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Art Dudley Calls B.S. but without naming names - PLEASE DO!

Hey all,

As someone who hasn't been reading the audiophile press for all that long, I stumbled upon this article that I'm sure it lit up these airwaves when it was first published: https://www.stereophile.com/content/skin-deep

It's a great article and one that any knowledgeable person would most likely agree with, but hey, spending your own hard-earned (or inherited) money is a right and a privilege.  Art does call out some brands that he perceives to give great value:  AMVR, VPL, Conrad-Johnson, DeVore and Harbeth and Kimber and Peachtree and Quicksilver and Rega and Rogue and Spendor and Wavelength.  Shouldn't NAD be on this list?  

But what he doesn't do and I think is warranted, is name the companies that are most egregious in selling high-end products where the performance is far below the cost.  

I, for one, would love to see a list of those manufacturers from the people who read this forum.  You can group them by what they manufacture or just put them in order as you see fit.  I think it would be most helpful in calling b.s. but with "added-value", which is what this whole article was all about.  Right?

128x128lgoler

Showing 4 responses by kahlenz

kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
263 posts
 
Those D'Agostino mono blocks (which I am quite sure are great amps and well worth the investment to those that want them and can afford them) have nothing on my Stuart Hughes Nintendo Wii SUPREME!
kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
263 posts
 
I wouldn't call out products that, in my opinion, are bad values.  That is far too subjective, and would likely be unfair to the manufacturers and distributers, and hurtful to those that own the equipment.  On the other hand, I fully endorse promoting products that I feel are good, or even great deals.  Further, I think it's within the scope of civil discourse to point out perceived flaws and disappointments in equipment one has had experience with, but not disparage the entire line with blanket negativity.  It takes years to build trust, but one flaming statement can ruin that overnight.
kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
263 posts
 
A corollary to the OP's original call to action would be a discussion on which manufacturers and distributors offer what would be considered a low "BS" factor.  But when I think about it, it's not really the BS that bothers me, it's the price!  I don't want to be made a fool of buying amp x when I could have gotten amp y (a "better" amp at less cost).  But at the same time, I need a reason to justify my decision to buy any amp.  That's where good BS (or lack of it) comes in.  Part of the fun of the hobby is investigating the minutiae.  I also find being an audiophile a form of expression, which makes buying decisions even more complex.
So with an emphasis on moderately priced audio equipment that sounds good, I will endorse the following companies I have had experience with:
VanAlstine, Rogue, Rega, Odyssey, Schitt, Joseph, Magnaplaner, Harbeth, PSB, Blue Jeans Cable, NAD, Bluesound, Sonore, Technics, Yamaha, Grado, Zu.  By no means an exhaustive list, and others may have differing opinions, but I think these guys have good products at reasonable prices, and, perhaps more importantly, their "BS" is well presented, informative, and entertaining!
kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
263 posts
 
The old Louis Armstrong hanky con. Back in the day he and Sammy Davis Jr. were the only negroes most white suburbans ever saw (on TV). Both great talents, but sadly played the "Step ’n Fetchit" role to pander to white audiences.

I’m sure your street beggar was able to belt down quite a few "lemonades".

But if it makes you feel good, go ahead and give the man a few bucks. If it takes $60.00 to become aware that you do not need to spend $60.00 to improve your hi-fi, then that is money well spent! Value, like music, is all in your head.
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