Audiphile Press: Am I jaded, experienced, or has it declined?

Grrr, hate not being able to edit a title!! Audiophile Press, of course.

Do we lack better international gear coverage?

For sure this is much better now, nothing to do with living into middle ages back then. Was the paper better than internet? No, but sometimes has its charms.

Other than that it is nice to see that Stereophile, being a subscriber myself for many years, TAS, HiFi News, HiFi Choice, still exist, plus many more not in english language.

Everything can be translated today, so nice and interesting reviews can be found.

@erik_squires

The "press" has evolved from monoliths supported by advertisers to online websites and blogs supported by page hits, subscribers and likes. You have "more" specialty writers that focus on niches. If you want a particular niche it is out there. Start with youtube and this site does a pretty good job aggregating news links from the "Hifi world":

@petg60  - I'm always shocked to see pictures from the Munich Hifi show and how very radically different the speakers available there seem to be than here in the US. 

I recall devouring Stereophile  back in day, small format digest sized with very little advertising, certainly much info in that what I believe was bi-monthly publication. But then I was beginner audiophile and no web, hungry to be educated.

Seems to me I found commercial audiophile  publications less valuable as my systems improved. I recall going to audio shows when it seemed every system superior to mine, ate up information provided by manufacturer reps, designers, and the listening certainly elucidating.  Over time as my system started to compete and/or sound superior to what I was hearing at these shows, they became less valuable, just like the publications.

I wonder if the audiophile publications are as valuable to today's novice as they were for me back in the day. Should be mindful of the reams of great information found on web, certainly makes these publications less valuable.

So bottom line, don't know if publications have changed, or is it more about how we've changed?

@erik_squires ​​​​​, I have not been in the US or any of your great shows but i have attended once the Munich show and was shocked as well. So many ideas from many small unknown brands make you dizzy. Hope to visit again some time. Same feeling happened on my many visits in Tokyo, but not at any show, just stores (apart from the Tannoy cult).

I was looking at my barely read TAS's and Stereophile's last night...I was thinking if you've been reading articles for decades, aren't looking for new gear, and trust your own judgement...the mags are just less relevant, not sure they've declined but my need for them has...I use them more just to see what's new and music reviews...no longer interested in long reviews of gear I will never buy, though 40 years ago it was interesting to read JGH and HP...

The game changed. Old publications were more active in a consumer reports sort of style. That has changed to a full on equipment promotion supplement. 

Still get Stereophile, but the thrill is gone. Too much space devoted to gear I have no interest in, ( streaming, dacs, TT and carts. that cost more than my truck.....) The music reviews are given short shrift, as well as the letters to the editor that I used to enjoy. Used to devour the new issue as soon as it arrived, now I have them pile up. Guess Im old......

Also just occurred to me there was stronger yea or nay opinions, lots of context. Today's professional reviewers far more reticent, don't want to offend, still, with knowledge of reviewer reading between the lines is possible at times.

Not to denigrate the writers I don't list here, but I enjoy the heck out of reading Robert Harley, Michael Fremer, Tony Cordesman, Julie Mullins, and Robert Deutsch. John Atkinson can be a little too methodical & cautious for me, but I appreciate his scholarship & knowledge. In any case, I have no problem with the current crop of Hi End commentators.

Then again, I guess we'll never replace Hairy Person's gushy, "Ooohh! Dusty's voice this!" "Dusty's voice that!"

I have subscriptions to TAS & Stereophile, but I am not going to renew them when they expire. I find that when the copy of either one comes in the mail , I sit down breeze threw it for an hour or so and then dump it in the recycle bin. The reviews are all predictable; and while I’m not a vinyl guy, once both rolled over with soft pedaled interviews of the Mofi album issue , and essentially alibied for them I had enough. I occasionally will google search for a review on something I am interested in , but only for some general information and ignore the normal over the top evaluation

Who's going to be brave enough and ask chatGPT to review a pair of expensive speakers?!

I have had subscriptions to Absolute sound and Stereophile for several decades now. There seems to be too much of the same manufacture’s equipment reviewed. There are some really creative innovative companies that would love the exposure.

