Synergistic Red Fuse ...


I installed a SR RED Quantum fuse in my ARC REF-3 preamp a few days ago, replacing an older high end fuse. Uhh ... for a hundred bucks, this little baby is well worth the cost. There was an immediate improvement upon installation, but now that its broken in (yes, no kidding), its quite remarkable. A tightening of the focus, a more solid image, and most important of all for my tastes, a deeper appreciation for the organic sound of the instruments. Damn! ... cellos sound great! Much improved attack on pianos. More humanistic on vocals. Bowed bass goes down forever. Next move? .... I'm doing the entire system with these fuses. One at a time though just to gauge the improvement in each piece of equipment. The REF-75se comes next. I'll report the results as the progression takes place. Stay tuned ...

Any comments from anyone else who has tried these fuses?
128x128oregonpapa
Charles ...

I was fortunate to have seen what I believe to be Ella's last concert. It was at the Hollywood Bowl and the co-star was Mel Torme.

Ella, the poor thing, had glaucoma to such a degree that she had to be led onto the stage by Torme and a stage  hand. As she began to sing, her voice warbled in the way of old folks ... the way in which we will all sound if we are fortunate  to live long enough.  With each song, you could hear the greatness of the "young" Ella trying to force her way through the aged vocal chords, but never making it. The audience, the conductor, the orchestra members all treated Ella with the utmost respect out of the memory of what was once stellar.  I needed several tissues.

And Torme? Great as always. A little known factoid about Torme: He made most of  his money throughout his career as an arranger for major orchestras. He was a musician extraordinaire and a genuine song stylist.

Wolf-Garcia ...

I'm listening to Brad Mehldau on Spotify as I'm writing this. The guy is really good. Thanks for the recommendation.  Man, do I have a problem being hung up on 40's and 50's jazz. I've never heard of Brad Mehldau before. I hear the influences of Monk and Bud Powell in his playing ... even a little Bill Evans. I like it. I need to get out more. :-)

Frank
Well it turns out that I have a recording featuring Brad Mehldau as a sideman.  "Alone Together " it is a live recording of leader Lee Konitz (alto saxophonist) and Charlie Haden on bass. Venue is the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles.  Definitely an influence of the avant-garde but I'm listening and like what I hear.  Haven’t played this in quite some time. Blue Note label and very good sounding!
Charles 
Frank,
Early influence for Mehldau were Wynton Kelly and McCoy Tyner (you can’t go wrong there). Listening to him right now and he certainly has his own sound (which is how it should be). He has style similarities to Fred Hirsch, but not identical. He is definitely interacting well with Konitz and Haden 😊
Charles
Frank,
See if you can find this on spotify.  Pianist Tardo Hammer "Look, Stop And Listen" . This is a tribute to Tad Dameron and is exceptionally good! Tardo can flat out play.  This was recorded in the early 2000s, he's out of NYC.
Charles 
Charles thanks for the vibe recs I have Jay Hoggard queued up next "Duke Ellingtons Sacred Music-Something Bout Believing" great title found it on Tidal. Listened to some Brad Mehdldau some of his work is excellent some skews a bit modern for my tastes but love Lee Konitz and Charlie Haden will check that out. Thanks for the Tardo Hammer rec to forgot all about him going to add that to the queue also!