Sound and Light are the most primary of human senses. Naad Brahm is very commonly mentioned in ancient texts associating the idea of sound as a divine force emphasizing spirituality and music. To cut across to a famous Nirguni Bhajan pennd by Sant Kabir, the words are profound and prophetic – Sunta hai guru gyani, gyani, gyani, gyani, gyani (The one anointed by the Guru, hears Soft melodious sounds of cosmic directions). Paahile aaye, Naad bindu se peechhe jamaya paani, paani ho ji Sab ghat puran guru rahya hai, alakh purush nirvaani ho ji (Your soul originated from “naad bindu” [dot of celestial origin], and here, you hoard water [referring to things which by their very nature flow freely]. The whole world says repeatedly, this is how it is and must be. While Brahma Himself is without words. [soundless]. Well insightful words indeed! Alas, today, many say, music has deteriorated and more importantly the manner in which it is heard and recorded. This has not reduced the enthusiasm of music aficionados.
From the early Analogue days of music to current digital era the journey has been long and complicated. Analogue music, characterized by its warm, rich sound, was created using physical recording media such as vinyl records and magnetic tapes. Many music enthusiasts argue that this analogue warmth provided a more authentic and emotionally resonant listening experience. The eighties witnessed the rise of digital music. The introduction of the compact disc (CD) in 1982 revolutionized the music industry. Digital music converts sound waves into binary code, allowing for greater precision and clarity in sound reproduction. The debate between analogue and digital sound quality continues to this day. However, interestingly the water has been made murkier by manufactures of exotic Music Reproduction systems. These complicated sounding devices promise a lot but often deliver short. The costs of most of them are enormous. Many music lovers feel cheated despite spending considerable money & time, huddled over various systems in Studios and Music Rooms. Is there any way out?
Yes, there is, a Technically Qualified, professional and above all honest person who knows both machines and human listening capabilities and habits alike. Both need to be fine-tuned and adjusted to one another. To find such a guide is not easy. There are many who have opened outlets, more as businesses than Music/AV institutions. Obviously such places lack the essential soul. They simply import machines, read the literature and do the necessary sales pitch to the customer before closing the deal. More times than not it ends in disaster. There are a handful of such real guides in India, cities like Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai have some, Delhi has a mere handful. During, yours truly’s meandering in South Delhi one such luminary was discovered. A young man- lean, spiry, serious looking, deep in thought and earnest.
A second generation Delhite, Mr. Shantanu Haldar is a self-made, start up entrepreneur person and pioneer in the field. At an early age of …41 Years…….. he has developed an impeccable reputation in specialized Sale, Maintenance, Repair and troubleshooting of sophisticated Sound and Av Equipment. Having trained and rubbed shoulders at ground level with master craftsmen Mr. Haldar has an uncanny knack of going to the root cause of issues. Having mastered and honed his skills over a long period of skilled practice he does not believe in single line approach but attacks any problems from multiple end. This is seen best when he is doing consultation and advising Corporates about installations and keeping equipment relatively future proof. An accomplished Violinist, with a rich repertoire of Classical Western Musicians both classic and modern, his genuine love for music reflects upon the work he does and the avocation he follows. Despite his busy schedule he always takes out time to help out genuine music lovers with their equipment and queries. When there is not one to help with equipment or better outputs one can resort to his Work Shop – Unique AV Electronics at 40/221, LGF, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi – 110019. The place has a spacious and well equipped Studio for Demo of High-fidality audio equipments and Music Systems along with a well-appointed Bench for Repair, Maintenance and querying. The place is neat and has an almost learning institution like atmosphere, with a bevy of Technicians, Music Tuners, Lab interventionists to take care of all the needs of customers. He sells equipment to Corporates, Business Houses, Hotels, Hospitals, Homes etc. along with choosy individuals. Recently he has opened an assembly line for manufacture of exclusive limited edition, Valve (Vacuum Tube) Based Amplifies along with Compatible Speakers for discerning music lovers. Even ordinarily commercially recorded music sound out of this world. Prior to listening on the Set Up manufactured by Shantanu Haldar, I had never heard the hidden sounds on the Vinyl, CDs, Cassettes which I had listened countless times before that too on comparatively sophisticated Music Systems. Well, it’s a virtual paradise for discerning music lovers.
Folks, if you get that bug for good music and good music equipment make an appointment with Mr. Shantanu Haldar and head to his outlet. (By Sidhart M)
