With Christmas and the winter holidays fast approaching, there’s excitement in the air. And as a grandparent sharing experiences with little ones at pre-Christmas festivities, catching glimpses of aroused anticipation through their eyes warms one’s soul and brings respite from the World’s troubles. For Christians, it’s a celebration of Christ’s birth, which carries special meaning to some of us. However, the magic isn’t limited to the wee ones and the devout!
For one thing, I am currently reviewing a set of IsoAcoustic Gaia I Isolators on the house Usher ML-802 loudspeakers in residence. My friend, Bob, came over to help install them. They raised the tweeters–-which are already several inches above ear level–a good inch or two higher, however, we were able to compensate for that by tilting them forward and downwards with several turns of the nuts in the rear Gaias. We placed a bubble level at the front and rear of the speakers’ tops to test that they were even laterally.
For another, a new replacement for my old Ortofon MC Quintet Black S phono cartridge should arrive soon (I’ve had the old one since 2018). I took advantage of their generous trade-in policy, where you return the old one, and you get a brand new one for below dealer price! The Quintet Black plays a big role in my review of the GoldRing Ethos SE phono cartridge I’m working on and, no doubt will serve as a reference in other articles.
Then, in a few more days, a pair of ATC SCM40 loudspeakers and a pair of ATC C1SUBmk2 subwoofers will arrive for review. Renowned for their phenomenal midrange drivers, ATC has been a point of fascination for several years and, most recently, the SCM40s have piqued my interest since a designer and friend in the industry recently highlighted their excellent design, great components, and construction. That should be a lot of fun!
Moreover, in the holidays’ aftermath, additional opportunities include:
- Reviewing the REL S/510 subwoofer
- Reviewing a TAD loudspeaker and/or component (s) (more information will be released after that’s confirmed)
- A New Usher Audio SD tower loudspeaker (more information will be forthcoming)
- On April 11-13, the Audio Expo North America (AXPONA) will return to the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center in Schaumburg, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois.
As some of you know, AXPONA has been a mainstay event for me since 2014 when I signed in to the media desk using my old Cyber Boxing Zone press pass (I was their lead writer and news editor for over 10 years). It’s a wonderful opportunity to see some of the latest gear, meet up with friends, and catch up with some of the industry leaders in over 200 hi-fi listening rooms – and catch a live performance or two. What’s not to like about that?
Summed up, besides celebrating the coming season with family, I’ll be spinning some vinyl, playing some digital, taking in some HD movies on the system, and tweaking loudspeaker positioning as I try out some new toys (albeit, most on loan).
Now, I don’t know about you, but that’s exciting to me! Enjoy your holidays and be safe!