small but increasing number of phono stages offers switchable EQ for record replay, yet history suggests that all records made after 1958 should conform to the RIAA curve, so why bother? In fact, adoption of RIAA EQ was neither universal nor the overnight revolution that some suggest. Many record labels continued to use their own replay curves for a decade or more, and there is evidence to suggest that some major record labels never adopted the RIAA curve at all.

Roy Gregory, TAB's European editor, will address these and other relevant issues during presentations conducted at Munich's High End show, which is held next week, May 10-13. Roy will use a range of records -- classical, jazz and pop -- to show just how musically important correct replay EQ can be. If you listen to records pressed in the 1960s, '70s or '80s, you can’t afford to ignore this issue; phono stages that do ignore it limit performance, not just the performance of your system but also the performances captured on many of your records. EQ variations have significant musical impact, and Roy will explain and illustrate how and why.

These presentations will take place at noon in Atrium 4, room F204, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We anticipate that each presentation will be 30-40 minutes long, and seats will be available on a first come, first served basis.