Gene:

How about this . . . ?

For maximum effect and WARMTH --- why not just get the artist to stand in the middle of your living room?? All I need is David and his acoustic guitar --- I'll even chip in for the plane fare.

If REALISM is what you're after --- then go for the real deal.

!

Now mastering is a thorny issue --- depending on whether or not you are referring to tonal quality or listener preference.

I haven't been in a studio in awhile --- but with the son of one of my best friends' getting ready to hit the big time --- I may have that chance again soon. However, the way I judge mastering is by original analog-to-digital masters getting "upgraded" so to speak.

This past two years saw remastering of two of my favorite artists' back catalogs --- PETER GABRIEL and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS. In each case, a better listening experience was achieved. My pet peeve is HISS --- as in my book THAT is the deal breaker.

Also recently, my all-time favorite guitar player has had a technological upgrade to his back catalog --- JIMI. Listening to his first album used to be less enjoyable because of the flaws inherent in a tape master made in 1967 --- the top of the line back then seems so quaint to our technical prowess of today.

Perhaps that was what OZZY meant by the phrase TECHNICAL ECSTACY?!?!?

I have over 3,000 CD's in my home and about 500 DVD's --- so upkeep and maintenence of this large library is important to me.

Also, when I put my living room theatre together --- I spent close to $15,000 on the total system. THAT made a huge difference --- believe me. Todays' digital amps have so much on them in terms of sound sculpting ability --- even the most minute adjustments can make a huge difference.

Finally --- perhaps the most important are the best speakers with the letters BOSE somewhere on them. I have an ALTEC- LANSING 5.1 system in my office and it is no comparison in terms of sound.

Also, if you get a chance get the BOSE noise-cancelling headphones. They are about $300/US but worth every penny! I was listening to the DARK SIDE OF THE MOON heartbeat, and my housekeeper had the vacuum cleaner on right next to me, and I could not hear anything BUT the heartbeat!!

KDB = Buffalo, NY USA