Before I buy a tube amp, I want to try adding a phono preamp to my current setup to see if I can improve the sound with what I have. I have an Onkyo solid-state integrated amp with a built-in phono stage. Some of the tube amps I'm considering for eventual purchase also have a built-in phono stage.

For the sound and overall design I've been a big fan (and owner) of Well Tempered Labs turntables for quite some time. In fact I haven't found a reason to change for almost twenty years, though cartridges and phono pre-amps have come and gone along with every other piece of gear.

I wanted to personally and publicly thank Sam Tellig for his great column. I have bought the Radius tooth brush and so has my wife - we love it. I am also currently seeking out a higher end shaving set-up. Lol! [I also laugh my evil laugh]. I think it takes a very talented writer to create a extremely entertaining column with interesting observation as well as the audio review and facts.

I absolutely love his column every month - love the travel, the humor and of course, his reviews. Next up - looking at affordable integrated amplifiers. Thanks Sam!

Of course, I took note of the cover of this month's audiophile 'rolling stone', ie the forum's namesake.

I noted that sex sells, specifically when you have an audience that subliminally runs their collective backsides in an unconscious manner that fits this story/study exactly.

Monkey 'Pay Per View' Study

Hi all!

Just noticed this ongoing article in the New Yorker (online):

[Apologize in advance if these have been posted already]

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/sashafrerejones/2009/08/dithering-the-sound-of-sound.html

Nice one in the series with Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead:

Researches have found that monkeys will 'pay' juice rewards to see images of high-ranking monkeys or female hindquarters.

http://www.physorg.com/news2872.html

Is there anyone who repairs/refurbishes/rebuilds the old Decca phono cartridges? I've got an old Decca "Gold" that needs, at a minimum, a new diamond and new tie-back string. I'd love to hear some of that Decca "LIFE" again.

Stereophile's 2009 Buyer's guide (which I greatly appreciated, by the way) was limited to loudspeakers and amplification. Are we going to see source components in 2010, or perhaps everything all at once again? Would someone care to give us a sneak preview? Stephen, John?