We <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/news/10339/">reported last year</A> about the new direction that <A HREF="http://www.bang-olufsen.com/">Bang & Olufsen America</A> has taken in distributing its products: the company has recently opened a series of branded BOA stores around the US. The strategy seems to have paid off. The company reports increased sales of more than 60% in the first quarter of its current fiscal year, and claims that individual shops reported an average sales increase of 20%.

Choice is good, or so would go the common wisdom. But as John Atkinson points out in "<A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com//asweseeit/270/">The Crazy You Get from So Much Choice</A>," when applied to diapers and DVD-Audio, choice can quickly develop into a nightmare in which comsumers simply walk away from the shelves, unable to make a decision. Will DVD-Audio suffer such a fate?

E<I>ditor's Note: This is Part Five of a six-part series from reader Herv&#233; Del&#233;traz of Switzerland, who is chronicling the development of his DIY (do-it-yourself) audio amplifier. Part One of the series is <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/news/10825/">here</A&gt;, Part Two is <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/news/10832/">here</A&gt;, Part Three is <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/news/10839/">here</A&gt;, and Part Four is <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/news/10844/">here</A>.</I&gt;

Software giant <A HREF="http://www.microsoft.com/">Microsoft Corporation</A> has acquired <A HREF="http://www.hdcd.com/">Pacific Microsonics, Inc.</A> (PMI), developer of High Definition Compatible Digital (HDCD) technology. The deal was announced in a joint press release issued September 18. Financial details were not disclosed.

An unusual tropical rain welcomed the <A HREF="http://www.aes.org/">Audio Engineering Society</A> to its 109th gathering, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center September 22&ndash;25. Audiophiles may breathe a collective sigh of relief to learn that the Super Audio Compact Disc is getting a big push, not only from corporate parents Sony/Philips but from studio-equipment makers, consumer-electronics companies, and&mdash;perhaps most important&mdash;music labels.

Italian audio journal <I>Fedelta' del Suono</I> (Sound Fidelity) has honored American startup <A HREF="http://www.redrosemusic.com/">Red Rose Music</A> with "Product of the Year" awards for the company's Model 3 preamplifier and Model 2 power amp. The award is especially noteworthy in view of the fact that the monthly publication, based in Terni, Italy, does not normally f&#234;te products from new companies.

At last, a SACD machine from someone other than Sony! This time, it's a Marantz&mdash;the Reference Series SA-1, described as a no-compromise "ultimate-quality" player.

At last, a SACD machine from someone other than Sony! This time, it's a Marantz&mdash;the Reference Series SA-1, described as a no-compromise "ultimate-quality" player.

At last, a SACD machine from someone other than Sony! This time, it's a Marantz&mdash;the Reference Series SA-1, described as a no-compromise "ultimate-quality" player.

At last, a SACD machine from someone other than Sony! This time, it's a Marantz&mdash;the Reference Series SA-1, described as a no-compromise "ultimate-quality" player.