Staff picks.

It was way back in Issue 63 that we published our first "Staff Picks" compilation, following it up in Issues 65 and 67 with additions by contributors who were a bit tardy in getting their lists together for that first installment. A year later, in Issue 69, we assembled a more complete and updated listing of our reviewers' advice and recommendations, and decided to update this listing on an annual basis; we published our most recent version one year ago in Issue 88. Our hope in publishing these recommendations is that not only will readers gain some valuable insights into equipment, but that they will also gain some valuable insights into our contributors' preferences and prejudices, insights that can be most helpful when reading our contributors' component and recording reviews. In alphabetical order, then, here are our contributors who have submitted their updated staff picks for 2002:

Steven G. Baird (SGB)

It was just a little more than four short years ago when I first learned that there were movements afoot to replace the conventional CD with other new formats (DVD-Audio and SACD) that are said to offer audio enthusiasts a more accurate or musically satisfying sound than what one hears on the present CD. One finds all sorts of reactions both pro and con to the idea of replacing a format after such a short time in the marketplace, but it now appears that both DVD-A and SACD have established enough of a foothold with consumers for me to state with confidence that, like it or not, high-resolution digital audio is a reality that just won't go away.

There are a number of questions in the minds of those who haven't dipped their toes into the "hi-rez" waters; many of them concern the present format war between DVD-A and SACD. Some of the audio equipment manufacturers have rendered this concern moot, though, by offering what are referred to as universal players. Such a player is compatible with virtually any digital format out there--mp3, CD, DVD (both pure audio and the various sub-formats for video), DVD-A and SACD. Moreover, these new components are compatible with a wide range of non-standard disk types. Not only will they play commercially produced media, most of them can read CD-R and CD-RW disks made on one's home computer, so the chances are great that whatever kind of digital disk you insert into these components it will play. Currently there are universal players from Pioneer, Panasonic, Yamaha, Denon, Marantz, Onkyo, and Philips for sale in the American market. Even more options exist in the European and Far Eastern countries that will be, presumably, available here in the near future. Owing to the fact that Sony developed the new SACD format, it is not surprising that their component line does not offer a universal player such as these. Likewise, there are a number of DVD/DVD-Audio players that do not offer SACD, so it is important for the prospective buyer to identify those players that are truly universal in order for it to be compatible with all formats.

Of course, many view the major advantage of these two new formats as being their ability to play multi-channel music. With the growing popularity of multi-channel home theater systems in the home, it stands to reason that the next logical progression for music entertainment would be to benefit from the surround sound capabilities of many consumers' current systems. The music industry is painfully aware of the fact that the market trend has been away from music-only purchases, and toward a variety of others, including video games and DVD movies. Many believe that if the music industry is to survive it must adopt both the surround sound and visual capabilities of modern systems. To this end, both DVD-A and SACD have made such provisions in their design architecture, although there have been no SACD products yet released that take advantage of that format's video provisions.

The other claimed advantage of SACD and DVD-A is the higher resolution playback available. The digital sampling rates for both of these are significantly higher than standard CD. While I don't intend to delve into this matter, my own experience with remastered titles in both of the formats would indicate that the quality of the results are as much dependent on the engineer's attention to detail in creating his remaster as they are to the quality of the original analog or digital masters. The latter is of greater concern since digital recordings that were made at lower sampling rates (and often much lower) years ago cannot offer any true advantage over standard red book recordings if a direct transfer is to be made. In either format the most appreciable improvements will come from new recordings (as opposed to reissues of older ones) in which the music is made using hi-rez recording equipment.

The reader is advised to be aware that both SACD and DVD-A will require a compatible player in order to make use of these new formats, even though most of the current releases can be used with your existing equipment. While hybrid SACDs will play in a standard CD player, for example, this is only because a second layer containing a standard CD segment is on the disk to guarantee its backward compatibility with your current player. Single-layer SACD-only disks will not work in this case. DVD-A disks are not backward compatible with CD, although they are compatible with early DVD players that were originally intended for movies. Like hybrid SACDs, DVD-Audio disks have segments that allow consumers to hear a version of the music on their existing DVD player using the same audio capabilities that movies do; some even offer both DTS and Dolby surround alternatives. In my opinion, one important drawback to DVD-A compared to SACD is that many of the disks require a video monitor for set-up. I have read that some audio manufacturing companies have identified this as a potential shortcoming, and will be introducing players with the ability to choose the kind of playback desired from the unit's own display. Another potential problem for DVD-A is that unlike the SACD format, there is no guarantee that a true stereo mix will be available on the disk. Since all currently available multi-channel SACDs also provide a segment for stereo playback, the disk remains compatible with the earliest SACD stereo-only players. DVD-A disks could require the DSP in your equipment to "fold down" their multi-channel data in order to play back in two channels. The sound you hear would, thus, be dependent upon the quality of your unit's DSP chip.

As for specific equipment recommendations for universal players, I am not making any at this time. While there are many reasonably priced components available today that can play back either SACD or DVD-A but not both, the truly universal ones are priced considerably higher. It is my belief that universal players will be coming down in price with the introduction of new models in the first quarter of 2003. What is important is that readers take the opportunity to hear these new formats and judge for themselves.

Kevin East (KE)

Home Theater. It's been another lean gear year. I haven't had that much new stuff around, and what has been around pretty much hasn't passed recommendation muster. This doesn't mean that we haven't been exploring new gear. In the last year we purchased both the Sony STR-DE685 A/V receiver and the Onkyo DV-S555 DVD player. Both are excellent components, which I'm sure could have been substituted for with any of a number of brands and models. And thereby hangs one tale of sense and sensibility--of what we in the audio, and now video, trade press are paid princely sums to pass on to you, our readers and everybody else's potential customers.

We chose the Sony because it offers everything we need right now in an A/V receiver: 5.1 speaker outputs, Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, multiple digital inputs, 100 wpc into all five channels--all in all a pretty nifty package for about $300. Similarly, the Onkyo DVD player does everything except DVD-A and SACD, but we're still in an interim stage with our facility (the den is too small for good surround sound, and the addition has been pushed back until 2003), so those capabilities, besides being competitive formats and still both way too expensive, are wasted. The Onkyo also plays CDs, CDRs, and MP3s--not bad for a $300 player.

The point is that we've opted for an interim solution to a temporary problem: we need a good DVD player/ A/V receiver combo that acquits both sound and picture well without breaking the bank. Once the addition is done, the Sony and Onkyo will be consigned to the new master bedroom suite, and we'll do the upgrade thang. I suppose we could have gotten a Yamaha/Denon combo or Harman-Kardon/Technics or gone upscale with Rotel, NAD, Integra, and others more familiar to readers of these pages. But after a while--and what we are oft times criticized for--one tires of putting an A/V receiver through its paces and coming to the inevitable conclusion, "Yup, it's certainly a receiver." Ditto CD and DVD players. And after spending considerable time shopping and auditioning an awful lot of receivers and DVD players, we came to the conclusion insofar as picture and sound quality were concerned any number of receiver/DVD player combinations would have been satisfactory. In the end we decided on brands we trusted, features, and price. (And, yes, once we upgrade to High Definition Television, video variables like progressive scan and component video input/output will become important ... but that's tomorrow.)

