Much better than just a compressor: Over the past few years I have written about the Ryobi One+ 18V cordless high pressure inflators sold at Home Depot. With their digital readouts and automatic operation they are extremely useful to have in your car and around the home. This especially applies in the winter months when tire pressure goes down ...Read more

Tariff talk: I just returned from the AXPONA audio show in Chicago and was able to talk to many industry executives there, who represented a wide range of companies from big to small. Tariffs were the unofficial story of AXPONA, with many conversations going on publicly and behind the scenes regarding what the industry plans to do going forward....Read more

Small air fryer gets it done for under $50: My cooking website is launching very soon, and I recently retired my old air fryer so I searched for a new one with the goal of finding a small model that performs well. I came across this gem that is perfect for those who cook for one or two people, or when storage and counter space is at a premium.

...Read more

Tap that card: An pandemic of credit card skimmers is being reported nationwide. These stealthy devices mimic the look of the card reader at a point of sale terminal or gas pump, and unobtrusively fit right on top of them. Criminals use skimmers to capture your credit card information and PIN when you insert your card and use the keypad. If you ...Read more

Q. I am an avid vinyl listener and considering a turntable upgrade. I currently own an Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB turntable and am considering the Technics SL-1200GR. I might add an Andover Audio SpinStage phono preamp too since I can get one for $169. I need to stick with smaller speakers and currently have a pair of Polk Legend L100s, powered...Read more

Q. You recently recommended a refurbished Integra CDC-3.4 6-disc CD changer for $249 and a new Onkyo DX-C390 6-disc CD changer for $349. You seemed to prefer the Integra over the Onkyo. Was that for the beauty of the component, or did you think there was better sound quality and features with the Integra as well? I play a variety of classical, ...Read more

Q. Thank you for recommending the Pragatism Electric Warming Tray. I just placed my order for three of them on Amazon, one for me and two as gifts. Did you know that it was only $29.99, not $39.99? Yippee!

—A.A., Minneapolis

A. I did not know they were $29.99 again. When I first tried it they were $29.99, but the price was $39.99 when I ...Read more

Q. I am considering upgrading my Polk S50 speakers to the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacles as my "lifetime" speakers. What would you recommend for amplification for $2,000, and would the TEAC PD-301-X CD player provide FM as well as CD playback with any amp I choose?

—C.W., Minneapolis

A. The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacles are some of the ...Read more

Q. I bought some Sbode sport wireless earbuds that you recommended many years ago, and it is time to replace them. I really liked that they were affordable, sounded good and had an ear hook that kept them in place, as earbuds don't typically like to stay in my ear by fitting the earpiece alone. Do you have any new recommendations that would ...Read more

A useful warming mat for home cooks and entertaining: Regular readers know I have a passion for food and cooking, and later this year I will be launching a cooking website. For now the name of the site and the web address are confidential, but the tagline is "Fun with Food and Gadgets." As I develop content for the website I have been ...Read more

Q. I have an Emotiva BasX A2 amp driving Thiel CS2 speakers. My turntable is a Phase Linear 8000 Series Two with a Vessel R3SM cartridge. Since my amplifier does not have a phono input I am using a Music Hall Mini Plus phono preamp. I am considering upgrading the phono preamp and have a $250 budget. What would you recommend, and does my system ...Read more

A free satellite radio alternative: I would describe my past relationship with satellite radio as a "like-hate relationship." I never loved anything about satellite radio, but I liked the ability to listen to cable news channels in the car. When tuning in to CNN, Fox News or MSNBC, you hear the audio portion of the television broadcast, and I ...Read more

Q: Given your recent column regarding CDs, why not write a column with recommended CD players for home stereo systems?

—B.Z., Milwaukee

A. That is a great idea! I received quite a few emails about the column concerning physical media. Everyone writing in agreed with me, some of them very passionately and emphatically. Many of the emails were...Read more