I have listened to the first set of the Pimsleur. It was only four tapes obliviously a marketing ploy to encourage the purchase of their more expensive set. From these four tapes I did find them helpful with how they broke down words. I think the words used allowed me to listen to every letter in the alphabet, however, after that I did not really see any reason to purchase their 300-dollar set or whatever it costs. I have found (and I am still very new!) that there is only so much you can listen to before it is time to get a book and really learn the language. I had a feeling it was going to be more of the same and at that point I wouldn’t really learn anything about the language, just memorize sayings (might as well listen to a Russian radio station). I do realize that I have come to my opinion completely anecdotally, but it made sense to me, in not purchasing their expensive set. You can get a lot of books for 300-dollars…