Removal of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), a <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/images/newsletter/805Bstph.html">directive by the European Union</A> (EU) that goes into effect on July 1, 2006, sounds like apple pie or motherhood—something that would be hard to argue against. And its expressed purpose of removing hazardous substances—lead and mercury, for example—from consumer products is assuredly a noble one.
"Crossovers? We don't need no stinkin' crossovers!" Most <I>Stereophile</I> readers probably feel this way when it comes to third-party electronic crossovers. In this day of proprietary "soup-to-nuts" speaker systems, nearly all manufacturers supply complete systems. Nevertheless, some brave (or foolish) souls still choose to sail in uncharted crossover waters. Most do so because they're insanely in love with their current speakers, and have an irrational desire for that last bottom octave. Others have "orphaned" speakers that are not readily upgradeable to the next level of performance. I fall into the second category.
As I said during the 1991 <I>Stereophile</I> writers' conference (<A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/interviews/109">Vol.14 No.12</A>): "There's immense satisfaction in finding that next Audible Illusions or Vandersteen or Rotel." My oh my, am I satisfied! But before you start writing checks, hold onto those pens for a few moments. The PSB Alphas are not ProAc, Hales, Quad, or even Vandersteen killers. Goodness, what do you expect for $200?
I had been with <I>Stereophile</I> only six months and feared my tenure was over—I thought I was losing my hearing. There was pain, ringing, and stuffiness. I couldn't listen to anything.
Apple Computer, faced with research, complaints, and litigation claiming that the <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/mediaservers/934">iPod</A> can cause hearing loss, issued a new software update on March 29 that limits the personal maximum volume level of the iPod Nano and iPod models with video-playback capabilities. The free download, available at <A HREF="http://www.apple.com/ipod/download">www.apple.com/ipod/download</A>, prevents the player from outputting its potentially damaging maximum volume of 115dB. Parents can also use the feature to set volume limits on their child's iPod, and lock settings with coded combinations.
Over 300 mashups of Mona Lisa. Sturgeon's Law prevails, but that still leaves about 30 good ones.
NASCAR meats: Taste the excitement?
