maker@dartvax.UUCP (10/20/83)
I too believe that history has shown conclusively that Stereo Review and to some lesser extent Audio are incapable of unbiased critical equipment reviews -- they have too many people (advertisers) to please. Thus nothing but raves. I use and recommend (in very rough order) the "underground" mags Absolute Sound, Audio Critic, and perhaps Sensible Sound. There are others, but "the Sound" (Absolute) is the most interesting and fun/maddening, depending on whether you agree with them or not. They typically rate equipment and recordings, discuss testing and technical details, and present two systems: their "ideal cost-no-object" system, and a more realistic high value-for-money one. They do point out bargains. You can usually find copies to read and perhaps buy at your local high-end audio store. - steve maker (decvax!dartvax!maker)
rdg@hpcnoa.UUCP (11/03/83)
#R:dartvax:-29700:hpcnoa:3500003:000:495 hpcnoa!rdg Nov 1 07:47:00 1983 Hear, hear!! I'd like to second that opinion: The Abso!ute sound is the best publication going on audio - since I started reading it, my system has improved 1000%. Just listening to the records they recommend produced dramatic improvements. I would also venture to call TAS "literature" in the sense that you don't just glance through it like stereo review, but most people read it cover to cover several times. But beware: they do not like digital. Robert Gardner ihnp4!hpfcla!hpcnoa!rdg