can anybody tell me the prices on a new NAD c315bee,c320bee and c325bee? thanks. also, is there any store that sells them online, or are they only through dealers?

After years of wanting to be an audiophile I'm finally in a financial position to do it and have started to research equipment. One thing I've noticed is that there currently seems to be a huge focus on home theaters. Everything at the big box stores is HT and all of the higher end stores in my area seem to have "theater" in their name. Personally I don't have time to sit down and watch a 2 hr movie very often so 95% of the time I'm listening to music. I can't see paying for 4 or 5 extra channels and speakers that will rarely get used since I mostly listen to music.

I'm looking into ripping my cd collection to a hard drive source(as flac files). I've read reviews about sonos, olive opus, transporter etc. I've learned a lot about the different systems and how they work but there are a few basics I'd like some help with. The DAC, or audio card, are obviously very important on how the digital file sounds when played back, but how important is the optical device in saving the binary down to the hard drive.

I was wondering why more phono stages don't have at least a switchable subsonic filter? The vast majority of records seem to have at least some warp, which causes significant woofer movement and wasted power, at least on any speakers with true deep bass response. OK - I've heard that purists feel that it screws up the sound, but is this true? Maybe the manufacturers feel that the inclusion of such a filter will turn off the potential market for their product?

Street Corner Music, 17620 West 13 Mile Road, Beverly Hills, MI 48025, has joined the Audio Intelligent family of retail dealers. Street Corner Music specializes in jazz, R & B, and Urban music. Their selection of new and used LP

I just registered, and am hoping I can get some good advice. My old 2 channel receiver died after years of limping along. I have little interest in surround sound. I have a pair of ESM-2 speakers, and want to put my TV audio as well as my CD player through my speakers. I gave up on vinyl long ago, as I couldn't tolerate tics. My budget for a new receiver is around $650. I saw a good review of the Outlaw RR2150, but wonder whether an old classic in excellent condition would be even better: maybe a Pioneer SX-1050 or Sansui 9090DB.

Are there any significant downfalls to selecting bookshelf vs upright (not sure on the correct term here) speakers? At the moment I'm favoring bookshelf, mainly due to concerns with baby (5 months now but, not for long) sticking things in speakers, knocking them over etc. What might I be loosing with this choice? Is it easier to 'baby-proof' an upright setup or just go for the bookshelf? Anyone have simliar concerns or experiences?

- Mark

I have recently acquired a Prima Luna Prologue Three preamp. I sm real pleased with the sound quality. My amp is a solid state MCA 20 Anthem. I have wondered if I went to Tube in my amp as well as the preamp would I enhance the sound even more. Two sources that I have relied on in the past have come up with opposite opinions. One says B&W is really not suited to Tubes. The other has said B&W was made for Tubes. I would like to hear what you experts have to say to a neophite in the field. Thanks in advance for your help. JNorth