Julian Hirsch dies

Back in the 1970's, before the high-end audio publications became established, I read Stereo Review and Julian Hirsch's articles religiously. As others here have already said, Hirsch was the very model of integrity. I absolutely agree with Zaikesman about the usefulness of the many hyperbolic reviews in print today (although I find Anthony Cordesman's reviews more balanced and honest than the majority). Since I live in Seattle, I won't be able to attend Hirsch's memorial service, but I will crank up my system and play a good recording of "Taps" for him... RIP, Julian, and thanks for the enjoyment you brought me every month when my Stereo Review arrived in the mail.

The industry lost that day....

While attending a Stereophile show at the Hilton in Chicago (part of winter CES?), The elavator door opened and I came face-to-face with Mr. Hirsch. I'll always regret not paying respects to this gentleman (just pretended to be unaware of him). At the same show (or maybe a year later), I happened upon J. Gordon Holt dragging his famous cigarette in a hallway. Wish I would have bummed one and lit up with him...