Rank Stereophile, & why no Von Schweikert reviews

Yup, Remember how we used to reminisce?

One mag that is actually useful is HiFi. They seem to be very objective no matter what they review.

Sereophile is awful. The idea of 20 class "A" or "best" amps or whatever is ludicrous. Its all about money.
TAS used to be wonderful 15 yrs. ago but HP,s cashing out also. Oh how I wish for the return of the old "Audio Critic".
As for von Schweikert reviews - It may be that the manufacurer won't loan them the gear because they don't want a review.
There used to be several high end guys that didn't want to risk a hatchet job by some tin eared moron because they wouldn't pay their ad rates. Can't blame them.

It's the times, methinks. Everything in our culture has been subordinated to and measured by money. You can still find movie reviews if you want to but the grosses are listed on the front page. It's a sad fact that even my audio choices are dictated to some extent by resale considerations and depreciation rates. So the rags have sold out and the pool is full of sharks. Nonetheless, most of my audio exchanges range from polite and pleasant to downright reassuring. This here Audiogon thing is somewhat of an oasis.

VS and lots of others are doing just fine without a plug from stereophile. anyone who has read the last two issues has to realize that the magazine doesnt have the 'juice' to be critical of anything. times are tuff in the publishing world and the world of hi-end. the very fact that its still on the shelves anywhere is more a testimate to the loyalty of its readers (me included), than the usefulness of its editorial. all products are great....nothing is overpriced....maybe its time for a class AA and AAA. a year end list of-who received accomodation from whom-would also be useful.