Burmester 911 MK3 Power Amplifier

Burmester 911 MK3 Power Amplifier

Anthony Kershaw
Amplifiers, Star Component Award

Dieter Burmester has been a force in the high-end audio business since 1977, but North America has experienced his particular brand of brilliance for only the past few years. I first heard about Herr Burmester and his glittering equipment through the pages of The Absolute Sound – hp raved about digital and power gear alike. The look of the equipment was intriguing and certainly espoused an expensive aura; if the look was commensurate with sound, then winners had arrived from the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Focal – JM Lab Utopia III ‘Scala Utopia’ Loudspeaker

The Focal – JM Lab Utopia III ‘Scala Utopia’ Loudspeaker

Anthony Kershaw
Loudspeakers, Star Component Award

I’ve been listening to JM Lab products for many years, primarily at shows and at a few Canadian dealers. They always seem to be on show. They look magnificent, feature top quality components and are in the upper echelon of high end pricing. Interestingly, they have never been among my favorites. Sure, all the models, from stand mounted monitors to the aptly titled Grande Utopia sound grand, indeed, but to my ears they miss some of the clinical nature of other similarly priced loudspeakers. 

Quiet Nights—Diana Krall

Quiet Nights—Diana Krall

Harry Currie
Music

I must have had a weak moment a few days ago, for I was wandering around a video/CD store in Bang Saen, Thailand, where I’m on staff at Burapha University’s western music department, and much to my surprise, among the Thai pop CDs, I spied Diana Krall’s new release, Quiet Nights. Checking out the tunes, largely standards and bossa novas, with arrangements by Claus Ogerman, I put aside my inherent distaste for Krall (I had reviewed her live) and bought the CD.

Essential Purcell

Essential Purcell

Anthony Kershaw
Music

Without apology, the review that follows will be an unreserved rave! Essential Purcell is a sampler of selections from Hyperion Records' comprehensive survey of the works of Henry Purcell. Purcell's music, much of it hitherto unknown to me, makes an indelible impression as he casts spell after spell in the popular and religious musical forms of the 17th century. I believe the music is essential listening whether secular or devotional. With quality such as this, it is no wonder Purcell was a star of the compositional firmament during the Restoration.