You, too, should feel that affordable, sensible purchases are possible without sacrificing sound (and picture) quality and without compromising your credentials as a bona fide audiophile. Solid state and digital technologies are fairly standard across price points, and in my view the extra cash that can be invested in higher-priced brands and models should favor features, build quality, and ease of use. Indeed, the emerging crop of upgradable receivers, such as the Onkyo TX-DS989 (No. 89; $3,199.95), a monster receiver with 7.1 capability, should warrant consideration if only because its upgradability should make algorithm obsolescence itself obsolete: you have little need to fear new software technologies, because the receiver can be upgraded via a serial port to accommodate them.

Speakers. Our A/V setup utilizes a pair of very old, very good Celestion 3 bookshelf speakers. The Celestion 3 is as musical and neutral a small speaker as one could custom order. They've long been out of production, but if you can find a pair, grab 'em. Not only do they do consummate justice to music, they can handle front (stereo) channel duties with ease. PSB Image 2B speakers (No. 89; $399/pair) complement the Harman-Kardon Festival 60 in the home office. The Image 2B is a rich, uncomplicated speaker whose ability to capture low mid-bass will obviate the need for a subwoofer in small applications. Should you need a subwoofer, the PSB Alpha Subsonic 5 (No. 88; $449) is a winner. If you're dipping your tootsies into home theater for the first time, the Atlantic Technology System 170 (No. 89; $1,496 in 5.1 configuration; $1,825 in 7.1 configuration) is an excellent, affordable way to ramp up quickly. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention my all-time fave raves, the Dana Audio Model 1 (No. 49; $199/pair) and my reference Legacy Classic (No. 64; $3,175/pair), two impeccably engineered speakers at opposite ends of the cost spectrum, both offering superb value. The good news is that Legacy Audio is expanding its local dealership base, so you can actually audition them instead of relying on the likes of me, TL, KWN, and GK to extol their considerable virtues. The same news is that Jim Carroll at Dana Audio keeps promising any number of us a shot at his upgraded Model 1, but we haven't seen them yet.

Ephemera. When I sent the Audio by Van Alstine Omega III EC preamp back to AVA for installation of tape buffers and a general upgrade, I needed a phono preamp to handle vinyl with the Adcom GTP-350 preamp/tuner, which does not have phono circuitry. A brief survey of the local hi-fi shoppes, yielded a choice between a Linn product for some $1,500 and the Rotel RQ-970BX at $199.99. Guess which sensible puppy I bought? The Rotel is a peachy little unit, utterly silent on its own, which offers moving magnet/moving coil switching. It also features, like the Omega III EC, RIAA circuitry, so much that I didn't notice any immediately apparent audible difference in sonic quality. Oh, yes, there are a great many other ways to improve vinyl output quality, but those will have to wait until 2003.

A new job and a new office meant a new need for music on the job. After a reader's lovely review of the Tivoli Audio Model One table radio (No. 92), I opted for Tivoli's Model Two stereo radio, complemented with the Model Subwoofer ($239.98 for both; review forthcoming). You can't believe what these diminutive components can achieve until you hear them. Once you hear them, they're nigh on irresistible.

After our long-gone housekeeper trod on the Kimber 4VS speaker cables once too often, they became amiably, if forcibly, separated from their banana plugs. I'd been experimenting with a home-brew braid of Radio Shack 18/20/22/24 AWG speaker wire for such an eventuality. But instead of merely substituting the home brew for the broken Kimber, I removed the Kimber entirely and biwired the Legacy Classics with the braid from the Sunfire power amplifier's current outputs to the midrange/ tweeters and generic 12 AWG copper wire from the Sunfire's voltage outputs to the woofers. Okay, "real" audiophiles, besides dissing the choice of Kimber 4VS to begin with, would deride the substitution of generic anything, with the Radio Shack badge being roughly equivalent to original sin, as an affront to true believers everywhere. Well, guess what, kids, the introduction of a new stylus for the Shure M95ED cartridge in the Technics SL-Q3 turntable made loads more difference in sound quality than the substitution of speaker cables.

Speaking of cables, the Big Rig employs AudioQuest Ruby, Kimber PBJ, an array of Monster Cable, an assortment of Radio Shack gold-plated interconnects, a few gold-plated manufacturers' interconnects, and whatever the turntables use--they're hardwired, so you don't have much choice. The AudioQuest Ruby is a big, thick jobber which I've used alternately as the preamp feed to the power amp or the analog output from the Parasound C/DP 1000 CD player to the preamp. It's so big I sorta want to believe that it will function "better" feeding a behemoth power amplifier like the Sunfire. But frankly both the muy thin PBJ and the sturdy Radio Shack wire do the job just as well. Tho' I'm mindful that an interconnect can actually fail, as TK described in No. 92, for the most part, they don't. So, absent a shred of empirical evidence--and "bloom", "air", and "presence" don't constitute empirical evidence--I'll continue to suggest, among with KWN, TAN, JMC, and HF, that wire is wire. Don't pop for the expensive stuff, even if a Famous Audio Writer avers that $200 for a meter length pair is "modest". 'Tisn't. 'Tis immodest, and mayhaps an obscenity. Save your money for the stuff that counts.

Howard Ferstler (HF)

Speakers, budget-priced: For a cost-effective speaker you cannot do much (if any) better than the $360 per-pair Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 systems. I reviewed those a while back (my review had not been printed at the time of this writing), and while they do require a subwoofer to do their work to the best and fullest extent, they dovetail with any number of good subs in a magnificent manner. Ascend is currently in cahoots with Hsu research (see below), and the result is bang-for-buck audio that bangs with some of the best.

Speakers, medium-priced: For the money, you cannot do much (if any) better than the $1,200 per pair NHT M6 "Evolution" satellite systems. I reviewed those three-way, four-driver (8.25 x 20 x 10.25 inch) speakers for another magazine a while back, and they are made to dovetail with any number of good subs (including those made by NHT) in a magnificent manner. These satellites can play louder than the Ascend units and they are a bit flatter in terms of their measured midrange and treble frequency room response. That makes them worth the extra cost if your room is big and you are a perfectionist.

Coupled with a pair of the company's W1 subs, a pair of their A1 subwoofer amps, their dedicated X1 crossover, and sitting on top of their P6 stands, the full two-channel Evolution package tops out at $4,000 bucks, thereby inching the combination into the higher-priced category. However, if you are feeling cheap, get just the M6 satellites and a reasonably priced sub (see below), and put the speakers on some Radio Shack stands. The result should be just as good, or maybe even better. Trust me on this.

If flat-panel speakers are something that works for you, consider the $1,500 per pair Eminent Technology LFT-VIII systems that I recently reviewed. (My review had not been printed at the time of this writing.) They employ a push-pull magnet structure that sets them apart from most other planar-magnetic designs and while they do roll off the treble a bit more than some might prefer, their midrange response is right up there with some of the best. They not only deliver the kind of dipolar sound that many enthusiasts lionize but the system's 8-inch dynamic woofer manages to generate remarkably good bass response.

If the above packages are a bit out of your spending league but you still want speakers that are in the mid-price category, consider the $1,000 per pair NHT ST4 systems. These smallish floor-standing jobs have the same tweeter as the M6, in combination with a fine 6.5-inch midrange (a pair of these drivers handle the lower midrange with the M6, with a 4.5 incher handling the M6's upper midrange) and side-firing 8-inch woofer. A good home-theater package would include the $300 SC1 center speaker (I reviewed this MTM unit along with the ST4 systems in issue 90, and Consumer Reports recently gave it a top rating), in combination with the $300 per pair SB1 units for surround duty. If you want to go the last 9 yards with this combination, you would probably want to couple the group with a good subwoofer (see below).

