Taking On the RIAA
Heads up RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America): those music dollars skittering away in all directions probably have very little to do with online file trading. That was the message last week as members of two important trade organizations challenged the conventional RIAA view that blames peer-to-peer networks for the record industry's third dismal year in a row.
Tax Cut = More CD Sales?
Respondents to our weekly Stereophile polls often tell us they would buy more CDs if the prices weren't so high. So would their European counterparts, according to a survey released February 18 by the International">http://www.ifpi.org">International Federation of Phonograph Industries (IFPI). Prices for recorded music are even higher in Europe than they are in the US.
TDK Announces 80-Minute Extended-Capacity CD-R Discs
Last week, TDKhttp://www.tdk.com%20">TDK; announced that it is introducing extended-capacity, 80-minute/700MB multimedia and music CD-R discs this July. The new discs add 50MB, or 6 minutes of stereo music capacity, to the conventional 74-minute/650MB CD-R disc. TDK says it is the first manufacturer to offer extended-capacity CD-Rs, and points out that it has been supplying recording studios with 80-minute CD-Rs for music-mastering applications since 1996.(Stereophile's new 77+ minute Bravo! CD, featuring chamber music by Elgar and Mozart, for example, was mastered on a 700MB TDK CD-R.)
TEAC PD-507T Expands Reference 500 Series with Transport-Only CD Playback
TEAC announced the PD-507T, a next-generation CD transport for its Reference 500 Series, positioned as a digital-only companion for external DACs, including TEAC’s UD-507. The company says it employs an in-house, high-quality CD mechanism and focuses on “pristine digital output” rather than onboard D/A conversion. Availability is slated for Q4 2025. MSRP: $1699 (USA), €1299 (EU), £1299 (UK).
Tech Emmys Move to CES
The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will play host to the Technology & Innovation Emmy Awards for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) in January 2007. The awards ceremony will be the CES' opening event on January 8, 2007, and will kick off the show's 40th-anniversary celebration.
Technics Event at NY's Audio Den Friday
High-end audio dealer Audio Den of Long Island (2845 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove, NY 11755) is hosting a music evening Friday, July 24, 5:008:00pm, to launch Technics' new Premium and Reference series integrated amplifier, network player, and speakers in North America.
Technics Event in Colorado Saturday
Saturday May 14, from noon6 pm, Crescendo Fine Audio (6760 W 38th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033) is holding a special Technics Open House. The featured guest will be Matt Frazer Manager of Retail Services for Technics.
Technics Event in Florida Thursday
Thursday March 24 from 7:00pm9:00pm, Encore Home Entertainment Systems (2115 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239) is holding a special Technics Open House.
Technics Event in Manhattan Thursday
Thursday April 6, 68pm, Adirondack Audio & Video (340 East 57th Street, New York, NY) is hosting a Technics event. Bill Voss, US Business Development Manager for Technics, will be demonstrating Technics' new "Grand Class" Component series including the SU-G700 Digital integrated amplifier, the SB-G90 floor-standing loudspeaker, and the affordable SL-1200GR turntable (above).
Technics Event in New Jersey Saturday
Saturday March 31, from 12pm to 5pm Hi Fi Sales (1732 Route 70 East, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003) are holding a listening event featuring Technics' top direct-drive turntables: the SP-10R and the SL-1000R. As always light and adult beverages will be available and and catering will be by the Kibitz Room.