Back in the 1970's, before the high-end audio publications became established, I read Stereo Review and Julian Hirsch's articles religiously. As others here have already said, Hirsch was the very model of integrity. I absolutely agree with Zaikesman about the usefulness of the many hyperbolic reviews in print today (although I find Anthony Cordesman's reviews more balanced and honest than the majority). Since I live in Seattle, I won't be able to attend Hirsch's memorial service, but I will crank up my system and play a good recording of "Taps" for him... RIP, Julian, and thanks for the enjoyment you brought me every month when my Stereo Review arrived in the mail.
Julian Hirsch dies
I'll bet the majority of us grew up reading his work in Stereo Review. Here's a link to his N.Y. Times obituary, containing a succinct mention of the reason why most audiophiles eventually outgrew his reviewing method. But until we did - if you were anything like me - you pored over his every word (and measurement) each month when your father's latest issue arrived. R.I.P.