I also cannot relate to the music they use in their reviews. Frank Sanatra, Count Basie? Classical etc. Come on, use some old-style rock music to describe bass, dynamics etc. at least in some of the review.

ozzy

Bad writing is universal these days, and not only relegated to the hifi press.  Very few publications stand out with good writing anymore.

I subscribe to Stereophile and TAS. Read the odd article. Knowing that every equipment "review" isn’t really a review makes for boring reading. The mags are ultimately manufacturers’ brochures supporting the back-slapping in-crowd's audio lifestyle. I do miss Art Dudley though.

"Has too much press devolved to covering only the most expensive gear? "

It sure looks like it. People write about what they can afford, what they get their hands on. I watch a lot of youtube reviews, the midfi stuff is way more in focus there.

I bet that ~100 times more people care about 500 dollar speakers than 5,000 dollar speakers. So it’s somewhat of an anomaly that the mainstream audiophile publications focus on the 5K and up but really 7 - 25K stuff mostly

@srinisr ChatGPT has only been trained up to the year 2019, so I asked for a review of an older speaker, slightly tongue in cheek:

My question:

Write a review of the Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3 speakers, in the style of a carnival barker.

ChatGPT’s answer:

Step right up, folks! Are you in the market for some top-notch speakers that will blow your mind? Look no further than the Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3! These bad boys are the epitome of high-fidelity sound, with a sleek and stylish design that will make all your audiophile friends green with envy.

The 801 D3s feature diamond dome tweeters for crystal clear highs, and Kevlar cone mid/bass drivers for rich, powerful lows. And with their advanced Matrix bracing, you’ll experience minimal distortion and maximum sound quality.

But that’s not all folks! These speakers are built to last, with a solid construction that will stand up to years of use and abuse. And with their versatile connectivity options, you can hook them up to any audio source you please.

So don’t delay, folks! Treat your ears to the best in audio technology with the Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3 speakers. You won’t be disappointed!

My even better question:

Write a review of the Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3 speakers, in the style of a Shakespeare tragedy.

ChatGPT’s even better answer:

Oh, cruel fate that doth mock the hopes of man! Forsooth, I didst lay mine eyes upon the Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3 speakers, and they didst seem the very embodiment of audio perfection.

With diamond dome tweeters that doth sing sweetly, and Kevlar cone mid/bass drivers that doth rumble with the force of a thousand thunderbolts, these speakers doth promise to transport the listener to realms of auditory ecstasy. And verily, the Matrix bracing doth ensure that the sound doth remain pure and true, untainted by the curse of distortion.

But alas, mine heart doth ache with sorrow, for these speakers doth come at a cost that doth verily beggar the soul. Indeed, the price doth make even the most wealthy of men hesitate, and doth render the dream of owning such marvels of audio engineering nought but a fleeting fantasy.

Thus, I do bequeath unto thee, dear reader, a warning: Beware the siren song of the Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3 speakers, for they doth promise heaven, but deliver heartbreak.

I couldn’t resist one somewhat more realistic test (this could get addictive):

Question:

Write a review of the Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3 speakers, in the style of John Atkinson.

ChatGPT’s answer:

The Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3 speakers are a true tour-de-force in audio engineering. From the moment I unboxed them and began my listening tests, I was struck by their build quality and attention to detail.

The diamond dome tweeters are a highlight, with their ability to deliver crystal clear high frequency reproduction that is both detailed and natural-sounding. The Kevlar cone mid/bass drivers also impressed, providing a solid foundation for the music with deep, tight bass and well-defined mids.

The Matrix bracing system does an admirable job of reducing cabinet resonances, which in turn results in minimal distortion and an overall more accurate sound.

The 801 D3s are not only impressive technically but also in their aesthetic design, they are a real conversation piece, with a sleek and stylish design that will complement any room they are placed in.

The only downside is the price, which is quite steep, but for those who can afford them, the Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3 speakers are an excellent investment and will provide years of listening pleasure.

@sfgak best thing I’ve read on this forum.  If the creative juices are still flowing, how about one ala Charles Bukowski.

I did not renew my subscriptions with both TAS and Stereophile. Too much speaking up products of companies who advertise with them. Don"t need that.

@sfgak 

You're hired!