Speakers, higher-priced: It may be questionable whether spending much more than the cost of the M6 in combination with any fine subwoofer package would get you a serious audible improvement. A good choice if you wanted to chance it and go fully upscale would be the new, $5,500 per pair Dunlavy SC-IIIa systems [Note: Dunlavy Audio LLC ceased operations in November, 2002, and as of this writing, it looks as though the company is no more.-KWN] This speaker is substantially different from the earlier SC-III; it is actually a restyled version of the Cantata that I reviewed in Issue 87. Whether a pair of these will outclass the NHT Evolution package is anybody's guess. My personal evaluation of both called the contest a draw. For the extra $1,500 beyond the cost of the full Evolution setup you get slightly better deep-bass extension than what the W1 subs offer, convenience of just two boxes (and no exotic electronic crossover to have to fool with), and a real wood finish. However, remember that the M6 can also dovetail with other subs that go deeper than the W1 version or the woofers in the SC-IIIa systems, and some of those subs are quite low in price (see below).

One monetary click up from the SC-IIIa will get you the Triad InRoom Silver package that I reviewed for Issue 93. For ten grand, you get three identical front satellites, two semi-dipolar surround satellites, two combination subwoofer crossover/amps, and two subwoofer systems. The result is terrific sound in an attractive package that will do justice to any kind of surround-sound source material or DSP processing. Whether opting for just two InRoom Silver channels (including the subs and sub amps) at a cost of $6,800 will top the other upscale two-channel packages I mentioned above is debatable. However, there is no doubt that both the two-channel and the five-channel Triad packages will dovetail into some home decors better than the subwoofer-dominated NHT package or a pair of those large SC-IIIa units. In addition, the Triad subs are able to marginally surpass both the NHT subs and the SC-IIIa woofers in terms of deep-bass extension. They also hold their own with either in terms of practical maximum output.

Subwoofers, low-priced: The $500 SVS 25-31PCi is a terrific buy. In stock form it is flat down to 25 Hz, and if that is not deep enough you can opt for a no-charge, in-factory mod that pushes the bottom down to 22 Hz. (There is a slight loss in mid-bass headroom as a result.) The sub is clean and downright impressive. Not long ago, I hooked it into a system that was making use of an electronic crossover that high- and low-pass filtered at 40 Hz. The result was sensational, with the sub generating room-shaking levels to well below 25 Hz.

For a few bucks less, you can get the smaller and less visually obtrusive Hsu VTF-2. I praised this sub during a previous staff-picks outing, and at $450 (reduced from the previous $500), it is probably the world's bang-for-buck subwoofer champion. One can debate the merits of these SVS and Hsu subs in relation to each other, but the bottom line is that both will work extremely well with any of the satellite speakers I listed above. Indeed, with any of them (including even the very low-priced Ascend models), you would have a speaker package that would rival some of the best full-range systems I have ever auditioned. Under most conditions, decor considerations would dictate which sub is preferable.

Subwoofers, medium-priced: Three of the best are the Hsu VTF-3 (which I recently reviewed for another magazine), Hsu TN1220HO (reviewed in Issue 67), and the SVS 16-46 PC (Issue 88). Each of these can cleanly shake the room at 20 Hz, each costs about $800 (this will vary with the TN1220HO, depending upon the choice of amps and equalization), and each is just about all the subwoofer anyone would need. The SVS version has recently been upgraded (the 16-46PCi) to deliver a moderate performance improvement, but the price is the same as before. I use a half-modified SVS in my middle system, use the VTF-3 in my living-room system, and use the TN1220HO as a center-channel sub in my main system. All three are killers, and using them with a really fine pair of even fairly small satellite speakers or a fine five-satellite array should get you sound that is world class.

Subwoofers, higher-priced: I continue to recommend any of the Velodyne HGS series for those who have a cost-is-no-object attitude towards subwoofer performance, and who want their subs to have bass-distortion levels rivaling those of some amplifiers. I reviewed the HGS-12 in Issue 80, reviewed an earlier version of the HGS-18 (the F1800RII, which I continue to use as the main sub in my biggest system) in Issue 67, and reviewed the HGS-15 for another magazine. Velodyne has recently upgraded the entire servo line, and the new units no doubt continue the tradition. Note that these new models are somewhat more expensive than the previous ones, but, hey, at this level cost is no object anyway.

If you are squeamish about paying big bucks for a Velodyne servo, but still want that kind of servo-clean low bass, seriously consider the $1,500 Paradigm Servo 15 that I reviewed in Issue 71. While not quite as ultra clean as the super Velodynes (and with a front-to-back depth that might make it a bit too obtrusive for some rooms), for musical and home-theater use it is every bit their equal.

Interestingly, I recently checked the Velodyne on-line catalog and discovered that their FSR-12 is still in production, with the suggested retail still pegged at a mid-price/high-price straddling $1,300. I reviewed it in Issue 67, and continue to believe that it is one of the best smaller-room subs available, with response that is servo clean and flat down to 20 Hz. Indeed, if the room is 2,500 cubic feet or smaller it would be a better buy than the much more expensive HGS-12 model, let alone the still bigger units.

Equalizers and Analyzers: Three equalizers that I continue to recommend are the $530 ($1060 for a stereo pair) AudioControl C-131 (discussed by me in Issue 68, and reviewed by James Frane in Issue 76), $500 Rane THX-22, and $700 Rane ME-60 (both reviewed by me in Issue 83). Speakers are not perfect, and rooms often confuse what speakers do. After quite a bit of experimentation, I have come to the conclusion that even the best speaker/room combinations can benefit from at least a moderate amount of active equalization. Morover, good but not great speakers can approach greatness if an equalizer pitches in and helps to flatten out minor anomalies. Indeed, properly employed equalizers (with the assistance of a decent RTA) can work near miracles when it comes to delivering flat response to the listener's ears.

Speaking of RTAs, those who are super-serious about smoothing speaker/room response might seriously consider the $1,200 AudioControl SA-3051 that I prefer-and use when I review speakers. Those with more Sensible budgets might consider the same company's $650 shelf-model R-130 unit (reviewed by James Frane in issue 76). Rane also appears to have some workable versions.

Surround Processors, Amplifiers, and Receivers: Various models in these categories come and go with such regularity and speed that it is hard to recommend any specific models. However, I can offer up a couple of suggestions and observations.

The Dolby Digital- and DTS-capable, THX-Select certified, $1,050 Onkyo TX-DS787 receiver I reviewed in Issue 86 has been discontinued for some time. However, the newer TX-DS797 is essentially the same thing with the addition of Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6 decoding for two-channel music and movie source material--be it matrixed for special decoding or not. My experiences with both DPL II and Neo:6 allow me to safely recommend just about any receiver that has them, with the Onkyo's glitch-free quality and other abilities pushing it to near the top in its price category. It may be that the 797 itself has now been replaced by the new, $1,000 TX-SR800, which probably builds upon what the other units offered. No doubt some outlets will be selling 797 units as clearance items. If so, it would pay to snap one up.

