November2008Issue-ML-51803-ML-

Just got this months effort and was dissapointed..too much computer gobledygook and too much expensive gear that I will never own or see or hear. Only Sam reviwed anything that was remotely within reach. I wish folk would spend some time writing for folk who's entire system costs less than their average toy reviewed....A 13K preamp that has a grounding problem! For God's sake...for that price I expect flawless AND the manufacturer to arrive for the setup.

Hi all,
I'm new to the world of hi-end audio (& stereophile.com) and desperately need assistance. I intend to buy a complete hi-fi system (power amp, pre-amp, CD/SACD player, floor standing speakers & cables) all in.

Kindly recommend equipment models (and costs) that could fit into this budget.

Thanks,
xpy

I totally meant to post this a while back but had forgotten. Just a word of appreciation to John Marks. His assessments on 'phile seem to me - along with JA's - the most level-headed and clear-eyed, even among the great crew at Stereophile. Doesn't pull his punches, but he's never cruel with his judgments, always fair. It's a difficult rope to walk, but he walks it very well. I also appreciate the fact that he's on the look-out for great bargain-priced gears, all the while refusing to recommend subpar equipments just for the virtue of their cost...

Ever since reading a blurb about the XTZ analyzer last year, I was wondering why I hadn't heard anything else. Leave it to Kal to finally mention it! It looks like a capable one-box solution for those of us not wanting to cobble together the necessary software and hardware. It's a bit $$$ right now, but I'm hoping a U.S. distributor will offer it at a better North American price point.

Kal, can you SAVE measurements for later comparison (i.e. before and after room treatments, other tweaks)? Also, do you know if they will offer free upgrades as the software matures?

Thinking about integrating a computer into your hi-fi? Please check out John Atkinson's essay, "Music Served: Extracting Music from your PC" for everything you need to get going.

John covers the basics and links to other pieces to provide more in-depth information. Read the essay and follow the links, and you'll be prepared to set up a computer-based music server.

TheOpenBar-ML-51770-ML-