"...and I don't take any advertiser money..."

audition_audio: I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "No if you leave the definition open of 'pay to play'." If you mean that by occasionally taking advantage of the "accommodation pricing" available to reviewers, that I'm accepting a bribe, then no. For one thing, that makes no sense. Would I buy at any price, or accept for free, a piece if I didn't think it was better than what I already have? Why would anyone do that? 

If that's not what you mean, I'd really appreciate an explanation.

I can't speak for Stereophile, but you're certainly entitled to your opinion. 

Thanks for your comment.

@realgoodsound 

Thank you for your comments! Everything in the editorial processes you describe is exactly as it should be, and that's comforting. 

But I would like, if I may, to again direct your attention to Stereophile's infomercial review of the Ideon Absolute Stream Meta server-streamer by Jason Victor Serinus dated Oct 17, 2024.

Though Mr. Serinus appropriately uses quotation marks and properly attributes the most egregious nonsense to the manufacturer itself, he fails to exercise the most elementary level of critical thinking or due diligence, so that he allows false and / or impossible claims to proceed into his copy verbatim; and, apparently, Stereophile's editor and staff are happy to let it go to print.

You indicate that your copy is "run through the wringer", so why wasn't Mr. Serinus's? How can that even happen with the kind of editorial processes and controls you describe in your own organization? For sure Stereophile has similar, if not the very same editorial processes in place, so it would be interesting to learn how an advertorial-grade review can just circumvent that elaborate review process and go on to be published.

I haven't read Stereophile in years - the things they review are far, far beyond my budget and not reading it keeps me from succumbing to "audiophilia nervosa." And, I have no idea what their editing process is, so I can't knowingly comment. Finally, as I said, I stick primarily to analog gear, as the workings of much modern digital equipment is beyond my understanding and I limit my streaming to internet radio stations.

I don't know if you'd get anywhere but you might write either Mr. Serinus or Stereophile's editor to see if you get an answer.

I am not referring to industry accommodation. This program has been available, in most instances, to me for over the last 20 years. I was referring to the literal definition as cash for a positive review.  

If you participate on a forum, would do well to examine your own motives around recommendation and why you like certain bits… Your payday might just be…influence… introspection is rare….

Audiophile know thyself 

Enjoy the music