Hello,

It is obvious that reference loudspeakers in a proper acoustic is by far the best way to monitor a session. But I know that persons like John Atkinson use headphones to monitor the microphone position. But how is it possible to be sure of the best microphone position using headphones? How one can know that the sound will be compatible with a large number of different loudspeakers?

The best,

L.

Why is it that the two big US high end audio magazines are always trashing audio compression, such as saying that MP3s, WMAs, AACs, computer sound systems and iTunes all spell the death of good sound, and yet both magazines have sister publications dedicated to home theater?

The last time I checked, all DVD soundtracks used some form of heavy duty audio compression, with Dolby Digital being the the worst (most compressed) and DTS being somewhat better (less compressed).

In Larry Greenhill's review of the Genelect HTS4B subwoofer, he states "The Velodyne DD-18...includes a sophisticated built-in equalizer, test signals, and setup instructions. While these additional features aren't needed for a home theater system...".

I thought these features were certainly very useful for a HT system. Is that really not the case?

If I had to give my Top 5 Best of 2005 right now, I'd say:
1. Smog - A River Ain't Too Much To Love
2. The Magic Numbers - s/t
3. Sufjan Stevens - Illinoise
4. John Vanderslice - Pixel Revolution
5. My Morning Jacket - Z

How 'bout youse?