By Juan C. Ayllon Although it's been largely quiet on these pages lately, it's been far from inactive at Prairie Audio headquarters. Between work, audio commitments, and time with family and wee grandchildren, it's been a whirlwind! Yes, Belle and I have been spending time when we can with the kids and grandkids, who are growing up fast! But, coming up quickly, there will be a flourish of activity popping up at Prairie Audio Man Cave, as well. Over the last quarter, I've fulfilled commitments to a humongous report on AXPONA 2023 (Audio Expo North America) and reviews on the following for another online periodical:
New Looks As a result of this reviewing activity, I now have several new wrinkles to my system. First, my Intel NUC is now housed in an HDPLEX H1 V3 fanless case that I absolutely love! Decorative vents up top allow you to look on their six copper heat pipes inside. Second, my Hsu ULS-15 Mk2 subwoofer now rests on top of A/V RoomService EVP Equipment Vibration Protectors. Previously, my VPI turntable, Schiit Yggdrasil DAC, Pass Labs preamplifier and amplifier were isolated with them, but after talking with our sponsor, A/V RoomService's Norman Varney, I was assured that heavy duty EVPs could support both the amp, protective steel plate and subwoofer just fine. He's right, and the EVPs continue to provide outstanding vibration damping for my equipment! Third, I am now using Isoacoustic Orea Bordeaux isolation pucks under my Usher Audio ML-802s. I spotted these isolators under the Usher ML-801s (the same pair I had reviewed a year ago) at AXPONA in Dr. Vinyl's room, and speaking to Dr. Vinyl's president, Jose Cardenas, afterwards he convinced me to replace the Usher's spikes with them. As a new sponsor of Prairie Audio, he has graciously provided me with a set of Orea Bordeaux that are working out quite nicely in my room! Whereas they are not quite as effective as the Carbide Audio footers at ameliorating vibration, they do a very nice job for a fraction of their cost. And, as a new sponsor of our site, Dr. Vinyl has provided our listening room with the Bordeauxs.
Coming Soon to Prairie Audio As our latest sponsor of Prairie Audio, Jose Cardenas will be sharing some of his insights and experiences as a longtime dealer in the audio industry in an upcoming interview. I will also be reviewing the McGary tube amplifier that his company, Dr. Vinyl, represents. There is also a proposed tour of the Valve Amplification Company factory in the works. I will let you know if and when it becomes official. And if that falls through, I will make my best efforts to give our viewers another inside glimpse in our industry. Now for those who love the Sweet Science, as the former lead writer and news editor for the Cyber Boxing Zone, I am also planning on doing a piece on a boxer or this summer. This should be fun! And at long last, I will soon be posting a long overdue photo essay of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin. For you architecture and design buffs, it should be a real delight for you! So with Memorial Day weekend fast approaching, I want to wish you well, safe travels, and entice you with promises of other treats coming up at Prairie Audio, however, I will let them be a surprise. Cheers!
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Juan C. AyllonA writer, artist, educator and owner of Prairie Audio Man Cave, he lives with his wife, Isabel (AKA Belle), and their Goldendoodle, Liam, enjoys listening to high fidelity music and all things hi-fi at their home in the greater Chicagoland area.. Archives
March 2024
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