Thanks to the whole staff and esp. JA for putting together such a fun and encouraging issue. I used to feel like the only one out there still carrying the vinyl torch but now it feels good be back where the fun is. Our local record shop is very busy- lots of college kids and such in there with all the older vinyl die-hards and it feels pretty sweet. Excellent lead in by Stephen- keep those coming from him.

Did y'all read the Kaplan piece on Jazz Ambassadors on NY Times? An excellent read, replete with great pictures.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/29/arts/music/29kapl.html?ref=music&pagewanted=all

I have a pair of Thiel CS 1.6 speakers, which sound great, but unfortunately are rather short for floorstanding speakers. They are about 5 or 6 inches too low for optimal listening. I could purchase an outrigger set, but that would only get me an extra couple of inches. What is the best way to raise floorstanding speakers? Would using telephone books be a terrible idea?

What about how it was recorded sounding one way or teh other? The mics change it all, and once that's waht was done, if you don't like the sound at the playback side, you need then to EQUALIZE it? Tone controls, cus' what if you think it doesn't sound good? Or if your speakers stink and change it again? Wall outlets and under cabinet magic feet, don't matter. http://www.record-producer.com/learn.cfm?a=4547

I was reminiscing about Little Feat and came across this video on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7oPHLzEc3Q

I can pick up a used Arcam FMJ A22 for $700 Canadian (350 pounds). It's four years old, but in excellent condition. Will be pairing it up with either Monitor Audio RS6's or Neat Motive 2's.

I haven't seen much info on the Arcam FMJ A22, but it's the predecessor to the A32. I've heard that the A32 is a rare Arcam that provides some grunt to the typical smooth sound. I'm hoping that's the case, because I listen to a lot of hip-hop, funk & northern soul.

So I've been all over the place, and gotten lots of advice on this and other boards. and here is where I am leaning right now:

(1) Audio Note AZ - 2 speaker -- $1,100
(2) Jolida JD 102B - $550 regular or $750 for the factory upgrade
(3) Music Hall 25.2 cd player -- $550.

I want something pretty warm -- My cds are mostly jazz (w & w/o female vocals) and acoustic instrumentals -- that soundstage really well (would the joilida modification help on that?).

it sure went through a lot of componets and wires, so again, why would the last few feet all of a sudden make for massive improvemtns, it all starts off this heavily loaded ckt board, lotsa ative ckts, now when you play it back, you say, teh AC cord will make it better? Or the wall outlet is giving it more space and air....hmmmmmmmmm http://www.akg.com/mediendatenbank2/psfile/datei/22/c414b_xl41136043685e2.pdf

Kal - either in print format or in these forums, I'd love to read your take on these Hybrid SACDs which seem to be proliferating. I don't have the SACD player, so I wouldn't know, but I can't stop but to think that the Vanska's Beethoven 9th sounds much better through SACD playback... or does it also sound a tad veiled in SACD, too? The Mahler 2nd by Ivan Fischer does sound excellent through the redbook, so no qualms there... but what's the word on these? Any difference between the SACD-only discs and Hybrid discs, in terms of SACD performance?