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Even if I don't have the budget to buy the very expensive stuff, I am still interested to know how well they perform vs the less expensive ones. However I have always thought that the people who buy them, do it more for the standing or for the look than for the sound they get!

The expensive stuff is good fun. I can't afford it but it let's me know what can be achieved at the edge of the art. Plus it is fun to drool over that kind of gear. Dreamin of what is out there is a good time.

Your high end audience is probably never going away, and they'll always want more $5000 preamp and $70k turntable reviews, but the most exciting news I've heard from you in a while was the PSB 4T speaker review in the Feb. '01 issue. Not only was it good news to read of this model's performance, it was GREAT news to hear that you plan to do this with several more speakers. Michael Fremer's review of the JVC CD recorder was the second most exciting article (Jan 2001 issue) recently. Now if you would do something like this with current five-CD changers, like the Rotel RCC955 and the Sony SACD changer you have been running ads for in the last several issues, we might have a noteworthy trend!

I think Stereophile does a pretty good job of reviewing expensive and budget equipment alike. I really like the budget reviews -- I'm always on a budget!

Being SP an internationally spread magazine, you should take much care of what can be considered "cheap" or "expensive" even in countries outside US; this could lead you to a different treat for stuff you think as of sort of "cheap" or "bargain", while in other (even wealthy) countries, the same stuff could be considered expensive, even due to mere money change ratio. Not to mention what you may think as of expensive gear, that could easily be seen as "exaggerate" abroad.

I had a Cello Reference system several years ago. It was great. Keep the high end stuff coming. Just because you can't afford this stuff now doesn't mean you can't admire it.

This is the reason why i subscribe to Stereophile. You should put in more photos in your reviews. inside the products etc.

Only review interesting stuff, whether cheap or expensive. I'm never going to buy anything you review, since I'm totally happy with what I've got, but I'm fascinated by the subject, so just keep it interesting

Some are OK but reading a review of componants that cost more than a down payment on a house are kind of a drag

The quality of the component and its ability to deliver music is paramount. Being expensive does not mean good build quality or great sound.

I do own this type $$$ of equipment. I like seeing / experienced perspectives that are related. Good Job

Some of the expensive units' quality/price ratio is way too low.

I love the expensive equipment reviews because it gives me an idea of what the state-of-the-art, cost-no-object is at that point in time. It also gives me something to aspire to, as soon as I secure more funds to feed this voracious hobby. I love Sam Tellig's column --- since it is most frequently the voice of sanity and keeps me from totally going overboard with components based on price alone. I would like to see a balanced set of reviews on each issue, though -- something similar to TAS (Upstairs, Landing, Downstairs) that further gives me an idea of the range of available components in different price levels.

But call them as they are out of the box. Nothing irks me more than J-10 changing output tubes in a 30K amp shortly after the fire is out and say that he strongly recommends it.

While I can understand the dilemma of reviewing too much ludicrously expensive gear, it still doesn't diminish the fact that the really expensive gear was, most likely, what the designer really wanted to make.

Expensive is a very relative term. However, we need to know how good it can get. Of course this is making the assumption that expensive equals better, which we know is not always the case.

Ultra high-end reviews are fine as check points on what's possible on a cost-unlimited basis, but I also read Stereophile for practical ideas on where to take my system. That being said, I think you need to review equipment at all price points; one man's high end cost ceiling is another woman's entry-level price point.

please cover midrange and budget product; that would increase your readership

I just like to look at the pictures. More photos please -- in your magazine and on your website.

One per issue. Devote the other reviews to a equipment from a range of prices.

Sure, why not. Just so long as every so often you put in some stuff that's cheap enough that can be bought on a whim with no regrets afterwards.

I've got to have something to aspire to. After all, what sports car enthusiast doesn't enjoy reading about Porsches, Ferraris, et al? I may not be able to purchase those Magnepan MG-20's now, but I will some day!

I read these as I read the Book of Revelations: hoping for great sound in the "sweet by and by."

What I would find of great interest are reviews of complete systems (CD player, amp, speakers and cables) at various price points such as: $2000 +, $3000 +, $4000 +, $5000 +, etc. This type of information would be of great help and encourage newcomers to our passion and joy.

Only once in a while, so we know what's the current state-of-the-art, but mostly would like to hear about stuff at the lower end of the price range($1-2K max)

Eventually, the technology of expensive gear trickles down to more affordable products. Reading about the best components gives you somewhat of a heads-up about what the future might look and sound like.

Most people like to read about things they cannot own . . .

What is so hard for you guys about listening to more affordable equipment? Does it pain you ? And why can't you have four similar products compared to one another in the same article? No more of this "I listened to product Y three months ago and it sounds better than this product X I am reviewing today." Have real comparisons. Have product shootouts. If Auto and Motorcycle mags can do comparisons, why can't Stereophile?

I usually breeze through the articles covering really expensive gear, but rarely read the entire article if the equipment is outside of my price range. Personally, I could do without the reviews of the higher priced stuff (I can't even dream of purchasing anything over $2,000 - I've already spent a fortune on what I have). I have three young children at home. I always read Sam's Space, but even Sam sometimes get carried away with expensive gear (especially wee wattage Cary gear).

Only reason why I read Stereophile and Absolute sound exclusively