Equipment

What Happened to Musician’s Friend?
Equipment, Instruments

What Happened to Musician’s Friend?

Musician’s Friend was initially founded by Rob and DeAnna Eastman. As newlyweds, the couple financed their startup with a $5,000 loan from Rob’s family. They ran the business out of their garage for a time before relocating the company’s headquarters to a dairy barn in Southern Oregon. The first mail-order […]

Denon vs Marantz Sound Quality
Equipment, Home Stereo Systems

Denon vs. Marantz Sound Quality

It doesn’t take long to settle on a Denon or a Marantz product when you start looking at receivers. You’ll find several similarities between the two across each price point. Whether you need an entry-level receiver or a premium model, comparing and contrasting the different models can help you find […]

Tube vs. Solid State Rectifiers
Equipment

Tube vs. Solid State Rectifiers

When people start talking about tube vs. solid state anything in the guitar world, most opinions state that the latter is inferior. Although a tube amplifier creates beautiful music, making a buying decision based on the idea that solid state tech is typically inferior isn’t always the right path to […]

Raspberry Pi Audio Streaming
Equipment

Raspberry Pi Audio Streaming

Raspberry Pi is one of the best computing options you can find today. This low-cost microcomputer runs Linux, delivering an almost endless number of potential extensions. The original Raspberry Pi was meant for educational programs and environments, but it has become a popular DIY resource for numerous projects. When you […]

Difference Between USB and MIDI Controllers
Equipment

Difference between USB and MIDI Controllers

When creating electronic music, the two most popular choices to use today are USB and MIDI controllers. This option can be used with an instrument directly, through an audio pickup, or through adapters and converters. If you’re serious about creating the perfect sound, it’s important to know the differences between […]

Marshall 1960A and 1960B
Equipment, Speakers

Marshall 1960A and 1960B

Cabinets with a 4×12-inch shape deliver excellent sound. They’re built with enough power to handle a live event while giving you a nice punch. Depending on the manufacturer and brand, you can find everything from a modern look to vintage appeal when using this cabinet size. When you look at […]

John Darko DAC Index Is Now Password Protected
Equipment

John Darko DAC Index Is Now Password Protected

DAC stands for “digital to analog conversion.” John Darko has been one of the most consistent reviewers in this category since 2016. Darko compares rating DACs to trying to hit a moving target. You can find upgraded models, re-contextualization, newcomer perspectives, and the RRP movement all provide influences in this […]