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


I remember Audio, Stereophile and TAS as an older teen getting me excited about music reproduction and technology. Getting out to listen to speakers and find gear I could afford to take me to music Nirvana.

I still like the gear, still like talking about it, comparing tech, sharing experiences and advice, but I can’t remember the last time I really thought "wow, that’s good writing!"

How about you?

Has too much press devolved to covering only the most expensive gear?  Do we lack better international gear coverage?  Does it all look like it could be easily written by an AI chat bot?

erik_squires

Showing 5 responses by sfgak

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.

@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.

@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.

@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.