As often happens with labels, the word "audiophile" has different meanings for different folks. How would you explain what it means to a friend?
Like the proverbial camel who took over the tent after getting just his nose in, it appears that once copy protection is given an inch, it will inevitably try to get in all the way. At least that's how it appears with an increasing variety of CD copy protection systems now currently being tested <I>en masse</I> by the major record labels. Latest to announce a new "evaluation agreement" is BMG Entertainment, which will use and evaluate SunnComm's MediaCloQ "digital content cloaking technology", first put to the test earlier in the year on a Charley Pride CD (<A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/news/11004/">see previous</A>).
The <A HREF="http://www.nab.org">National Association of Broadcasters</A> has lost a round in its fight to avoid paying royalties for music streamed over the Internet.
<A HREF="http://www.umusic.com">Universal Music Group</A> and <A HREF="http://www.wmg.com">Warner Music Group</A> are more than friendly competitors, in the view of the <A HREF="http://www.ftc.gov">Federal Trade Commission</A>. They are also partners in crime, according to charges filed against the two on July 31 in New York.
Although the deal was <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/news/11038/">announced</A> by both companies only weeks ago, it appears that <A HREF="http://www.audioadvisor.com">Audio Advisor</A> will in fact not be distributing Musical Fidelity products in the US after September 1. In AA's place, Musical Fidelity has chosen Kevro International as the exclusive US distributor for its complete line of electronic products. According to Kevro International spokesperson Kathy Ginn, "Musical Fidelity [has] chosen to market [its] products through independent specialists rather than [continue] their previous approach [of distributing the line] through mail order and the Internet. And, unfortunately, AA will no longer be a dealer."
Wes Phillips is hesitant as he takes a listen to a revised version of the first speaker he ever reviewed for <I>Stereophile</I>. Will the new <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com//loudspeakerreviews/386/">ProAc Response One SC loudspeaker</A> vindicate his original positive assessment of its predecessor, the ProAc Response One S? Phillips admits all.
"He's putting the drums in the <I>rear</I> channels?!?"
Here's another question that we haven't asked in a while: With the increase in decent sound card options over the last couple of years, have you found yourself using your computer to play music?
News <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/news/11094/">last week</A> about SafeAudio CD copy protection indicates that while fighting pirates, the major record labels are also attempting to seal off the ability of users to place their own music from CDs onto computers. If they succeed, the only alternative for consumers who want non-pirated music on their desktops will be to buy content directly from the labels themselves, or companies set up to legally supply digital audio.