News

2004 Stereophile Buyer's Guide

John Atkinson Nov 17, 2003 First Published: Nov 17, 2003

The 2004 Stereophile Buyer's Guide hits the newsstands this week. Within its 228 jumbo-sized and color-coded pages you'll find listings of every audio component currently available in the US (other than boomboxes and other portable players), along with their specifications and prices. It also includes what we feel is the most complete listing of audio manufacturer websites on the planet.

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New Publisher for Stereophile

John Atkinson Nov 17, 2003 First Published: Nov 17, 2003

John Gourlay, Stereophile's publisher since 1998, left the company at the beginning of November. John had been a valued collaborator and the moving force behind the launch of the 2004 Stereophile Buyer's Guide (see related story). We all wish him well in his future career.

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Sony Music and BMG

Barry Willis Nov 10, 2003 First Published: Nov 10, 2003

Sony Music Entertainment and Bertelsmann Music Group could soon be one.

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Music Retailing Changes

Jon Iverson Nov 10, 2003 First Published: Nov 10, 2003

A recent study by analysts Customer Growth Partners has found that department stores, specialty retailers, and other chains that fill US shopping malls accounted for just 19% of total retail sales in 2002, down from 38% in 1995. Mall-based retailers accounted for 22% of 2001's retail sales.

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NPR's Huge Gift

Barry Willis Nov 10, 2003 First Published: Nov 10, 2003

National">http://www.npr.org">National Public Radio is in no danger of going off the air any time in the next century, thanks to a massive gift from the estate of philanthropist Joan B. Kroc, widow of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc.

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Added to the Archives This Week

Stereophile Staff Nov 10, 2003 First Published: Nov 10, 2003

The first part of our subwoofer review trilogy finds Larry Greenhill plumbing the depths with the Paradigm">http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?955">Paradigm Reference Servo-15 powered subwoofer. Greenhill says that the wide range of adjustments available on the Servo-15 can help it blend into most environments—but having all that choice can cut both ways, notes LG.

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The Audio Frontier

Jon Iverson Nov 03, 2003 First Published: Nov 03, 2003

Downloading audio files onto a computer's hard drive has proven a compelling way to collect content for many music lovers. But the weak link with computer-based audio systems is finding a way to play that music on a more traditional (and typically better-sounding) audio system. With a compatible CD or DVD player, you could burn the files onto a disc, or if you have a portable device such as an iPod, you could hook it up directly to your system.

News

More Cutbacks at Sony

Barry Willis Nov 03, 2003 First Published: Nov 03, 2003

Each month Sony Corporation announces what seems to be an even more drastic cure for its lingering financial malaise. On Tuesday, October 28, the Japanese industrial giant announced that it would reduce its workforce by approximately 13% over the next three years, cutting some 20,000 workers from its payroll, 7000 of them in Japan.

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John Michell: July 27, 1936-October 23, 2003

Paul Messenger Nov 03, 2003 First Published: Nov 03, 2003

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.

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The Best Premiere

Stereophile Staff Nov 03, 2003 First Published: Nov 03, 2003

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.