News

It's rare to find people praising a competitor in this hi-fi business, but I first met John Michell soon after one of his biggest rivals had described him as an "engineer's engineer." Memorably, he'd be the first port of call for anyone in the UK who wanted something done properly and without compromise. Another competitor described him as quite the nicest person he'd worked with, and a naturally gifted practical engineer.

The Home Technology & Photography Group (HT&P) of Primedia and website BestStuff.comhttp://BestStuff.com">BestStuff.com; announced today the launch of Best, a shopping magazine focused on the products and experiences that enhance an upscale lifestyle. Best, which hits newsstands on Thursday, November 6 at a $3.99 cover price, is an "aspirational" magazine which offers features ranging from the selection and use of home theaters and high-end audio and video systems, to digital photography, computers, and video imaging products, as well as the finest in automobiles and ultimate travel suggestions.

From the May 2002 issue, Michael Fremer positions the Odeon">http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?951">Odeon La Traviata loudspeaker in his listening lair, writing, "Interest in super-efficient, horn-loaded, compression-driver loudspeakers has grown in the past few years." But as MF finds, horns may not always do the trick.

Every autumn, the Consumer">http://www.CE.org">Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) publishes its "Five Technologies to Watch" list of "technology trends poised to shape the consumer electronics industry" in the year ahead. Most of the choices may seem obvious, but the final entry on the list this year may be a surprise for audiophiles.

Over the past year, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAAhttp://www.riaa.com">RIAA;) has made significant headway in its multi-front war against commercial piracy, according to a detailed report issued by the trade group October 21.

From the October issue, Art Dudley mounts the Dynavector">http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?947">Dynavector DV10x5 MC phono cartridge (on his tonearm, that is) and spins a few records. AD explains, "This is the first entry-level Dynavector to incorporate the company's colorfully named flux damping and softened magnetism."

Manufacturers and retailers don't expect an upswing in electronics sales next year. That's the consensus of members polled by the Consumer">http://www.ce.org">Consumer Electronics Association, published in mid-October.