The Yamaha RX-Z1 receiver has all the bells and whistles that any sane person would want--and then some. Its $2,800 list price may seem a bit steep for a receiver, but we do have to remember that it is a full-tilt device and that it also lists for $400 less than the RX-V1 it replaces. Like all other new receivers, it has DPL II and Neo:6, plus the latest Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, and also has Yamaha's proprietary soundfield manipulations for two-channel sources, along with eight channels of amplification to genuinely surround you with sound. (It is now the only Yamaha product with front-effects channels, in addition to the now standard three regular surround channels and three up-front main channels.) I feel safe in recommending it, because I bought my review sample.

CD Players: Forget them. Get a DVD player. Just about any model (including name-brand near-budget jobs from Best Buy and Circuit City) will do the trick. If you intend to get a wide-screen, high-definition TV set get a DVD player with component outputs that deliver a progressive scan 2/3 pulldown.

Wires, Interconnects, and Banana Connectors: Shop for them at Home Depot or Radio Shack and then proceed to worry no longer about wires, interconnects, and banana connectors. While there, pick up a cheap, "full-protection" surge protector or two.

James T. Frane (JTF)

The Bryston BP-25 1 added to my system is as good as any preamp I have heard. Its performance makes it a component of exceptional value despite its $2000+ price tag. I recommend you audition this one if you're in the market for a preamp.

The Parts Express 10" subwoofer kit is advertised as taking less than an hour to assemble. At its price, this subwoofer is a very Sensible choice if you want to add bass to small satellite speakers for a stereo or home theater system, with the bonus that assembly was fun.

Revel F30 speakers have deep bass extension of realistic quality. They are well-defined, articulate, and musical, allowing you to hear what is on the recording. The F30s never called attention to themselves and the sound floated in space with a good recording.

The Phase Technology Teatro 7.5s (a mouthful as a moniker) are an extremely good speaker value. They are coherent, integrating the drivers into a single source that covers most of the frequency spectrum. I could live with them for day-to-day listening and be quite comfortable, as I did for several weeks. I rate them as one of the best examples of a Sensible value in speakers, and the best I have heard for under $1,000.

Induction Dynamics ID-S1/1W Speakers are designed for free-standing or in-wall installations in their own enclosures. They have overall sound that is coherent, musically involving, and tempts one to listen longer than planned. They are well-balanced and full range, even at low listening levels. They are relatively costly, but remain a good value, being well built with excellent sound.

Dunlavy's SM-1 Speakers have extended highs without a hint of hardness. Besides being easy on the eyes, they are [most importantly] sonically attractive. Musical performances are stable through the well-integrated drivers, and the sound does not seem to emanate from the speakers. I listened for hours without fatigue, boredom, or the desire for other speakers. Just pure enjoyment, which is just what the goal of a hi-fi system should be. [As noted above, Dunlavy Audio LLC ceased operations in November, 2002.--KWN]

The Mach One M-Two speakers are VERY good in all areas of reproduction except the missing lowest octave. They have held their own against much more expensive speakers I have auditioned and remain my reference speakers along with NHT subwoofers.

The NHT SW3 subwoofer bass performance, like any speaker, will vary with location. Closer to a wall will boost the bass; closer to a corner will boost it more. The SA-3 subwoofer amplifier's built-in electronic crossover is so designed that the subwoofer output can be tailored to match many different satellite speakers and many subwoofer locations. The SW3 and SA-3 combination has value makes a Sensible choice.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the McIntosh MA6850 integrated amp. All of its many functions worked as designed. It's not only built like a battleship, it functions as well as very good quality separates. I could detect no sonic deficiencies in direct comparison to the separates I had on hand. Its only drawbacks were its considerable weight, no handles, no headphone jack, no phono preamp, and a cost that will put it out of the reach of many. The remote worked very well, providing the convenience of not having to leave the listening chair--I was particularly impressed with the close control of the volume that was possible.

Weltronics' DAC8 is an outboard digital-to-analog converter add-on for older CD players. This $200 unit made an improvement in the performance of an older ('87 vintage) Magnavox CD player.

The NHT VT-2 music/home theater speakers are visually unobtrusive with very good performance. They have the versatility of allowing the user to switch between crossovers to change their performance for stereo or home theater applications.

I reviewed the Parasound HCA-1000A power amplifier and ended up buying it. It performed extremely well, never running out of steam with loud passages and dynamic transients in my system. There was no mechanical noise, and minimal electronic noise. This noise was evident only when my ear was right at the speaker and amounted only to a slight hiss.

The AudioControl R-130 analyzer and C-131 equalizers performed their intended functions well. They have the potential to make improvements to a wide variety of system-room combinations. If all other avenues have been followed in an unsuccessful attempt to correct frequency response anomalies in your system, the C-131 equalizers may be the solution. The R130 enables you to make adjustments in your system (with or without equalization) and identify the effects on the entire audible range.

The Bryston B60 integrated amplifier had smooth, neutral sound with accurate reproduction of the ambiance of the recording. Dynamic transients were handled well, with no congestion. This would be a very easy amplifier to own because of its performance, physical aesthetics, and obvious parts and craftsmanship. I missed not having a phono preamp, however. Of interest to virtually any potential purchaser is Bryston's 20 year parts and labor warranty against manufacturing defects. The B60 is totally quiet, both at the unit and through the loudspeakers.

The Dynaudio Audience 60 loudspeakers are solidly constructed, visually appealing, and have good sound. I think the quality of construction and components are likely to continue to produce good sound for many years. I could listen to them for hours at a time without fatigue and their slightly softer sound will appeal to many people. Priced at $1200, they are a very Sensible value.

Grado Prestige Red phono cartridge. There may be some recordable response differences between this cartridge and its more expensive brethren, but it's difficult to imagine more pleasing and musical performance. The Grado Prestige Red is proof that one does not have to spend large amounts of money for good sound from a phono cartridge. More expensive cartridges may well provide incremental improvements in one or more areas, but the Grado performs at a level where such improvements will be small.

Krix Lyrix loudspeakers are appealing, both in appearance and sound. They have detail and extended bass and highs, with a smooth and pleasant midrange. They are worth a look at the fine cabinetry and a listen to the fine sound. Also, their relatively high sensitivity means they can fill a moderate-size room with sound without using a high-powered amplifier.

The Mach 1 Subwoofer is well thought out and solidly constructed. When bass was present in the music, it was clean and clear with no audible distortion. The flexibility of a variable electronic crossover can make a seamless blend with satellite speakers. While not inexpensive, the Mach 1 is competitively priced with many powered subwoofers.

SimAudio's Celeste I-5080 integrated amplifier is a visually pleasing amplifier that appears to be of high quality. My biggest complaints: the lack of a balance control (without the optional remote), the lack of phono preamp (increasingly common), and having to step through the source selections. None of these are major and they are a matter of personal preference.

The SimAudio Moon P3 preamplifier has high quality parts and construction. Its aesthetics are a matter of taste--I heard a variety of opinions from family and friends. Comments ranged from retro, art deco, gaudy, and the nameplate is out of keeping with the rest of the design. Its styling is likely to generate more comments than many other components. Its sound was superb and its operation flawless. My biggest complaint is the lack of a phono preamp, an increasingly common omission. Also, I missed having a monaural switch, which is useful for speaker setup. The SimAudio P3 is an excellent preamplifier.

Sony's XA20ES compact disc player is well-made with a sturdy drawer mechanism. The spindle accurately locates the CD and the stainless steel stabilizer disc with a magnetic insert holds the CD firmly in place. All of the controls worked as they should, both on the face plate and on the remote. The remote was not particularly sensitive as to angle nor distance from the player. Performance and sound were very good. The XA20ES is a CD player worthy of an audition.

