Jamo is a brand that specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality audio products such as speakers and surround sound systems.

Jamo

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Choosing the best pressing for your vinyl collection is a task that even seasoned audiophiles struggle with. The variables involved—ranging from mastering to dynamic range—can make the endeavor confusing and, often, subjective. This guide aims to demystify the process by offering key insights, technical aspects, and methodology to help you make an informed choice.

### The Role of Mastering

Mastering is the final stage of audio production, where a mastered recording is created from the original mix. Two pressings with different mastering will provide distinct auditory experiences. This is often done to cater to various listening environments or technology. While remastered albums are frequently marketed as 'better,' they may introduce unwanted alterations to the sound profile. Therefore, original pressings are often sought after for their unaltered, authentic sound.

### Dynamic Range: The Unsung Hero

Dynamic range is the difference between the quietest and loudest part of an audio track. A higher dynamic range typically offers a better sound quality, giving room for musical nuances. Websites and databases offer dynamic range data for different pressings, allowing you to make informed decisions. However, take these measurements with a grain of salt, as they might not always reflect vinyl's nuanced behavior.

### Analog vs. Digital Masters

Traditionalists often prefer analog masters, sourced from the original magnetic tapes. Digital masters can be very high quality but may lack some of the warmth and richness associated with analog recordings.

### The Weight and Material of the Vinyl

180-gram vinyl pressings are often touted as superior due to their weight and durability. However, the weight of the vinyl doesn't always translate to better sound quality. What matters more is the quality of the material and the manufacturing process.

### Price vs. Quality

While original pressings and special editions often fetch high prices, it's essential to balance cost and perceived audio quality. Sometimes a well-mastered reissue at a fraction of the price can offer a similarly satisfying auditory experience.

### User Reviews and Community Insight

While online communities can offer valuable insights, the subjective nature of sound makes it essential to rely on multiple sources for information. User reviews are valuable but should be complemented with personal listening experiences and professional assessments.

### Conclusion

Ultimately, the best pressing is a personal choice, often requiring a bit of trial and error. However, understanding the technical aspects behind vinyl production can substantially inform your decisions, elevating your vinyl experience from a mere hobby to an art form.

In the end, it's all about immersing yourself in the rich, intricate world of vinyl, embracing the journey as you go about enriching your collection.

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How to Choose the Right Pressing for Your Collection

Choosing the right pressing can make or break your vinyl listening experience. Dive into the technical details that matter and find your 'Holy Grail' of records.


The Goldring Ethos SE is not just another phono cartridge. It is a challenge to the industry, where technologies are implemented not only for the sake of beautiful technical specifications, but also to achieve a real improvement in sound.

Let's see what makes it so special, in the language of audiophiles and without marketing water.

**Silver coils for better conductivity**

The first thing that catches the eye is the use of silver coils instead of standard copper ones. Silver has better conductivity, which ultimately results in more detailed and rich sound. This can be compared to switching from regular TV to HD quality - the difference in detail and clarity is visible to the naked eye.

**Swedish iron core for improved channel separation**

The next point is the unique Swedish iron core of the coil. Instead of the usual heavy form, a lighter and more efficient design is used here, which contributes to better channel separation and the creation of a realistic sound stage. This creates the feeling of being at a live concert, where you can accurately determine the location of each instrument.

**Nude diamond stylus for better tracking**

The stylus is also unusual here. It is designed to penetrate deeper into the grooves of the record, extracting the maximum amount of information from them without the risk of damage. This approach allows you to catch all the nuances of the recording, approaching the intention of the performer.

**Aircraft-grade aluminum body for minimized vibrations**

It is equally important how the Ethos SE copes with noise and distortion. Technologies are used here to keep the sound clean and natural. And all this is packed in an aircraft-grade aluminum case, chosen not only for its appearance, but also for its ability to minimize unwanted vibrations.

**Conclusion**

Ultimately, the Goldring Ethos SE is like a premium version among cartridges for vinyl turntables. It is designed so that you can hear your records in the best possible quality, revealing details that previously went unnoticed. If you are serious about your vinyl collection, this cartridge is like stepping up to a new level of sound quality.

Price: $1,999.00

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How the Goldring Ethos SE uses Swedish iron for a soundstage so realistic

Goldring is a brand that specializes in high fidelity audio equipment, particularly turntable cartridges and phono cartridges.

Goldring

Enter the realm of pure silver magic with the Goldring Ethos SE and hear your records like never before


Luxman recently unveiled its latest creation - the Luxman PD-191A turntable. This new product marries vintage design elements with cutting-edge audio technology, aiming to offer a superior vinyl playback experience.

**Design and Features:** The Luxman PD-191A is not just a turntable; it's a statement piece. It features a 15 mm thick aluminum top plate paired with a hefty 5.2 kg aluminum platter, giving it a robust and vintage appearance. This design isn't just for looks; it plays a crucial role in the turntable's audio performance.

**Innovative Tonearm:** A standout feature of the PD-191A is its tonearm. Developed in collaboration with SAEC, experts in analog audio from Japan, the tonearm boasts a vertical knife-edge bearing, enhancing its sensitivity. This design minimizes tracking error while also improving vibration damping, crucial for high-fidelity audio reproduction.

**Advanced Speed Control:** The PD-191A employs a sophisticated system for maintaining consistent platter speed. A sinusoidal/PWM power supply feeds stable DC current to a brushless motor, controlled through a Proportional Integral Differential (PID) system. This level of precision ensures that your vinyl records play at the exact speed, a critical factor for audio quality.

**Aesthetics and Build Quality:** The PD-191A's aesthetic appeal is undeniable. The precision-machined platter with a diamond-cut pattern is visually striking, while the contrast between the rosewood-finished base and the brushed aluminum top panel adds a touch of elegance. The turntable's design also includes a strobe window and separate speed adjustments for 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm, adding to its vintage charm.

**Other Notable Features:** Luxman didn't stop at just looks and basic functionality. The PD-191A comes equipped with various high-quality components, such as PEEK thrust bearings, brass radial bearings, a large-diameter center element, detachable output, and gold-plated AC input. The attention to detail extends to the included accessories, like a flat-head screwdriver for rotation speed adjustment and an Allen key for arm base removal.

**Price and Availability:** Positioned as a premium product, the Luxman PD-191A carries a price tag of approximately 11,600 euros. It's a significant investment, reflecting its high-end build quality and performance capabilities.

The Luxman PD-191A is more than a turntable; it's an audio masterpiece. With its combination of vintage design, modern technology, and meticulous craftsmanship, it's designed to satisfy the most discerning audiophiles. While this turntable is a significant investment, its performance and build quality justify the price for those who seek the ultimate vinyl listening experience.

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Luxman PD-191A Turntable: A Blend of Vintage Aesthetics and Modern Technology

Luxman PD-191A: Vintage Aesthetics, Advanced Audio Tech

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Interesting articles

How to Choose the Right Pressing for Your Collection

How the Goldring Ethos SE uses Swedish iron for a soundstage so realistic

Luxman PD-191A Turntable: A Blend of Vintage Aesthetics and Modern Technology