Noel Keywood, publisher
I've just seen your comments on my LP v CD demo at Whittlebury and need to give you a postscript to explain.
A few people complained about the sound from LP and in particular, James Henriot of Whest Audio (who uses an Ortofon Per Windfeld) felt there was a problem - and there was. I remembered afterward that the Icon Audio PS 1.2 phono stage I used, which tested correctly beforehand, only works properly at full gain. Unfortunately, we used the output level control to equalise level to CD and treble was -4dB down at 20kHz as a result. So there was a problem and I can only apologise to all those who came and were disappointed. It torpedoed all the work we put into the entire demo.
It was my intention to compare LP to CD, not to try and prove it sounded "better". It sounds different and I prefer it, but not everyone agrees. I deliberately used an 'affordable' LP replay system with Ortofon 2M Black cartridge in SME M2-10 arm, to avoid being accused of unfair bias in favour of LP. Next time I will use a Rega RB301 or SME V perhaps, likely with an Ortofon Cadenza Bronze (my preference), with a CD player of similar cost.
I took ten LPs and their equivalent CDs. As I explained at the time, in some cases the LP sounded worse than the CD, due to the use of a poor cutting master, cheap re-cycled vinyl or a bad cut. I invited the audience to make up their own minds as to which they preferred and most preferred the vinyl. All the same, next time I will ensure LP isn't obviously afflicted. Although I was trying to be even handed in the comparison, it's perhaps unrealistic to be playing bad LPs at a hi-fi show.
I recently visited Metropolis Studios and was given a half speed cut, high quality pressed, 200gm 45rpm version of tracks from Eleanor MvEvoy's Yola album. Sound quality is extraordinary; it's like listening to a master tape and I will use this also at any future demo. I've suggested to Metropolis they make this available for purchase, by the way, so everyone can hear what LP can really do. This will make a few jaws drop.
The first time I did this demo, at Manchester Show in 07, all went well but it was a Hi-Fi World demo alone and we arranged all replay equipment. At Whittlebury I asked Martin Colloms and Peter Comeau to participate, introducing a lot more complication and problems I had not anticipated. Electrocompaniet offered us a system then told us the loudspeakers would not be ready in time. I decided to use the PMC IB2 monitors Martin had ordered but Friday night they sounded awful, because they had been built specially but had not been run in (but nobody told us). The Bryston amps didn't work, Martin said (PMC said they did, he missed the rear power switch!) so a Krell was dragged in at the last moment. We ended up using Peter Comeau's Quad CD and preamp, driving Martin's Krell power amp driving PMCs that did a good job, but still would not have been my choice! I suspect they needed much more running in. Next time we will again use an all-Hi-Fi World system, worked out and tested in advance, to avoid the pandemonium!
So my comparison wasn't - er - too good in the end, I have to admit. I am disappointed too, because a lot of work went into it, all the same. So please accept my apologies - and thanks to all that came. I hope I will get it right next time.
Noel Keywood, publisher