I've recently been enjoying two sources of music in particular. One is the
Proms using the 320k stream. The other is some new (to me) Jazz CDs. This
prompts me to raise various points to see what people think.

Firstly, I am now of the opinion that the best way to get Proms is via the
320k stream. To me this delivers better results in general than any
traditional broadcasting route I've used. Although it does sometimes hiccup
here - as per one night last week. Both the sound quality and the sheer
effortless dynamic range available is impressive.

Secondly, I wonder what kinds of music people think are - for them - the
most revealing choice to appreciate the sound via their audio setup. I'm
curious to know if this relates to people choosing audio equipment
(particularly speakers) with a specific type of input in mind, so
'optimise' for that at the risk of other source material not being so well
reproduced. e.g. I tend to notice a distinct difference in sound balance
between, say, Proms and old EMI classical recordings. So a system that
works well with one may not flatter the other.

Finally, I am wondering again about people being able to easily get 'new'
music of various kinds, and the ways in which a 'brave new world' of the
net may actually make this less convenient in some ways despite being
presented as being easier. e.g. I saw a review of a set of discs in
Stereophile magazine and then discovered when I asked a dealer that it was
a "limited edition only available directly from the label". So far as I can
see, the magazine doesn't tell you.

This seems to be a trend for specialised discs of the kind audio mags
review and means you end up having to move towards almost "buying every
disc is an adventure of going to another website and giving someone else
you don't know your card info". Preceeded by "hunt the site". Am I the only
person who thinks life would be simpler if any disc reviewed could be
bought openly via any dealer? Thus making some price competition possible,
as well as simplifying the process for the purchaser.

Slainte,

Jim

--
Please use the address on the audiomisc page if you wish to email me.
Electronics http://www.st-and.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scot...o/electron.htm
Armstrong Audio http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/Armstrong/armstrong.html
Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html