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I no longer have a favorite. I've been a subscriber for close to 20 years now and your magazine has become VERY stale. I won't be re-newing my subscription when it runs out.
It's been apparent for years that many of <I>Stereophile</I>'s readers have a favorite section or writer. What is yours and why?
Well, I had to choose one, so I went with Fremer's analog fetish. But Sam Tellig is really good, and I sorely miss his old Audiophile Cheapskate persona. That was the best part of Stereophile because it addressed the hobbyists not the poseurs with beaucoup d'argent to blow into their systems.
Stereophile Favourites: Sam's Space and Analog Corner, and equipment reviews by the two Roberts - Robert J. Reina and Robert Deutsch. If I only had one favourite I wouldn't bother subscribing! However, I've mourned the loss of so many other superlative contributers in recent months.
While equipment reports are my main interest when reading Stereophile they are becomming more difficult to digest and walk away with useful information. The recent review of the new Thiel CS1.6 loud speaker by John Atkinson was a good example. It takes beating around the bush to new heights. Maybe it was out of respect to past accomplishments of Jim Thiel but trying to cut through all the smoke it seemed like an overall negative review. Was it? Simplify and clarify for your readers sake.
Over the years, I have learned a great deal about the high- end by reading the equipment reviews and learning to read and understand the outstanding equipment testing subsection. The charts, though small in print, are extremely educational and after reading them for 10 years, I have been able to identify trends in tests and performance. I frequently use this section to establish an audition list to take to my retailer. Also, reviews and associated equipment helps me in determining how it will sound in my system. This section is usually written very well, and often will prompt a visit to the manufacturer's website. Thanks.
Mikey! Though it would be unfair to say that he stands alone, nor that his section, based on the content, is ever at the top"As We See It," "Industry Update," "Sam's Space," "Equipment Reports," and "Record Reviews" challenge and surpass "Analog Corner" and its captain from time to time. My love and appreciation to you all.
I read Stereophile for Sam, MF and KR. Brians reviews also seem spot on. I VERY dislike the record reviews because I don't have any comfort with Robert Bairds taste. So I go elsewhere for record reviews. Particularly like the HiFi+ reviews.
I don't even own a turntable, but I always read Michael Fremer's articles and reviews. He has a distictive voice to his writing that makes it enjoyable even when I have no interest in the product he's describing. He, Sam Tellig, John Atkinson, and Kalman Rubinson are writers who I never have to look at the byline to figure out who's writing midway though an article.
I like "Sam's Space" because it is well-written, with an informal tone, and most of the products he reviews (and all of the recordings) are relatively affordable. I've also been enjoying his travelogue with Marina. I guess I would enjoy any article that includes audio equipment, music, food, and travel!
I voted for "Analog Corner," but "Sam's Space" is a close second. I like these two best because the columns have so much personality. I want more than just a detacted, critical analysis of gear. I want to read something that actually connects the gear to human beings, and more importantly, music fans. These columns accomplish this in a way a straight review often cannot. Now, howzabout getting Art Dudley a place of his own in Stereophile? [Done - Ed.]