HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: AA10000 Wally Knapp  Computer Services  x4461 H239 <AA10%CATCC.BITNET@VTVM2.CC.VT.EDU>
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Dealer Recommendations
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 93 16:46:35 EST
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
   Fri, 22 Jan 93 16:45:42 EST
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

Would folks care to volunteer their favorite discount dealers for
purchasing equipment through the mail?  There have been references to
several during recent communications.  Perhaps the good ones and the bad
ones from your perspective would also be useful.

Regards,  Wally Knapp

+++----------------------------------------+++-----------------------+++
| Wallace C Knapp CSP Dir Computer Services |  BITNET    AA10000@CATCC |
| Catonsville Community College             |  Tele/Vmail 410-455-4460 |
| 800 S Rolling Road                        |                    -4461 |
| Baltimore Md  21228                       |  Building H   Room 239 A |
+++------- Community Colleges Serve 51% of Maryland Students! -------+++
From: gfl@herahera.cc.bellcore.com (lenahan,grant f)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: Comments Wanted on Spica Speakers
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 93 19:50:37 GMT
Organization: Bellcore, Livingston, NJ
  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for rec-audio-high-end@uunet.uu.net); Thu, 21 Jan 1993 14:50:41 -0500
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

sf@zengroup.com (Scott Fenton) writes:
> 
> Has anyone heard of Spica speakers?  Are they any good
> for the approximate $500/pair price?  Thanx for any thoughts.

They are wonderful, given obvious bass limitations.  Also
very electronics-dependent (don't use a junky receiver).


General Note:

Will people PLEASE PROVIDE E_MAIL ADDRESSES when asking for
info.  "reply" function does not appear to work through Tom's
interception, and we waste lots of people's time here.
From: daver!cypress.com!ssr@uucp-gw-2.pa.dec.com (Bapcha/FPGA)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: Should I switch from my MGIIIA's to Mirage 3?
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1993 21:09:39 GMT
Organization: Cypress Semiconductor
	id <m0nFCwK-0000XkC@daver.bungi.com>; Thu, 21 Jan 93 17:12 PST
Distribution: rec
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Keywords: Mirage
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

In article <1jeojtINN7qe@uwm.edu> @usceast.cs.scarolina.edu:goyal@cs.scarolina.edu (Sanjay Goyal) writes:
>I have owned a pair of Magnepan III's for a long time, since
>their sound puts a lot of other speakers to shame.
>
>Until now ! (so I have been told)
>
>The new Mirage 3's.
>
>They supposedly have everything that the MG's have and more.
>
>TRUE or FALSE

Hmmm.... the Magnepans are different from the Mirages.  The Mirages are
bipolar... the imaging is not as precise as the MG's.  The Mirages are
superior in bass reproduction to the MG's though.

Take a listen for yourself - I'd pick the MG's or any of the Apogees
over the Mirages (or Def Techs - the poor man's Mirage).....

bapcha-

-- 
Bapcha ssr@cypress.com   |  NeXT mail is NOT welcome.
3901 N.  First Strasse,  |  SUN  mail is welcome.
San Jose,  CA 95134,     |  SMTP mail is welcome.
408-943-2719.            |  IBM  mail is welcome too.
From: bellutta@ohsu.EDU (Paolo Bellutta)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: HDCD
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 93 16:15:50 PST
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

All this discussion on HDCD raises a very important question to me.
Why the CD encoding is linear and fixed point aritmetic?  Maybe at
time of definition of the standard a floating point encoding was not
feasible (I guess that stil today transitions between orders of
magnitude can cause distortion), but I guess that a logaritmic 

encoding should have been possible using an analog amp in front of
the A/D converter and after the corresponding D/A converter when
reproducing.  I also guess that the difference in cost of a mass
produced system so designed would have not been to different to the
cost of current standard.  


So I believe that I'm missing something.  


---
La miglior arma inventata dall'uomo e' stata la parola
 _   /|  | Paolo Bellutta ---------- bellutta@ohsu.edu
 \'o.O'  | B.I.C.C - Oregon Health Sciences University
 =(_o_)= | 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd. - Portland, OR
    U    | tel: (503) 494 4804 --- fax: (503) 494 4551
From: mcdphx!brookb@enuucp.eas.asu.edu (Brook Burson)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Tube info needed, Beard P-100
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1993 00:36:25 GMT
Organization: Motorola Computer Group, Tempe, Az.
  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for noao!ncar!rec-audio-high-end); Wed, 27 Jan 1993 13:35:29 -0700
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

Hello Hi-Enders,

I've got an old Beard P-100 tube amp that needs re-tubing;
however, the numbers on the smaller tubes have been worn off,
and I don't have any idea what they are.  I've tried calling
several tube suppliers, but no one seems to know what tubes
go into a Beard P-100.  

