Makers of powered subwoofers fall into two camps: those that fit a high-powered amplifier and a single, large woofer into a relatively small, unobtrusive enclosure; and those that build two or more 10" woofers and an amp of moderate power into a larger, heavier enclosure.

Is the music industry in the midst of a turnaround?

Feeling grumpier about spending audio dollars this holiday season? You may not be alone according to a new survey of consumer holiday buying intentions.

From the October 2004 issue, Michael Fremer reviews the <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/loudspeakerreviews/1004mbl">mbl 101E Radialstrahler loudspeaker</A>, enthusing, "In one night's listening orgy, I tore through albums by the Weavers, Harry Belafonte, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Tony Bennett, <I>etc</I>&mdash;all recorded live in Carnegie Hall. The results were nothing short of astonishing."

Industry observers have long debated the ultimate fate of satellite broadcaster Sirius Radio. Front-runner XM Radio, with more than two million subscribers, is already above the break-even point, but for many months Sirius struggled against technical problems and overwhelming debt. Would the fledgling survive, get devoured by its larger competitor, or worse, get picked up in a fire sale by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.?

The observation has been made, often and well, that audio writers are out of touch when it comes to judging value for money. For one thing, we get to live with exotic gear for months at a time, without spending a penny. For another, when we <I>do</I> decide on a more permanent upgrade, we usually get the opportunity to buy at wholesale&mdash;at a so-called "industry accommodation price," extended to us because, after all, we <I>are</I> a part of the industry.

The observation has been made, often and well, that audio writers are out of touch when it comes to judging value for money. For one thing, we get to live with exotic gear for months at a time, without spending a penny. For another, when we <I>do</I> decide on a more permanent upgrade, we usually get the opportunity to buy at wholesale&mdash;at a so-called "industry accommodation price," extended to us because, after all, we <I>are</I> a part of the industry.

The observation has been made, often and well, that audio writers are out of touch when it comes to judging value for money. For one thing, we get to live with exotic gear for months at a time, without spending a penny. For another, when we <I>do</I> decide on a more permanent upgrade, we usually get the opportunity to buy at wholesale&mdash;at a so-called "industry accommodation price," extended to us because, after all, we <I>are</I> a part of the industry.

One of my best friends is a serious jazz collector with a side interest in good replay gear. The last time we got together over a meal, he asked, "What do you think is <I>really</I> the most important component in an audio system?" He might have added "these days": It's a subject we come back to from time to time.