I was flipping through the current issue of
Rolling Stone (RS 1068/1069, with a mustachioed Brad Pitt on the cover) and stopped at their "Rock & Roll Gift Guide."
Included alongside the cell phones and box sets were a few choice hi-fi pieces.
Real hi-fi. The editors over at 1290 Avenue of the Americas selected the Debut III turntable (reviewed by Michael Fremer in our Vol.29 No.7),
Sonos WiFi music system, and an
Audioengine 5 /
Wadia 170 iTransport combo. Excellent picks, guys!
These are four examples of perfectionist hi-fi products that have crossed over into the greater consumer electronics market. Each component mates high quality performance with an attractive, modern appearance, exceptional ease of use, and, of course, convenience. Basically, these companies give people what they want
and what they need.
Also on newsstands now is the Winter/Spring 2009 issue of
Men's Health Living, which features a spread on six attractive loudspeakers. The piece is called "
Music to Your Eyes," and asks the question, "Why buy ordinary speakers when you can have works of art instead?" I had the privilege of selecting the speakers. Don't worry: I kept the prices under $200,000/pair.
Meanwhile, in our most recent Vote, we ask readers: "What was the most important audio development this year?" You already know my answer: The vinyl revival, sugar! It changed my life, yes it did. Click on over to
our Vote page to give us
your pick.
