February 24, 2009

• California Audio Labs Sigma, Part 1

  15 years ago, in early 1994, Richard Marx's bland Paid Vacation was lost among the louder pop music which was dominating the day.  However, within that sub-segment called adult contemporary, the wimpy "Now And Forever" did run its course.

  All right, for the audiophiles, all my pictures of stereo gear are like porn.  The 'philes can't get enough, and on a weekly basis, keep requesting more.  But I also receive requests for more pics of life around San Francisco.  I don't get out much, so I haven't been taking many shots. 
  
  But in 1994, I was back home in S.F.  Just as I did in high school, I'd pass the Frenchy's Adult Superstore on Geary.  I have no idea what it was called back then.  In the 80s, it was known as a seedy place.  But by 1994, it had morphed into "adult entertainment," appealing more to the masses, than some narrow, sleazy niche.  I guess this is now today's "adult contemporary!"

  Note that the sign reads, "Now bush free."  That could refer to GWB being out of office.  Or it could refer to the fact that much of porn nowadays features women with full Brazilian wax jobs.

  In early 1994, I was using my first DAC (digital-to-analog converter), the Theta Cobalt 307.  In hindsight, maybe I should have gotten the similarly-priced California Audio Labs Sigma. 
  
  Last year, I blogged about the Sigma II.  But my colleagues and I located this old dame, the original Sigma.
  
  The front panel only has a power-on LED.  I guess that's kind of like an old school molded dildo, one without all the batteries, bumps, noises, and lights.
  
  The rear does have single-ended outputs, Toslink input, S/PDIF input via RCA, 15-amp IEC jack, and an on/off switch.  To audiophiles, all of these features are kinky!    

  • 3:36 am
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