Aris describes its technique as "a simple and accurate way to identify, monitor, and in some cases, control the use of musical…
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After months of wrangling, the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI) has selected Aris Technologies' MusiCode as its recommended form of digital audio copy protection, according to an inside source at SDMI. The decision came at the end of weeks of testing various watermarking techniques on the music industry's "golden ears"—recording and mastering engineers, music producers, and professional audiophiles. The official announcement is expected later this week.
Wes Phillips slips into his well-worn flame-proof underwear as he bravely introduces audiophiles to the musical merits of the Apple iPod. WP finds he likes living at the edge of audio trendiness, exclaiming, "Holy cow! I'm running with the fashionistas! Can I still be an audiophile, too?"
Starting in 2001, Michael Fremer began listening to the Manley Labs Steelhead phono preamplifier, noting, "The Steelhead is the most flexible, user-friendly phono section I've ever encountered." Both MF and Paul Bolin file Follow-Ups comparing the Steelhead with a variety of competitors.
Lonnie…
From the March 2004 issue, Michael Fremer goes a couple rounds with the Theta Digital Enterprise monoblock power amplifier, exclaiming, "Monoblock power amplifiers seem to be moving in and out of my listening room faster than green-onion salsa from Chi-Chi's." So how does the Theta stand up to the competition? MF lays it out.
Next, from the same issue, Paul Bolin fires up the Hovland Radia power amplifier, noting, "For better or for worse, appearances can make a profound first impression." But it's the sonic impression that counts, and PB does some digging to sort out the Radia's pluses…
Writer Robert Deutsch takes an in-depth look at the Hales Design Group Revelation Three loudspeaker in an attempt to determine whether the product lives up to its name. He also checks into the manufacturer's claim that "what we made will forever change the world of dynamic loudspeakers . . . an instant classic, a benchmark against which others of its type are measured."
As a bonus to go with the Hales Revelation Three review, we present Robert Deutsch's interview with the speaker's chief designer and namesake in Paul Hales: A Passion for Speakers. Find out why the fantasy kingdom of…
Back in June, we reported on the BBC's "The Beethoven Experience", described as "a bold experiment in whether or not free music stimulates legitimate music sales or suppresses them." Last week, The Independent published a terse 200-word article, reporting that the Beeb had downloaded one million files during the Experience, and stating "The initiative has infuriated the bosses of leading classical record companies, who argue the offer undermines the value of music and that any further offers would be unfair competition."
At Corante, Wendy Seltzer dismisses that notion. "If few people want…
Stereophile readers tend to exhibit above-average interest in the art and science of reproducing music in the home. Those whose interest extends back up the recording chain and into the recording studio may want to take a look at the Prestige Studios of the World website, developed by an Internet company looking to show off its digital wares.
At the PSW site, readers will find a selection of some of the world's most famous recording studios---including L.A.'s Record Plant, New York's Hit Factory, and London's Town House---along with behind-the-scenes interviews and background information…
The listing for the Rogue Audio M-120 monoblock power amplifier in the current issue's "Recommended Components" includes the comment, "Specified output power is 120W; JA measured just 100W into 8 ohms at clipping," which seems to suggest that Rogue Audio is overstating the amplifier's output power. This is not the case. The M-120 can be operated in both ultralinear pentode mode, in which it delivers the specified 120W, and in triode mode, in which it is specified at 60W. Our measurements were performed in triode mode; thus the 100W clipping power does, in fact, exceed the M-120's claimed…
XMas in August: XM Satellite Radio held its annual "XMas in August" new product show in Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall on August 9. Trumpeting the XM-related products that will be available for the 2005 holiday shopping season, the satellite radio provider announced strategic relationships with Altec Lansing and Belkin Corporation, as well as newer, smaller receivers from longtime partners Audiovox and Delphi. A Samsung-sourced MP3-enabled receiver with Napster capabilities was also announced.
Altec Lansing will develop and market two powered speaker systems for XM2go…
It's widely acknowledged that the American economy is in a downturn, but some economic indicators point otherwise.
The confusing numbers: The US Commerce Department recently reported a 1.3% decline for the last quarter in Gross Domestic Production, a measure of the value of all goods and services produced in the country. The retreat was the first in eight years and the most pronounced since a 2% drop in GDP in the second quarter of 1991. Corporate profits for the quarter declined by 6.8% on an after-tax basis, following a 1.7% decline in the second quarter. Profits overall were down 18.5…
In a move sure to startle a few record retailers, English recording artists Massive Attack will make their much-anticipated new album, Mezzanine, available in its entirety on the Internet weeks before the May 12 in-store release date. The album will appear in stages over the course of two weeks via a special page on Virgin Records America's web site.
The online exclusive starts on Friday, March 20 with a 45-second clip of "Teardrop," the first single to be released from the album, plus artwork from the Mezzanine sleeve. Three days later, the full-length version of "Teardrop" will be able…