LATEST ADDITIONS

Bryston describes its SP2 multichannel preamplifier-processor ($4995) as consisting of a stereo analog preamp with a volume-controlled 5.1-channel analog pass-through plus a full-featured multichannel digital audio processor, and claims that none of those functions compromises any of the others. The analog preamp is fully equivalent in features and performance to their BP26 preamp. The digital processor includes all the latest Dolby Digital, DTS, and THX modes, and is based on Texas Instruments' powerful Aureus DSP chip, which can be updated via an S/PDIF input. The digital and analog sections have independent power supplies, and there are no video inputs or functions other than a control port for the optional, external SPV-1 video switcher.

After a series of unforeseen delays, for which we apologize, the CD of Robert Silverman's performance of Beethoven's monumental work for solo piano, the <I>Diabelli Variations</I> (<I>Variations</I>, STPH017-2), is available for purchase from our <A HREF="http://ssl.blueearth.net/primedia/home.php">e-commerce page</A> today, Monday, October 2.

Telarc, Classic Records, AIX, Cisco Music, Elusive Disc, Reference Recordings, and M&bull;A Recordings have all pulled out of CES 2007, citing new restrictions on sales of merchandise that they feel to be unacceptable. Chesky remains undecided. Music Direct, May Audio, and Acoustic Sounds will exhibit, but will not sell product. Only 5.1 Marketing and Sales is currently committed to selling music.

Why listening to music is no longer relaxing. How many times do we have to say it? Enough already with 1dB dynamic ranges!

"No treats, no cuteness," said Huckleberry. "We're strictly on a pay-for-play system from now on."

Of course, I'm linking to this one. For one thing, it's a list&mdash;and it's filled with useful information.

A new feature for the blog: Every Thursday, I'll spotlight a recording of special merit&mdash;stuff that grabs me for both its content and its recording quality. Think of it as the return of Quarter Notes, sort of.