For the last two days I've been auditioning the Revel Salon 2's with the top of the line Ayre gear: KX-R, MX-R monoblocks, C-5xe player.

Although this is a very impressive setup, sounding stunning at times, it was failing to engage me into the music. It was as if the system was trying too hard, for lack of a better description.

The midrange liquidity that I have heard from much less expensive systems (like ARC) was just not there. It sounded a bit forward and forced, too eager..?

Anyone have any experience with this integrated amp? Considering it for bookshelf speaker set-up. Seems to be well reviewed and the 20 year warranty suggests quality build.

are bad vinyl pressings pretty common? I don't have a huge collection, but have started buying more LPs lately. So far I've had a few that are not performing very well. One is extremely scratchy and distorted on the "outside" songs, then gets fine toward the middle.

I used my sealed/closed headphones on a flight the other day. They helped with the noise a bit, but really not as much as I had hoped. Noise intruded and made it hard to listen to music. Seems like jet travel noise comes through the head and body, not just the ears!
Would true in-ear types be much better?

Hes the one I like. He deviates from the same reviews of classical shlock or "audiophile" cds to talk about music for real people. the blue collars. the working folks. music without pretense. no tuxedos or merlot, depth of image veils lifted bullshit.

Jason Isbell, DBT..Wilco, Spooner Oldham.Palace Brothers.. Way to go, Mr. Reina.

Since the dawn of the CD age most record companies have been busy reissuing many of their most popular titles as Deluxe Editions. These editions often include alternate versions and/or the complete recording sessions or concerts. Here are a few classic recordings which have not, as yet, gotten the Deluxe treatment.

Lou Reed - Rock 'N Roll Animal - how about a deluxe edition featuring all the material recorded during these concerts?