In acquiring music, particularly vinyl, I want a software package that lets me capture what I have, it's condition, how it sounds, etc.

I have a Mac and have downloaded Delicious Library 2.0 - very cool app. I can scan UPC (and other) codes using the built in iSight and it put's in image of the LP on a shelf - complete with data. I can add condition, sound quality, etc. I can even sync to my iPod Touch so that when I am in a store I can quickly check to see if I already have something.

I am looking to get a new 2 channel power amp and I'm considering an Adcom GFA-5500 or an Anthem A2. Both are 200 w/ch. The specs for the A2 seem to be better, but I realize that doesn't always mean everything. Anyone have any experience/knowledge or advice on which way I should go?

This long weekend I decided to break out some of my Coltrane and listen on hi-fi. I find the more I listen the more I come to appreciate his genius and want to learn more about him. I found a wonderful Podcast and website called Traneumentary. It has a list of whos who in Jazz talking about Mr Coltrane and it's wonderful to learn more about the artist behind the great music.

http://www.traneumentary.blogspot.com/

I've been mulling a move to twin power amps, and I read recently that a reviewer put each amp quite close to its respective speaker, which implies long ICs between the preamp and amps.

So I was wondering if the preferred approach was long ICs and short speaker cables, or the opposite. Can anyone lay out the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?

Thanks!

I recently bought one of those fancy, and expensive, fuses for my amp. I didn't expect any change in the sound beyond marginal, but was surprised to find I was now hearing a series of bumps and clicks in a track on an acoustic guitar CD I like and know well, Govi's Saffron and Silk. Ok, I next bought a PS audio power cable and was amazed to find those clicks and bumps are the sound of the guitarist thumping his guitar with his fingers as he plays. Sort of amazing actually as, again, I did not expect much.

John Coltrane is one of jazz's most influential musicians, but one is hard put to find followers who actually play in his style. Rather, he is influential by example; inspiring musicians to experiment, take chances, and devote themselves to their craft. Interplay, a special 5-CD set highlighting Coltrane's side-man sessions of the 1950's, isn't just a window into his own art, it's a primer in 1950's jazz itself. The music recorded on these 5 CD's is nothing short of remarkable and sounds great.

I have been an avid, regular Stereophile subscriber for almost 3 years.

Initially, I found the periodic RECOMMENDED COMPONENTS listing an interesting read, but after reading a couple of them, I felt it had little to offer regular readers. I thought to myself that their repeated publication served to provide a respite to the Editorial staff, by lessening their burden for a month; at frequent intervals