Yes, I'll be attending this year's big hifi show, the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, in Denver. Thrills and chills, I'm sure.
And believe it or not, after all my semi-ranting about digital being perhaps only a secondary source, yours truly has seen the light and realized there are some fun and quite appealing products out at present. I intend on getting signed on with one particular genius outfit if they'll have me, so stay tuned. You'll probably laugh when I tell you how much I listen to Bluetooth here at home. Getting those Arcam rBlink mini Bluetooth RF audio receiver/DACs has opened up a whole new world of hands off, easy, hit a button, listening to a wide variety of great music. So it's time to bring in a really good DAC and streamer to take it up a big notch, and to offer you more than just great turntables and standard Redbook CD players. Besides, you know the mantra around the Haven, source first!  Although still feeling that everyone should own a turntable, I can understand those of you with zero records who don't intend on jumping on the vinyl revival and need a great digital source. Well, the reformed Haven can now, or soon shortly, be up to reference level digital standards.  Obviously I can't be all things to all people, yet I started logging hours as to how much digital music I listened to on a weekly basis, and it was substantial, either thru redbook cd or bluetooth. So nay sayer no more. 

However, when you hear this new cartridge that's here for a test spin you'll swoon with emotion- well, I did, and the esteemed listening panel did as well. So who knows? Maybe as I'm getting on the new and improved digital bandwagon you'll be buying your first record and a new turntable/cartridge? Life is short, my friends, life is short. What are you waiting for?

  It's been a busy week here at the Haven.  Between appointments, I've been swapping gear in the two rooms I use for demoing. It's always interesting to hear how equipment sounds in one room from another, and being blessed with two very good- to- great rooms for acoustics, it can be a very exploratory process. Leveling equipment, for one thing, can be a challenge. Turntables, in particular, must be level, and it's not always easy. Racks can be heavy, gear isn't always easy to bend over or peer around. Speakers also benefit from leveling, and some, like the Vandersteen Quatros, demand it. 
I also use this time to change out room furnishings, see what fits, listen to what fits. Room decor can be a bigger deal than you might think. When I first opened the shop here at home I had imagined that certain systems would go on one wall or another. Some panned out, others didn't. Even with those that didn't, it gives one a good example of why a certain room situation can be bad for sound. That's why I'm glad to see some of you take my advice and try your system on a better wall, or rearrange furniture. Of course there might be a partner or family dynamic to consider, or any number of reasons why you have to have a system in a certain spot or can't do some of the things I do here. But that's okay, if the system's working together, you should still get good music making. Take your time, sometimes room changes can take weeks or months to fiddle and get just right. 
  Or you may be like me, and try someone's tweak suggestion, think it sooo good at first, then after a period of listening realize you're way off and move it all back where it was. I've done that with room tuning, tweak products, any number of things audio related. One must try to push the boundaries, I say!  Well, sometimes the old staples and methods work best. So while I encourage experimentation, as they used to say in the 70's, do be careful.  

  The more I play this table/arm combo from Helius, of England, the more enamored I become of it. One recognizes when a table/arm and even cartridge combination is right how it pulls one into the music.  The Helius does this without force, like a VPI, without blurring the notes a bit like a Clearaudio. This is top flight music making, with a verve that is most infectious. Also I do know some of you ask for something with no clamps, easy cueing lever, ease of switching from 33/45, no dustcover to swing up and down, and no outboard motors, controllers or filters.  Well here you are!  The table/arm combo shown is about $8k, without tonearm cables or cartridge. Now, before you join the villagers with hay forks to come and roust me for tempting you with this wonderful British offering, let me remind you that we are only here once on this planet, unless you're a Hindu or Buddhist, then you get another crack at it. So quit listening to bad tables. As much as I love turntables, there are some bad ones out there, be they vintage or of recent manufacture. Analog yes, bad turntables no. So why not treat yourself to something wonderful? More to come on that soon enough. 
For those of you who think you're ready for a great table, come give the Helius Alexia a listen.   Highly recommended.