Entertainment
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Audio File: Expensive isn’t always better
I watched this video regarding the value of vintage McIntosh audio systems on Youtube and looked down at my own McIntosh system with a little bit of buyer’s remorse. It’s been my experience that the McIntosh McAire creates a beautiful and full sound, but the unit is frankly best suited for a bedroom, office, or small space. However, I am not willing to hide my McIntosh in my bedroom or office. It is very pretty to look at. Surprisingly, I get incredible, full sound from my 40 year old Denon DRA-550. I’ve paired it to a Douk VU2 switch box so I can take output from other inputs and switch between the McIntosh and the Denon. My Denon is paired to a set of Sony SS-CS5 bookshelf speakers. The sound is very crisp, but the speakers need significant treble adjustment for high notes and tone input adjusted for sound brightness. The bass is arguably just fine for home listening. I have a wild assortment of input options: TV, CD, Tuner, Phono, Airplay via Airport Express 2, Bluetooth via AudioEngine B1 and direct device input via RCA/USB. An audiophile’s desire for great sound and varied inputs should never be underestimated.
So back to the topic of addressing the purchase of a vintage McIntosh system. It is my observation and opinion, that you can build a banger system for the money you’d spend on one McIntosh component. McIntosh is phenomenal. One of the reasons I bought my Jeep Grand Cherokee was because of the McIntosh sound system that came with the Overland model. It is beyond impressive, immersive and intoxicating. However, for home use, I would pay close attention to the videos that Skylab Audio puts out for great information and research on units that provide value, appeal, and a robust sound stage.
As a footnote, I once owned a 70’s Fisher audio system that was gorgeous. The audio was sultry and velvety; silky smooth sound with no fuss, hiss, buzz or problems. The unit simply petered out and I was not willing to fix it. I replaced it with a Sony STR-DH90. While this unit gets really good reviews, I was very disappointed. It fell flat for me. I didn’t like the sound produced by the unit as it seems suppressed and the volume level adjustment is simply strange to me as the incremental values range from zero to seventy seven. The Sony is now the “outdoor stereo” to be used for pool parties. It is paired to two Polk Atrium 4 outdoor speakers. The sound is agreeable, but nothing to write home about. I do think they sound better than the rock styled outdoor speakers or other permanent outdoor options; bluetooth or otherwise. In this case the subdued loudness output is probably a good thing so I do not bother the neighbors when I am having a pool party. 🥳 Incidentally, I have both a Chromecast Audio and an Apple Airport Express 2 as inputs for streaming, and there’s built in Bluetooth.
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Chill the Shrimp, Damnit!
So if you’re hosting a cocktail party, the last thing you want to do is poison your guests, right? Perhaps not everyone is aware that shellfish and seafood should be kept chilled (on ice or a chiller), not set out at room temperature. Don’t believe me? Look it up.
If it has been out for more than 2 hours, be warned.
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Stuck in My Head
Have you ever been fond of an odd/obscure song that you’re not quite sure why you like it, but you just do? I’ve got a few to share. No idea why I’m fond of them, but according to iTunes, I listen to them multiple times.
Melt My Heart, Book of Love
Mile High, Blondie
Blue Jeans (Chris Menace Remix), Lana Del Rey
Sunshine in the Rain, Bodies Without Organs
Shapeless and Talking Dirty, Vitas
The Girl is Mine, 99 Souls
Dodged a Bullet, Greg Laswell
Are You on Drugs, Fine China
Enjoy!
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Hopfields Gastropub in Midtown.
First and foremost, if you try to find this place coming from the South, don’t listen to your car’s navigation. The restaurant is not anywhere close to where you’re told to go. However, where it tells you to go, park immediately if you can find a spot! Once you’re out of the car, walk to the Northeast corner of the building and you’ll be right where you should be. I loved the bar menu. The cocktails were superb, albeit a tad sweet for me. Our table dined on a variety of entrees; the mussels were excellent, the steak as well and the pasta dish all received high marks. Of course, the bottle of wine may have helped with those rave reviews.
The place is cavernous and leads to back rooms and nooks that make you feel like you’re in an English pub. It is a well conceived space. Intriguing, actually. If my memory serves me correctly, with tip included we averaged about $60 per person. If you are on a cheap date, you might look elsewhere. If you want a fun place to hang out, the bar is great for people watching or waiting on your table. Call for reservations, trust me.
Craft Cocktail -
A Changing SOLA: Welcome “EL Burro”
Bwahhaaaa… the place is already closed and gone. Â Awaiting the next iteration.
Last month, South Lamar (SOLA) lost a 15+/- year old dining establishment. A a “cheap and cheerful” go-to spot called La Feria. It wasn’t expensive, it certainly had character, however, it was not a hopping place. The neighborhood was sad to see it go.
So out with the old and in with the new. Venture a few blocks up the street and you’ll find El Burro, a sister restaurant to Vox Table. Being a resident in the hood, I had to give it a whirl, of course. The place is cute, has a great bar serving super-effective margaritas and the menu is what I would call “upscale Mexican.” The menu is limited in scope, but there’s certainly plenty of items to choose from. Our waiter was exceptionally well-engaged with our table, and most notably, he took the time to explain the menu, options and dining concept. It was certainly more costly than you’d expect to pay for a typical Mexican dinner, but this is Lamar Union after all and I am sure they are being placed over a barrel paying for rent. It’s obvious that the Italian restaurant, Cantine, located across the street from El Burro struggles to bring in guests and I hope the same fate is not shared with El Burro. It is worth a visit and know that you’ll get a delicious and stiff margarita from the bartender. My meal was really quite delicious. It isn’t TexMex, but it isn’t Fonda San Miguel either; it’s something in between.
Gorditas, reinterpreted. -
