Okay now that I've got your attention let's try to find out what is really behind the soft soap review of her debut recording "Anywhere I Lay My Head".

I'm figuring that reviewer's inability to completely rip apart this absolutely ghastly recording had to caused by one of two things:

a) an intense and rather poorly hidden desire and fascination with Ms. Johansson's considerable physical charms

or

b) some really good drugs

So, thanks in advance for the advice. Here is my deal. I will try to explain the room and a possible solution as recommended by a local dealer....I am building a new house to be completed in a few months. Cabinet guy says we should decide on a t.v. sooner than later and the builder asks if I want any wire run. The room is relatively large: 18x23 vaulted to 18 feet and open to a large dining and kitchen area. The tv/component cabinet will sit adjacent to the fire place with about 18" between which is where I hope to put a speaker.

I am working on a pair of later SPICA TC-50s and have confirmed that the bright top end that was mentioned in several reviews is very strongly a function of listening height. Thought this page documenting the work might be of interest:
http://baselaudiolabs.googlepages.com/MR-TC50-REB.html

In general, the list is wonderful, but what is going on:

p. 55, "Discontinuation of a model also precludes it appearance."

p. 81 finds the Sony Playstation 1, whose production ended in 2006, listed as class C, whereas the new Musical Fidelity X-Ray v8 is said to be no longer available. Why the exception in the case of the game console?

I am having a tough time understanding the target audience for this device. OK, it provides a bit accurate digital output from the iPod. Fair enough, and that is a feature worthy of applause.

But who is going to buy it?

Let's say you have an iPod. It's better than even money that you are using iTunes to rip and otherwise acquire your music. There are 3rd party apps that I suppose could also put files on an iPod, but I have to think that the majority of users, even among audiophiles, are using iTunes.

I'm wondering if anyone has heard the Sound-Smith Strain Gauge system and if there is a review of it anywhere. There was a mention of it on one of the blogs here, but I can't find much else.
I'm considering taking the plunge based on what some VA posters say, but am a little bit nervous as one is stuck with the electronics with no interchangeability.

"passionato" is a new site launched last week that aims to challenge iTunes in the classical space. Good news is that all their 18,000 recordings are DRM-free, bad news is that most are only available as 320 kbps mp3 for now. There are a few FLAC downloads and more are promised.

When you sign up you get 10 free tracks including the beautiful Naxos disc of Saint-Sa