With the recent posts about the Marsalis family I'd like to make a recommendation. Jazz fans are very familiar with Wynton and Bradford and this is understood. Delfeayo Marsalis is a first rate trombonist and composer. "Minions Dominions" is a very enjoyable CD recorded in 2002. It also features the late (legendary) drummer Elvin Jones and the late (superb) pianist Mulgrew Miller. It's a nice mixture of hard driving jazz and slower beautiful ballads.

Jason Marsalis, "The 21st Century Trad Band" Jason has a modern approach to playing the vibraphone and he plays with mastery of this instrument. Having heard him live just 3 days ago, this recording captures his sound quite closely. Good stuff.
Charles,

charles1dad November 18, 2014 15:47

Islandmandan, I thought you wore party dresses with pink ribbons. You would be welcome anytime to me or Charles listening sessions with whatever clothes you want to wear.

jwm November 18, 2014 14:26

Charles, I suspect many members of this forum do, or did, perform on musical instruments (or voice), leaving a deep appreciation and love of music.

Now, how that relates to ladie's undergarments, is something I will have to consider, to see how it applies to me.

Brett, more power to you!

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan November 17, 2014 21:17

Gary (Gsm18439)
Wish I could have experienced that evening, it must have been terrific fun.

Rebbi,
I played trumpet up until my mid teens, I wish I had kept with it. It did contribute heavily to a life long love for music.
Charles,

charles1dad November 17, 2014 04:09

Brett,
I got wind of the underwear allegations but I didn't want to believe. Glad to know they were just mean spirited rumors.
Charles,

charles1dad November 17, 2014 04:01

Rebbi - I had a similar experience, but with Branford Marsalis in Seoul, Korea . . . dinner with his band and a few friends, live concert (including a top down version of Arirang, a Korean folksong), and then several hours sitting in a bar.

gsm18439 November 17, 2014 03:09

I heard Wynton many years ago at Mostly Mozart at Lincoln Center in NYC. He played the Haydn B-flat Trumpet Concerto, which is a war horse of the trumpet repertoire that - as a former player - I knew by heart. Wynton made a few mistakes that night - I remember him cracking notes here and there - but truthfully, his mistakes sounded better than my playing the correct notes!
After the concert, I got to meet him in the "green room" and he signed my copy of that first classical LP, the year he won Grammy's for both best jazz and best classical album. I still have that record! He was only in his early 20th back then...

rebbi November 17, 2014 02:51

Ellis raised and taught his children, through his vision, into a family legacy.

isochronism November 17, 2014 01:27

Correct Charles, Security in one's sexual identity is key. Actually the pink hue has a very calming effect. Now if you believe the East Coast rumors that I wear Victoria Secret undergarments.... that is a gosh darn lie!!
Although, I've been "told" their crotchless panties aid in multi restroom visits as in a bar environment for example, just not a Biker Bar!!,...
not from my own experience, mind you, just saying.
Now, back to the amplification discussion......

isochronism November 17, 2014 01:12

Last night Jwm and I saw Jason Marsalis and his group(quartet) in Ann Arbor, MI.. He played the vibraphone and this band was just beautiful to hear in this intimate non microphone venue. What a bloodline the Marsalis family has. I've also hear his brothers Wynton and Delfeayo live with their respective groups. They all can flat out play! Top tier musicians for sure. They are on tour promoting their latest CD. I bought it and it's "very" good.
Charles,

charles1dad November 17, 2014 00:59

Brett,
What can I say? Domestic tranquility is important. Pink isn't so bad, right???

charles1dad November 17, 2014 00:42

DHT=directly heated triode such as 45,2A3,300b,845,211 tubes etc. Pentode and tetrodes are indirectly heated tubes, el34,KT 88,KT 77, 6550 and so forth. There's a lot of educational articles to explain this if you google.

charles1dad November 17, 2014 00:23

Hello Rebbi,
Once and yet again, I have to monotonously agree with Charles and Dan.
We only disagree on fashion, as Dan sports Seattle Grudge and Charles wears Pink Polo's with green Khaki's. Hey, their wives dress them... :)
Anyway, I suggest you find the most robust, best built amplification that you can from the start, as most likely you will want to then remain with SET.

isochronism November 17, 2014 00:17

I am still coming to understand the various terms like DHT and pentode. If I wanted to go DHT SET I could build the Bottlehead Paramount mono blocks for around $1700, or if I get enough for my Manley Shrimp, I could perhaps even swing the entry level Audio Note 300b kit - but that would still leave me short for a line stage. Perhaps, in the end, the Decware or Dynamo is still the way to go.

rebbi November 17, 2014 00:09

Rebbi,
Thanks for your kind words but I'm by no means any type of guru. SET was a major discovery for me 5 years ago and simply improved music listening in my home and increased my enjoyment significantly. Similar to Dan's experience I've heard many types of amplifiers over the years. Just as he wrote SET has been superior to the other topologies for its musical realism and naturalness.

