LATEST ADDITIONS

Over the course of several months, during which time I auditioned the Vacuum Tube Logic TL-5.5 tubed line-stage preamp with a variety of power amps and loudspeakers, I began to reassess many long-held notions about the "characters" of solid-state and tube components. Sometimes the TL-5.5 revealed its musical pedigree with all the midrange juiciness and sublime textural detail that one traditionally associates with a triode front-end, while at others it evinced a level of focus, transparency, and frequency extension I more readily associate with solid-state purity—all in a stylish package featuring a remote volume control and a full range of performance enhancements that belied its affordable price.

Unpacking and installing a new component is always cause for excitement, even if one does it with almost mechanical regularity, and the anticipation is greater when the component is from a manufacturer of almost mythic reputation. So when John Atkinson asked if I'd like to audition Nagra's new PL-L preamplifier, I feigned calm as I accepted the assignment, even while remembering those years in college radio when I had to schlepp big Ampexes and Maggies. The sexy, portable Nagras were the stuff of dreams. Finally, I thought, I'd get my hands and ears on one.

Some of us find ourselves turning into music lending libraries; the rest of us keep our discs under lock and key. Can your pals borrow your discs?

We kick off our anniversary collection with <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com//features/708/">40 Years of <I>Stereophile</I>: What Happened When</A>. Editor John Atkinson recounts the complete history of <I>Stereophile</I>, starting in 1930 when J. Gordon Holt heard his first sound in North Carolina.

Promising technology, interesting programming, and good business plans may not be enough to keep satellite radio services <A HREF="http://www.xmradio.com">XM Radio</A> and <A HREF="http://www.siriusradio.com">Sirius Radio</A> aloft. Both companies are struggling with massive financial problems as they scramble to gain subscribers.

US lawmakers have honored their promise to address a languishing small-webcaster royalty bill that was <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/news/11468/">put on hold</A> prior to the fall elections.

Earlier this month, an unambiguous and simple message went up on the Dunlavy Audio Labs <A HREF="http://www.dunlavyaudio.com/">web site</A>: "As of November 7, 2002, Dunlavy Audio Labs, LLC has ceased operations." A phone call to the company confirms that it is indeed out of business, although Dunlavy president Keny Whitright did not return calls seeking comment.