🏠 Computing Retrogaming Random

Hifi and Audio Notebook

While computers are for the masses, could it be that hi-fi is for the classes. As a music lover, I have always been interested in high-fidelity audio equipment. However, I have often been put off by the high price tags that come with quality audio gear. While computers and digital streaming services have made music more accessible than ever, it seems that high-end audio equipment is still reserved for the wealthy elite.

Recent Articles of Note

Unlocking the Secret Power of Music

The Secret Power
of Music

Can you Karaoke on the Commodore C64?

Karaoke on the
Commodore C64?

Sony MHC-V90DW MUTEKI Karaoke Party Speaker

Look at Sony's
tower of Karaoke

Yamaha PSR-530 Arranger Keyboard

Yamaha PSR-530
Arranger Keyboard

AIWA Hifi Catalog 1976

AIWA Hifi
Catalog 1976

AKAI GX-630D reel to reel tape deck

AKAI GX-630D
reel to reel

Audiophile Tourism: Trekking the HiFi Trails

Audiophile
Tourism

Video Synthesizers: Bridging the Gap Between Auditory and Visual Sensations

Ultra-Creative
Video Synthesizers

Soundboard

It's true that a decent hi-fi setup can be quite expensive, but that doesn't mean that the rest of us should have to settle for sub-par sound quality. That's why I am excited to explore the world of affordable audio equipment that still delivers excellent sound.

I believe that everyone should be able to experience the full depth and richness of their favorite music, regardless of their budget. By seeking out quality audio equipment that is within reach of the average consumer, we can elevate our listening experience without breaking the bank.

From affordable turntables and speakers to entry-level headphones and portable digital audio players, there are plenty of options available for those of us who want to enjoy high-fidelity sound without the high-end price tag. With a little bit of research and patience, anyone can build a quality audio setup that delivers excellent sound and brings new life to their favorite music.

Audiophile Tourism: Trekking the HiFi Trails

Audiophile
Tourism

Unlocking the Secret Power of MusicI

The Secret Power
of Music

Boost Your Performance with Music

Your Performance
Boost with Music

Is Music the Ultimate Mood Booster?

Is Music The
Ultimate Mood Booster

Music Strategies for Gamers

Music Strategies
to help Gamers

Audio Sweet Spot: Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Hi-Fi Listening

Top Hi Fi
Listing Conditions

Video Synthesizers: Bridging the Gap Between Auditory and Visual Sensations

Ultra-Creative
Video Synthesizers

Desktop 6581/8580 SID Synthesizers - create retrogaming soundtracks

SID 6581/8580
Synthesizers

Yamaha QY10 MIDI Sequencer

Yamaha QY10
music sequencer

AKAI Professional MPC Comparison Chart

AKAI MPC
comparison chart

7 reasons to build your on Hifi

7 reasons to build
your loudspeaker

High Voltage SID Collection

Most amazing C64
music collection

List of commercial Atari ST software

Atari ST
music software

Atari Star Wars Coin-op

Atari Star Wars
Audio Capability

Can you Karaoke on the Commodore C64?

Karaoke on the
Commodore C64?