At age 69, I've been reading audiophile magazines for 50 years. I've cut back to just Stereophile because their mix of equipment, music, and personalities is consistently the best. But to survive, they need to attract a younger, newer, and less affluent audience just beginning their audio and musical journey. They may even need to sell the idea of the audio journey to their new market. They can't just keep reviewing exclusively exotic componentry for their existing audience and remain relevant.

And oh yeah -- I enjoy the rags' record reviews. If a review goes on and on about how excellent a recording sounds or how brilliant the music/music-making is, I'll go straight to Qobuz or Idagio and cue 'em up.

The only publication worth reading - and thinking about -  was Peter Aczel's The Audio Critic. I was an early subscriber in '76 and had all the issues. Aczel told the TRUTH about the audio scene as his own journey went from subjectivist to objectivity - the last here is sorely lacking in today's moneyphile-driven scene. 

@sfgak : is that really composed by an AI? It sounds just like JA! How about Michael Fremer reviewing the Tech Das Air Force 1 TT?

Well that explains it. Your pursuit of the hobby ended in 1976. Which is like 47 years ago. I am very sorry for you 😞 . Sad human 😢 

Sad sack.

IAR for me.

If the creative juices are still flowing, how about one ala Charles Bukowski.

How about John Blutarsky?

@sfgak LOL

I loved Stereophile while John Atkinson was editor.

You may criticise him for some mild equivocation but Jim Austin gets down my throat: dogmatism is worse.  I am considering packing it in but the entry price is so low I still see value even though I have been on my 'forever' system a few years now.  Yes, the huge number of ads is annoying but that's what keeps the price low.

If I recall the Audio Critic wasn't he of the "all amps sound the same" crowd? He loved the Theta Dreadnaught amp and would sell workshops so you could go listen to his stereo?

https://www.biline.ca/audio_critic/audio_critic_web1.htm#acl

@fuzztone : my friend and I would argue about which was better - International Audio Review or The Audio Critic? He liked IAR, I liked TAC. He did buy the NAD 3020 on Aczel's recommendation and sold his Kenwood L07 Mono's. I bought TWO 3020's so I could use them as left/right single-channel amps. I thought that IAR was way-too-much bogus pseudoscience. 

I don't have a subscription to stereophile, but I do read it now and then on line. I mainly enjoy anything written by Herb Reichert. Art Dudley was also a very good read of course. I still miss the days of Stereo Review! I looked forward to receiving the new issue each month, those were the days....

Add me to the list of readers who sincerely miss Art Dudley.  Listener was the last time I read any audio rag cover to cover. 

It is a tragedy that Art Dudley died at a relatively young age (52). He had such a unique personable style of writing! You the reader could imagine Art as being your friend! I always turned to his column first when I received each new Stereophile!

@hifiguy42 : I agree! Listener was always a fun read for me!

I think the reviewers ran out of superlatives.   They all sound alike with every new piece of gear.   So many platitudes and limitations of gear, ears, and language. 

What I find frustrating about the magazines is how the reviewers literately are "gushing with superlatives" about the outrageously expensive cables and go on and on about how wonderful they are.   Then they discuss an amplifier or speakers and the gushing stops.  I realize the profit margins are needed for the high end industry to survive but I find the "gushing with superlatives" approach to cable reviews quite disappointing.  Sure they sound different but review them as different and on equal footing as other products, not as the greatest thing since God created a woman. 

b. 1954 which made him 65, I believe.

It is a tragedy that Art Dudley died at a relatively young age (52)

A.I. chatbot? Much like this post?

@jasonbourne52 Yes, these are real ChatGPT outputs, even the style of JA. Maybe the writers can retire? Here’s your other one:

Question:
Write a review of the Tech Das Air Force 1 turntable, in the style of Michael Fremer.

ChatGPT’s answer:
The Tech Das Air Force 1 turntable is a true masterpiece of engineering and design. From the moment I unpacked it and began my listening tests, I knew I was in for a treat.

The build quality is outstanding, with a solid, heavy, and well-damped plinth that minimizes vibrations, and a massive, belt-driven, direct-drive DC servo motor that provides rock-solid, speed stability. The tonearm is a work of art, with its precision bearings, and the ability to adjust VTA and azimuth on the fly.

