Category: Chasing The Dragon

New from Chasing the Dragon: custom-made reels for all master tape copies

February 21, 2023

Chasing the Dragon is a UK-based niche audiophile label that makes superb quality recordings on reel-to-reel tape only, which are then released as master tape copies as well as in various vinyl formats (direct cut, audiophile and binaural) and on CD. Chasing the Dragon’s Mike Valentine has just announced that all of their master tape … More New from Chasing the Dragon: custom-made reels for all master tape copies

An “incredible” new tape with a difference: Chasing The Dragon allows listeners to compare recording techniques of Mendelssohn’s Octet

March 11, 2022

by Neville Roberts A new tape with a difference from the British audiophile recording company Chasing The Dragon! Mike Valentine, the brains behind the Chasing The Dragon audiophile recording label, is frequently asked about the best way to record music and the differences between various recording techniques. Of course, he has his own definite views … More An “incredible” new tape with a difference: Chasing The Dragon allows listeners to compare recording techniques of Mendelssohn’s Octet

Neville Roberts reviews Chasing The Dragon’s new Sampler Tape

September 21, 2020

It seems quite the norm these days for audiophile recording labels to offer a sampler or demo tape that contains extracts from their tape library, and the UK’s Chasing The Dragon is no exception. Run by the husband and wife team of Mike and Françoise Valentine, Chasing The Dragon offers a wide range of classical … More Neville Roberts reviews Chasing The Dragon’s new Sampler Tape

Review: ‘A Day In The Life’ by the Quentin Collins All Star Quintet – the latest release from Chasing the Dragon

March 17, 2020

Between them, Dave Denyer and Neville Roberts have clocked up quite a few visits to London’s AIR Studios in the past year or so. And why wouldn’t you, given the opportunity! In this case the opportunities have been offered by Mike Valentine of audiophile record label Chasing the Dragon, whose live studio recording sessions are … More Review: ‘A Day In The Life’ by the Quentin Collins All Star Quintet – the latest release from Chasing the Dragon

A quick chat with… Chasing the Dragon’s Mike Valentine

January 6, 2020

The eighth in a short series of videos captured at the recent Hi-Fi Show Live in Ascot, UK – in which we grab a quick chat with a handful of fellow R2R appreciators. Here, we talk tape with Mike Valentine of UK-based audiophile label Chasing the Dragon. Always an engaging and entertaining speaker, Mike gives … More A quick chat with… Chasing the Dragon’s Mike Valentine

Recording the Bach Cello Suites: behind the scenes and a free sample download

December 27, 2019

Making high-quality audio recordings in a recording studio is one thing but making audiophile recordings at a remote venue has its own particular challenges.  Neville Roberts visits London’s Temple Church to attend one such recording session featuring two of the Bach Cello Suites, performed by the renowned and award-winning cellist, Justin Pearson. I’ve been fortunate … More Recording the Bach Cello Suites: behind the scenes and a free sample download

Hi-Fi Show Live 2019: “a pivotal moment for tape”!

November 1, 2019

Well, we did it… this Hallowe’en weekend, The Reel-to-Reel Rambler went from being an online webzine to a collaborative live event at Hi-Fi Show Live 2019 – and what a show it was! If there was any doubt about the growing interest in reel-to-reel, then this weekend must surely have put it to rest. The … More Hi-Fi Show Live 2019: “a pivotal moment for tape”!

R2R live! The Rambler will be at the UK’s Hi-Fi Show Live this October – with tape decks both vintage and brand new, tape labels, tape manufacturers, tech tape advice and more (oh and Ken Kessler!)

August 26, 2019

The Rambler has some very exciting news to announce…. this October we’re celebrating all things reel-to-reel at the UK’s biggest high-end hi-fi show and we’d love you to come along and join us! The show: Hi-Fi Show Live, Ascot, UK, 26th-27th October 2019 Hi-Fi Show Live, now in its 7thyear, is run by AVTech Media, … More R2R live! The Rambler will be at the UK’s Hi-Fi Show Live this October – with tape decks both vintage and brand new, tape labels, tape manufacturers, tech tape advice and more (oh and Ken Kessler!)

Catch Quentin Collins live in London on 3rd September

August 21, 2019

If you read my report of attending Chasing The Dragon’s audiophile recordings at London’s Air Studios, you’ll know I’ve now become a fan of internationally renowned jazz trumpet player Quentin Collins, whose recording (as the Quentin Collins All Star Quintet) with Chasing The Dragon will be released on master tape and in various other formats later this year. … More Catch Quentin Collins live in London on 3rd September

Going live: in which Dave Denyer spends two fascinating days at London’s Air Studios witnessing Chasing The Dragon’s audiophile recordings

August 6, 2019

A week after a wonderful trip to visit Recording the Masters in France (write-up coming soon), I found myself heading to London’s iconic Air Studios. Have I mentioned how much love my job? Just the once or twice perhaps… Since this was my second visit to Hampstead’s hallowed ground, I had some idea of what … More Going live: in which Dave Denyer spends two fascinating days at London’s Air Studios witnessing Chasing The Dragon’s audiophile recordings