Both Ayre CX-7e and Marantz SA8001 received A ratings in the recent Recommended Components. Does anyone have thoughts on how these two compare sonically on redbook cds(have no sacds)? I love the look of the Ayre but it is roughly $2k more. I am using the Krell 400xi integrated and Thiel 1.2 speakers. Thanks for any input. Dokosan

Hi, this is my first post. I am struggling to trying to get the clarity and volume that I want out of my Mp3s from itunes on my laptop (Mac Powerbook G4). I was wondering what is the best way to get more umph! I am a college student living in a "party frat" so loud clear music is essential I live for really loud music.
My current setup is:

computer-ML-38325-ML-

Yes
In this way:
Put it at 320 kb/s in an external usb hard disk
Connect it at an teac wap 5000 as usb toslink adapter and then to an external quality dac
I use an harmony design costing 700 euro
I use a pre harmony da9 harmony design with a valve kt 88 amplifier and a pair of audes excellence 5

You will change any bad opinion about MP3

Stephen posted an article somewhere on his blog (don't remember where)by AD about Art going up to the gas station attendant and asking her to turn off the music and that he didn't listen to music in his car. While I can respect AD's passion and commitment to music, I feel some of the best enjoyment of music comes in the car, with your windows down, electric guitars full blast, screaming.

One of my all time favorite electronica / experimental musicians is Mike Oldfield. He has done accomplished so much in his life from making some of the most amazing music to creating the tubular bells. He has achieved such amazing success in every aspect of his career and it is so inspiring. He just put out a new album titled Music of the Spheres and I am amazed at how perfect it sounds. Has anyone here heard it yet?

Looking at putting together another system for another part of the house. It won't be my main system but definitely a contender to my main system. The turntable I'm choosing to go with for this system is a British made "CJ Walker cj55" with a Linn Basik Tonearm (the chromed aluminum 'S' curved arm) and a Sumiko Blackbird MC cart, custom isolated with Fim isolator feet, and cork matted. Does anyone here have experience with this particular turntable model??