Our English Synopsis
1. Audio Culture: Zero Hour, Liftoff
Editorial. In our view High Fidelity is at the cultural crosscurrents
of music, technology, merchandizing and psychology. We are taken a
back by the seemingly limitless irrationality of the Hi-Fi world yet
we are striving to determine how to minimize the backwardness of
Hungarian audio culture. Our aim is to create a sounding board for
music-lovers and musicians, laymen and professionals, engineers and
business-people. Based on our carefully selected reference equipments
as well as on the advanced technology of the Hungarian
Electrotechnical Institute for Quality Control (MEEI), using objective
and subjective means we are searching for Hi-Fi products that combine
priceworthiness with listening satisfaction.
2. Hi-Fi Ways And Audio Paths
We hope to present the Hungarian readers the main tendencies and
achievements of the audio world. We plan to deal with the outstanding
controversies: direct drive vs belt drive, moving coil vs moving
magnet, transistor vs tube, separated vs combined components, dynamic
vs electrostatic speakers, normal vs multiamplification. Our goal is
to select such world renowned equipments that would provide a
relatively high standard for the Hungarian industry and market without
being absurdly excessive for local conditions. Our references: Sonus
Blue Label magnetic and EMT TSD 15 moving coil cartridge with
EMT-transformers (Our budget model: Ortofon FF 15E/II.); Thorens TD
126/III. turntable with Isotrack arm, Thorens TD 124/II. with Hadcock;
Radford SC 22/STA 25 pre/power amp; Spendor BC I. (for special tasks
JBL 4333) speakers; Revox A77/B77, Nakamichi 700 decks.
3. Hungaroton Record Weeks - For The Second Time
popularization of classical music, politico-cultural mission of
Hungaroton. Classical recordings are discounted for the duration of
the September promotion. Critics will present awards for the most
outstanding Hungarian recordings of the year, in various categories.
4. Record Sheet
Hifi Magazin is the first publication ever in Hungary which considers
among its dutios to present all the new records. 16 pages will be
devoted entirely to this task. In our first issue we will present 40
recently made classical recordings, all Hungarian products.
5. Page Of Mirages
Ideas on how to improve production and marketing in Hungary, possibly
not impossible at all, unlike our title. First among the primary
duties: the creation of a network of Hi-Fi retailing and servicing in
our country.
6. Presenting: Akai GX 4000 D
The best tape deck sold in Hungary so far. We feel that the subjective
test ("Seance") is more important than the specs. On an average good
quality program of pop music no difference perceived, not even at the
end of the tape, compared to the triply expensive Revox B77. The
difference however was easily felt when more demanding program was
played, espacially on a dynamically varied classical piece.
7. Our Starphoto: Marantz 4400 Receiver
Playmate of the month, worthy for the attention of Hi-Fi fans
especially for those who are not aware of the advantages of separates.
The preamp of the receiver costing DM 4800,- is mediocre at the best.
The most outstanding part is the power amp but even that lags behind a
15 year old domestic tube design (BEAG EA 057; about equivalent with a
well-modified Dyna ST7O). A most rewarding comparison.
8. Test
A comparison of the 8 most commonly owned turntables in Hungary. This
time testing would include motors and arms; in the next issue we
will analyze cartridges, thereafter we will get immersed in listening
tests as well as modifications.
9. Soundservice
Space for those desiring to inquire, needing advice, wishing to
comment or argue or even to advertize.
10. Edison Galactica
Is there any difference among 10 conductors or 10 outstanding
orchestras? Can live productions be judged? Can recorded music be
judged? András Pernye musicologist, about his doubts.
11. Following The Black Disc
How records are made. (And a soundman sounds off about his experiences
with the new mixing console.)
12. Instruments And Tones: Journey On Strings
"From lute to guitar, from guitar to lute". Dániel Benkő talks about
his instruments and their history.
13. June Soundstorm
So far the most power intensive popconcert of 1979 has been the
combined appearance of Osibisa and the local V-Moto-Rock in Budapest.
Ferenc Demjén, lead vocalist of the Hungarian group, reports on the
two groups' common tour abroad and the technical intricacies faced by
the hosts during their performance in Budapest's Kisstadion.
