Well, in this thread we have basically sealed the deal for me.
One thing Jonathan Scull always seemed to do was monopolize everything. The best equipment, the leading reviewer, the conversation, this thread... Perhaps it is insecurity. Perhaps he is a control freak. Perhaps he feels he is better than everyone else.
He defends his reviewing all the exotic audio jewelry as if, as I had asked, he was christened to live that life. A little message to you J10 - we are all cut from the same cloth. In my opinion, there are no kings, and there are no serfs. We all should spend time in the penthouse, the outhouse, and on the street. You seem to think as if you are on a higher plane. Believe this, I would have held you in much higher regard if you had taken the time to review something like the Cambridge Audio D500SE.
The Richard Gray Power Company component was expensive? It wouldn't pay for one of your gilded interconnects/speaker cables/power cords. Aren't you the one who recommended the Accuphase monoblocks be used with a power conditioner which cost more than most people's power amps?
As I said, you did a nice job in going over the physical layout of the component. In fact, I don't think that I have read anyone do a better job. Kudos. I wish the rest of your reviews followed suit. Really, I do.
The "don't get your bowels in an uproar" comment was something you used in several of your columns, and is no more cute today than it was then. I am sure you could sprinkle in a few of your father's many other favorite sayings. You may feel you are entertaining, but I don't.
I have NEVER accused Stereophile of taking money for reviews. Your reaction to my bringing up the fact that some people feel this way obviously shows you are overly defensive of the matter. Your problem, not mine...
Playing the "who do you think you are" card is the cheapest trick around. It never shows any basis in position, and I have always found it the height of arrogance. It is usually used by the "priveleged" when addressing the "uppity" when the latter hold the position in argument over the former. Don't use that crap on me, you better bring something more powerful when you take part in discussion. This isn't a magazine. This isn't a monologue. Your opinion is no more important than mine. And, this time, you don't get to write a snappy reply at the end of someone's letter to the editor; ending the discussion with you having the upper hand.
By the way, thanks for the suggestion of writing to the editor. Real insight there. I have never written one, but would if an issue so moved me. Personally, I prefer Audiogon as the forum for my audio discussion.
For your information, I do not hide from anything, and will tell you who I am - Joe Trelli -> Trelja -> TRELJA@aol.com. I have been an active member of Audiogon for a few years. People know me well here, and I have always stood by my opinions. As you stated, credibility is important. I go about establishing mine here by offering heartfelt opinion, actual experience, consistent position, and not running away from situations that call for one to stand up for themselves.
This will be the last time I write these words in this thread, but again, I never liked your reviewing style. I want to establish that I will not only say these things when the recipient is not around. I found you spending too much energy on both the praise and prose to carry any influence with me. As I stated, I felt there was not enough tangible opinion for me to get a grip on the sonics of a component. You state others feel differently. Fine. Despite me having a different audio philosophy than JA, I feel as if I am informed after his reviews.
I feel that Stereophile is now on the upswing, and the past few issues have provided me a lot more satisfaction for my investment. Part of that is the fact that you no longer are part of the review team. I did write on this very site before you were let go that I wish that your relationship with the magazine would be lessened/terminated. From what I read here, you are making a better living at Monster Cable. I guess we both win!!!