There were two versions of the P-100 from what I understand.
One version has 4 smaller tubes, while the other has 6.  My
amp has 6.

If anyone out there knows the tubes that go into this amp, I
would greatly appreciate the info.  Also, what positions
they go into, if different types.

Thanks!

----------------------------------------------------------------
Brook Burson
UUCP Address:  {uunet|nano}!asuvax!mcdphx!bopper1!brookb
Internet Address:  brookb@phx.mcd.mot.com
----------------------------------------------------------------
From: apctrc!znpt01@uunet.UU.NET (Norman P. Tracy)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: Mark Levinson Digital Processor
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1993 22:45:28 GMT
Organization: Amoco Production Company, Tulsa Research
	(queueing-rmail) id 181447.6005; Wed, 27 Jan 1993 18:14:47 EST
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Keywords: Mark Levinson Digital Processor
Originator: znpt01@gpss43
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu


In article <1jusfqINNl6q@uwm.edu>, caudle@owlnet.rice.edu (Chris Aaron Caudle) writes:
> In article <1j6fvnINN9qt@uwm.edu>, peterh@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (huang peter suway) writes:
> |> I was wondering what the function of a digital processor is and how it is 
> |> implemented into an audio system.  Is anyone familiar with the Mark 
> |> Levinson No. 30 digital processor?  Is it worth anything near its price 
> |> of $13,950?
> 
> "Worth" is a relative measure.  If I had $100,000 to spend on audio 
> equipment, and I had a dedicated listening room/studio, then yes, I 
> think that...(he'ed get a No.30, me too!).....
> ..(the No.30 ).... has custom digital filter chips, .........
>                        ---------------------
> 
> Chris Caudle           
> caudle@owlnet.rice.edu 
> 
> 

I agree point for point with Chris except I need to correct one statement.
The digital filter in the No.30 is not a custom part, its the NPC SM5803
which is a slightly more optioned version of the widely used NPC SM5813.
The 5803 adds features like digital volume control (not used by No.30),
digital domain de-emphasis, among others to the oversampling filter core
in the SM5813.

With so many of the digital audio heavy weights using programmable DSPs
and claiming its the ONLY way to go I find it very interesting the designers
at Levenson used an off-the-shelf filter chip.
-- 
Norman Tracy

znpt01@trc.amoco.com
From: sma2@cc.bellcore.com
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: HK Amp Problems
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1993 15:00:29 -0500
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for <uwm.edu!csd4.csd.uwm.edu!info-high-audio-request@zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu>); Wed, 20 Jan 1993 20:10:57 GMT
	(queueing-rmail) id 150916.3784; Wed, 20 Jan 1993 15:09:16 EST
  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for <walter!uunet!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!csd4.csd.uwm.edu!info-high-audio-request@porthos.cc.bellcore.com>); Wed, 20 Jan 1993 14:46:39 -0500
  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for porthos!walter!uunet!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!csd4.csd.uwm.edu!info-high-audio-request); Wed, 20 Jan 1993 15:00:29 -0500
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

Try replacing the big electrolytic caps in the power supply
Sam Agin
Sam's VCR Repair
Howell, NJ.
From: Hallick_Lab@tikal.biosci.arizona.edu (Hallick Lab)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Jesus Christ Superstar 20th
Date: 26 Jan 1993 11:11:24 -0700 (MST)
Organization: University of Arizona
 <01GTZ08XRRZK8YDXA7@Arizona.edu>; Tue, 26 Jan 1993 10:56:37 MST
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Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

                       Subject:                               Time:10:52 AM
  OFFICE MEMO          Jesus Christ Superstar 20th Aniv.      Date:1/26/93
Has anyone heard the new 20th aniversary recording of J C Superstar done at
Abby Road Studio?  Any opinions on it relative to the original which just
became available on CD around here?
Mitch
From: bp816@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Stuart Krivis)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: re: Time Alignment
Date: 25 Jan 1993 17:38:31 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (USA)
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu


If "time alignment" enables the speaker system to properly
reproduce a pulse signal, I would assume that it is beneficial.