The Thorens TD 320 Mark III turntable has a good suspension system to isolate the platter from the motor and from vibrations conducted through the support feet. Its controls work well and its music reproduction is very good. A range of adjustments permits tailoring to extract maximum performance from your cartridge. Bass was well reproduced. From an aesthetic viewpoint, the black wood grain with black knobs of the Thorens was appealing.

Cambridge SoundWorks' Tower Speakers are a good value. Their bipolar radiation pattern adds spaciousness to the sound, but can make the imaging a bit less precise than well-designed forward-firing loudspeakers. Both male and female voices sounded credible. They go deep in the bass, with some rolloff in the lowest octave, but not much.

The Audio Specialiste Crescendo CO-26 Loudspeakers are beautifully made speakers with high quality drivers as well as superb fit and finish. They have very appealing sound with music that does not have a strong bass line.

Tom Krehbiel (TK)

For me, this "recommended component" stuff is the very essence of ambivalence. I love to read what the other guys have to say. I feel ridiculous drawing up a list of my own. It feels kind of like recommending a pair of shoes. There's so much fit, feeling, style, and personal preference involved. And as with footwear, there are different configurations for different needs. I sure wouldn't recommend my indispensable Hobie sandals to a ballroom dancing fan, for instance. So with those excuses on the table, I'm going to mention a few items that have caught my eye or ear in the past year, complete with occasional disclaimer.

I'll start with the Apex AD-1100W multi-format DVD player that I profiled recently. It's cheap, it's compact, it handles a plethora of disc formats including various types of photo CDs. It's also quite competent in terms of audio and video performance and it's operationally pleasant to use. But the one currently sitting next to my VCR is going back to Wal-Mart since it's getting cranky about spinning up a disc. I'm not going to want a refund but rather a replacement. I guess when you buy a $60 DVD player, you have to handle the last bit of quality control yourself.

There's no question of quality control with the Music Ring power conditioner. You can find my detailed comments elsewhere in this issue. I've had a model MR1200 in my system for a month and it's now as indispensable to me as those sandals I mentioned up above. But, as I said in my full report, if you are basically unhappy with your system's performance, the Music Ring isn't going to fix it for you. Solve your problems first, then go get a Music Ring to let your wonderful system sing out even more beautifully.

I'd love to recommend the Soundwave Fidelity Soliloquy model speakers that have been my absolute musical reference for about 15 years now, but unless you happen upon the rare used pair, you'll never be able to find them. (These are NOT products from the current Soliloquy brand of speakers.) So here's the next best thing. Fire up your computer, go online, and get to the US Patent and Trademark Office website (http://www.uspto.gov) and do a Patent Number Search on 4,881,265. Be sure to include the commas.

That will bring up Jim Gala's original patent for the apex loudspeaker design that his Soliloquy model was based on. There's enough information there to let you build one of your own. Good luck!

I'd also like to recommend Chesky's C1 loudspeaker, the company's first hardware product. But so far, it appears to exist only in the form of the prototype pair that was demonstrated at the Home Entertainment 2002 show. As of this writing (late fall 2002) The Chesky website page for the speaker still says nothing more than "Coming Soon!!!"

And then there's the Cyrus Icon. It's not vaporware like the Chesky C1. It actually exists as a production item. We just can't get it in this country yet. It's based on the NXT technology, which Cyrus calls "Surface Sound." I heard a pair in the NXT suite at the CES a couple of years ago. The Icon is the only loudspeaker system I've heard (and seen) in the past decade or so that I'd consider a practical improvement on what I have now.

In terms of speakers you can actually go out and hear and buy, I'm very impressed by Dynaudio's Confidence C4 loudspeakers. They're priced at $19,000 the pair, which is somewhat above the practical level, and their size is more than I'd care to see in my listening room, but their sound quality is as extravagant as their price and proportions.

Gregory Koster (GK)

There has been a shakeout in the industry since the last time I did Staff Picks. Most of the components I had been recommending are no longer available, and some of the manufacturers have disappeared altogether. Since I haven't heard the replacement items (where there are still replacements), I have pared down my list to what I feel confident in recommending. But I've also branched out into new areas (see the Travel System below).

Mini System: There is still a wide choice of all-in-one systems, but most stint on the speakers. Denon solves this with their top model, which includes audiophile-quality Mission bookshelf speakers.

The latest model is the Denon D-F101 ($750), which includes two matched mini-chassis for the receiver (35 wpc AM/FM) and the CD player, plus a pair of Mission m71 speakers in beech wood grain finish. It should be available by the time you read this. The distribution channels may still have the previous model, the Denon D-F100S ($700), which combines similar electronics with the Mission 771 speakers in black wood grain. I have heard those speakers and can recommend this system without reservation. The one area where both systems will fall a little short is on deep bass, and you can fix that with a small powered subwoofer like the Mission m70as ($400).

Separates System: CD players are an endangered species. If you are happy with 1-bit sound, you are probably just as well off getting a DVD player and using it for CDs too. But if you prefer the sound of a multi-bit D/A, as I do, you need an audiophile CD player and your choice is more and more limited each year. Rotel is the value leader for such designs, but even their line has shrunk to just two choices. The Rotel RCD-02 ($500) is a slim-line full-width chassis with the Burr-Brown 1732 "24 bit" D/A that also includes the HDCD circuitry. I would recommend stepping up to the full-size Rotel RCD-1070 ($700), for the beefed up power supply including a large toroidal transformer.

The most critical component is always the speakers, and my experience favors two manufacturers: Vandersteen and Legacy. You can't go wrong with the Vandersteen 2Ce Signature ($1,550): full range with lots of bass from the 8" woofer and 10" acoustic coupler; highs that sound like a good concert hall (rather than a dentist's drill); relatively forgiving on room placement. The value comes from the double-knit sock finish, which saves expensive veneer and labor but may not fit your decor.

Better yet is the Legacy Signature III ($4,000), which I reviewed in issue 91. The combination of rear-panel switches and the optional Legacy Step One processor ($1,200) gives you unprecedented control to get good sound from any material in any room, and three 10" woofers gives you gobs of bass.

But if that's not enough bass, the Legacy Point One subwoofer ($2,400) adds a 15" metal driver and a similar 15" acoustic coupler with its own 750 wpc amp. Nobody needs more bass than that (but if you do you could use two of them). I'm using one in my system with the Sig III's now, and the available bass impact is awesome.

Now we need some electronics to round out this system. Acurus seems to have gone missing when Klipsch bought out Mondial (only the expensive Aragon line survives), so you might as well step up to my overall favorite preamp, the Legacy Streamline ($1,800). Beautifully silent, solidly built, a handy remote control--everything I liked about the previous design plus 1-dB volume steps.

As noted above, I would add the Legacy Step One processor ($1,200) to tailor the speakers to typical room situations (all those bass drivers plus 7" mid-bass and midrange can put a whole lot of peak energy into your room modes).

So then you might as well round out the system with a Legacy Powerbloc2 amp ($2,400). You could probably use any number of other decent quality power amps and never hear the difference, but this one matches the other components and produces 300 wpc at 8 ohms (and fully doubles to 600 wpc at 4 ohms) so I consider it a good value monster amp.

Travel System: "You can't take it with you"--but now you can! At least on trips around this world ... I had been using a portable CD-player with the best Radio Shack on-the-ear headphones, but that lets in too much airplane noise and the CDs are a hassle on trips. MP3 players seemed much more convenient, but their limited storage capacity meant either low-quality conversion or a very small repertory.

