Samsung
With 128 megabytes (MB) of built-in memory, Samsung's YP-700H Yepp MP3 player can keep you rocking on the run for hours. Besides playing both MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) files, the player uses Samsung's proprietary 2XMP3 compression software to store data more efficiently and speed up file transfer. You can expand its memory by popping in a SmartMedia card (though you'll have to buy the card), and a USB port lets you transfer music directly from your PC or Mac using RioPort organizing/transfer software (supplied). The Yepp also makes a handy voice recorder since it weighs only 2 1/2 ounces and measures 2 1/8 x 4 x 5/8 inch. A remote control/FM tuner connects inline with the supplied earphones. Price: $299. www.samsungusa.com, 800-726-7864

Onkyo
A back surround channel is no sweat for Onkyo's TX-SR600 receiver, which decodes Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES (Matrix and Discrete) 6.1-channel soundtracks and is rated to deliver 80 watts of continuous power into each of six channels. It can apply Dolby Pro Logic II processing for surround playback of stereo sources and offers 13 digital signal processing (DSP) modes. Wideband component-video connectors (two inputs, one output) let you switch HDTV signals, and a multichannel analog input allows hookup of a DVD-Audio or Super Audio CD player. One coaxial and three optical digital audio inputs, along with five S-video inputs and two outputs are also available. A universal learning remote is supplied. Price: $530. www.onkyousa.com, 800-229-1687

Acoustic Research
The best speakers in the world can't make up for deficiencies in human hearing - Acoustic Research says you need its TDS202 Sound Enhancer to do that. The device aims to improve stereo audio by enhancing certain higher frequencies that we have the most trouble hearing as well as by compensating for the masking of quiet sounds by louder ones and of short ones by longer ones. Hookup couldn't be simpler - the Enhancer has only one set of stereo inputs and outputs. The circuitry is passive, requiring no power (though it has an on/off switch). Overall dimensions are 7 7/8 x 2 1/4 x 5 1/8 inches. Price: $120.
www.acoustic-research.com, 800-969-2748

Esoteric Sound
Visiting the past may be physically impossible, but you can at least listen in on it by spinning your old vinyl records on the Rek-O-Kut Rondine 3 turntable from Esoteric Sound. Its motor provides 12 different fixed speeds from 16 2/3 to 90 rpm, including, of course, 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm. The spindle and height-adjustable aluminum/magnesium arm are designed to minimize friction, and the turntable's feet are said to keep vibrations from reaching the platter. The 12-inch platter can accommodate 17-inch transcription discs. There's a pitch control with a range of ±15%. Including the transparent dustcover, the Rodine 3 measures 18 1/2 x 15 x 6 1/2 inches. Price: $1,200. www.esotericsound.com, 630-960-9137

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