Part 1
I have been putting off going to Prem’s for a long time. Mainly because week nights did not work for him and weekends I wasn’t going to Bandra. Finally, shook off the lethargy and with the self righteousness of someone who worked the Deepavali weekend, I decided to trudge.
Even then with some reservations. I wasn’t going to listen to the famed Bernings or the Western Electric cables driving the JBL 4343 - instead a Denon all in one!
Boy, am I glad I went! His beautiful house (everything in its right place, to quote Radiohead) was transformed into a Studio when the needle hit the groove. And what mighty speakers.
“Hey there is more reverb on this”
“Did you see that he changed the guitar?”
“Oi, didn’t notice before but this song is driven by bass.”
The sound was very different from the sound I go for - emphasising mainly tone (BBC zindabad). This was extremely good on transients, initial attack was electrifying and voices, especially male voices, were outstanding. Bass was tight.
Higher up is where I would prefer the BBC. The inner resolution (micro dynamics) is addictive with BBC. For example, say woodwinds in orchestral sounds spooky. Roundness. Sweetness in strings - accuracy be damned. Despite the fact that it won’t rock out as well.
Like I told him and Hari, if I were a rich man (Dee Dee Dee Dee Dee Dum), I would probably go for a Harbeth 40.2. And have the option of Prem’s for a rock evening.
Prem’s room was also great. His hospitality immaculate. For those who have never heard what a mastering engineer hears - go and listen now!
Area of improvement: his dancing. I mean, dude!!