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Reviewer's Bio
Alfred Fredel
The story begins in Miami...
Growing up as part of the performing arts community in Miami, I was a boy soloist with the Greater Miami Opera and the Miami Choral Society. Throughout the years, music has always been a part of my life and listening to music is always one of my favorite pastimes. Fast-forward to my years at the University of Miami where I continued to sing with the Greater Miami Opera and earned a degree in Vocal Performance while making a significant detour through the Studio Music and Jazz program at UM and dabbled in world music. It was here where I met Peter McGrath, who introduced me to the wonders of audio gear (Thank you Peter, I still have those headphones I purchased from you over 20 years ago!). After that introduction, the hook was set and has never been dislodged.
Miami to NJ in 20 Years...
Twenty years later in New Jersey, after earning both a Master Degree in Music and an MBA, I still enjoy my toys in the basement, always trying new things to reach that elusive pinnacle of audio bliss. I have worked in many roles within the performing arts industry including work as an agent for artists, a producer at a performing arts venue, running a marketing department for a music publisher and as the CEO of a small opera company. I am now the Director of Media and Marketing for the critically acclaimed performing arts series "Peak Performances @ Montclair State University". My love of music extends to many genres including classical, world, jazz and older R & B; and oh yes… I have a soft spot for vinyl.
There are many recordings that I listen to where I have a personal connection to the artists and deep understanding of what they should sound like in a live setting. I would say that I rely on my ears to provide me with a strong measure of reference, given many years of attending diverse performances. I have been fortunate to attend performances at some of the finest venues in the world and have had my share of late nights at jazz clubs. My goal is to reproduce (as closely as possible) that special balance of tonality and energy that I enjoy when I attend a live performance while in the comfort of my listening room. Ultimately, I want to enjoy the music.
Here is how I enjoy the music in my listening room:
Analog:
Moth Alamo X turntable, Moth MKIII (RB300) tonearm,
Incognito arm rewire, Goldring 1042 cartridge
Linn Basik, Akito Tonearm, Audio-Technica AT-OC9 MLII cartridge
Pro-Ject Phono Box SE phono preamplifier
Digital:
Cambridge Audio Azur 840C up-sampling CD player
Amplification:
PS Audio's Trio P-200 preamplifier
PS Audio HCA-2 amplifier
PS Audio GCA 500 amplifier
Loudspeakers:
Magnepan MG1.6 loudspeakers
Platinum Audio Solos Loudspeakers
AAD E-8 subwoofer
Cables:
Audio Art SC-5 speaker cables in a bi-wire configuration
Kubala-Sosna Fascination
Audio Art ICE-3
Custom balanced cables by Ultimate Audio (between preamplifier and amplifier).
Power:
PS Audio Duet Power Center
Bybee Quantum AC Filter
Audio Art High Current power cords.
Accessories:
Bybee Slipstream filters
Custom myrtle support cubes
Bright Star Isonodes
Shakti Stone
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