I know nothing about the Wright Lolita amplifiers. Their 24 pound weight(suggesting hefty transformers) and hard wired design is encouraging. In comparison the Coincident is a proven product by a very talented builder. Rebbi you're aware of the very positive professional reviews and user comments on this site in another thread. Both of these designs are actually SE(P) pemtodes strapped in triode operation. Their price is certainly reasonable.

SET using DHT tubes is going to cost more to get good quality built and parts. Just depends which direction you want. I admit to a bias in favor of DHT tubed SET. If you decide to go SEP the Coincident Dynamo seems to be an excellent value and choice.
Charles,

charles1dad November 16, 2014 23:28

I can shed no light on Wright Audio of Oregon. However, about a year or so ago, due largly to Charle's influence, I entered the SET amp fold.

Having had EL 34 tubed (push-pull) amplification, (which was very good), I wanted to try an SET 300B amp. I lucked out, and found an Assemblge Audio SET 300B on auctiion here on Audiogon, which I won.

This amp has turned out to be the best amp I've had, with unmatched musicality. My main point is, to hold out for a good buy on a well made SET 300B amp, which to my ears, is bound to sound better than an EL 34 SET.

I had factory upgrades done on the amp by Parts Connexion (the amp was made by Sonic Frontiers), it sounded so good, I sprung for EML 300B XLS tubes, which actually brought this modest-priced amp to a fairly exalted level.

My investment in this amp is under $1800, and I haven't heard anything I like better.

I'm just relating my experience, what you are looking to do can be done, with a little luck.

I'm sure Charles will help guide you in the right direction, best of luck in your search.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan November 16, 2014 22:28

Charles,
As the resident SET guru and in my never-ending quest to make myself nuts choosing a SET amp, let me ask you a question...
Do you know anything about Wright Audio in Oregon? They have two integrated SET amps that are good looking, made in USA and very reasonably priced:
http://www.wrightaudio.us/lolita.htm
http://www.wrightaudio.us/royale_series_2.htm
But I am unable to find anything substantive about these amps outside the company web site.
Hmmmmmm....

rebbi November 16, 2014 20:05

Brett,
Thankfully ("thank god almighty") very soon you'll be "free at last". Wavelength SET and JBL speakers will surely keep you deeply entrenched in organic musical bliss. When it all comes together I hope you give serious consideration to posting this exceptional system on this site.
Charles,

charles1dad November 13, 2014 13:33

Hello Charles, I agree (as always) with Dan and yourself.
My tiny temporary place has out-lived it's function and has gotten tinier.
I am looking for a living space that will fit my JBL 4676 pair.
I have a dream. I've been to the JBL Mountaintop.
They shall be free to sing, at last:)

.

isochronism November 13, 2014 03:03

Dan: "Now , get off your butt"
Fortunately I was being facetious about the fragile thing.
I was wondering who would be the first to reprimand me.
You are steadfast on your post and I Rodger that, and hear that, Admiral Dan.
Very Excellent, Sir :)

isochronism November 13, 2014 02:02

Brett,
I agree with Dan, your system is too good to be sitting in mothballs and collecting dust. Get those wonderful amplifiers up and running and return to listening to the music you love.
Charles,

charles1dad November 13, 2014 02:00

Brett, it never ocurred to me you might be fragile, but sensory depravation of the musical kind can have serious negative effects.

But, not to worry, it seems the folk that favor Charles' thread are of the kind and gentle persuasion.

Now, get off your butt and get your system together! That's an order! (We need Admiral Rottenclam here to reinforce these orders (does anyone else remember Admiral Clam?).

Brett, it's great to hear from you, I hope all your tribulations were minor ones, and you are well and happy.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan November 13, 2014 00:51

Within this last month I have been buying some really nice music, mainly on vinyl. Charles, and others following this page would certainly approve of my choices.
Since I am not set-up to listen to them, my self-diagnosis is either to prod me to move to better location, or psychological self-torture.
I am open to any and all feedback on that as I trust your opinions .
(be gentile, I'm fragile:)

isochronism November 12, 2014 23:35

Hello Dan, I never check the system messaging here. I have been sidetracked with tribulations of this world. Perhaps too strong of a word.
If I had my amps, and hence, my system running, my savage beast would be more soothed, and I would use a lighter term. (Charles, see what I did there I answered your question,as well:) Example: I now can skillfully mentally multi-answer questions since that pesky background music is not totally taking over my concentration :)
Although, strangely enough, I seem to miss it terribly :(
I have been looking to move to a larger more perfect place with a dedicated system room taking full precedence.

isochronism November 12, 2014 23:24

Hi Brett,
"Autumn in Ney York" I've yet to hear a bad version of this beautiful standard. It's probably near impossible to screw up this song. Brett, any progress with your Wavelength amplifiers?
Charles,

charles1dad November 03, 2014 21:24