Hmmm, don't ya think things have improved since the 50's? Does some think this "sounds" better? Huh? http://i14.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/a4/8e/0a9e_12.JPG

The author makes a good point regarding the difference between designed deterioration & planned obsolescence...

http://www.subtraction.com/archives/2007/0716_designed_det.php

I found this the other day when I was looking for some test tones. You can either download the wav/mp3 files or the program at the bottom of the page (Burninwave Generator): http://www.burninwave.com/
You can use these files with the jDFT-2 free RTA software: http://www.e.kth.se/~johk/jdft/index.html
Hope this is useful to someone

Since JGH began Stereophile, words having little to do with audio components and measurements have become the common subjective language of audiophiles and reviewers when trying to describe the sound qualities perceived from a component or system. Some words have become favorites of particular writers, such as ST and his "palpable presence", while others have come and gone in usage as more words have been needed to describe fewer problem areas and a greater ability to replicate the live experience in our homes. Or, at least, we hope that's the result.