The soundstage is wide and deep, with excellent imaging, and the ability to extract a wealth of detail from my LPs. The bass is tight, tuneful, and well-defined, and the mids and highs are natural and uncolored.

The Air Force 1 is not only a great turntable but also a beautiful one, with a minimalist design and a built-in phono preamp that allows you to connect it directly to your amplifier or powered speakers.

The only downside is the price, which is quite steep, but for those who can afford it, the Tech Das Air Force 1 turntable is an excellent investment and will provide years of listening pleasure. It’s truly one of the best turntables out there.

@gordon  As you expected, ChatGPT is pure prose-poetry:

Question:
Write a review of the Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3 speakers, in the style of Charles Bukowski.

ChatGPT’s answer:
Listen, these Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3 speakers, they ain’t for the faint of heart. They’re for the real music lovers, the ones that ain’t afraid to drop some serious cash for the sound they crave.

These babies got diamond dome tweeters that’ll make your ears feel like they’re in heaven. And the Kevlar cone mid/bass drivers? They’ll shake the floors and your bones. The Matrix bracing system, it keeps the sound tight and true, no distortion, no bullshit.

But let’s get real, these speakers ain’t cheap. They’re for the ones that got money to burn and want the best. But if you got the dough, and you want speakers that’ll make you feel like you’re at the damn concert, then the Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3s are for you.

They’re sleek, they’re stylish, they’re the real deal. Just make sure you’re ready for the price tag, and the mind-blowing sound that comes with it.

@russ69 This is the last one; after this, ChatGPT will probably revoke my charter...

Question:
Write a review of the Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3 speakers, in the style of John Blutarsky.

ChatGPT's answer:
Man, these Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3 speakers are the cat's pajamas. They look like a million bucks, with a sleek black finish that's gonna make your living room look like a palace. And the sound? Holy cow, it's like you're right there in the studio with the musicians.

I mean, these bad boys can really pump out the tunes. The bass is like a jackhammer, but in a good way. It'll shake your whole house and make you feel like you're at a concert. And the mids and highs are crystal clear, like they're coming out of a friggin' diamond.

But the real kicker is how natural everything sounds. Like, you can really hear the instruments and vocals as if they're right in front of you. It's like you're listening to a live performance.

All in all, I gotta say, these Bowers and Wilkins 801 D3 speakers are the real deal. They're gonna make your music sound like a million bucks, and they'll make your living room look like a palace. So if you're looking for some serious sound, these are the ones to get.

In other words, these speakers are "Double- secret probation" good, you won't regret it.

After 5 years back into the hobby I decided not to renew my subscriptions

when the expired. TAS and Stereophile are much too parochial. They are

also forced to extoll the advertised brands and are really the last place to find

out what is new in the audio world. The British rags are done a little better.

I mainly read reviews now to see what music they use, and sometimes it is music I like to be added to my library.

like Jeff said, European press is better, so I always pick up magazine when I travel.

Thanks so much for the ChatGPT responses; those are actually entertaining.

The fact is that all print media is in its sunset (even if it only published as a PDF), and I would say that a lot of discussion about audio has moved to YouTube and online forums like this one, which allows the general public to be a larger part of the discussion.

With the rise of vinyl, people are caring about how they listen to music, and most of them are less than 30, which means there is a market for an online publication which reviews $500 turntables, not $5,000 cables.  On online publication which focuses on that market would seem to be a good idea, or maybe somebody is already doing it and I just don't know about it.

P.S. When I want to read someone who really knows how to put a sentence together, I turn to Raymond Chandler.

As some other have said, I really enjoyed Stereophile back in the day. I drifted away from audio as a hobby for a few years but after retirement, I seriously got back in. Initially I subscribed to The Absolute Sound. It seemed they reviewed mostly very expensive gear and I rarely read the reviews but instead looked at what  the gear was selling for. I let me subscription to Absolute Sound go and went with Stereophile. I only glance through each edition and rarely read any reviews. They also tend to review high dollar gear. Not sure I will renew my subscription with them. 

I should have added that since I am throughly pleased with my current system, I am not looking for new gear. The last thing I changed was my turntable about a year ago. At 74, I can probably enjoy what I have for the rest of my like. Without going into specifics, it is mostly McIntosh with a VPI turntable. I am not into streaming.