Not sure where to put this, but I think that both "sides" (if one can in fact break any of them into sides rather than a free-for-all) ought to consider something about devices like SET's.

The primary characteristic of an SET is that distortion grows with level, and quite rapidly as it approaches its maximum output. What's more, the distortion is quite unsymmetric as well.

Does anyone know of a good place to listen to different headphones in New York City or Long Island? I went to J&R, which has a huge wall of headphones, but there was no individual volume control and my pick from reviews, the Sennheiser 595, was so loud I couldn't hear it. And the sound source was noisy.

Lots of places have good speaker audition setups, but can anyone guide me to one in my area for headphones? I don't have the time and money to take a trip to Montana to visit Headroom.

Thanks.

I just downloaded the new Melody Gardot album tonight, My One and Only Thrill, and I think it's another stunning body of work from Melody Gardot. Perhaps not as "straight" jazzy as her first, Worrisome Heart, but outstanding nonetheless, showing great depth and maturity, and considerable growth as a songwriter and vocalist. Her sustained last notes on "Lover Undercover" gave me goosebumps. This collection of music has a decidedly European flavor to it; as if her sensibilities were in Paris when she did this album. Overall, a sophisiticated and multi-layered album.

I've been reading through a few of the threads on this forum for "newbies." I have to say, most of what you're saying is over my head, and my price range. Piecing together systems, thousand dollar amps and speakers? I'm a broke college student, it's just not in the cards right now. Eventually, I would love to build one from the ground up but for right now I need an all-in-one system. So, here is my situation.