NHT's Xd system is what audiophiles have been saying they want: a matched loudspeaker system that optimizes the performance of its components for a real-world domestic listening environment. But with their dollars they've voted against just such systems for years. If we put our money where our mouths are, active speaker systems such as Meridian's DSP or those used in recording studios would dominate the High End.
Following in the footsteps of my <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/805bw">August 2005 review</A> of the B&W DM603 S3, the second stop of the Bob Reina British Invasion Tour is the latest revamping of Wharfedale's affordable Diamond series.
Yet another of the best systems I've ever heard at a hi-fi show was an exhibit by some former distributors for the English manufacturer Exposure Electronics, at a Chicago Consumer Electronics Show in the late 1980s. The exhibitors seemed to believe it was better to impress with a humble product than to overwhelm with a full-bore assault, because they limited their display to a single amplifier: the then-new Exposure X (as in "10") integrated, mated to a record player comprising a <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/turntables/1103linn">Linn LP12</A> turntable, <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/tonearms/395">Ekos</A> tonearm, and Troika cartridge, and a pair of Linn Kan loudspeakers.
"John says you need to stop putting women on pedestals."<br>
"Oh yeah?"<br>
"Yes."<br>
"Hmm."
<I>Freedom To Tinker</I> is now reporting that the removal tool for Sony's SunComm, ummm, "protection" leaves systems vulnerable to outside interference. Another cure worse than the disease.
Craphound has posted a letter from Amazon that tells customers they have bought a root kit infected disc and offers to take 'em back. No obfuscation, no whiny excuses about "bad customers"—just direct action.
Huckleberry auditions for his new position as antenna. (Note Magic Eye tuning indicators.)
Bagheera plays cat and mouse.
Just to make <A HREF="http://store.acousticsounds.com/browse_detail.cfm?Title_ID=11855">Jon Iverson's</A> head explode.
On November 16, while listening to the radio, I was mesmerized by Howard Dully's audio coverage of what he found out about his own lobotomy at the age of 12 by Dr. Walter Freeman. This is powerful stuff—and I'm in awe of how even-handed Dully is in his reporting.