Author: Dave Denyer

David Denyer PR & the reel-to-reel rambler

Neville Roberts listens to Chasing The Dragon’s ‘España’ – live, on master tape and direct-cut vinyl

September 13, 2018

Last year, hi-fi journalist Neville Roberts headed to London’s AIR Studios to witness audiophile label Chasing The Dragon’s recording of a new album, España. The recording was simultaneously captured direct-to-disk and on master tape. Here, Neville shares his impressions of the day and of the resulting vinyl LP and copy master tape.  There’s something rather … More Neville Roberts listens to Chasing The Dragon’s ‘España’ – live, on master tape and direct-cut vinyl

Emotion, wit and stunning transparency: Shostakovich Cello Sonata & Elgar’s Salut d’Amour from UltraAnalogue Recordings (part 2 of 2)

August 31, 2018

Canada-based UltraAnalogue Recordings has just released 3 new open reel tapes, all recorded at a live concert held in May 2018 featuring star cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan with pianist Benjamin Smith. Priced at $275 each, the three are: Shostakovich Cello Sonata & Elgar’s Salut d’Amour; Brahms Cello Sonata No.2; and Albeniz Asturias, Shchedrin Imitating Albeniz, Tchaikovsky Nocturne … More Emotion, wit and stunning transparency: Shostakovich Cello Sonata & Elgar’s Salut d’Amour from UltraAnalogue Recordings (part 2 of 2)

Putting the ‘ultra’ into analogue: introducing Canada-based UltraAnalogue Recordings (part 1 of 2)

August 30, 2018

One of the great benefits of my reel-to-reel ramblings, apart from the obvious one of discovering some the most incredible-sounding recorded music out there, is that I get to chat at some length with people who are at the forefront of the pursuit of sonic excellence. One of those people is Edward (Ed) Pong, the … More Putting the ‘ultra’ into analogue: introducing Canada-based UltraAnalogue Recordings (part 1 of 2)

A lifelong reel obsession: Neville Roberts recalls the tape decks he’s known and loved over the years – and celebrates the R2R revival

August 15, 2018

Audio journalist and regular Hi-Fi Choice contributor, Neville Roberts, has been fascinated by open reel tape for most of his life. Here, he casts his mind back over the many and varied tape decks he’s shared his life with to date. If you’re in the market for a vintage machine, there’s some great pointers here. … More A lifelong reel obsession: Neville Roberts recalls the tape decks he’s known and loved over the years – and celebrates the R2R revival

Review: ‘The World of Heavy Percussion and Large Japanese Drums’ from STS Analog

July 30, 2018

Back in May, as I was making my way around the Munich Hi-End Show, I spotted something that piqued my interest. Well, lots of things actually, but here I’m talking about a newly-released open reel tape from the confusingly-named STS Digital/Analog. (STS Digital is the original company name since they make digital as well as … More Review: ‘The World of Heavy Percussion and Large Japanese Drums’ from STS Analog

Spotlight on the new Ballfinger M 063 tape machines – x 4!

July 11, 2018

In early 2017 I hopped on a plane to Germany to visit the Hamburg Hi-Fi Show (Norddeutsche HiFi-Tage / Hörtest), having heard that a brand new tape machine was about to be previewed. The machine in question was the Ballfinger M 063. Fast forward to the Munich High-End Show in May 2018 and the M … More Spotlight on the new Ballfinger M 063 tape machines – x 4!

Metaxas & Sins will launch brand new open reel tape recorder at 2018 Munich High End Show

May 4, 2018

You’ve no doubt heard the rumours. You may have read a few teasers. Perhaps you wondered whether it would actually happen. It’s happening. In May 2018, high-end audio brand Metaxas & Sins will launch one of the world’s first modern day open reel tape recorders. If you’re familiar with the unique work of creator Kostas … More Metaxas & Sins will launch brand new open reel tape recorder at 2018 Munich High End Show

Open Reel Records does it again: the pure joy of discovering yet more world-class musicians I hadn’t heard of

February 21, 2018

You know that feeling when you discover a new musician, band, singer or orchestra… or, even better, a long-standing one that’s new to you but since they’re not actually new, there’s already a back-catalogue of treats to look forward to? Oh boy, is that a good feeling! Here’s what makes it even better: when the … More Open Reel Records does it again: the pure joy of discovering yet more world-class musicians I hadn’t heard of

Got an audio ailment? Need some hi-fi healing or reel-to-reel rehab? Allow me to introduce you to The Audiophile’s Clinic

February 16, 2018

Do you live, breathe, eat, sleep and dream music and sound? Then, dear reader, I’m delighted to report that I’ve discovered something that can help: The Audiophile’s Clinic. Don’t worry, this isn’t a rehab clinic. Nobody’s going to try to cure you of your addiction. On the contrary, the aim of The Audiophile’s Clinic is … More Got an audio ailment? Need some hi-fi healing or reel-to-reel rehab? Allow me to introduce you to The Audiophile’s Clinic