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This 2004 release is a perfect example of familiarity breeding ennui, if not quite contempt: it was ignored. As in every other one of Keb' Mo's albums, the sound is delicious: rich, rolling, natural, with the kind of authentic twang that sends chills up and down spines. But this time, instead of reverential blues updates, the fiftysomething singer covered the great peace'n'love songs of the hippie era. Opening with…

I tried to ignore the hype surrounding Sufjan Stevens' ambitious plan to record a tribute album for each of our 50 states. It sounded like some sort of hyperintellectual hipster gimmick. And really: How would he ever make it to 50? I would not make the commitment. Michigan came and went. Illinois arrived and I shrugged my shoulders.

When my stubbornness finally collapsed beneath the recommendation of a music-loving friend, I…

This group of fastidious German electronic composers influenced the development of hip-hop, house, and other electronic dance forms. They have now released this two-CD document of highlights from their 2005 world tour. Their best material of the last 30 years has been rearranged and remixed to take advantage of the state of the art of digital synthesis and sound manipulation, and the maturity and subtlety of these…

For my money, no contemporary songwriter has made a more solid series of CDs over the past decade than Steve Earle. With its jaw-dropping arc of Beatlesesque folk-rock-hard-country-Celtic treasures, Transcendental Blues is the best of the best, transcending genre and expectations. Earle has become more overtly political since 9/11 and the Iraq War, but this is still his most elegant collection of masterfully tuneful and heart-…

What is the ideal number of drivers in a loudspeaker system?
a) two
b) three
c) four or more
d) none of the above

You have your answer? Good. Next question:

What is the best type of crossover in a loudspeaker system?
a) first order (6dB/octave)
b) second order (12dB)
c) third order (18dB)
d) fourth order (24dB) or higher
e) none of the above

Got that one, too? Well, if you've noticed what kind of speaker is being…

Description: Single-driver loudspeaker with dedicated stand. Drive-unit: 4.7" (120mm) glass-fiber-cone. Magnet insulation: EIAJ Grade 1. Frequency response: 40Hz–20kHz, –10dB. Impedance: 6 ohms. Sensitivity: 83.5dB/V/m. Power handling: Rated 35W/Maximum 70W.
Dimensions: 11.3" (290mm) W by 14.3" (365mm) H by 14.7" (375mm) D. Height on stand: 38.5–38.9" (987–997mm). Weights: speaker, 26.5 lbs (13.3kg); stand, 28.7 lbs (13kg).
Finish: Silver.
Serial Numbers Of Units Reviewed: ZD700090, ZD700066.
Price: $7000/pair, including stands. Approximate number of…

Analog Source: Linn LP12 (fully updated) turntable, Linn Ittok tonearm, AudioQuest AQ-7000nsx cartridge.
Digital Sources: PS Audio Lambda II CD transport, Perpetual Technologies P-1A/ModWright P-3A digital processors with Monolithic Sound P3 power supply, Ayre CX-7e CD player.
Preamplifier: Convergent Audio Technology SL-1 Ultimate.
Power Amplifiers: PrimaLuna ProLogue Seven and Audiopax Model 88 monoblocks; PS Audio GCC-100.
Loudspeakers: Avantgarde Uno.
Cables: Digital: Mystic Reference I2S, Illuminati Orchid AES/EBU. Interconnect: Nordost…

The Eclipse TD712z's voltage sensitivity was to specification but significantly lower than average, at an estimated 83.5dB(B)/2.83V/m. However, its impedance remains above 6 ohms at almost all frequencies (fig.1), and rises in value above the midrange, this due, I assume, to the effect of the single drive-unit's voice-coil inductance. This speaker will be easy to drive, even by low-powered tube amplifiers.

Fig.1 Eclipse TD712z, electrical impedance (solid) and phase (dashed). (2 ohms/vertical div.)

The traces in fig.1 feature a couple of…

I think of Tony's theory every time…