In late 1996, as Listener magazine entered its third year of existence, the Spendor SP100 became my reference loudspeaker, and would remain so for a considerable time. My decision to try the SP100 was influenced by John Atkinson's review of its antecedent, the nearly identical Spendor S100, in the December 1991 issue of Stereophile. But my purchase decision came down to two things: The SP100 did virtually everything one could ask a modern loudspeaker to do, requiring in the process far less amplifier power than usual. Just as important at the time, it sold for only $3300/pair—which explains how I could afford them on the spotty salary of a teacher turned fledgling publisher.

Ever since I became a Stereophile contributing editor, people have asked me, "How do you determine what equipment you're going to review? Do you get to pick your own, or does John Atkinson tell you what to do?"

I've chosen roughly 85% of the components I've reviewed for Stereophile, those choices made on the bases of what I find interesting, and what I think readers would like to know about. It's as simple as that.

Her voice aches like a memory.

Jonathan Weiss’ fabulous Oswaldsmill Audio Dumbo showroom was featured in a recent episode of “The Blueprint” on Jay-Z’s Life+Times.

Watch the video below.

Saturday, February 23, 1–6pm: The Capital Audiofest and DCAudioDIY will hold a listening party at Capital Audiofest founder Gary Gill’s home, in Fells Point, Baltimore.