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.

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.