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Pro-Ject Xpression III Turntable Review
Stereo Review
The Xpression III is more damp sounding than any table I have heard in the sub-$1000 category. I have to say this with one caveat: I have never heard the stock Sumiko Oyster cartridge. I already had the Grado Platinum when I bought the table and therefore fitted it first and sold the Oyster. I often complained about thinness or metallic sound before the Xpression, but the Xpression may have gone too far. It sounds far away sometimes. With rock and roll, it is perfect, but rock has a tendency to insinuate itself into the room. Whereas Led Zepplin feels comfortable from the Xpression, Nick Drake comes across as more remote than usual. I consider the Xpression III the last table I will buy. It may come across as isolated but, for many, that is the whole goal. For me, I crave warmth. [More]
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Marantz PM7001 Integrated Amplifier Review
Stereo Review
Things I really like about the Marantz:
* If you like the gold trim, it really looks attractive and more expensive than its $400 price tag.
* Its 70 watts per channel is adequate in most instances - possible louder than the NAD 7100, but a bit less controlled in sound.
* Good price point when compared to the Pioneers, Denons, etc. on the market. $400 with a more-than-adequate phono stage is a steal!
* Marantz has a very good pedigree. From Saul to D&M Holdings, Marantz has consistently contended with the best on the market - even in the 1990s when everything was garbage, Marantz was considerably better garbage.
Things I really don't like about the Marantz
* The silver version is not available in the US.
* The blue light on the front is distracting.
* The bass can get a bit 'wild', uncontrolled.
* Feels a bit flimsy when compared to the NAD 720BEE. [More]
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Radiohead - In Rainbows Review
Album Review
 
I had a similar reaction to In Rainbows as I had with Kid A. I thought back to Hail to the Thief and I wondered where the turn had been made. I thought of it as a departure instead of a correction. Now I feel the exact opposite way, of course. Part of what allowed me to hear the album for what it was, was the Rainydayz Remixes by Amplive. After hearing the remixes, I was finally ready to hear the originals. All of a sudden, songs like "Weird Fishes" fit in my mind and, in fact, I found myself singing along with Radiohead for the first time. The quasi-ballad, "All I Need", was actually romantic. Before this album, it seemed the most romantic track was "Everything In Its Right Place" and that is not a romantic song. [More]
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