Thanks to Wes for the informative review of the Sennheiser HD800. Now if only I could afford them!

But the real interesting tidbit was Wes' tantalizing statement that the Boulder 865 integrated amp has a "super headphone driver stage." Wes, can you say any more about that? There's nothing out there that even mentions that the 865 has a headphone output (none of the reviews, not the Boulder website). And the photos leave me guessing where the jack is located (below the display?).

http://www.stereophile.com/news/computer_playback_symposium_coming_up/

I am looking for a good budget ($400 max) power conditioner/surge protector for my HT system (basic 5.1 with 50" screen and 100 wpc av receiver, 3 outlets required), which provides protection but does the least damage from the tonal balance and restricted dynamics point of view. Any suggestions?

Any opinions on the Zero Surge products? (see www.zerosurge.com)

Thanks!

Interesting article

http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Ring-DVD-Video/dp/B000PDZQUG

this documentary shows in great detail what went on behind the scenes during the recording of the first ever Ring Cycle.. some have said it was the greatest achievement in recording history.. Some of the singers are without peer, even today! (though I am more a Jerome Hines/James Morris/Pape fan than Gottlieb Frick)

the sound is great, recording geeks will love seeing all that beautiful old analog gear..just an amazing movie.

July2009Issue-ML-70028-ML-

It seems that the reference player for a lot of people is the Ayre 5XE and it was interesting to read the review about the recent firmware update that Ayre is going to offer. On the one hand it's great to be able to hold onto your CD player and get it updated without having to purchase a new one but on the other side is the expense which could range up to $900 if you own a 7XE and $200 on the 5Xe. This is not much to pay but having to send it in to Ayre is a major inconvenience for some and one wonders why dealers are not trained to do the upgrade as well?