Hifiguy

I think audiophiles --a label often applied from the exterior-- often get generalized as being more into the gear, and the care and feeding of said gear than into music. I once read that a music lover listened to music on a stereo while an audiophile never played the second side of an album. He (always a he) switching versions, genres, and formats like an ADHD air traffic controller. I’ve been involved in this activity since the early 70’s, and I’ve got to tell you, it is the music that always drives the decision. The influences may be suspect, and the choices questionable, but scratch the vinyl clad veneer of an audio consumer and you’ll find that coaxing that bit more of undefinable stuff, or the “there’ from the music is what it’s all about. Criticisms of high priced gear are always lobbed by those that can’t, or choose not to afford it. It’s all part of the yacking-- the static if you will-- outside the listening. Debates about neutrality, resolution, euphonic coloration and visceral massage points are the icing on our auditory cake. If when you listen it hurts your ears, it’s bad. If when you listen your head bobs and your toe taps to the music it’s good. If when you listen you you dance with reckless abandon or weep with music it’s good. If your like what you have but want it to be better...that’s good too. I always loved the music, but I also loved the junk (Hey, I’ve been selling this stuff since 1972 and that’s what we reverently called the machines that make the music. And we invited you into listen at any time; the first taste is free kid...). I know savant-like musicians who couldn’t care a wit if they listen on a hi-fi or a clock radio. It’s the same to them, I pity them, but their enjoyment is no less valid than mine. So, read the forums, the blogs, the reviews, but take them all with a grain of salt. Listen to the gear at a local shop. If they don’t have it, push them to get it. Trust your ears, trust you soul. Have some fun. And isn’t the new Steve Earle album great?

Chris,<br /> thanks for this tutorial, it's crystal clear. I followed along & every indication is that every thing is ok, but into the conversion I get this error message : "The variable audio_item is not defined." Any idea what this means & how to solve problem?<br /> <br /> thanks<br /> <br /> Peter

Booked a ticket and I'm looking forward to the show.

Through proof is in the listening. Unless you've got a huge room, and or you're driving 801s. The the Pearl should sound better. IMHO.

If you're serious about the KI Pearl buy it now, they'll be gone soon. I have it on good authority that the stack of KI-Pearls in the Marantz warehouse is dwindling, & when they're gone, they gone. They only built 500 and they're destined to be collectible. That being said, if budget is your main concern, then buy the AV7005, MM7005 when they're available. Given the Marantz heritage and design goals I'm sure they will make the B&Ws sing.

Have you checked into Audioquest? In addition to off-the-shelf products, they've been know to do custom terminations and cable arrangements.

Thanks Chris. Just the info I was looking for.

What's the current state-of-the-art high capacity changer/transport for loading CDs onto a music server? Thanks.