Funny thing about carting a $1600 amplifier down these New York City streets during the evening rush: People just don't give a crap; they'll run you over. No problem. In fact, I was almost shown to that great, big listening room in the sky by an SUV (with Jersey plates, of course) just outside Herald Square. And try getting a $1600 CD player through the PATH station turnstiles; there's no special "Hi-Fi Entrance" down there. You're left to your own devices. I employed the lift and twirl method, but only after realizing that the push and shove method wasn't going to work.

Over in the <A HREF="http://forum.stereophile.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=3839&page=&…; Forums</A>, we've been having a conversation about the differences between music lovers and collectors&mdash;a conversation that has been considerably enlivened by the participation of my friend Jeff Wong, who is both.

No, it isn't a joke. Hey, if you're here, it's not like you're using the one you've got.

How could I have missed this Charles Rosen article? It was even published on my birthday. Aww, he shouldn't have.

Can one ever truly get enough of the spiced ham that is William Shatner?

If I needed a reason to check out the Decemberists beyond Stephen Mejias' recommendation, this interview would be it.

Not just for cooling tweeters any more. Strangely arresting.