I found these figures interesting, from the July/August issue of Tape Op magazine:

In 2009, 98,000 albums were released in the US, selling a total of 373.9 million copies.

Only 2.1% of those albums sold >5000 copies, but accounted for 91% of the total sales.

97.9% of albums released in 2009 sold <5000 and most of those must have sold <1000.

John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile

Posted images could put some at risk

BERKELEY, Calif. (UPI) -- Photos and videos uploaded to Web sites may be revealing more information than their posters intended, experts say, leading to real-world vulnerabilities.

Such postings can carry detailed information about where and when the images were recorded, leaving people's homes or businesses open to "cybercasing" and possible criminal attacks in the real world, an International Computer Science Institute release said Tuesday.

I just ordered the "Bach - Piano Concertos" performed by the young genious David Fray and Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, Bremen.

I watched the rehearsals for the cd on tv tonight. Absolutely wonderful, and the young man is no doubt a great virtuoso on the piano.

Harpsichord Concerto I in D minor, BWV 1052
Harpsichord Concerto IV, BWV 1055
Harpsichord Concerto V in F minor, BWV 1056
Harpsichord Concerto VII, BWV 1058

I just read Robert J. Reina's review from March, 2010 of the Dynaudio Excite X12 loudspeakers. Some of his statements are exactly describing how I feel about my own speakers, Dynaudio DM2/7 which are somewhat similar, but just a tad bit cheaper. Interesting reading:

The layers of detail revealed by the X12's rich, glorious, silky midrange made me want to listen to female singers.

Unfortunately I just tossed out my most recent three issues of the magazine. In a discussion I was talking about seeing an ad for 24/96 album files sold on what looked like a credit card sized device with what look like a USB type connector. Can anyone tell me who the company is that is offering this product or other companies with similar products?

I recieved an envelope with the June issue that contained an armband marked "stereophile", it isn't for an Ipod or anything else I can think of, the pouch is round, gray with red lettering, any body else get one or know what it's for?

Anyone using these phones? I'm thinking of putting together a budget($200-$250)phones and amp system and these are in my price range. I've read a positive review on them and would like to hear some first-hand comments on them. Any opinions/suggestions would be appreciated.
Regards, Sam

Al Jurreau