In discussions with other audiophiles regarding CD vs. high resolution digital formats, one thing that comes up repeatedly is the fact that most folks have no means of making a valid comparison. Often, a high resolution version of a record is mastered at a different session, sometimes by a different engineer. At many format shootouts I've attended, I hear level differences, EQ differences, etc. that make a true comparison of the formats impossible. Astute listeners realize we are comparing different masterings.

Like so many of us, I am a Stereophile on a tight budget. Most of the tube amps that I've found online are way out of my budget of lack any third party reviews. None are previewable. Does anyone have any suggestions/remarks on stereo tube amplifiers in the $100-$300 range? Old or new (preferably new). I've even seen some build-it-yourself kits that I wouldn't opposed to trying. I realize this is very specific and most people won't have much to offer me, but for those that do I greatly appreciate your help.

For anyone who has resisted buying an iPod because of capacity concerns, today is your lucky day:

Apple has released a new iPod, this one with a 160GB hard drive. That's a whole lot of lossless files, my friends. Also, the case is made entirely of metal, so there is no scratch-prone plastic to worry about.

I suspect that Red Wine will be all over this one.

Ok guys, please bear with me as I am new to all of this and trying to take it all in. I recently recieved a Sony PS-X70 turntable that is in excellent condition. Though not top of the line, this is a pretty significant upgrade from the POS I was using before.

Here are my questions -

I read the mention of the wikipedia listing for audiophile a couple months back in this magazine. Recently i found a spare hour to read through the talk page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Audiophile
which provides some perspective on the community input shaping this entry.

I was initially astonished that there are those who seem to make a career (objectivist magazine editors) out of denying the nuances of sound production, as well as those that have a hate on for "subjectivists".

I'm new at this and have some ebay components: Rotel 980BX power amp Rotel RC 980 pre amp, rotel rcd 975 cd player, psb silvers, nondescript cables and interconnects and a speaker selection box. In my living room. I wish it sounded better, esp at lower volumes.

Is there a weak link here? thanks

No, this is not a Minneapolis Airport question.

After reading decade of reviews and "listened around" alot, I'm starting to have my own theory about Hi Fi gear that may get me flamed, but here goes...

Wine is also a hobby of mine, and there is a definite "bottle to bottle" variation that can occur. Bottles from different barrels maybe, or with cork from different trees, one bottle got left on the store rack in the light while the other stayed lower in the dark, one bottle was exposed to different temperatures, etc...