Stereophile has little reference to what quality is. Their 'great' and 'not so great' float around to be caught by the need for promotion. This especially true for budget gear because they don't expect much from it in the first place. It can't all be a great for the price. "Not quite as good as the $7 TAS, but hey its six dollar less. I am buying two!"
Notice the last few issues of Stereophile?
I haven't listened to any of the new stuff in the pages of Stereophile as of lately but have noticed some bold or generous ratings they have given. That new Halcro amp being the best EVER? The new PS Audio amp getting class A? I have noticed more coverage of budget minded gear which is a good thing since they have taken some flak from time to time in the letters. Is this a new direction for Stereophile?