The Apple iPod changed all that with a built-in 5 GB hard drive that is claimed to hold 1000 songs ($300). Even at the highest conversion rate I haven't filled mine yet, and the current line also offers 10 GB ($400) and 20 GB ($500) models that include a remote control and carrying case. The coolest thing is the elegant way the iPod links up with the iTunes software on a Mac, and now there's similar software for Windows users too.

The iPod eliminates the hassle of carrying CDs with you, but there's still that noise problem. The solution to that is the Etymotic ER-6 Isolator Earphones ($140), which fit into your ear canals to block out almost all ambient noise. This model sounds very good, but the bass is a little shy. The Etymotic ER-4 Power ($330) is claimed to have better bass, but I decided a travel system just wasn't worth that much. I was tempted to add a HeadRoom AirHead portable amp ($120, but only $100 if bought with the earphones), but that would have added more complexity and hassle. The ER-4s are fine.

Tom Lyle (TL)

Rather than just repeat last year's picks with a few updates, I'd thought I would try something different--a history of my "reference" (how I hate that term) system throughout the years. For their first purchase there are very few audiophiles who go out and spend $15,000; as a result upgrading one's equipment is a pursuit that many involved in this "hobby" enjoy. I would recommend any of the equipment listed here; much of it available used. I held off pricing most of the discontinued gear due to its fluctuating/unknown value.

When the audiophilia bug bit me in my teenage years (although I hardly considered myself an audiophile, but a music lover) my system consisted mostly of leftover PA equipment from my rock band with a stereo receiver acting a phono preamp and headphone amp. As I reached adulthood, the PA system was hardly practical, but I kept one of the amps, a Crown D-150 to drive my Polk 5a speakers (I wouldn't recommend these old Polks nearly as much as their newer models). I purchased an inexpensive NAD preamp, who's model number I can't recall, to go along with it. I still recommend NAD amps, preamps, and CD players to both aspiring audiophiles and friends whom just want a good, reliable, decent sounding piece of equipment. I eventually upgraded my amp to an NAD 2100 stereo power amplifier, and shortly thereafter bought a second for use as a bridge pair. The turntable was a direct-drive Denon DP-23 sporting a Bang & Olufsen cartridge. The turntable was very reliable, and I used it in my second system into the mid 1990s (although with a few different cartridges). It was surprisingly good sounding, and extremely reliable. I think they're still making this turntable in one form or another.

In time, I upgraded my speakers. Convinced that only speakers designed for use as studio monitors could handle all the different types of music I listened to I purchased a pair of JBLs. Even though I would hardly recommend them to an audiophile, there is still some wisdom in this, and when I'm asked by a young, strapped for cash rock `n' roll fan what speakers to buy, I don't hesitate in recommending their monitors for home use. Still, shortly after this diversion I needed speakers with more refinement, and by the early 1990s bought a pair of Snell C/Vs. These speakers were great then and could probably hold their own against lots of current models. If one needs a full-range speaker and has the room for them I would audition a pair. I eventually grew tired of their greatest weakness--a mid-bass hump that caused an excess of standing waves in my relatively small 14' x 18' x 8' listening room. I upgraded to a pair of Legacy Classics. I give these speakers at $3,175 my highest recommendation. This 6-driver behemoth has a frequency response down to 22hZ, is extremely flexible via its 5 back-panel toggle switches, and mates well with a variety of amps. They've logged the longest time any speaker has ever spent in my system.

After using the NAD amps for quite some time, I upgraded to a Classe 70. This was a big improvement because it was much more refined and extended. After that I went to the big Krell 250a. At 250 wpc, this recently discontinued $3000 amp served me well for more than a few years. Recently, I've been quite impressed with the 30 wpc (!) output transformer-less, 30 wpc tube powered Atma-Sphere S-30 ($2850) hooked up to the 8-ohm friendly Soliloquy 6.3 ($3,199) two-and-a-half way speakers. I never though a low powered amp could sound so good (and loud!) Accompanied by a Velodyne HGS15b subwoofer the system is a match made in heaven.

My first preamp with high-end credentials was a PS Audio 4H. This is still a popular preamp among certain audiophiles, and can be had for a relative pittance. It has an excellent phono stage that accepts both MM and MC cartridges and a by-pass switch so the preamplifier can be used passively. After that I upgraded to conrad-johnson's PV-11, and then to the PV-12. Neither is in production any more. I recommend the PV-11 over the 12 because of its more natural sound (for a lower price), and one can be had on the used market for about $1G. I currently use an Audible Illusions Modulus 3a with a gold MC phono board (about $3200). It is the best tube preamp that can be purchased for less money than a used import car.

By the late 1980s/early 1990s I had upgraded my turntable to a used, mid-1980s AR ES-1 with a Grace 707 tonearm. The AR was, and still is, a great belt-drive turntable. It is built on the same principles as their renowned XA, yet more refined. Mated with a good tonearm and cartridge it enters into the realm of analog greatness. I then went to a used modified Oracle Delphi turntable, and upgraded my arm to the Sumiko/Premier MMT. I presently use a Basis Debut V turntable, and a Tri-planar VI Ultimate tonearm.

My first high-end cartridge was a Sumiko Blue Point ($195). I used one when it first came out--on my Denon, and then my AR. I recently heard one in someone else's system, and can say that it is still one of the greatest high-end bargains in existence. I went from that to a Blue Point Special ($295) but because I kept on breaking the stylus of the nude-body model, switched allegiances to the Benz-Micro Glider ($795) which served me well for about two years. After I got my Basis `table, I upgraded to a Lyra Clavis, and replaced it when it was discontinued with a Lyra Helikon ($1995).

I think one of the best investments for an analog system is a vacuum wet/dry record cleaner. The least expensive is the Record Doctor II manufactured by Nitty Gritty for Audio Advisor and is $200, which includes some record cleaning fluid and a brush to spread it. Premier! vinyl pre-cleaner works great even if one doesn't have a machine. I use it before every wash and on records that have already been cleaned by need a quick touchup.

CD playback has never been my expertise--my digital playback system sounds good, but can hardly hold a flame to the analog rig. That might be because I have not invested the time and money to CD as I have to analog, but some say that it is debatable whether any standard 16/44.1 CD system could better LPs on my stereo. That's not to say I don't spend time listening to CDs--I have a collection of over two thousand of the silver platters. Nevertheless, I started out with the Rotel 955. This was the first CD player that I ever owned that didn't sound objectionable. I then upgraded to a Meridian 207, then to a Meridian 200/253 transport DAC combo. Both these Meridian units were way better than the Rotel, but their drawers were constantly malfunctioning. I put up with the inconvenience because they sounded so darn good, plus, I bought them at a fraction of their original price. Such is the world of CD playback--like computers they are rapidly upgraded and outdated, so there are plenty of bargains to be found on the used market. I now use a Pioneer DV-525 DVD player as a transport feeding an upsampler made by Perpetual Technologies, the P-1A ($1,099) which brings the digital signal up to 24 bits with 96 Hz resolution, and a 24/96 DAC, the P-3A ($799). It is the first CD system that doesn't give me a headache after long listening sessions. I guess the next step is upgrading to an SACD player that also plays DVDs to use as a transport.

