Stereophile Rated the Sqeezebox Touch Class D

I think you're still missing the point. Think of it this way. ALL OF THE RECOMMENDED COMPONENTS ARE RATED AN A. Then break it down within that A to a ranking of A-E with D and E specific to value for money rankings.

I liked J.A.'s reply, and I agree with him.

When used through its internal DAC and analog outs, the Touch is a darned good $300 device, but it's nowhere near the world's best components when used that way.

When used as a digital transport feeding a good DAC, however, it functions markedly better (which is how I am using it right now), and it is practically a steal. But then it's abilities as a musical device depends on the DAC you're using, and there's no way they can deal with that as part of their recommendations.

Maybe in the next round they'll add a note that says "even better when used a digital transport."

Of course, Kal covers that well in his review.

Atkinson (Stereophile Editor) addressed this directly on www.audioasylum.com .

He said that the D rating applies to using the analog outputs and doing no upgrading at all, such as different power supply.

Personally, I think D is too low for the analog outputs. I'd go C at least and probably B. I find the tone is overall quite good, and what is missing is the last iota of detail that provides imaging and the kind of great nuance you would expect out of an A rated system.

Also I think he was a bit harsh in failing to note how he would evaluate it as an interface to a high end DAC. From what I read about experiences using it to interface a DAC, it should rate B at least and perhaps even A for that application.

Atkinson claims that he did not pressure Kal to remove any postings.

Some years ago I had conversations with a well known audio reviewer about life as a reviewer, and she (in this case) told me that she quickly found she had to NEVER give any opinions outside the magazine. Apparently the power of reviews to affect sales is so enormous that careless hints in casual conversation can cause, ah, issues.

That was largely before such an enormous body of audio gear criticism appeared on the web in 'zines and bulletin boards and Amazon etc, so, the situation may have softened somewhat; I don't know.

Art

First, Atkinson did not pressure or even ask me to remove any postings. I did so because they were made in haste and in error.

Second, if you Google a bit, you will find I have made many posts (> 20,000 on AVS alone) and a substantial number have opinion.

Kal