Letters (Jan. 1996)

A Satisfied Customer

Dear Editor:

I was thrilled beyond words to find your listing for the Lirpa Labs 1 Mk K3 preamp in your Annual Equipment Directory (October 1995). I bought a Lirpa Stealth Digital Surrealism Processor back in 1991 when I saw it in your publication. Trusting your staffs impeccable credentials and expertise, I immediately ordered one directly from the factory. I was eager to sample the unit's sonic excellence, hoping that it would be as good as the claims for it. But the instant I turned on the power, the damned thing completely disappeared. I mean, I simply could not see it at all! And when I reached for the instruction manual, darned if it was nowhere to be found either.

Anyhow, I've been eagerly waiting for you to mention Lirpa again so that I might purchase more of the professor's high-end equipment.

-Rd. Giarc Llerrem Sallad, Xet.

DSS a Delight

Dear Editor:

It struck me as interesting that in the "DSS Debate" in the October 1995 issue, the enthusiastic "pro" letter came from a DSS owner and user and that of the two "con" letters, one was from someone who had never seen or used DSS but liked seeing a product he didn't want to buy slammed.

And the other was from a user who agreed that the picture quality of various source channels varies at the source.

In fact, DSS is outstanding. As someone who has had DSS since its introduction, I feel Anthony H. Cordesman was off base in his criticism of the system (August 1995).

But I think part of some people's dissatisfaction might be because there were, from time to time, frequent digital artifacts in the various channels last June to August, as channels were added at the same time DirecTV's third satellite was being put on line. This called for wholesale readjustment of the transmission algorithms, and-as I found out a year earlier when the second satellite went on line-it takes a little while to perfect the load shift. By September all such artifacts had completely vanished.

I paid more than list price to order my DSS system through the mail, and to say I am delighted with it would be a major understatement!

-Eric Norberg Portland, Ore.

CD Portables: Lost and Found

Dear Editor:

I'd like to thank Edward M. Long for his review of CD portables in "Digital Memories for Road or Track: Five CD Portables" (September 1995). I took his recommendation of the Panasonic SL-S490 and am most impressed with it, especially in the car. Now we can listen wherever we go, regardless of the road conditions! Also, after reading Steve Haller's request (in last October's issue) for assistance in locating a cover for his Sony tape deck, I thought perhaps Audio could help me in my own search. I have a Sony D5 Discman and would like to find a carrying case and battery pack (the EBP-9LC), which are no longer available from Sony.

If any of Audio's readers can help, I would appreciate it if they would contact me.

Jon Oakleaf; 1330-13th St. Moline, Ill. 61265

Missing in Action

Dear Editor:

I am quite surprised that the turntable section in your most recent Annual Equipment Directory (October 1995) has no listings for Dual or Thorens turntables. Does this mean that those makers are no longer represented in the United States?

-William E. Parker; Antioch, Calif

Editor's Reply: It is our policy to list every manufacturer that returns our Directory forms. Many pains are taken to include everyone, but some companies fail to respond in time or do not respond at all. The latter is true for both Dual and Thorens.

Dual can be reached do Euro-Tech, 19 West 44th St., Suite 1010, New York, N.Y. 10036; fax, 212/840-2234. For information regarding Thorens, write to 84-05 Cuthbert Rd., Kew Gardens, N.Y. 11415; fax, 718/849 7698. We hope both Dual and Thorens will appear in the next Directory.

-T.C.

Parts, in a Pinch

Dear Editor:

I recently ran into a little problem where I need your advice. I own an Akai GX650D reel-to-reel recorder, which I bought in 1982. It has direct drive with dual capstans and appears to be built like a tank. I assumed I would not need to replace it in my lifetime. However, I am currently in need of replacement pinch rollers, Part No. MP67888. As you know, Mitsubishi gained ownership of Akai in the 1980s. Upon calling Mitsubishi, I learned these pinch rollers are no longer available. It seems somewhat discouraging to believe that the nonexistence of these $10 parts would determine whether I replace a $1,200 machine. Thanks for any help you can provide.

-Gary Wahlgren; Redondo Beach, Calif.

Editor's Reply: We know of two companies that may be able to help you. Because they may have a generic part rather than a direct replacement, you'll have to deal in inches, not part numbers. In the past, the following firms supplied parts similar to the one you want: Projector-Recorder Belt (W9390 State Rd. 59, Whitewater, Wisc. 53190; 414/473-2151) and Advanced Belt Technology ( 150 Industrial Park Rd., Middletown, Conn. 06457; 203/632-2211).

Errata

We regret that Polyfusion Audio was inadvertently omitted from the last Annual Equipment Directory (October 1995). Polyfusion Audio, makers of amps, preamps, D/A converters, and a CD transport, can be reached at 30 Ward Rd., Lancaster, N.Y. 14086; fax, 716/681-2763.

Also, TLT (Transmission Line Technologies) is located in Georgia and not, as listed in the Directory's Company Addresses, in California. TLT's correct address is P.O. Box 313, Winder, Ga. 30680; fax, 404/867-8567.

(adapted from Audio magazine, Jan. 1996)

= = = =