Attacking the compact disc has lately become almost a blood sport among audiophiles and audio writers. Not a month goes by that I don't read—often in <I>Stereophile</I>—some vehement statement about how CDs are a musical abomination.
Since March, Sony BMG has released "at least 10 commercial titles" employing XCP2 technology developed by UK-based antipiracy company <A HREF="http://www.first4internet.co.uk/">first4Internet</A>. Sony BMG claims that the 10 titles represent "over one million units," but the company steadfastly refuses to specify which titles have XCP2.
<A HREF="http://www.soundsareactive.com/catalogue.php?album=sub2005">Soundsareac…;, an eclectic independent label specializing in "jazz/improv, experimental hip-hop, and electronic artists," is offering a subscription package for its 2005 release schedule. For $35 (US price; the international price is $50), the label will send monthly downloadable MP3 (192kbps) releases for the rest of 2005, four "physical" CDs, and a "tour" DVD titled <I>XN+</I>.
Telarc's stunning hybrid multichannel SACD of Jennifer Higdon's <I>City Scape</I> and <I>Concerto for Orchestra</I> has received the 2005 OutMusic Award for Outstanding New Instrumental Recording. The disc has also received the 2005 Grammy for Best Engineered Classical Recording (well-deserved by Jack Renner) and 2005 Grammy nomination for Best Orchestral Performance (equally well-deserved by Higdon champion Robert Spano and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra).
In his Soapbox this week, Wes Phillips talks about reliability <I>vs</I> the cool factor in choosing or recommending a product. What qualities get you most excited about an audio product?
<I>"Good career move."—Michael O'Donoghue on the death of Elvis Presley</I>
Back in 1964, Avery Fisher, founder and president of the Fisher Radio Corporation, wrote a short note for the 500-C Stereophonic FM Multiplex Receiver owner's manual. In that note he said, "a door has opened for you, and your family, on virtually unlimited years of musical enjoyment."
"I have an interesting loudspeaker for you to review," said John Atkinson.
When I reviewed <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/loudspeakerreviews/404infinity">Infinity's Primus 150</A> loudspeaker in the April 2004 <I>Stereophile</I>, I was very impressed with its overall performance. To this day, I continue to be amazed at the level of realism this $198/pair loudspeaker can reproduce, and I've kept the review pair to serve as a benchmark for an entry-level audiophile speaker. When I'd completed that review, my first thought was: <I>Now—what can Infinity do within the affordable Primus series for more money?</I> So I requested a review sample of the Primus series' flagship, the three-way Primus 360 floorstanding speaker. After all, how could I resist listening to a speaker that claims 38Hz bass extension for only $658/pair?