series on getting back to his reel-to-reel roots. Tom Gibbs reviews Bob Dylan’s new Springtime in New York: The Bootleg Series Vol. 16/1980-1985 set. Russ Welton concludes his interview with dazzling guitarist and film composer Michael Baugh. Ken Sander revisits the 1973 Summer Jam at Watkins Glen. David Snyder demystifies Roon. Steve Kindig gets into music from the Analog Africa label. We wrap up the issue with a groovy guy, a praiseworthy achievement, some questionable system upgrades, and a wizened tree.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Ken Kessler, Don Lindich, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, Larry Schenbeck, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Stuart Marvin, David Snyder, Bob Wood

Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico

Cartoons:
James Whitworth, Peter Xeni

Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs (and others)

Audio Anthropology Photos:
Howard Kneller, Steve Rowell

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

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#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 #224 From The Audiophile’s Guide: Dealing with Odd-Shaped Rooms by Paul McGowan Nov 03, 2025 #224 TEAC’s TN-3B-SE Turntable Plays Bob Dylan by Howard Kneller Nov 03, 2025 #224 PS Audio in the News by Frank Doris Nov 03, 2025 #224 Lost in Translation by Peter Xeni Nov 03, 2025 #224 Reel-to-Reel Roots, Part 23: Better Than Rice Krispies by Ken Kessler Nov 03, 2025 #224 I Bring Joy! by Frank Doris Nov 03, 2025 #224 Screen Test by Rich Isaacs Nov 03, 2025 #224 How to Post Comments on Copper by Frank Doris Nov 03, 2025 #132 Dr. Patrick Gleeson: The Interview, Part Two by Rich Isaacs Oct 07, 2025 #223 World Fusion Meets Flamenco in Gratitude from Steve Mullins and Rim of the Well by Frank Doris Oct 06, 2025 #223 Judging Albums by Their Covers by Rich Isaacs Oct 06, 2025 #223 Recent Arrivals and 12-inch Royalty by Rudy Radelic Oct 06, 2025 #223 Summer of Creem, Part Two by Wayne Robins Oct 06, 2025 #223 Recording Engineer Barry Diament of Soundkeeper Recordings: Striving for Natural Sound by Frank Doris Oct 06, 2025 #223 Tea on the Terrace by B. Jan Montana Oct 06, 2025 #223 How Good Can Car Audio Get? by Joe Caplan Oct 06, 2025 #223 The Advantages of a Dedicated Listening Room by Paul McGowan Oct 06, 2025 #223 1! 2! 3! 4! Surrounded by the Ramones in Dolby Atmos! by Frank Doris Oct 06, 2025

The Write Thing

The Write Thing

“Writers write.” – Dave Kindred.
“Nuff said.” – Stan Lee.

Ken Kessler is back! He started with Copper Issue 2 and returns after a long absence with the beginning of a series on the open-reel tape revival.

We are proud to welcome two new contributors. David Snyder plays a leading role in the Atlanta Audio Club and Arizona Audio/Video Club and co-leads the Digital Audio Focus Group for the San Francisco Audiophile Society. David describes himself as a "network audiophile." He is excited about helping others to navigate this relatively new aspect of high-performance audio.

Steve Kindig recently concluded a 36-year career at electronics retailer Crutchfield. He wrote and edited articles and product descriptions for their catalogs and website. Steve has also been a DJ for more than 30 years at radio station WTJU in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he’s the host of an American folk program as well as a world music show.

In this issue: J.I. Agnew wraps up his interview with Martin Theophilus and the Museum of Magnetic Sound Recording. I cover Octave Records’ latest release, Clandestine Amigo’s Things Worth Remembering. Tim Riley reviews a new disc of Leoš Janáček music by pianist Lars Vogt. Rudy Radelic begins a series on the music of Burt Bacharach. John Seetoo continues his in-depth look at Christian rock innovator Phil Keaggy. B. Jan Montana keeps riding to Sturgis. Ray Chelstowski interviews former Spirit band member-turned-lawyer Al Staehely about some rediscovered recordings.

Anne E. Johnson gives insight into the music of soul icon Isaac Hayes and 18th century French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau. Ken Kessler begins a series on getting back to his reel-to-reel roots. Tom Gibbs reviews Bob Dylan’s new Springtime in New York: The Bootleg Series Vol. 16/1980-1985 set. Russ Welton concludes his interview with dazzling guitarist and film composer Michael Baugh. Ken Sander revisits the 1973 Summer Jam at Watkins Glen. David Snyder demystifies Roon. Steve Kindig gets into music from the Analog Africa label. We wrap up the issue with a groovy guy, a praiseworthy achievement, some questionable system upgrades, and a wizened tree.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Ken Kessler, Don Lindich, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, Larry Schenbeck, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Stuart Marvin, David Snyder, Bob Wood

Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico

Cartoons:
James Whitworth, Peter Xeni

Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs (and others)

Audio Anthropology Photos:
Howard Kneller, Steve Rowell

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

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