Stereophile doubles down on the snake oil!

[John Atkinson]

LOL, been there, done that.
I posted Stereophile's gushing - awarding of the "2024 Product Of The Year $34,000 Crystal power cords back in Early Feb 2025. LOL

Danny Richie, GR Research, doesn't recommend a speaker he can't sell an "upgrade" kit for

He quoted a price for the crossover parts ranging from $750 -1000 depending on the quality of the caps you select!? As big a waste of money as his power cords. :facepalm:

www.audiosciencereview.com

Stereophile didn't make the Crystal power cord its 2024 Product of the Year. That was The Absolute Sound, as mentioned earlier in this thread.

John Atkinson
Technical Editor, Stereophile

 

[Sal1950]

Ofc they will say it will be for the convenience of you the reader. And who can argue that it isn't easier for a 70 year old sitting on the pot to read a magazine that you can hold with one hand? (I must credit that line -- a magazine you can hold with one hand -- to the immortal Jimmy Breslin. Though of course he was talking about a different kind of magazine. One with pictures.)

Great post and insight into what's going on at SF.

Stereophile didn't make the Crystal power cord its 2024 Product of the Year. That was The Absolute Sound, as mentioned earlier in this thread.

John Atkinson
Technical Editor, Stereophile

Thank you John, I stand corrected. We're of the same age so as you know, sometimes shit happens.
I got it right back in Feb with a few posts but at some point my wires got crossed.

Review and Measurements of Benchmark AHB2 Amp

Crazy looking wiring, I assume no permits or inspections?

www.audiosciencereview.com

It really is sad to watch the direction this passion for the reproduction of home music has taken.
Back in the 70s when I started with the "underground" mags like SF, TAS, and the rest I must have been receiving at least 10 a month
of "Audio" dedicated publications. Gordon tried to tell you that you were on the wrong path but no one ever listened.

45 Years of Stereophile | Stereophile.com

It was 45 years ago this month that the first issue of Stereophile, just 20 pages in length, went in the mail. It had been founded by one J. Gordon Holt. Gordon had been technical editor of High Fidelity magazine in the 1950s, and was tired of being asked to pander to the demands of advertisers.

www.stereophile.com

Now we're discussing $34,000 power cords or just as pricey "Stereophile Recommended" speaker cables, as you folks have made a shambles of any integrity this hobby ever displayed. JMHO
Seriously Buddy ???

"Stealth Dream V16: $14,700/2m pair, $6,600 each additional meter
The hermetically sealed, helium-filled Dream V10 is a thick yet flexible cable made of three flat solid-silver wires and a conductive carbon-fiber core. Compared to the TARA Labs Omega Onyx, the Stealth cable had a richer, warmer sound, with a softer attack for a slower overall musical flow. Partnered with the Stealth Sakra interconnects, the Dream V10 cable produced a more textured midrange but lacked the TARA's upper-octave air, said MF. Bi-wiring adds $1300 regardless of cables' length. (Vol.34 No.6)"

 

[DSJR]

I wonder if the type of equipment these 'reviewers' use, is wildly sensitive to mains borne interference. I mean, back in the late 70s and 80s, I remember the Naim amps of the era sounding way off (and with loudly complaining mains transformers) when the mains was bad (some guff fed to us about the transformer windings being deliberately 'loose' or something. Some of the imported behemoths of this time, ran as quiet as a mouse... Said amps of this period measured (Colloms and Curtis) with higher amounts of odd order 3rd and 5th harmonics than others and general levels were in the -70dB region, declining at very high frequencies (all in HiFi Choice tests and the Curtis one in an un-remembered HiFi For Pleasure test)

It's been said before here, that wealthy people need to have something to spend it on and stuff like silly-priced wires in fancy dress are just the thing to finish off their mega-cost audio rigs. My original employer KJ (W1) is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, although it's nothing like the general audio-electrical store it started out as and has changed ownership at least twice in that time. I can't believe the gear this store is now selling, as prices start high and then go inter-stellar! The rent/rates on the premises in London W1 isn't at all cheap, but the business has been there since the late 80s from memory and it seems to be thriving!

 

[MattHooper]

We see this from their ending of comments, which kneecaps reader engagement (let's send our sympathy to Mr. Glotz).

Ha!

As a long reader of the stereophile comments and as somebody who has tangled with that “character,” that gave me a good laugh.

I would’ve guessed that if anyone he might’ve been single-handedly responsible for getting the comments shut down.

 

[Mart68]

Ha!

As a long reader of the stereophile comments and as somebody who has tangled with that “character,” that gave me a good laugh.

I would’ve guessed that if anyone he might’ve been single-handedly responsible for getting the comments shut down.

