This is what separates a good if basic record player from equivalently priced digital sources, be they CD or network based. The errors inherent in the analogue encoding and replay process are less intrusive and less obstructive to our musical appreciation. In contrast, the flaws in digital replay might be considerably lower in quantitative terms, but do way more damage – from temporal inconsistency and locational instability, to the flattening of dynamics and bleaching and tonal colours. The results are, all too often, disjointed or indistinct rhythms, a lack of substance and energy in the music, a lack of shading and contrast in the playing and performance.
It’s the ability to use the information available, as constructively as possible, that leads to musical coherence in a system – any system, be it analogue, digital or even a live band. It’s what makes music out of noise. Reconstituting the musical pattern, the relationships between the instruments in a band and the notes they play is what matters. Without it, all we are listening to is sound: a lot of sound…
Alles Gute (Maria Wilma – Rundum Music rm. 2511001) is a beautiful collection of one take recordings capturing gentle pop songs in an intimate environment. With backing from piano, guitar, bass and drums, the German lyrics make (for this listener at least) the voice into just another instrument but in some ways that adds to the beauty in both the music and the recording. This is one of those inherently simple recordings that’s going to sound great on a Dansette, but on the OL ‘table it’s remarkable: natural, unforced, expressive and remarkably lifelike. The record player’s expressive dynamics, natural tonality and balanced perspective (helped by the innate musical manners and natural tonality of the Royal N) make the most of what is an astonishingly natural recording. Despite the multi-micced nature, the musical presentation is impressively connected. The bass playing is articulate and beautifully paced. The bass drum establishes the musical pulse, the snare is solid with just the right snap. The cymbals, so often a distraction on multi-track recordings, are perfectly timed and musically relevant. Over it all, the guitar and vocal weave and soar, drawing elongated lines full of shape and texture. As simple as the pattern is, any tendency to bend it out of shape would be immediately apparent – but with the Aurora and Zephyr, the music just is. It’s an object lesson in doing the things that matter and doing them right.
Even when you step up in scale, the OL ‘table manages to remain remarkably unflustered. Playing the Original Source Series Reissue of The Colin Davis/BSO – Sibelius Symphony No. 5 (Philips 6500 959/Decca Pure Analogue 4871495) where binding dynamic and musical continuity out of the fractured orchestration is everything, the Aurora/Zephyr manage to keep your focus firmly on the performance. The soundstage is wide enough, with enough substance to offer an impressive sense of scale and orchestral power. The subtle, pizzicato thematic repeats in the second movement are beautifully teased out, the tremulous massed strings and the bursts of energy projected by the emerging brass in the towering finale are traversed if not with ease, then with all the requisite density and intensity. It sums up just what an accomplished performer this record player, so deceptively simple in appearance, really is in practice.
Taking stock…
The Aurora/Zephyr is a surprising combination capable of putting a smile on any listener’s face. Its fluid grace, easy yet bold dynamics, unforced sense of flow and overall musical clarity make it a remarkably convincing performer, especially given its comparatively modest price. It’s engaging and involving presentation speaks volumes about its musical integrity, balance of virtues and overall coherence. As a pair of products, they both confirm the ongoing attraction and relevance of vinyl replay – especially at the more affordable end of the market – and challenge conventional wisdom when it comes to budget allocation. The Rega tonearm(s) has(have) become so ubiquitous that few stop to consider its shortcomings. The Zephyr makes a compelling case for more sophisticated tonearm design and a greater budgetary allocation. Moving forward, I’m going to be increasing the overall budget and we’ll see if the logic holds beyond the Origin Live line.
