Audio-Ultra Lifestyle News – December 2023 – Season Wrap-Up

System Analysis

I am slow to sell, and fast to learn prior to any sale. I want to know about the existing system and its owner. Generally, there are some low-hanging fruit that will improve performance and in most cases costs little to nothing. First, we must establish a performance baseline and then visit the foundation aspects which in part include prior setup and tuning, AC power, and cables.  There is no magic bullet, there are no shortcuts; it takes the commitment of time, understanding, and the willingness to execute. 

Old Meets New

Once the hard work has been completed, and the baseline reestablished, then it is time to find that special piece that will move the needle in system performance. While you can purchase a new piece outright, this may be an excellent time to consider trading in equipment. I will make every effort to achieve higher trade-in allowances towards the brands we carry, freeing you from the hassle and process of selling your equipment directly. This allows you to get more for less to secure the latest technology, like the new S3 or M7 loudspeakers from Magico, or into the 10 series of products from CH Precision or even WADAX’s assault on digital playback as well as all of the other fine brands we carry.Also, we have a great selection of products from our curated collection on the floor, some open boxes, and others actively in play, regardless, every piece is in mint condition and available for consideration.  

Dirty Records, Clean Records

Regarding record albums, I’m on record (no pun) in my YouTube video saying a “Clean Record” is a “Happy Record.” Following this video, I recently replaced my record cleaning machine with the highly regarded KLAUDIO brand with an optional record loader sourced from Acoustic Sounds. I am impressed with the results of the Klaudio; its ultrasonic design digs deep, resulting in more clarity that ensues a wake of high-level sonic attributes; however, as good as it is, it still does not get out all the oils, surfactants, and fungus tucked away in the groove that arrive embedded in albums as shown in my photo above on a recently unopened $250.00 collectors album I just purchased, and this seems to be the norm for me, and herein lies the rub.  

I have been to a few seminars with Dr. Kirmuss, and each time, he proved the effectiveness of his removal/restoration process. I will admit that I am not all that excited about going through this multi-step process, but if I want to get the most out of a record, it will take the work required to do so, adding this as another stop on “This Journey of Ours”. So is Klaudio a keeper? Yes, it’s going nowhere; it does a good job and will continue to use this post-restoration. In support of clean and happy records, I will have Kirmuss restoration products available for those who decide it is essential, like me, to get more from the groove. On the bright side, you can restore up to four records in about 20 minutes, and it only needs to be done once; this assumes you take care of your records post-cleaning, as I hope you would.