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In the Forum: Analog Playback
In the Thread: I need a “second-type” phonostage.
Post Subject: Phonostage and illuminationPosted by hagtech on: 6/1/2006
Interesting.  I remember getting low contrast levels when using the asa 32 film (I think it was pan-x), but huge grey scales.  Sometimes I shot in tri-x just to add drama.  In the end though, my best prints were from the pan-x using nearly monochromatic enlarger illumination and then developing the paper for extraordinary long times.  The subtleties and nuances in the image lived on.  One thing I know is that narrow-banding the illumination gets you better contrast and sharpness through the enlarger lens.  Fewer ghost images, backscatter, and stray rays.

In terms of audio, I think a loss of microdetail results in higher contrast.  Sort of like a CD.  The grey scale is quantized and you can only get so small.  So any phonostage that smears or adds noise or grain tends to mask the subtle shades of music.  There is a loss of resolving power.

So perhaps your front end is not warm, but rather emphasizes resolution and shades of grey.  It is not about thunderous slam and meter-pegging dynamics.  I guess this is the difference between excitement and emotion.  The former is a temporary and fatiguing condition, whereas the latter remains involving and can connect you with the musician.  Perhaps this is a personal choice?  Some audiophiles just want to be entertained (or show off to friends).  I have to admit, sometimes I end up in this category with a need to crank up some heavy metal.

jh

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