dsavitsk

Looks like they cheaped out on the input transformers (LL1544A I think). Bass response is poor on these compared to their bigger brothers (LL1690/LL1676) as is level handling - they'll clip from a lot of modern sources - which will ultimately limit the output signal.

‘We get a lot of requests for it be used in sex scenes’: how Goldfrapp made Ooh La La https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2026/jan/26/sex-scenes-how-goldfrapp-made-ooh-la-la-baudelaire

Grand Slam of Curling is currently streaming for free (with ads) via Plex.

https://www.amazon.com/Overlook-Shining-Non-Slip-Doormats-Bedroom/dp/B085HGM3CN

‘I’d never heard anything like it’: the prepared piano revelations of jazz star Jessica Williams Dave Brubeck called her a great and Mary Lou Williams gave her advice. But the prodigy grew frustrated with jazz, quit and started dismantling her instrument. A superb new reissue showcases her findings https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jan/05/jessica-williams-jazz-prepared-piano-blue-abstraction

We skipped the BEPs this year as the luck thing hasn't worked for the last few. Went with a whole einkorn wheat flatbread with onions, shallots, anaheim peppers, gouda, cheddar, parmigiano, and herbs.

https://deadline.com/2025/12/isiah-whitlock-jr-dead-the-wire-spike-lee-movies-1236658855/

In one paragraph he bemoans how little streaming services pay artists, and in the next relishes his experience listening to bootleg Sonic Youth recordings.

I don't know why anyone, other than the hardest core of audiophiles, would want any headphones with a wire anymore. So no specific recommendation (except that the B&Ws are overpriced for what they are, but you probably assumed that already) but a recommendation to look at Bluetooth phones.

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday!

I could listen to the tone of this instrument all night.

Happy birthday!