Stepped baffles, ala B&W, high order xover filters, and delay
networks in the xover probably screw things up enough that proper
time response is not possible. Therefore, "time alignment," as
practiced by most designers, is a marketing ploy.
From: gmw1@cunixa.cc.columbia.edu (Gabe M Wiener)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: Two great mysteries of audio
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1993 15:30:13 GMT
Organization: Columbia University
Reply-To: gmw1@cunixa.cc.columbia.edu (Gabe M Wiener)
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

In article <1jov32INN53@uwm.edu> ken@isgtec.com (Ken Newman) writes:
>
>1) Why are there no pre-recorded metal cassettes, or no pre-recorded
>   Dolby C cassettes? Every decent cassette deck for many years
>   (even car decks, for crying out loud) has had metal and Dolby C
>   capability. There must be some demand? Sure metal tape is expensive
>   but so are CD's.

Probably because:

	a) Most people buying cassettes don't care about audio quality.
	b) Metal tapes probably peak out the cost/quality factors
	c) More players have Dolby B than Dolby C
	d) There's less alignment tolerance in Dolby C than there is
	   in B.

>2) Why do they not "record" or "press" or "download" :) or whatever
>   the appropriate term is, on both sides of a CD? Again, this would
>   be more expensive, sure, but probably much less than two CD's?
>   I certainly wouldn't mind flipping a CD over if I could save 
>   several bucks and obtain the several other obvious advantages
>   of this.

	a) It would essentially be made the way a laser disc is made,
	   that is, two CD's glued together.
	b) It would be too thick for most players, especially high-end
	   players with special transport designs.
	c) The quality control problems would make it more expensive than
	   two CD's.
	d) Where would you put the "label" ??


--
Gabe Wiener - Columbia Univ.     "This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings 
gmw1@cunixa.cc.columbia.edu       to be seriously considered as a means of 
N2GPZ in ham radio circles        communication. The device is inherently of
72355,1226 on CI$                 no value to us." -Western Union memo, 1877
From: winalski@adserv.enet.dec.com (Paul S. Winalski)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: HDCD Patents
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1993 02:23:19 GMT
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation, Nashua NH
Distribution: na
Reply-To: winalski@adserv.enet.dec.com (Paul S. Winalski)
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Keywords: HDCD
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu


In article <1jmi7jINNi45@uwm.edu>,
kchau@sfu.ca (Kwok Kwong Albert Chau) writes:
|>
|>This seems too simple, but aren't pending patents available for public
|>scrutiny as are patents granted.  I'm probably wwrong on this but I
|>seem to remember being told that this is so.  If this is the case the
|>question of how HDCD works is easily answered/dug up.

It depends on the country.  In the US, patents pending are confidential between
the Patent Office and the inventor.  If the patent is denied, the invention
remains confidential.  It is only disclosed if the patent is granted.  This
is not true in some other countries, where the invention becomes public whether
the patent is granted or denied.

--PSW
From: bobsoron@world.std.com (Bob Soron)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Comments on Casio DA-R100 portable DAT?
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1993 22:41:18 GMT
Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA
	(queueing-rmail) id 174214.10254; Fri, 22 Jan 1993 17:42:14 EST
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

Passing a question along for a friend. He isn't on the net; you can reply
directly to me or follow up here. Much obliged!

   Could anyone give me some feedback on the Casio DA-R100 portable DAT
   player?  How does this unit compare with other portable DAT player/
   recorders?  I plan on recording some music at a music festival and
   am considering getting a portable DAT player.  What kind of microphones
   do you recommend?  Do you use one mic or 2?  Which type of DAT tape do
   you recommend - Denon, Sony, Maxell, or others?  Thanks a lot for
   your help.
              Nate Goldshlag
   P.S. J & R Music World in NY is selling the Casio for $549.
 
