The least-expensive Wilson speaker and the most-expensive Vandersteen speaker go head-to head in the May issue, accompanied by reviews of PS Audio's affordable DSD DAC, Schiit's high-value Ragnarok integrated amplifier, Luxman's high-performance EQ-500 phono preamplifier, Vandersteen's unique monoblock amplifier . . .

First things first. Yes, Dave Douglas named his new album, Dark Territory, after my new book of the same title. This may seem odd: my book is about the history of cyber war; Douglas' album is a deep-dive exploration of improvisation, composition, and technology in the risky corners of jazz and electronica. But in an email sent out by his self-owned label, Greenleaf Music, he explains that both works are about "similarly mysterious murky waters of underground activity" and that he found my title fitting because, like the characters in my book, he and his band are "playing through a similar territory without rules where the dangers and challenges of technology are much greater than normal."

First, The Audio Salon (Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Unit F1, Santa Monica, CA 90404) is hosting a special Nagra event Saturday, April 16, from 4pm–8pm.

Second, Evolution Audio & Video (5341 Derry Avenue, Suite S, Agoura Hills, CA 91301) is hosting MartinLogan events on Friday April 15 (noon–6pm) and Saturday April 16 (noon–5pm).