It's well known that I believe that the power supplied to one's equipment is very important--and when you live in a populated area such as I do, power conditioners can make a world of difference to the sound of your system. I've auditioned countless models of conditioners, and those from Tice, MIT, Chang, and Blue Circle made quite an improvement. But it wasn't until I tried the PS Audio Power Plants that my system performs to its full potential any time of the day, any day of the week. They synthesize pure AC power, the P300 providing enough power to drive a front end, the P600 for power amps. The best "conventional" power conditioner I've ever used is the Panamax Max 5510, which not only has AC inputs, but one can connect interconnects and phone lines, plus it has a sequenced power-on routine.

Last, but certainly not least, is the listening room-which besides one's software is the most important link in the audio chain. The way I have my speakers, the furniture, and other objects de junk arranged in the listening room is for optimal sound (and is somewhat tolerated by my loving wife). Since the details of the setup change with each pair of speakers that enters the room, there is hardly the space to describe it--but there are two ways to go. Either the "law of thirds" if the speakers are along the short wall, with the speakers one-third of the way in, and the listening seat one-third the way in along the opposite wall. The other way is along the long wall, with the speakers about a third of the way into the room with the listening seat against the opposing rear wall. This is how I have my current rig set up, and it reduces side-wall reflections to the point of insignificance.

Happy listening!

Thom Moon (TM)

High-end Tuner: Magnum Dynalab Etude (Discontinued) Overkill unless you have a great sounding FM station you listen to faithfully, but far and away the best combination of real-world pulling power and glorious sound. No presets. Useful hi-blend circuit for quieting noisy signals at the expense of some separation of high frequencies. Excellent at separating stations close to each other on the dial. Still my reference after six years. Recently replaced by the MD-100.

Real-world Tuner: NAD C440 ($299) This is not the most sensitive or selective FM tuner by any means; its sound on AM is a bit of the "pinched-nose" variety; and as with most British-designed tuners, it has no signal strength indicator. Those sum up its bad points. Its good points are: exceptional sound on FM (close to that of the Etude); real station-pulling power on AM; 30 presets, any of which can be AM or FM; a good FM blend circuit; and a very usable eight-character, programmable alphanumeric readout, so that the frequency readout can be replaced by station call letters or whatever. Solid; not flashy. A Sensible value.

Budget Phono Cartridge: Grado Prestige Green ($60) Its response is not so smooth as the Grado Signature, but it sounds better than anything else I've heard for the money. It tracks well, too. Perfect for that old Dual 1218 or Garrard Lab-80 lurking in the closet.

Integrated Amplifier: Linn Majik-1P ($1,345) At first glance, this jewel doesn't look like a Sensible value: 33 watts per channel (8 ohms; double that at 4) for $1,300+ (with phono preamp). But its sound lets the Majik live up to its name. It's the closest thing to the classic "straight wire with gain" I've encountered. Bi-wire your favorite speakers; feed it with a good source and you'll be enthralled. It's been my main amp for five years, and I've heard nothing better so far. Its only limitation: it doesn't like to play loudly through speakers that present it with complex loads.

Mini-monitors: ELAC 205-Jet ($1,278) Here's the bottom line: I haven't heard speakers this size (13" H x 7-7/8" W x 11-1/4" D) ever sound this good. Detailed highs; great, musical midrange; decent bass; excellent imaging. Attractive, too, in their available Alder finish. Best on jazz and chamber works, but they also handle major symphonic pieces and rock/pop/country very well.

Inexpensive Indoor FM Antenna: Terk Pi For about $50 on the street, you get a small, almost decorative unit that can provide good reception, even on stations from 20-40 miles away. But, you need to be able to move it around for the best results, and don't get too aggressive with the gain control. Offers less help for the AM band.

Roy Nakano (RN)

Here are my selections for Sensible Choices. Since it is my belief that the many of the most sensible choices (and the best buys) often happen to be used equipment, they have been included on this list. The logical source for used equipment are the popular auction sites, such as ebay.com. However, the prices aren't always that good, since you end up competing with the whole country to buy the product. Therefore, also consider non-auction sources, such as recycler.com, or your local classified ads.

DVD/CD Players:

Apex AD-1500--Who would have ever thought you could one day buy a DVD player for $70? For that price, you cam get a DVD player that also plays CD, SVCD, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3 formats. The Apex AD-1500 uses the ES4318F processor, and hobbyist have been fine-tuning Apex players in much the same way that young hot rodders have turned Honda Civics into their favorite import tuner. Available at walmart.com.

Apex AD-600A--Apex first gained fame with this player, which had the ability of playing any DVD from any region in the world and play back 13 hours of MP3 music off of a single CD-R. Early versions had a Macrovision-defeat mode. The RIAA put a stop to that, but Apex hobbyist figured out how to get it back. The AD-600A was gone for a while, but Apex smartly brought it back on the market. This unit also sounds pretty good in CD playback mode. You can buy a new AD-600A for $150 through the Apex Digital Onliine Store. All the hot rodding information you want is at http://www.nerdout.com/apex/.

Sony DVP-NS755V--Five years ago, you could have spent upwards of $5,000 for a conventional CD player. Today, it won't sound as good as a $250 SACD (Super Audio CD) player. Sony has one that plays both stereo and multichannel SACDs, and it's called the DVP-NS755V. It's also a DVD player with progressive-scan capability, and is also able to play CD-Rs and MP3 CDs. $250 is the street price.

Turntables:

AR XA/XB Turntable--A cheap but sound design with a lot of history. The AR turntable was the inspiration for the Linn Sondek LP-12. Robert Clifford did a restoration article for it a while back in L.A. Audio File (laaudiofile.com). Mods also are available. It is obtainable for around $100 on the used market.

Rega Planar 3 Turntable System--The Rega is almost a bargain brand new. It comes included with an outstanding tonearm, the RB300. The arm alone use to cost an arm and leg, but Rega will sell you the whole Planar 3 package (with a high-quality turntable included) for $750. The street price for a used system is about $400.

Preamplifiers:

Dynaco PAS-3x Preamplifier--They are getting harder to find, but you should still be able to pick up a used PAS-3x in good condition for $50-100, a price that has held for the last 20 years. Units in mint condition can be much more. The out-of-production PAS is a favorite among audiophiles for modification. However, even in unmodified form, audiophiles have always had a soft spot for this quite decent-sounding vacuum tube preamplifier.

Advent Model 300 Receiver--Here's a product that has a lineage, plus it's dirt cheap and quite decent. It's the one that put Tom Holman (the father of THX) on the map, incorporating his famous phono preamp. If nothing else, you can use it for its phono section. Around $125 should get you a good used unit. Its schematics are on the underside of the receiver.

NAD 1020--Based on the preamp section of the 3020, with its Tom Holman-inspired phonograph section (similar to the designs of the Apt-Holman preamp and Advent Model 300 preamp section). Good for systems with turntables. Around $125 street price.

Amplifiers/Receivers:

Dynaco Stereo 70 Amplifier (the original)--The Dynaco Stereo 70 is carved out of the traditional tube school of sound--i.e., a fat and rather ill-defined on the bottom, very three-dimensional sounding in the midrange, and a little bright in the upper midrange. It's getting harder to find, but you should still be able to find one on the used market for around $75-$175, about the same price range it sold for when new. The Stereo 70 is certainly not the most accurate-sounding amp around, but it's the best vacuum tube show in town for under $500.

