I recently emailed John Atkinson of Stereophile

I would like to see an outfit like Consumer Reports for high end. Use the same criteria that they used to use. They got nothing free from vendors, they bought it all just like we do. They would do real judging, and comparisons and give us a real "best buy" Where I would especially like to see them go to work, is on power cords and interconnects, do real evaluations, ie blind tests, and let us know what is snake oil, and what is for real

The British audio mags seem to have a somewhat more objective take on reviews, often employing blinded comparative listening tests. I doubt that they are purchasing the equipment though.

You have to realise that these mags and reviewers are out to promote new equiptment.If it was the case that mothing old was good my system would be toast.
I asked a reveiwer about Axiom speakers contending with NEARs and my statement was come on there is no way they are better.His response was thet NEARs are old.
Yeah well I will certainly take my NEARs over the Axes any day!

Another contention is that old transport are useless,well not according those who know my Phillips CD-60.It is made of Metal and is built like a tank.It is stable as hell.As an example I have 2 transports in my computer that cannot play a track off an Elton John CD.Well the Philly holds up fine as a transport!

You can update parts in old equiptment to make them better also.Amps and Pre's have not really changed in design with the exception of the new Digital amps.

I still use my B&K ST202 that is modded and will outplay some amps today for 4X the price.I know because I have went to hea them.

BS with the assertion that newer is better!Only in some cases like DAC tech and updated parts which can be switched out.

JMO

thsalmon, except for Hi Fi + the Brit mags have a huge Uk bias.

That's true Helcat.