'Lest we forget'

''I really love the Pink (and Purple) fuses from Synergistic Research.. seriously ear opening if the rest of the gear is basically neutral-sounding. Even with ONE fuse inline to my DAC the difference was 'what the fuck I can't go back for a minute'. Break in was nil, but did sound more refined after a few hours.

And the wrong direction (always a PITA to go back and pry the IEC fuse box open) and re-try and listen. The wrong direction is ABSOLUTELY wrong... Ugggh... phasey and distant and no bass. Just terrible.

And while I really liked the German HiFi Tuning SUPREME fuses for my amp and phono stage... replacing all of my system fuses with SR Pink and Purple.. just way more spacious, clarifying and solid. Like better audio cables, just can't go back.

Hearing Jon Durant's new 'Momentarily' album pre and post SR fuse was an excellent transformation from 'They are there' to 'They are here'.''

Brilliant Corners #26: Racks, Cleaners, Cables, Resonators | Stereophile.com

Some years ago, I visited the home of a well-known American author who happened to be an audiophile. His cramped, dimly lit listening room contained a tube amp, a DAC, and a pair of inexpensive floorstanding speakers surrounded by what looked like a museum of audio tweaks.

www.stereophile.com

 

[ivayvr]

'Lest we forget'

''I really love the Pink (and Purple) fuses from Synergistic Research.. seriously ear opening if the rest of the gear is basically neutral-sounding. Even with ONE fuse inline to my DAC the difference was 'what the fuck I can't go back for a minute'. Break in was nil, but did sound more refined after a few hours.

And the wrong direction (always a PITA to go back and pry the IEC fuse box open) and re-try and listen. The wrong direction is ABSOLUTELY wrong... Ugggh... phasey and distant and no bass. Just terrible.

And while I really liked the German HiFi Tuning SUPREME fuses for my amp and phono stage... replacing all of my system fuses with SR Pink and Purple.. just way more spacious, clarifying and solid. Like better audio cables, just can't go back.

Hearing Jon Durant's new 'Momentarily' album pre and post SR fuse was an excellent transformation from 'They are there' to 'They are here'.''

Brilliant Corners #26: Racks, Cleaners, Cables, Resonators | Stereophile.com

Some years ago, I visited the home of a well-known American author who happened to be an audiophile. His cramped, dimly lit listening room contained a tube amp, a DAC, and a pair of inexpensive floorstanding speakers surrounded by what looked like a museum of audio tweaks.

www.stereophile.com

The referenced article sounds like a test of how far they can go.......

 

[Thomas Savage]

Great post and insight into what's going on at SF.


Thank you John, I stand corrected. We're of the same age so as you know, sometimes shit happens.
I got it right back in Feb with a few posts but at some point my wires got crossed.

Review and Measurements of Benchmark AHB2 Amp

Crazy looking wiring, I assume no permits or inspections?

www.audiosciencereview.com

It really is sad to watch the direction this passion for the reproduction of home music has taken.
Back in the 70s when I started with the "underground" mags like SF, TAS, and the rest I must have been receiving at least 10 a month
of "Audio" dedicated publications. Gordon tried to tell you that you were on the wrong path but no one ever listened.

45 Years of Stereophile | Stereophile.com

It was 45 years ago this month that the first issue of Stereophile, just 20 pages in length, went in the mail. It had been founded by one J. Gordon Holt. Gordon had been technical editor of High Fidelity magazine in the 1950s, and was tired of being asked to pander to the demands of advertisers.

www.stereophile.com

Now we're discussing $34,000 power cords or just as pricey "Stereophile Recommended" speaker cables, as you folks have made a shambles of any integrity this hobby ever displayed. JMHO
Seriously Buddy ???

"Stealth Dream V16: $14,700/2m pair, $6,600 each additional meter
The hermetically sealed, helium-filled Dream V10 is a thick yet flexible cable made of three flat solid-silver wires and a conductive carbon-fiber core. Compared to the TARA Labs Omega Onyx, the Stealth cable had a richer, warmer sound, with a softer attack for a slower overall musical flow. Partnered with the Stealth Sakra interconnects, the Dream V10 cable produced a more textured midrange but lacked the TARA's upper-octave air, said MF. Bi-wiring adds $1300 regardless of cables' length. (Vol.34 No.6)"

The folks buying it are part of the problem!

 

[Sal1950]

The folks buying it are part of the problem!

A quite small one but,
Your completely right Thomas but in this case I find the ode adage
"keep your friend close and your enemies closer"
has never been truer.
I like having the knowledge of of their lies and snake-oil misdirection to point out and oppose here and elsewhere.
I'm sure I and others of my bend were also a part of the reason that reply's were shut down on their site.
I believe they have just shot themselves in the foot with that action.
It's easy for most people to recognize their Nazi like actions in this matter.

