How interested are you in an audiophile music server product?
In <A HREF="http://cgi.stereophile.com/cgi-bin/showsoap.cgi?393">last week's Soapbox</A>, reader Andrew A. Edmonds wondered why there aren't more high-end "hard-disk
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Linn Akiva MC phono cartridge
The observation has been made, often and well, that audio writers are out of touch when it comes to judging value for money. For one thing, we get to live with exotic gear for months at a time, without spending a penny. For another, when we <I>do</I> decide on a more permanent upgrade, we usually get the opportunity to buy at wholesale—at a so-called "industry accommodation price," extended to us because, after all, we <I>are</I> a part of the industry.
Lamm ML2.1 monoblock power amplifier
One of my best friends is a serious jazz collector with a side interest in good replay gear. The last time we got together over a meal, he asked, "What do you think is <I>really</I> the most important component in an audio system?" He might have added "these days": It's a subject we come back to from time to time.
Polk RTi4 loudspeaker
In the September 2001 <I>Stereophile</I> (Vol.24 No.9), I wrote very favorably about Polk's <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/loudspeakerreviews/417">RT25<I>i</I> loudspeaker</A> ($319.90/pair). That bookshelf model impressed me with its open, neutral midrange; its pristine, extended high-frequency response; and its low-level dynamics. On the minus side, the RT25<I>i</I> was fairly limited in low-bass extension and high-level dynamic slam. At the time, I was seeking a new speaker for my home computer music-composition system, and I bought the review samples—the only time I've done that since I began to write for <I>Stereophile</I> some 20 speaker reviews ago.
mbl 101E Radialstrahler loudspeaker
Back in the late 1980s, when I was writing for The Abso!ute Sound and couldn't afford any of the audio gear I was reviewing, my system consisted of an Oracle turntable with Magnepan unipivot arm, a pair of Spica TC-50 loudspeakers, and a heavily modified Hafler DH-200 power amp and DH-101 preamp. It was a fun system that imaged like hell, but my fondest audio memories of that time were of visiting fellow TAS reviewer Dr. Michael Gindi, who lived on Manhattan's West End Avenue, and listening to his mbl speakers. (With his shrink's paycheck, he could afford them.)
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Added to the Archives This Week
From the October 2004 issue, John Atkinson reviews the <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/amplificationreviews/1004halcro">Halcro dm38 power amplifier</A>, noting, "When Halcro's affable US distributor, Philip O'Hanlon, asked me if I would be interested in reviewing the company's first two-channel design, the $18,790 dm38, I didn't need much persuading."
Music Notes
Skyrocketing ticket prices kept summer concertgoers away in droves, according to reports in the entertainment industry and financial press in mid-October. The summer 2004 concert season was one of the slowest ever, with some superstars canceling shows and others moving planned arena or amphitheater events into smaller venues. Previously one of the summer's most popular events, the Lollapalooza tour was cancelled due to slow ticket sales.
iPod Lifts Apple
The iPod is being very good to Apple Computer.
Download Duels
<I>Stereophile</I> readers may wonder why we regularly report on a low-fi music distribution service like iTunes. The reason is simple: What becomes popular in the mass market today, is what audiophiles will have to squeeze high-end music out of tomorrow.
Locking Down the Optical Disc
Both Macrovision and Sunncomm have been releasing technologies aimed at restricting how consumers can use their legally purchased music and movies. Add <A HREF="http://www.dmsNT.com/">Dynamic Media Solutions</A> to the pack.