A series of reflections on music or records
With the recent RSD 2021 release Chet Baker Sings, the trumpeter gets to feature his singing voice. The feature of the release is it is in mono. Being in mono actually brings this recording to life.
Listening to it is a pleasure and being a stereo or audiophile nut (albeit without the budget) means the resurrection of the Connoisseur BD-1 belt drive turntable that was built by the experts at Ring Audio. The assembly kit was placed on a solid piece of wood that was anti-vibration. Drilled in place beside the platter is the original classic SME 3009 tonearm. Chosen for its characteristics to accompany the tonearm is the Nagaoka MP-10 cartridge, a Japanese cartridge that for its time was expensive. Fortunately, the MP-10 cartridge still works with the new generation of its brand of stylus options. The MP-110 replacement stylus represents an upgrade over what would have been its new MP-100 counterpart.
Together, the Nagaoka combination sounds like a dream, accurate and bringing out detail in the mid-range. The high end rings and the bass is present.
That it is from the original mono tapes acutally brings this recording to life. Keeping it in mono makes it sound less processed. With eyes closed, the image of Chet Baker Sings rings true centre.
Midnight Matinee 