Back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, there was a wave of brilliant audio engineers and companies all striving to create equipment that captured the emotion and energy of a live performance. Some succeeded spectacularly, some built to a price point — but many products are iconic and still worth celebrating today.
This isn’t to say that modern equipment isn’t excellent — much of it is. Sometimes the price is a barrier. But in the relentless drive for the next new thing, a lot of fantastic vintage gear gets overlooked.

From early synth-pop darlings to avant-garde pioneers, Talk Talk’s evolution over just a decade remains one of the most striking transformations in modern music. Emerging in the early 1980s alongside the likes of XTC, the band initially found success riding the wave of the synth-driven pop movement. With infectious hooks, polished production, and Mark Hollis’ distinctive, emotive vocals, they delivered hits such as It’s My Life and Such a Shame, securing strong commercial sales and mainstream recognition. Much like Tears for Fears, Talk Talk’s breakthrough came as a tidal wave—sudden, overwhelming, and accompanied by everything a band could seemingly desire:...

We all have them.  Those albums we played to death—so much so that one day, we just can’t do it anymore. Maybe we overplayed them, maybe they remind us too much of a time long gone, or maybe we just heard them on the radio one too many times. Here are a few of mine—albums I once loved (or tolerated) but can’t bear to spin again:  Tracy Chapman – Tracy ChapmanA stunning album, a magical voice, and Fast Car? A masterpiece. But I’ve heard it so many times, I’d rather tripe than listen to it again. Still, it’s a classic,...

They impart a warm, rich sound—some may call it "coloured"—that softens the harsh brightness often associated with transistor-based gear. You can use the terms tubes, vacuum tubes, or valves interchangeably.   Until the 1960s, valves dominated many electronic devices, including home stereos, car radios, cinema amplifiers, guitar amps, tape machines, and televisions. However, as Japanese manufacturers embraced transistors, gear became more compact, durable, and cost-effective, leading to the decline of valve production. The golden era of valve manufacturing spanned the 1940s–1960s, with vast quantities produced worldwide—many designed for specific applications. Since they are sealed in a vacuum, they tend to...

It’s hard to believe Songs from the Big Chair was released all the way back in 1985, and therefore, it is the 40th Anniversary of this iconic album. In good old New Zealand, at that time, we had welcomed a new more progressive Labour Government (not popular for everyone) that began dismantling the stifling controls and protectionism that had been in place since WWII. Times were changing and the 80’s were booming in NZ and globally. Money was still tight for the young ones, but no one minded to much as there was no shortage of great music, but we...

As discussed last month, there was significant damage to the Lyra MC cartridge. This is not the first instance of such an incident; previously, a Burmese cat caused damage to a Rega Apheta cartridge.    The decision lay between replacing the cartridge with another Lyra Delos or selecting a different option. The Lyra provides excellent detailing and can be revealing, which has both advantages and disadvantages. It is particularly beneficial in evaluating records to highlight the essence of production and pressing.   After careful consideration and consultation with knowledgeable friends, I have opted for the Rega Apheta 3 MC. This...