I have several problems with the Stereophile list. Let's start with the basic premise of the ratings. The descriptions say that Class A should be best attainable sound. Class C seems to infer that the majority of components belong in that category. However these days, Class A is huge, and Class C barren. Maybe I am mistaken, but I guess most of what is reviewed by the magazine these days falls under the category of "best". Now, allow me to turn my focus to the companies. Some products should just be permanently on the list. Their reviews being updated every couple of years. They are benchmark products in the industry. Example, the Vandersteen 3A speaker. The fact that it does not appear on the list is an abomination. Maybe it's just me, but keeping a current review of that speaker seems more relevant than a soundcard or computer speaker. Then there are overrated products that are perpetually on the top of the list. Like just about anything from Audio Research(do they actually get reviewed, or just automatically get put in Class A?). Next are the companies that get the Stereophile shaft. Coincident being a great example. Three products reviewed by Stereophile(Troubador, Eclipse, and CST phono cable). All pretty much written off as nothing. Curiously, the Eclipse seems to be one of the only products I can recall being reviewed and not appearing on the list. Not even Class D or E? Come on, there are a legion of us out here who can attest that Coincident products are first rate. Certainly, the equal of B&W, Paradigm, PSB, Thiel, Vandersteen, etc. One could argue better in many cases. And what about a Legacy review? We've only been waiting for 10 long years. How about Sunfire, Jadis, Antique Sound Labs, Silver Audio, Quicksilver, Jolida, etc.? Then there are the reviewers. Would it kill them to review a cross section of components? I mean would Scull drop dead if, God for bid, he had to review something without a 4 or 5 digit pricetag? The one time he did(Richard Gray's Power Station), he launched into his only negative review. Guess that'll teach them to have him review something below $1000. If Richard just made the price $5 higher... Michael Fremer's opinions are less informed than so many people on Audiogon that someone like you is probably more adept at reviewing a component than he. How about the fact that he didn't know that AudioResearch sounded more neutral than tubelike? That's like an auto reviewer being suprised that a V8 engine seemed to deliver poor gas mileage. Or the fact that he didn't have a balanced interconnect. And just take a look at his cable inventory. As sparse as his knowledge. A great moment was when he reviewed the KR amps. He needed a new pair of pants when he saw the amps' measurements. At least have the guts to stand by what you heard, without first turning white as a sheet. Stereophile, not what it used to be. But, far too necessary for me to cancel my subscription.