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

@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.