Stereophile Staff

The Home Technology & Photography Group (HT&P) of Primedia and website <A HREF="http://BestStuff.com">BestStuff.com</A&gt; announced today the launch of <I>Best</I>, a shopping magazine focused on the products and experiences that enhance an upscale lifestyle. <I>Best</I>, which hits newsstands on Thursday, November 6 at a $3.99 cover price, is an "aspirational" magazine which offers features ranging from the selection and use of home theaters and high-end audio and video systems, to digital photography, computers, and video imaging products, as well as the finest in automobiles and ultimate travel suggestions.

From the May 2002 issue, Michael Fremer positions the <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?951">Odeon La Traviata loudspeaker</A> in his listening lair, writing, "Interest in super-efficient, horn-loaded, compression-driver loudspeakers has grown in the past few years." But as MF finds, horns may not always do the trick.

This month, <I>Stereophile</I> brings you the Internet's largest community of qualified audio and video buyers and sellers, powered by industry leader Audiogon. Visitors to Stereophile.com will find a new "<A HREF="http://marketplace.stereophile.com">AV Marketplace</A>" link that connects directly to the most robust venue for buying and selling used and new audio and video equipment on the Web. Services also include an online Bluebook for quick evaluation of used equipment prices, online used equipment forums, member product reviews, information on manufacturers, and a member feedback system.

From the October issue, Art Dudley mounts the <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?947">Dynavector DV10x5 MC phono cartridge</A> (on his tonearm, that is) and spins a few records. AD explains, "This is the first entry-level Dynavector to incorporate the company's colorfully named <I>flux damping</I> and <I>softened magnetism</I>."

From the October issue, John Atkinson gets acquainted with the <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?942">Morel Octwin 5.2M loudspeaker</A>, noting, "Once you become accustomed to its admittedly weird looks, it is actually visually appealing and has a small footprint in the listening room." But there's something about the Morel's sound that causes JA to raise an eyebrow.

<A HREF="http://www.siriusradio.com">Sirius Radio</A> has added an entertainment industry heavyweight to its board of directors.

Wes Phillips slips into his well-worn flame-proof underwear as he bravely introduces audiophiles to the musical merits of the <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com//digitalsourcereviews/934/">Apple iPod</A>. WP finds he likes living at the edge of audio trendiness, exclaiming, "Holy cow! I'm running with the fashionistas! Can I still be an audiophile, too?"