The plumber's here, and he says we need a new hot-water heater because the one we have now isn't maintaining the correct water temperature, and because it's been in use for nine years. "And the thing is, this is a five-year heater." I responded by repeating his last six words, only louder, and with decorations. And I couldn't help thinking: <I>I've had phono cartridges that lasted longer than that.</I> And none of them have attacked me in the shower when my wife flushed the toilet, either.

This month, <I>Stereophile</I> brings you the Internet's largest community of qualified audio and video buyers and sellers, powered by industry leader Audiogon. Visitors to Stereophile.com will find a new "<A HREF="http://marketplace.stereophile.com">AV Marketplace</A>" link that connects directly to the most robust venue for buying and selling used and new audio and video equipment on the Web. Services also include an online Bluebook for quick evaluation of used equipment prices, online used equipment forums, member product reviews, information on manufacturers, and a member feedback system.

Every autumn, the <A HREF="http://www.CE.org">Consumer Electronics Association</A> (CEA) publishes its "Five Technologies to Watch" list of "technology trends poised to shape the consumer electronics industry" in the year ahead. Most of the choices may seem obvious, but the final entry on the list this year may be a surprise for audiophiles.

Over the past year, the Recording Industry Association of America (<A HREF="http://www.riaa.com">RIAA</A&gt;) has made significant headway in its multi-front war against commercial piracy, according to a detailed report issued by the trade group October 21.

New York's ailing Bottom Line music club has attracted some heavyweight help. Rock icon Bruce Springsteen and Viacom president Mel Karmazin have joined a campaign begun by New York&ndash;based satellite radio service <A HREF="http://www.siriusradio.com">Sirius Radio</A> to save the legendary venue.

From the October issue, Art Dudley mounts the <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?947">Dynavector DV10x5 MC phono cartridge</A> (on his tonearm, that is) and spins a few records. AD explains, "This is the first entry-level Dynavector to incorporate the company's colorfully named <I>flux damping</I> and <I>softened magnetism</I>."

<B>MIGHTY SAM McCLAIN: <I>Give It Up to Love</I></B><BR> AudioQuest AQ-LP1015 (LP), AQ-CD1015 (CD). Joe Harley, Sam McClain, Lorne Entress, prods.; Michael C. Ross, Dan Bosworth, engs. AAA/AAD. TTs: 47:46, 54:06

Make the <I>wussy-wussy</I> sound: Merely because of the way it looks, I didn't think I'd like the Simaudio Moon i-3 integrated amplifier ($1750). But the Moon prevailed (I resisted writing <I>rose</I>) over whatever prejudice I had against it, and so far it's been the biggest and best surprise in my ongoing and casual survey of affordable integrateds.

Make the <I>wussy-wussy</I> sound: Merely because of the way it looks, I didn't think I'd like the Simaudio Moon i-3 integrated amplifier ($1750). But the Moon prevailed (I resisted writing <I>rose</I>) over whatever prejudice I had against it, and so far it's been the biggest and best surprise in my ongoing and casual survey of affordable integrateds.