wjm@whuxl.UUCP (MITCHELL) (08/21/84)
<gulp> Although I generally agree with and respect Dick Grantges' opinions, I think he's giving The $ensible Sound a bit of a bad rap. Disclaimer, I have no financial or other interest in T$S (other than being a subscriber to said publication). From what I've seen, they provide $ensible choices for equipment at ALL price levels from budget to high-end. What they are looking for is exceptional VALUE for the price (unlike some of the 'underground' publications which won't even look at something without a 4 figure price tag). They do have $ensible choices for speakers in the $300 to 500 a pair range (which I don't consider big $$$). Frankly, I like their reviews, since I'm tired of the magazines that praise everything that comes down their pages. Sure, they're opinionated, but then so are most contributors to net.audio and I find their style to be of fresh air (of course, that's a matter of taste). As for the JSE speakers, they are sold by both Harvey Sound in NYC and Audio Nexus in Berkeley Heights, NJ (near Murray Hill) as well as other authorized JSE dealers. I still have a great deal of respect for Julian Hirsch, but I'm utterly disgusted with the rest of Stereo Review as I mentioned last week. I'd like to see them stick to what they did best - review audio equipment, and whatever happened to their record reviews?? As for T$S not reviewing CD's: I don't think they are anti-digital, per se. You should read their comments about the Linn ad campaign (total BS, which I'm generally inclined to agree with - they noted the interesting fact, which has been mentioned on the net several times, that a number of people PREFERRED the digital material in Linn's test). They feel that the CD has not yet reached maturity and that it should be reviewed at that time. As for a recommendation, I find T$S worthwhile and a useful addition to my other audio reading (which includes Audio). I find their writing style to be a breath of fresh air, compared to the more Establishment audio mags. However, don't take my word for it. Get a copy or two and see for yourself. Regards, Bill Mitchell (whuxl!wjm)