Added to the Archives This Week

Paul Bolin says that the Balanced Audio Technology VK-51SE line preamplifier "made a profound impression on me at the 2003 Consumer Electronics Show." Once in his very own listening lair, did the BAT continue to impress? PB tells all.

Next, Lonnie Brownell reviews the Arcam FMJ A22 integrated amplifier to determine if metal faceplates do, in fact, make a difference. LB asks, "For $400 more than what you'd pay for an Alpha 10, you get a new faceplate?" "Actually," he adds, "there's a bit more to it."

More than just a pretty face? Chip Stern fires up the Manley Labs Stingray integrated amplifier, noting, "While the Stingray's aural charms ultimately proved quite engaging, I was initially captivated by its radical styling."

Finally, the latest installment in our "Recording of the Month" series for the online archives, Recording of April 1993: A Meeting by the River. Corey Greenberg listens to this acoustic milestone from Ry Cooder and Vishwa Bhatt, recorded by Kavi Alexander, and screams "GO KAVI GO!"

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