LATEST ADDITIONS

Are audiophiles and recording engineers natural adversaries? From the many slings and arrows hurled back and forth between the camps, it would certainly seem so. Robert Harley asks, "But <I>are</I> recording engineers less concerned about sound quality than are audiophiles? If so, why? Isn't someone who has devoted his life to recording music more caring than the hobbyist audiophile? If not, why not?" Read his analysis of the issues in "<A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com//asweseeit/119/">A Clash of Values?</A>" Also included is a lively volley of readers' letters.

The Internet is beginning to pose quite a dilemma for high-end audio manufacturers, especially ones with limited distribution in major markets such as the US. Do you risk alienating potential bricks-and-mortar dealers in an effort to gain widespread exposure by offering your products online? Or do you slowly build distribution through the traditional stores that for years have been high-end audio's haven?

The <A HREF="http://www.narm.com">National Association of Recording Merchandisers</A> (NARM) has released its Annual Survey Results for the 1998 business year, indicating that gross dollar volume for all music products grew by 10%, to $9.69 billion, with the CD market (83.3%, or $8.1 billion) continuing to build on its dominance. The report reveals that DVD sales "literally exploded in 1998," up a staggering 400% to $259 million.

Audio experts can come in all shapes and sizes: a great dealer, an audiophile friend or relative, an audio consultant---even a magazine writer. How much do you value their opinions?

Earlier this month, <A HREF="http://www.directv.com">DirecTV</A&gt; announced that it is investing $50 million in <A HREF="http://www.xmradio.com">XM Satellite Radio</A> in an effort to capitalize on direct satellite-to-receiver broadcasting technology, which is intended to provide listeners in the car and at home with up to 100 channels of music, news, and entertainment available in North America. Additional XM investors include General Motors, Clear Channel Communications, and a private investment group.

The MP3 audio format has been rapidly gaining a solid reputation in the last several months. Portable products such as <A HREF="http://www.diamondmm.com/">Diamond Multimedia</A>'s Rio have hit the market, and websites (typified by MP3.com) have gained financial success. (See <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/news/10358/">related story</A>.) But one area that has so far lagged is MP3-based playback and recording equipment for using the files at home without moving a computer next to the stereo.

Last week it was revealed that David Manley has resigned as president of <A HREF="http://www.manleylabs.com">Manley Laboratories</A> and has assigned his total shares in the company to EveAnna Manley as part of an agreement signed June 10, 1999. EveAnna Manley has officially assumed the duties of president, CEO, and sole owner of Manley Laboratories, Inc. A press release states that David Manley is no longer associated or affiliated with Manley Laboratories, Inc., and that EveAnna Manley has been de facto operating CEO of the company since David Manley's departure in 1996.