LATEST ADDITIONS

An old adage has it that one common type of fool believes that anything new must be better.

From the December 2001 issue, Robert Deutsch tries something completely different when he fires up the <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/amplificationreviews/120147">47 Laboratory 4706 Gaincard power amplifier</A>. RD notes, "The pursuit of simplicity in the design of solid-state audio electronics is perhaps best exemplified by the products from 47 Laboratory." Less is often more, but with the 4706 Gaincard, is it better?

Will the decline ever end for the music business?

Radio has been getting a new lease on life, with Sirius and XM satellite services, DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting), and Internet "stations" popping up in the tens of thousands. With the Clear Channelfication of North America's FM and AM airwaves, many would argue that the timing couldn't be better for launching new broadcast technologies.

<B>THE SUBDUDES: <I>Miracle Mule</I></B><BR>
Back Porch 70876-18410-2-2 (CD). 2004. Subdudes, Freddy Koella, prods.; Warren Dewey, eng. AAD? TT: 52:13<BR>
Performance <B>*****</B><BR>
Sonics <B>***&#189;</B>

Usually, I review a component after it has impressed me at a show or in a store. Though this approach reduces the possibility of a bad review&mdash;I pre-select based on real experience&mdash;it does not minimize the possibility of disappointment. This makes me a sort of stand-in for the consumer who would like to take something home for a real shakeout, and only then decide to buy it or send it back.

As technology develops, things get more and more complicated. With every update of Windows, the program offers greater flexibility, but runs slower and makes greater demands on hardware. Automobiles have become so complex that only the most highly trained mechanics are able to fix even a minor malfunction. Surround-sound processors come with inch-thick owner's manuals.