Kudos on the excellent Frank Zappa article in the November Stereophile. I hope this piece quickly makes its way to the website so I can send it to a few fellow Zappaphiles. Stephen, John, anyone listening?

I am thinking about re-activating my old turntable (belt drive Tannoy Micro TM33) to add it to my second system. It has a Stanton 681EEE phono cartridge (MM) on it - good for the 1970's but I don't know where it stands now. I will replace the stylus (I replaced it maybe 10 times in its previous career). New stylus about $70. Would you go that way, or look for an entirely new cartridge in that price range?

(edited from a post in another section, please excuse)

As sort of a side-thread to the "what I'd like to see" thread -- there's a technical change I'd like to see in "Recommended Components."

Now that Michael Fremer has favorably reviewed a phono preamp even more expensive than the Boulder, perhaps the Boulder should no longer sit alone in Class A+ -- and given that there are now apparently several 6-figure turntables being made, maybe the Caliburn will also find company someday. I think it's tme to re-think what is meant by "class A" and "class A+".

Hi all,

I just picked up a pair of Avalon Symbols for my apartment, which blew my mind during the audition process - seemed like a great way to get the Avalon sound at a reasonable price. As they are multichannel speakers, they possess an incredibly neutral and fast high/midrange - but zero bass, given their dedicated role.

I heard them with the REL T2, which sounded respectable enough, but would appreciate suggestions on what sub may work best when paired with this particular model.

Thanks in advance,

Bill

I'm tired of poor sound. Figure my first step should be to replace the terrible speakers I currently use. I listen to music primarily but do watch a lot of movies also. Everything is done through my pc hooked up to the receiver through a M-Audio AP 192. My speakers are placed pretty much right up to the wall (Within 2 feet). I listen to fast music and want good seperation of the notes. I also dont want to hear distortion when the notes get too low/high. I like the music to sound natural, without too much emphasis on the high or low end.

Is there any credence give that Beethovens 5th might have inspired Smoke on the water ?

Was listening to both today and felt the connection

Alan