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just a brief note to thank all who put this years buyer's guide together. it is by far the best buyer's guide to date and the introductions for each section are very well written for all of the readers. thanks for your hard work as it is appreciated!

Hello guys.. i have been an avid reader of stereophile for quite some time, and have finally realized my dream of building a worthy sound system.

I plan to upgrade my home stereo system. I will likely purchase either a pair of Paradigm Studio 100 or B&W 703 main speakers. Since I often listen to FM radio, I decided to go with an FM receiver. Two questions:

(1) What are your thoughts on the Denon DRA697C1 AM/FM Receiver?

(2) Assuming that the price is not substantially more, would it be preferable to buy a separate amp & tuner instead?

Thank you for your help.

I need some education in this area. Like many people, I play the digitized music library on my iPod through my home stereo system. Now that I am contemplating upgrading my home system, I am curious whether I might be able to restore the lost quality of my music that is played from the compressed format on my iPod.

If this issue has been exhausted on this forum, please point to toward any relevant threads. Thank you.

As an avid listener of jazz, I am interested in upgrading my home stereo system. Although I have several questions, I will break them down into seperate posts.

Quick background: I enjoying listening to jazz, choir & other "technical" music at moderate levels. My primary criteria in speakers is accurate reproduction.

I am considering both the B&W 703 and the Paradigm Studio 100 main speakers. Although I realize that the final decision lies with my ears, I would appreciate your thoughts on these selections. Thank you very much.