Bob
bobsoron@world.std.com
"With Velcro, gravity is obsolete" -- Mister Boffo
From: qchorn@mtu.edu (Horn)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Want info on making homemade interconnects
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1993 00:53:50 GMT
Organization: Michigan Technological University
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

I know that this is probably an FAQ, but, I would really
like to know how to make good quality interconnects.  It 
sure seems like I could make great sounding interconnects
for a fraction of the cost if I only knew what type of 
cable to buy, where to buy it, and what kind
of connections to put on the ends.  I would appreciate it
if the responses to this were made as technical as 
possible (if I can't understand it I have friends who will
translate for me).  If anyone out there has had exceptionally
good luck making their own interconnects, please give me
very specific information as to the type and brand of 
cable used, etc.  Feel free to send responses e-mail, or,
as this may be of general interest, post them to the net.
Thanks a lot in advance.


Quinn C. Horn
Metallurgical and Materials Eng.
Michigan Technological University

"Your never to old to rock and roll
if your too young to die"-Jethro Tull
From: Hallick_Lab@tikal.biosci.arizona.edu (Hallick Lab)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: MINIMUS-7 mods
Date: 27 Jan 93 16:13:15 GMT
Organization: University of Arizona
 <01GU0AE8G6RK8YDGKH@Arizona.edu>; Wed, 27 Jan 1993 08:58:01 MST
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
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                       Subject:                               Time:8:47 AM
  OFFICE MEMO          MINIMUS-7 mods                         Date:1/27/93
I picked up some minimus 7 cabinets this weekend at a swap meet.  These seem
like excellent cabinets for a set of shielded satellites.  I was thinking of
Audax MHD10p25fsm 4" woofer (effic. 87dB) and TW60A tweeter with an L-pad. 
Any comments, suggestions, scathing criticism? I plan on combining these
with a 10" DVC woofer from Madisound in a sealed or aperiodic, down-firing
cabinet, Qtc ~ .7.
Mitch
From: bulca@McRCIM.McGill.EDU (Ferhan Bulca)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Mission CD player & converter
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 93 16:16:39 GMT
Organization: McGill Research Centre for  Intelligent Machines
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: bulca@lightning.mcrcim.mcgill.edu
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu


Hi all:
I am considering Mission's new DAD5 CD player and DAC5 converter
as my next upgrade. I am currently using a Rotel CD player. Before
I make a decision, I would appreciate to receive your comments on 
these products.

When you post your response to the list, could you also forward a
copy to "bulgak@vax2.concordia.ca" ?

Thanks in advance.
Akif A. Bulgak
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Concordia University
Montreal, Quebec Canada
From: billyee@vnet.ibm.com
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Audio Concepts Sapphire IIti and Sub-1 Speaker Kits.
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 93 14:36:22 EST
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

I've bought and built the Audio Concepts Sapphire IIti satelite speakers
along with a pair of their SUB-1 subwoofers.  After a long period of
"break-in", I want to give them a rave review.  I've had them since October
5, 1992.  They are one of the most neutral and accurate sounding "High End"
speaker systems around for the money.

I am using them with the following equipment:

Adcom GFP-565 preamp
Adcom GFA-585 amplifier
DENON DCD-1520 CD PLAYER
Denon TU-680NAB Broadcast Reference FM/AM Stereo Tuner
Shure V15 Type IV (yeah, it's an oldie but goodie!)
Technics SL1400 MKII Turntable
Radio Shack 12 gauge MegaCable for speaker connects (I'm not that rich!)
Regular run of the mill (but gold plated) line level interconnects.

The rave reviews apply ONLY when the Sapphire IIti's are bi-wired as
described in the rave review article by Gary Galo, contributing editor to
Speaker Builder magazine.  (Gary Galo also writes reviews for Stereophile
magazine).  After living with this speaker system for a while now, I must
agree with and confirm Gary Galo's findings and rave reviews in Speaker
Builder magazine.  The Audio Critic magazine also gave this system a
favorable review.  Has anyone else had experience with them?

Also, I was wondering why this speaker system has not been reviewed
by the other more popular audiophile and regular stereo magazines.  Any ideas?

I rate them better than the Vandersteen 2Ci's and 2Ce's.  The Sapphire IIti's
and Sub1 combo are simply, less coloured, without any hint of a thick midbass
or of a midbass boxey boomyness apparent on some recordings on the Vandersteens
.  Also the Sub1's bass will simply put the Vandersteen's and many other
popular mid-fi and hi-fi name brands to shame.  The Sub1's will take some
punishment and not complain one teeney weeney bit!  No crinkles, no crackles
and no pops!  Other woofers complain after there excursion limit runs out!
(Yes, this is only provided they are driven with a good clean power and not
an amplifier overloaded into clipping).

