Hi John,

A lot of folks in the Dynaudio owner's thread in AVS forum are very interested in the Sapphire review in this month's issue. Can you explain what "recommended with a bullet" means? Folks there (including myself) aren't really sure what that means.

Thanks,
Stephen.

i played an acapella song and i was surprised that my system clipped on high notes of sopranos. any idea?

I'm currently still using my 37 year old Crown IC-150. I was wondering if I will hear any tonal quality improvements if I moved up to a modern pre-amp such as an Emotiva RSP-2. This is the unit I have my eyes on. I know S/N ratios will probably be much better, but will it sound any better through say the CD input which is basically a straight through connection anyway. I know my Music Hall mmf 7 should sound better through the phono input. I'm just figuring, my IC-150 although in mint condition, is all factory old. Any idea's would be helpful. I do have a well trained ear.

hi,

i just got my pro-ject dock box and i noticed that i got a bad output on vocals. when there is a part of the song that the volume rises, the vocals seemed to be distorted. when i only have a cable connected to my ipod, everything seemed okay. but now i got an ipod dock, it goes badly. any idea? is it with my interconnect used?

On another thread forum regular JIMV mentioned getting a new phono cartridge and that got me to thinking. What did everyone else get that was audio/music related. I'll start things off:

Hello!

I received a new cartridge today, an Ortophon Red. I installed it IAW all the instructions it came with (almost none). Some records now sound a tad bright and distorted. What is the most likely error on my part, too much stylus preasure or too little or something else?

In addition, I got a new vinyl pressing of Diana Krall's greatest hits on verve. My automatic turntable drops the needle about 20-30 seconds into the first track, not a problem I have with any other of my records. Am I correct in thinking this means the record might be mis-pressed and a smidgen off center??

May your music fill your life!

John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile

Does anyone know where and what the names are of break in cd's for my new cd player?

Looking for some great active desktop monitor/ speaker suggestions. I am starting to upgrade my Harmon Kardon 8 watters for something a little more substantial. I have looked st M-Audio Studiophile AV40s, KRK Monitors and Quad 11Ls (I think that is their model numbers). I am interested in using these with a desktop system that will start out with a basic set-up and eventually include a top end sound card along with some higher end cables. I may opt for a studio monitor with a sub out also. I like headphone outputs and rca connections - 1/8" inputs are nice as well but, not manditory.