NAD 3020 Integrated Amplifier--Perhaps the largest selling integrated amplifier of all time. The 3020 originally sold for $175, and incorporated a Tom Holman-inspired phonograph preamp section, a power amp section that could play down to 2-ohm loads, and provisions for hooking the preamp to a more powerful amplifier. NAD produced the 3020A, 3020B, and 3120, which are all essentially the same integrated amp, give or take a few features or refinements. All remain excellent buys.

Onkyo TX-SR700 Receiver--Home theater receivers keep getting better, but two features are getting harder and harder to find: The ability to handle low impedance speaker loads and a phonograph preamp. This model has both. This one features Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES and Dolby Pro-Logic II decoding, and DTS Neo:6modes., plus the requisite preamp-level subwoofer output, S-video connections, optical inputs and outputs. $800 (street price).

Tuners:

Digital Satellite Radio--It's not quite up to the best that CD can offer, but digital satellite radio blows away any commercial FM signal on the market. No one can guarantee that XM or Sirius (the two existing satellite radio services) will be around forever, but the initial outlay is so little (about what audiophiles pay for a moderately high-end phono cartridge) that it shouldn't matter. The quality of the signal and the vast array of material offered (includes uncensored comedy, just about every musical genre you can think of, kids radio, public radio, sports, news, etc.) is worth the low monthly service fee ($9.99 per month for more established XM service and $12.95 for the commercial-free Sirius service). Stay away from RF modulators if you want the best quality sound. About $300 for the initial outlay.

Recording Equipment:

Sony TC-WE675 Dubbing Cassette Deck--There is still a place for the cassette deck in this digital world and they keep getting cheaper. The 675 is the successor to the Sony decks that keep getting top-rated in the consumer magazines. This one features relay recording, which allows you to sequentially record on all four sides of this dual-well deck. Sonically, it's decent, but still short of the performance of the vintage Nakamichi decks. It's ability to record four-hour radio programs and other quixotic musical pleasures, however, make the sacrifice worthwhile. At $200, it's a gem.

JVC HR-S3901 (black)and HR-S3911 (silver) Super VHS Hi-Fi VCR--Yes, it's old fi, but the medium is still handy for video archiving. Fortunately, the price of VCRs is as low as ever. $150 for a 400-line resolution Super VHS Hi-Fi unit would have been unheard of a few years ago. JVC delivers--you just have to choose between silver or black.

Speakers:

RCA PRO-LX55--These Radio Shack models with their Linaeum tweeters (f/k/a Optimus PRO-LX5 II) provide an open, airy sound for home theater. Wait for Radio Shack's periodic half-price speaker sale, wherein you'll be able to pick these up (as well as the timbre-matching PRO-CS55 center speaker) for $75 each. A subwoofer is needed to balance out the sound.

PSB Alpha Mini--A good budget ($199/ pair) loudspeaker system. Revealing enough for differentiating the sound of amplifiers, but tolerant of many of the budget receivers it will probably be paired up with. For its price, it has a clean midrange and a treble response without most of the annoying ringing that plague speakers in this price range. Lacks the bass solidity of many of its competitors, but the Alpha does have an optional subwoofer that it can be mated to. There is also an Alpha center channel speaker available--making these a good choice for budget-conscious audiophiles who think they might be going home theater.

Vandersteen 1C--At $870/pair, the 1C seems to be one of the few speakers that bridges the gap between the fine budget speakers and $1,000+ high end speakers. For the extra money, you get accurate, stereo bass response, and an airy midrange and treble that resembles its bigger brother, the 2Ce Signature.Used 1Cs can be had for around $500.

Vandersteen 2 Ce Signature--Vandersteen is a relatively young loudspeaker manufacturer. But, the 2C and the newer 2Ci and 2Ce have earned their stripes. Brand new, the 2Ce Signature goes for $1,549 a pair. The price has held fairly steady, and for that you get a very pleasant ("musical"), airy, transparent sound, with genuinely extended bass response. A used pair of 2C/2Cis goes for around the high $800s to the high $900s.

David A. Rich (DAR)

I would love to give you a bunch of specific picks, but I can't. But I can offer some advice.

DVD players have drooped to just under $100. AV receivers that might be sonically transparent are $800. This is the street price point for the new Sony combo DVD/ SACD/digital power amp AV receivers that are coming out. For someone who wants to try SACD this unit is a must because it allows you to adjust the speaker delays. (David Ranada discussed the need to adjust delays in an article about six months ago--he was also the first one to identify the bass management problem with SACD/DVD-A.)

Stuff at the $2,000 price point might measure as bit better (judging from the limited published measurements I have seen), but the equipment is obsolete before you get it out of the box. If you got it a year ago you did not get THX 2 and Neo 6. If you got it last month you did not get the firewire interface between the DVD--A/SACD and the receiver. If you wait six months the audio setup feature just out on the top-of-the-line Pioneer will available elsewhere. Wait another six months and the digital interface standard to HDTV cable boxes will be established. My recommendation is to spend no more than $800 on everything. Then when all the new new new has trickled down to the land of el cheapo 2 years from now spend another $800 on new stuff.

This is not a new idea. People who buy computers these days have figured out the same strategy. The only question is do you refresh every two years or every three. You may get slightly better sound out of a top-of-the-line $5000 receiver now but if that put you on a 10-year refresh track you will certainly be getting worse sound that a new $800 unit 2 years from now.

In speakers I have not heard a thing of late. My research clearly shows that high-order crossovers are an essential part of a good speaker design. To do high-order crossovers really well you need active crossovers. That is what the pros use almost exclusively now. I thus find it hard to justify paying more than $500 a speaker for one that is only passive. The revolution to active speakers will come. Maybe first in HTioB (boom boxes run bi and tri amp now) but it will come from the mainstream companies (Bose, Harman, Sony, etc.) in time. Bose is already selling a practical room correction system. More goodies will come soon. Why spend a lot now to get a product that uses 50-year-old technology? $3000 for a 5.1 system appears to be a fine upper limit while waiting for the good stuff. Judging from published data, one does appear to lose a lot in measured performance as one moves down from this price point.

Consumer Reports has a different view as you know. I have no idea which $3000 speaker to recommend since I have not heard any of them, and I really do wonder whether the Consumer Reports best buy unit is really so bad that you could not simply live with it, save the cash, and break open the piggy bank a couple of years from now when the really good stuff comes in. That what I am doing (unless somebody sends some review samples). I have my 5 AR-303s that I got for $1250 and I am doing just fine.

By the way, while I have your attention I should point out that CD-R audio is just perfect. My $3,000 Teac reel-to-reel is just a sculpture in my hi-fi system now. At the price of CD-R audio discs I can do everything I did with that open reel cheaper and better. In addition, I can back up all those rusting CDs in my collection (those made by PDO in the early 90s). CD-R technology used to be expensive a couple of years ago but now you have waited long enough since the price is hanging south of $300.

In FM it is the same advice--wait, wait, wait. Motorola has some very advanced technology coming and Richard Modafferi went head over heels when he tested the 2-year-old Motorola chips. If all you want is continuous music (and not live on tape broadcasts like the New York Philharmonic live etc.) the cable digital music services are just fine and that comes free with your cable setup. Internet radio is also waiting in the wings. Again, wait. Do not spend--wait. Good things will come at very cheap prices.

So as you can see I have nothing really specific to recommend because I have nothing to recommend but to wait. Wait until the price of the new thing you want comes down to the point that you do not need a reviewer to make a purchase decision for you. It only takes about two years of waiting with the current state of progress in electronics.