Hi-Fi Equipment

MIDI Basics - A Retro Tech Deep Dive

MIDI
technical journal

MOS 6581 SID

MOS 6581 SID
Sound Interface Device

Yamaha PSR-530 Arranger Keyboard

Yamaha PSR-530
Arranger Keyboard

SABA EA 6010 3-way loudspeaker

SABA EA 6010
3-way loudspeakers

Pro-Ject Phono DS Box

Pro-Ject Phono DS
user experience

AudioPhil review of the AKAI SW-125 bookshelf loudspeaker

AKAI SW-125
loudspeaker review

1970 Blaupunkt Colorado television and music onsole

Blaupunkt Colorado
TV & music console

1970 Blaupunkt Arizona Stereo Console

Blaupunkt Arizona
Stereo Receiver

AIWA Hifi Catalog 1977

AIWA Hifi
Catalog 1977

AIWA Hifi Catalog 1976

AIWA Hifi
Catalog 1976

Lepai LP-168HA 2.1 amplifier review

Lepai LP-168HA
Hacker's Review

DAK Emerson Boombox

Emerson CTR 965
Thunderwall

Sony MHC-V90DW MUTEKI Karaoke Party Speaker

Look at Sony's
tower of Karaoke

Sony SS-H311 2-way loudspeaker

Sony SS-H311
Loudspeaker

Sony 4 inch woofer

Sony 4 inch
woofer

EICO HFS2 Omnidirectional Loudspeaker

EICO HFS2
Omnispeaker

Reel-To-Reel equipment

I'd like to talk about reel-to-reel players - a fascinating piece of audio technology that has largely been forgotten in the modern era. When I was growing up, my parents had a reel-to-reel player, and I was always fascinated by the way it worked. There was something so mesmerizing about the way the reels would spin, and the sound quality was unlike anything I had ever heard.

Reel-to-reel players were first introduced in the 1940s, and were the primary means of audio recording and playback until the rise of cassette tapes and other more portable formats in the 1970s. Despite this, many audiophiles and enthusiasts continue to use reel-to-reel players to this day, and there are still a number of companies that produce new machines and reel-to-reel tapes.

One of the things that makes reel-to-reel players so special is their audio quality. Because the tape is wider and moves faster than other formats, it is capable of reproducing sound with incredible fidelity and detail. However, reel-to-reel players are also notorious for being finicky and difficult to use, and require a great deal of maintenance to keep in good working order.

Overall, I think that reel-to-reel players are a fascinating piece of audio history, and I feel fortunate to have had the chance to experience them firsthand. While they may be impractical and difficult to use by modern standards, they offer a unique listening experience that is hard to replicate with other audio formats.

Reel-to-Reel media storage

reel-to-reel
media storage

Pioneer RT-1020L

Pioneer RT-1020L
reel to reel

AKAI GX-630D reel to reel tape deck

AKAI GX-630D
reel to reel

AKAI GX-625 Dolby tape deck

AKAI GX-625
reel to reel

AKAI GX-630DB Dolby tape deck

AKAI GX-630DB
reel to reel

Obscure Records

Crate-digging is my favorite pastime. I love nothing more than spending hours sifting through stacks of records in dusty old shops and markets, searching for hidden gems and obscure music that most people have never heard before. There's something about the thrill of the hunt, the excitement of discovering a rare vinyl, that never gets old.

As soon as I walk into a record store, I feel a sense of anticipation and excitement. I make a beeline for the "rare finds" section, or the bargain bins, and start flipping through the records one by one. Sometimes I'm looking for a specific artist or album, but more often than not I'm just browsing, letting my eyes and ears guide me.

When I come across a record that catches my eye, I carefully pull it out of the stack and examine the cover art and tracklist. I love the tactile experience of holding a vinyl record in my hands, feeling the weight and texture of the sleeve, admiring the artwork and reading the liner notes.

Of course, not every record I find is a hidden gem. Sometimes I come across albums that are scratched, warped, or otherwise damaged beyond repair. Other times I'll buy a record based on the cover art or tracklist, only to be disappointed by the music itself. But even these "failures" are part of the fun - they help me refine my taste and develop a more discerning ear.

But when I do find a record that speaks to me - a rare jazz recording, a forgotten funk classic, an obscure world music gem - the feeling is indescribable. I know that I've discovered something special, something that most people have never heard before. And even though the price tag may be a little higher than I'd like, I know that it's worth it to own a piece of music history.

Brandish 1 and Brandish 2 OST Soundtracks

Falcom's Brandish
Game Sountrack

Falcom's Brandish 2 Original Soundtrack

Brandish 2
Original Soundtrack

Killer Instinct game soundtrack

Nintendo Killer
Instincts OST

RPG-7213 TV Favourites and other Children's Songs vinyl record

TV Favourites
1975 vinyl record

WG-DB-1470 Lolita vinyl record

Lolita and other film hits
1962 vinyl record

Auditory Soundscapes

Four best soundscapes

2023's four best
soundscapes

Micro Ambient Soundscap

Micro Ambient
soundscape

Natural Life Essence Imaginary Motion Soundscape

Imaginary Motion
atmospheric soundscape

Natural Life Essence Plants and Trees Soundscape

Plants and Trees
meditative soundscape

3D Nature Soundscapes

Amazingly relaxing
nature soundscapes