You Had Better Stop and Think Before You Think, Think!

You Had Better Stop and Think Before You Think, Think!

While we're thinking about thinking, think about this: Recent research confirms that animals have language, experience complex emotions, and can apply abstract reasoning—including the assimilation of previously acquired information—to problem solving. So why do we think we're so special?

Confirmation Bias

Confirmation Bias

My buddy John Atkinson likes to say that what makes science work is <I>not</I> simply the measurement of observed phenomena, but the scientist's refusal to believe those measurements. I once asked him if he'd teach me to do audio measurements and he said no, "because you'd <I>believe</I> the measurements&mdash;a good scientist knows the measurements are trying to lie to him."

If you could send one piece of equipment off in a capsule through space to represent the best audio has to offer, what would it be?

Category

Audio companies have created thousands and thousands of audio products in the last several decades. But if you could send just one piece of equipment off in a capsule through space to represent the best audio has to offer, what would it be?

EICO HF-81 integrated amplifier Measurements

EICO HF-81 integrated amplifier Measurements

If you spotted an EICO HF-81 at the local Goodwill, you'd think nothing of this plain-Jane integrated amplifier in its nondescript gray case. But if you kept on walking, you would have passed up one of the best-kept audio secrets of all time. The HF-81 hails from hi-fi's pioneer days, before chromed chassis and slick Mac transformers. It isn't ultracool-looking, like early Marantz or McIntosh gear. It doesn't have the nostalgia factor of a Fisher. It's not a supercheap eBay steal like a Stromberg-Carlson or a Heathkit. So what's the deal?

EICO, Electronic Instrument Company
853 Broadway, New York, NY (1999)
no longer in business (2006)

EICO HF-81 integrated amplifier Restoring Vintage Hi-Fi Equipment

EICO HF-81 integrated amplifier Restoring Vintage Hi-Fi Equipment

If you spotted an EICO HF-81 at the local Goodwill, you'd think nothing of this plain-Jane integrated amplifier in its nondescript gray case. But if you kept on walking, you would have passed up one of the best-kept audio secrets of all time. The HF-81 hails from hi-fi's pioneer days, before chromed chassis and slick Mac transformers. It isn't ultracool-looking, like early Marantz or McIntosh gear. It doesn't have the nostalgia factor of a Fisher. It's not a supercheap eBay steal like a Stromberg-Carlson or a Heathkit. So what's the deal?

EICO, Electronic Instrument Company
853 Broadway, New York, NY (1999)
no longer in business (2006)

EICO HF-81 integrated amplifier Associated Equipment

EICO HF-81 integrated amplifier Associated Equipment

If you spotted an EICO HF-81 at the local Goodwill, you'd think nothing of this plain-Jane integrated amplifier in its nondescript gray case. But if you kept on walking, you would have passed up one of the best-kept audio secrets of all time. The HF-81 hails from hi-fi's pioneer days, before chromed chassis and slick Mac transformers. It isn't ultracool-looking, like early Marantz or McIntosh gear. It doesn't have the nostalgia factor of a Fisher. It's not a supercheap eBay steal like a Stromberg-Carlson or a Heathkit. So what's the deal?

EICO, Electronic Instrument Company
853 Broadway, New York, NY (1999)
no longer in business (2006)

EICO HF-81 integrated amplifier Specifications

EICO HF-81 integrated amplifier Specifications

If you spotted an EICO HF-81 at the local Goodwill, you'd think nothing of this plain-Jane integrated amplifier in its nondescript gray case. But if you kept on walking, you would have passed up one of the best-kept audio secrets of all time. The HF-81 hails from hi-fi's pioneer days, before chromed chassis and slick Mac transformers. It isn't ultracool-looking, like early Marantz or McIntosh gear. It doesn't have the nostalgia factor of a Fisher. It's not a supercheap eBay steal like a Stromberg-Carlson or a Heathkit. So what's the deal?

EICO, Electronic Instrument Company
853 Broadway, New York, NY (1999)
no longer in business (2006)
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