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Certain ideas (or <I>memes</I> in Internet jargon) seem to achieve instantaneous critical mass, at least if you judge them by how frequently certain web URLs are transmitted among friends. One article that appeared in our inbox many times this week linked us to research by music psychologist Adrian North of the University of Leicester, who led a team of researchers who monitored 346 people for two weeks, evaluating how they <A HREF="http://www.toptechnews.com/news/Research-Claims-MP3s-Create-Apathy/stor… to music</A>.

There was at least one story we missed at last week's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and that was the announcement of two new plans to provide 5.1 music surround: XM Satellite Radio announced the addition of two 24-hour surround channels to its line-up and download service; MusicGiants announced its intention to add 5.1-channel "high-definition" audio files to its premium subscription service.

For 14 years now, <I>Stereophile</I> has recognized the components that have proved capable of giving maximal musical pleasure with its "Products of the Year." Based on a vote by the magazine's reviewers and editors, the 2005 winners were announced in the <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/features/1205poty/">December 2005 issue</A> and the awards were presented by <I>Stereophile</I> editor John Atkinson at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held January 4&ndash;8 in Las Vegas.

Conceptually, the preamplifier is the bottleneck in an audio system. All sources pass through it, and it influences every sound you hear. A system comprising great speakers and gutsy amplification will sound uninspired if that's the character of the preamplifier. Conversely, a great preamplifier will allow through so much information, so much of the music, that the listener can forgive the shortcomings of lesser speakers and amplifiers.

"What?"

"<a href="http://www.moscode.com/">It's a romantic amp</a>," he says. "Just right for you."

Of course, being cats, Huckleberry and Bagheera said it to my luggage, not me.