Tunes for Tuning: HDTracks

By: Ben Vollmer, Car Audio Nationals

Up until last week I only bought music one way, on those shiny objects called CD's. I detest DRM on purchase music and don't like the bitrate of the music available via MP3's from download services, so I have been stuck buying CD's and ripping the music to my home media server at a lossless bit rate. That works well at home, but when copied to an iPod, I always feel like the bottom and top end of the music is missing. For example, yesterday in my car trip and I was listening to a White Stripes mp3 track, and it was seriously lacking in the bass department in a huge way.

Last week, I was introduced to HDTracks.com, which was founded by David and Norman Chesky of the audiophile record label Chesky Records, featuring thousands of artists, including Smokey Robinson, Joe Jackson, Bob James, Buddy Guy, Nina Simone, Earl Wild, Zubin Mehta, The Kinks, Of Montreal, Yo La Tengo, and Jerry Garcia - over 60 independent labels around the world.

Now here's a good deal:

Old Is New--And Improved! SoundStream Reference Amps

As many of you know, I'm a firm believer that car audio is going to see a renaissance of the classics just as the automotive industry has in the last few years. Many of us old folks often reminisce about the good 'ol days of car audio, discussing brands that used to be, products that share a special place in our heart, or demo cars that "changed our lives". When brands and products come up, SoundStream is definitely one of the favorites, and their Reference Series the topic of many conversations. Well, after a 10 year hiatus the SoundStream is bringing the Reference Series back! But not as the same 'ol amps we remember. Change can be a good thing, and certainly is in this case. Over the last 10 years amplifier technology has come a very long way, and SoundStream has taken advantage of the time passed and have made significant improvements to the Reference Series:

"...4:1 power supply ratio, precision wound toroidal transformers and inductors, polystyrene capacitors, high speed switching J-FET OP amps and precision tracking potentiometers."

The Reference amps can also take advantage of SoundStream's BLT-4 balanced line transmitter for amazing noise rejection and signal strength. Follow the jump for more details and pics of these legendary sound quality amps. Same great looks, same great sound quality, but now with improved performance!

Officially Official: New Audison Thesis Amplifiers

We got the final word today (and press release) that the new Audison Thesis amps are a-go! Check out the official press release and a small gallery of "official photos" available after the jump. Oh yeah... And this is more than your typical press release. The information after the jump should answer just about every question you could possibly have about these new amps.

Focal SOLID Amps Shipping May 2nd!

We just got news that the new Focal SOLID amps we reported on not too long ago will begin shipping May 2nd. SOLID amps feature relatively small footprints and will be available in a red or black.

"All SOLID models are CEA-2006 compliant and feature high and low level inputs, variable crossovers and sub-sonic filters, great sound quality to size ratio, and floating grounds to prevent engine noise. The 4 channel and mono block models also include a remote sub control."

Check out the press release after the jump. We also have a full gallery of pics right here.

Pioneer Sound Build-Off Gallery is LIVE!

The Pioneer Sound Build-Off wrapped up this past weekend, and we announced the winners earlier today. Out of all the events I've attended so far, this has to be one of the most enjoyable. Since it was an invite-only event that wasn't really open to the public (though you probably wouldn't have been kicked out if you showed up), the event had a very personal feeling to it, and competitors were eager to discuss and demo their systems. Since Pioneer supplied all the gear and no outside electronics were allowed, this really leveled the playing field and put the focus on the quality of the install. The audio systems ranged from simple to extreme, as did the cars! Follow the jump to check out the gallery of more than 200 photos!