I think this is a very perceptive comment, Dave, although I do enjoy reading Art's ramblings. Maybe he needs the money.

From my reading perspective (as it is, apparently, from yours), we must infer the positives from any lack of negatives in Art's comments -- if he doesn't bitch about it, he likes it. I don't ever recall any sonic desiderata (overtly stated or covertly implied) from Art -- aspects of reproduced sound that he positively values. That's okay with me, because I enjoy his persona -- the liberal under constant attack by inescapable doctrinal threats from the right (wherever that is, these days). It is fun to read. And that's worth my monthly buck or so in itself. The only gear I own that he has been enthusiastic about is the Sony SCD 777 ES, and that has been, ahem, less than reliable. Of course, he had to send HIS back to the chocolate factory, too. And, in retrospect, it isn't really that special sonically, compared to the other SACD players proliferating nowadays. Still, I vote we spare him the axe. He's okay. He'd damn well better give me a detailed account of his voting record when the moose gather for the fall rut, though -- after all his politicizing, I want blow for blow, with rationales and recommendations. Cheers, Clifton

Hiya Clifton

You have a point there but David has a point too.A reviwer should(must) let us understand how a component sounds.There are two kind of people reading hi-fi mags.Those who enjoy reading about hi-fi and those who are looking in replacing and/or upgrading their equipment.If the reviewer won't tell them how a piece of equipment sounds,how are they going to arrange for a listen at a shop?I mean,someone who is looking for a "warm/lush" sounding power amplifier,he/she will not go and have a listen to say,a Krell.Anyway,i do have to admit Art's articles are great.The man knows how to write !

And I forgot to give Art due credit for inventing the bunny, a brilliant concept that could save civilization, if only we'd let it. So, definitely, we'll keep him around, eh?

lololol