Entry level HIGH END? Is there high end entry level? When does just high end be high end? Is a $300 TT high end, or entry level, or just a TT? If I'm at entry level, when do I cross over into high end...out of entry level? Is teh $100K TT entry level for expensive TT's since there is a $300K unit on the horizon? And those "cheap" $70K from those previous high end Yorkes? It's all getting too confusing. When does MASS FI stop and entry level hig end begin, when does high end begin leaving entry level high end. What is entry level mass fi? Upper end mass fi?

I'm looking for an integrated amp and several choices come to mind like Rega, Creek, Cambridge Audio, and Arcam. How would the sound of these solid state units compare to a tube amp like a Jolida? Reading on how to pick a tube amp is simply over my head in comprehension and would like your opinion. Would I be better served by getting a solid state amp? I'm just intrigued on the SQ people are experiencing.

In any case, I'm leaning towards one of these speakers, Totem Hawk, Dali Ikon 6, or Triangle Antal ESw.

Hi. I am brand new to all of this. My old stereo system components have all recently given out. So far, I have purchased two Polk M50 floor speakers. Mind you, I only listen to music on this system and don't want to spent a fortune. Unfortunately, my husband is a cheapee and bought a Kenwood receiver VR-705 with 5.1 channels. I am going to buy a subwoofer and have a Koss (don't laugh--it was free) CD changer. With what I now own, plus my Polk subwoofer which is on it's way), does it matter what CD changer I have? Will it really affect the quality of music?

A number of internet sites are running stories on how the CD is becoming less dynamic (due to increased compression in the recording). If so, how prevalent is the practice?

Yahoo tech article: Why New Music Doesn't Sound As Good As It Did

Referenced blog: Loudness War Blog

Rush (band), a historical loudness study: Over the Limit

which of these 2 dvd players would offer the best audio performance? does the fact that the oppo has gold plated connectors and the marantz does not make much of a difference? the marantz has significantly lower thd, once again, much of a difference? which would you go with, seeing as their both the same price. my setup will be paradigm monitor 7's driven by a nad c325bee, cables will be monster thx1000 speaker and audio interconnects (i get them really cheap through my job)

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/33549