This is absolutely fantastic, and thoroughly technical -- particularly the SPICE simulations. After becoming equally engrossed in designing a "perfect" microphone capsule, I'm tempted to build one myself.
This was written 12 years ago -- I wonder how the author feels now. Specifically I'm curious if the author is still contented with the equipment. Also, apropos of nothing save for sheer curiosity, I'm interested to know what input media (i.e., specific recordings and formats) and output equipment the author used (or uses) for both testing and pleasure.
I'm actually the author's son, but I can confirm that yes, he's still happy with it. Remarkably, it seems to have resulted in a permanent remission of what had previously seemed like terminal audiophilia (remodelling the house to properly dampen its resonance, that kind of thing). He has since channelled his obsessive tendencies into digital imaging, which is an altogether more profitable endeavour.
This was written 12 years ago -- I wonder how the author feels now. Specifically I'm curious if the author is still contented with the equipment. Also, apropos of nothing save for sheer curiosity, I'm interested to know what input media (i.e., specific recordings and formats) and output equipment the author used (or uses) for both testing and pleasure.