Audio has always hosted a sizable Do-It-Yourself (DIY) market. Reader Harry Kane wonders "how many readers still build their own components or would be interested in doing so, should there be a revival of high-end kits?"
Advances in technology almost always debut at the high-end and gradually filter down to mass-market products. <A HREF="http://www.sharp-usa.com">Sharp Corporation</A>'s 1-bit digital amplification technology is no exception.
Audio retailing has been a tough business in recent years, but two just-released surveys are suggesting that with the right combination of economic factors and dealer preparedness, things could turn around for smart retailers over the coming holiday season.
The US economy took a severe downturn last year following the terrorist attacks of September 11, and this year has been hit by the stock market's decline in the wake of the accounting scandal–fueled collapse of Enron and WorldCom, Inc. Electronics retailers have ridden out the slump fairly well, buoyed by a consumer trend toward "cocooning," or putting their disposable income into their homes. For most retailers, the popularity of DVD and home theater has offset diminishing sales of stand-alone audio.
For his review of the <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com//amplificationreviews/658/">Nagra VPA monoblock power amplifier</A>, Jonathan Scull lived a life of danger, noting that readers should "Respect the VPA as the hot-running, high-voltage device it is and It Will Provide. Cold-nosed pets and curious little fingers have no business around these Swiss Guards of quality sound engineering."
San Francisco, California will open its Golden Gates to welcome the Home Entertainment 2003 Show, June 5-8, 2003. The event will take place at the Westin-St. Francis Hotel in the heart of downtown San Francisco. HE2003 marks the fourth time this event has been held in San Francisco. Previous events were held in 1989, 1993, and in 1997.
One more question about the Rolling Stones SACD/CD hybrid discs: ABKCO has chosen to leave any mention of SACD off the outside cover of the 22 new Rolling Stones remasters. Is this a smart move, and should other SACD/CD hybrids follow suit?
In his review of the <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com//amplificationreviews/653/">Conrad-Johnson Premier Twelve monoblock amplifier</A>, Michael Fremer notes, "Conrad-Johnson is one of audio's 'marquee' companies, and charges accordingly." MF uncovers what you really get for your $7000, aside from 140Wpc and a top-shelf name.
Music fans are mourning the passing of swing era giant Lionel Hampton. The vibraphonist, band leader, and multi-instrumentalist died August 31 at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan of complications from age and a recent heart attack, according to his manager Phil Leshin. Hampton was 94.
At least two renowned loudspeaker manufacturers commemorate their 25th anniversaries in 2002 and both are celebrating with new product releases.