The RR 2150 has just the right mix of features and audio performance. Its construction quality reminds me of the days when stereo receivers were built like a tank and had the audio performance to prove it. Its generous power supply backed by a toroidal transformer delivers 100 watts x 2 and is compatible with 4-ohm and 8-ohm speakers, so it can drive a wide variety of speakers. Read my full review of the Outlaw Audio RR-2150 Stereo Retro Receiver.

Equalizers are like expanded tone controls that permit more accurate adjustment of the sound. Equalizers come in two types, graphic and parametric. A good rule to follow when adjusting an equalizer is to cut a frequency whenever possible instead of raising a frequency. For example, if you want more high frequencies, try reducing the midrange instead. Or if you want more midrange, try reducing the bass or the higher frequencies instead of raising the midrange. Raising a frequency can add small amounts of distortion, while reducing a frequency does not. Read my full article about how to adjust an audio equalizer.

For years, a debate among audiophiles has been about the range of human hearing and its importance to music perception. Scientifically we know that the range of human hearing is roughly from 20 Hz (ultra low bass) to 20 kHz (ultra high frequencies) and rapidly decreases with age (and exposure to loud noises over long periods). Indeed, the music on a compact disc is limited to a specific frequency range of 20 Hz to 22.05 kHz (slightly higher than the 20 kHz range of human hearing at the top end of the scale). But there are music lovers who believe that the human ear-brain system can perceive frequencies well above the established limit of 20 kHz. I am one of those believers. We may not be able to actually hear an ultra-high frequency, say 50 kHz, but since it is an harmonic or overtone of a lower frequency (25 kHz, 12.5 kHz, etc.) its presence is important to our perception of musical fidelity. This is one of the reasons that the Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD) has appeal among audiophiles - an SACD has an upper frequency limit of about 100 kHz. Read more in my article about frequency response, harmonics and wideband frequency response and learn more about stereo specifications.

The Focal 807V speakers have earned a spot on my list of top-pick speakers of the year. They have a very natural, uncolored sound quality and a midrange openness that sets them apart from many speakers I've reviewed. For casual or critical listening, they're easy on the ears and enjoyable for long periods of time. Read my full review of the Focal 807V bookshelf speakers.

In an effort to grow its electronics business, Walmart is planning to offer in-home tech support services to compete with Best Buy's Geek Squad service. According to Reuters, Walmart will offer basic television installation as well as more sophisticated services such as home network and home theater installation. The company is partnering with N.E.W. Customer Service Company (National Extended Warranty) to provide the service. It began rolling out in selected locations this month and will be more widely available by the holiday season. The service will be sold on a prepaid card ranging from $99 to $339.

The Focal 807V are two-way bookshelf speakers with a 7-inch mid-bass driver and a 1-inch inverted dome tweeter, part of Focal's Chorus series. They have a very natural, uncolored sound quality and outstanding midrange openness that sets them apart from many speakers I've reviewed. Priced at $1095/pair, the Focal 807V speakers have earned a spot on my list of top-pick speakers of the year. Read my full review coming soon.

It's almost November and many people have already started shopping for holiday gifts. If there is a stereo or music lover on your gift list, check out my Stereo Gift Guide for the best shopping ideas. You'll find everything from budget gifts under $50, headphones, stereo components and systems, books, music and music downloads, accessories and lots more. Many of the gift ideas can be conveniently purchased online and at great prices.

Bi-wiring speakers is an inexpensive way to improve the performance of your stereo system. Bi-wiring means running two identical lengths of wire to each speaker, one to the woofer section and one to the tweeter section of the speaker, or purchasing a set of bi-wire speaker cables. Not all speakers can be bi-wired, but even affordable speakers from B & W and Monitor Audio offer bi-wire capability. Learn more about bi-wiring speakers and other simple and affordable ideas about how to improve stereo system performance.

The Monitor Audio BR-2 bookshelf speakers are 'little dynamos', despite their small size. They have a warm, full sound with excellent midrange and high frequency detail and make a good choice for a budget-priced stereo system. They can be placed on a shelf, but will sound best on speaker stands. Read my full review of the Monitor Audio speakers.

The Yamaha RX-397 stereo receiver is a good complement to the Monitor Audio BR-2 speakers. Its modest 50-watts per channel is plenty of power and it offers wideband frequency response from 10 Hz to 50 kHz. The AM/FM tuner in the Yamaha is one of the best and it has a phono input for a turntable. For $698 this is a great system for a bedroom, den or as a starter system or second stereo system.

While writing my recent review of the Tangent Quattro Internet Radio, I spent hours perusing the more than 16,000 (!) Internet Radio stations now online. I found everything from the top 40 hits in Armenia to the news of the day in Brazil; sports talk in Poland and opinion radio in Greece - and everything in between.

Internet Radio is not new but is certainly a fascinating medium and the Tangent Quattro is a cool way to enjoy it. The Quattro is a tabletop radio with wireless Internet capability, so if you have a wireless router, you can use it anywhere in the house. It also streams music from a PC, so you can listen to your favorite music collection on the Quattro. It has all this and more in an attractive, affordable and easy to use tabletop radio. Read more about the Tangent Quattro radio in my full review. Learn more about Internet Radio from Corey Deitz, About.com Guide to Radio.