We are greatly saddened by the passing of Rondi D’Agostino (78) of Krell Industries. She was one of the most-loved and warm-hearted people in high-end audio. It was always a pleasure to see her at shows and events, where she was a powerful presence. I first got to meet her in the 1980s and could not help but smile every time I saw her walking towards me in a hotel hallway or industry event.
Rondi had been an audiophile since she was a teenager when she heard a Fisher system while babysitting. It was an ear-opening moment. Rondi began her career at Mark Levinson, where she met Dan D’Agostino (now of Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems), and the two of them founded Krell in 1980. The company went through a number of business trials and tribulations before she eventually regained her status as president. Krell has stated that they will continue to honor her legacy – as will so many of us, who will miss her beyond words.
In this issue: Paul McGowan continues his series on the 50th anniversary of PS Audio. Octave Records releases the second in its Audiophile Masters series of cover songs, this time with a jazz bent. I cover two new and noteworthy releases: flugelhornist Franco Ambrosetti’s ravishing Sweet Caress, and the new Impex 2-LP 45-RPM reissue of Sing and Dance with Frank Sinatra. Wayne Robins reviews Jack White’s new album, No Name. Harris Fogel wraps up his NAMM coverage and has some thoughts on musical instrument manufacturing.
B. Jan Montana vanquishes his inner demons. FIDELITY magazine travels from Germany to Brooklyn to visit a jazz kissa. I gear up for playing in a rock band. Ray Chelstowski talks with jamtronica band Lotus, and Americana artists Fruition. Rudy Radelic’s The Vinyl Beat checks out new reissues from Wilson Pickett, Arthur Conley, Ray Charles, Tito Puente and more, and rediscovers an old gem. PS Audio’s StellarGold preamp gets a video review from The Absolute Sound, and other accolades. Ken Kessler revisits his reel-to-reel roots and discovers some surprises. I have some short takes on Lou Reed, Patricia Barber, K-pop, and jazz guitarist Dave Stryker. The issue wraps up with stone knives and bearskins, a space odyssey, and mobile art.
Contributors to This Issue:
Ray Chelstowski, Frank Doris, Harris Fogel, Rich Isaacs, Ken Kessler, Paul McGowan, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Wayne Robins, Roland Schmenner, Peter Xeni
Logo Design:
Susan Schwartz-Christian, from a concept by Bob D’Amico
Editor:
Frank Doris
Publisher:
Paul McGowan
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– FD
