The Absolute Sound "review" of USB cable reads suspiciously like a press releaste

As others have suggested it IS a press release, not a review. But the OP’s concern is legitimate, because TAS chooses to deceive by calling it an "Equipment report", and by putting someone’s name in a byline.

It IS dishonest, but no doubt helps TAS to generate advertising revenue from the companies that benefit from the deception.

Absolute announcement/press release, idiotic of them to show 'equipment report' and have someone's name attached to a press release.

However, ignoring AS, let's talk Pied Piper Effect.

Who among you believes the construction of a USB cable will make an audible difference?

@nonoise it clearly reads as a press release, TAS has a separate News tab full of press releases and this is filed under Equipment Reports. More likely a simple mistake rather than something more nefarious or lazy.

I've read TAS for years and I get their email newsletter. The newest one just came today. The headline reads " Reviews: KEF, Triangle, Nordost, Muraudio | Joe Lovano". The Nordost refers to the USB cable.

It doesn't look like this is a mistake and it's pretty disturbing. I read both Stereophile and TAS and generally I trust their reviews. They are a tremendous help in buying used equipment that I cannot audition. This "review" blatantly crosses the line between an actual equipment report and a paid advertisement. Shame on TAS.