Don't get me wrong, these are not your typical, mid-fi "jump-out-and-grab-you"
speakers.  They are tight, fast, neutral, accurate and natural!
Let me hear from anyone who has experienced these little big boys and what
you think of them.  Agree or Disagree?  Any problems with them or not?

The opinions expressed are my own and do not represent those of Advantis/IBM.
From: <MPA15C!ARTHUR@TRENGA.tredydev.unisys.com>
        Please change any mailing lists or aliases.
        Both the old and the new addresses will work for a short time.
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: AMC Tube Amp
Date: 20 JAN 93 12:56
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Comments: Automatic Return Receipt Requested
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

Jingyi Zhu has inquired about this unusual product.  I had the opportunity to
hear it in September, when visiting the proprietor of Audio Nexus in New Jersey,
who has been a personal friend for a couple decades.  He had it driving
Eminent Technology LFT-VI speakers (which it had absolutely no right to be able
to power!) and was feeding it with a Rotel 965.  I sat listening to that measly
little $3K system for over an hour, enjoying every minute.   He sagely
suggested that this was going to become a very popular audio product, and I
have to concur.  Several other audiophiles who hang out on Prodigy have
independently discovered the AMC amp, and the comments have been unanimously
positive.  Interestingly, a coworker walked into the office the other day and
started raving about a little integrated amplifier that he'd just spent some
time auditioning, and that I doubtlessly would find unfamiliar.  Yeah- you
guessed it.

I think for the audiophile on a budget, or for whom space considerations dictate
the use of an integrated amp, that this little guy might be the product of
choice if the power is sufficient.  I've heard that a higher-powered model is
either out or is about to be out; perhaps they'll be at the Stereophile Show in
a few weeks.

  Arthur L. Shapiro        ARTHUR%MPA15C@TRENGA.TREDYDEV.UNISYS.COM
  Software Engineering
  Unisys Corporation       Speaking as a civilian, rather than for
  Mission Viejo, CA        Unisys, unless this box is checked: [ ]
From: "Tom M. Tripp" <tripp@beta.tricity.wsu.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Audio Concept Sapphire IItiUs
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1993 11:51:57 -0800 (PST)
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu



Recently, billyvee raved about the Sapphire IIti's and Sub 1's from Audio
Concepts.  I must agree with his review.  Although I have not bought the
Sub 1's (yet!), I cannot believe the quality of the Sapphire's especially
for the price ($750, kit).  They are very neutral, fast, and tight.  The
bass on the Sapphire's alone is OK--very fast and tight but they don't
reach the lowest octave on their own.  With the Sub 1's, I can imagine
that that problem will be eliminated, for another $750.    One thing
billyvee did not talk about is the incredible soundstaging.  I have the
speakers standing 12 feet apart in my apartment, and I get a 3D soundstage
of about 15 feet.  The voices and instruments are not smeared very much at
all, some vocals appear about 1 foot wide, dead center between the
speakers (e.g., Morrisey on "That's Entertainment," Ry Cooder's "Paris
Texas," and Roger Waters' "Amused to Death").  You hardly notice the speakers.

Some other nice things about this system is that the Sapphires are
bookshelf size, and the Sub 1's can double for furniture (something like
an end table).  As such, the stereo system does not visually overwhelm the
room.  The kit instructions are very easy--I know nothing about
constructing stereo equipment, or constructing anything for that
matter--and it took me one afternoon to assemble them.

I should note that the rest of my system consists of VTL 100w monoblocks
with a Denon DCD 970 plugged straight in from the variable outs (I know, I
know . . ., I just can't afford a preamp after buying all this stuff, and
I'm hoping a friend will find or build  a tube preamp with passive
biamplification -- any suggestions?).  Much of the transparency and
soundstaging is due to the VTL's, but not all of it.  Before I could
afford the VTL's, I borrowed a Hafler 220 modified with extra large caps
and improved decoupling at output transistors.  The Hafler also produced
great soundstaging through the Sapphires, though not as good as the VTL's.

I'm very new to high-end audio, so it's hard for me to compare the
Sapphire's to other speakers.  But, I visited all the high-end stores
(well, in the Seattle area) and I heard no speakers that sounded better
anywhere within this price range.   If you want good speakers for under
$1000, give the Sapphires some serious consideration.

-- Tom Tripp