 

[BeeKay]

The folks buying it are part of the problem!

On the other hand - well deserved?!

 

[HalSF]

Here’s Stereophile’s statement on the ominous decision to kill the comments:

We're Still Listening: Email Us Your Thoughts
Fri Jun 6 03:35:07 GMT 2025

Dear readers,

Thank you for being an engaged part of the Stereophile community. While we've retired the in-page commenting feature on our website, your voice remains essential to us.

Share your thoughts, questions, and system notes:

[email protected]

Selected letters will continue to appear in the magazine and online. Your feedback shapes our reporting and reviews. We appreciate every note you send.

—The Stereophile team

 

[Palmer]

Here’s Stereophile’s statement on the ominous decision to kill the comments:

We're Still Listening: Email Us Your Thoughts
Fri Jun 6 03:35:07 GMT 2025

Dear readers,

Thank you for being an engaged part of the Stereophile community. While we've retired the in-page commenting feature on our website, your voice remains essential to us.

Share your thoughts, questions, and system notes:

[email protected]

Selected letters will continue to appear in the magazine and online. Your feedback shapes our reporting and reviews. We appreciate every note you send.

—The Stereophile team

That is rather unfortunate, case in point - the Krell report, "What is going on with Krell" had comments that gave way further insight, particularly the last comment -
that it is now under the control of the Krell heir. Of course I can't look that up now, but there we have it.

 

[egellings]

Great post and insight into what's going on at SF.


Thank you John, I stand corrected. We're of the same age so as you know, sometimes shit happens.
I got it right back in Feb with a few posts but at some point my wires got crossed.

Review and Measurements of Benchmark AHB2 Amp

Crazy looking wiring, I assume no permits or inspections?

www.audiosciencereview.com

It really is sad to watch the direction this passion for the reproduction of home music has taken.
Back in the 70s when I started with the "underground" mags like SF, TAS, and the rest I must have been receiving at least 10 a month
of "Audio" dedicated publications. Gordon tried to tell you that you were on the wrong path but no one ever listened.

45 Years of Stereophile | Stereophile.com

It was 45 years ago this month that the first issue of Stereophile, just 20 pages in length, went in the mail. It had been founded by one J. Gordon Holt. Gordon had been technical editor of High Fidelity magazine in the 1950s, and was tired of being asked to pander to the demands of advertisers.

www.stereophile.com

Now we're discussing $34,000 power cords or just as pricey "Stereophile Recommended" speaker cables, as you folks have made a shambles of any integrity this hobby ever displayed. JMHO
Seriously Buddy ???

"Stealth Dream V16: $14,700/2m pair, $6,600 each additional meter
The hermetically sealed, helium-filled Dream V10 is a thick yet flexible cable made of three flat solid-silver wires and a conductive carbon-fiber core. Compared to the TARA Labs Omega Onyx, the Stealth cable had a richer, warmer sound, with a softer attack for a slower overall musical flow. Partnered with the Stealth Sakra interconnects, the Dream V10 cable produced a more textured midrange but lacked the TARA's upper-octave air, said MF. Bi-wiring adds $1300 regardless of cables' length. (Vol.34 No.6)"

I wonder how long it take for the helium to leak out of that cord. Helium's a pretty tiny atom, as atoms go.

 

[MattHooper]

Here’s Stereophile’s statement on the ominous decision to kill the comments:

We're Still Listening: Email Us Your Thoughts
Fri Jun 6 03:35:07 GMT 2025

Dear readers,

Thank you for being an engaged part of the Stereophile community. While we've retired the in-page commenting feature on our website, your voice remains essential to us.

Share your thoughts, questions, and system notes:

[email protected]

Selected letters will continue to appear in the magazine and online. Your feedback shapes our reporting and reviews. We appreciate every note you send.

—The Stereophile team

And ominously, in anonymous corporate-speak.

Never a good sign.

 

[Short38]

Cannot for the life of me understand why hydrogen is not used as insulation in the cables referenced above!

My new company, Hindenburg Bespoke Cables, will use hydrogen exclusively as our insulating material. Our launch is delayed pending UL approval.

 

[Sal1950]

Selected letters will continue to appear in the magazine and online. Your feedback shapes our reporting and reviews. We appreciate every note you send.

Yea right.
Save the fairy tales for the little folks.

 

[egellings]

Yea right.
Save the fairy tales for the little folks.

I'd like to see how long that hydrogen gas stays in those cables. The little (H2) molecules are fidgety nervous little things that can squeeze though any opening no matter how microscopic, nanoscopic or picoscopic it is.

 

[teched58]

Yea right.
Save the fairy tales for the little folks.

Next step is a paid tier that will allow upsold subscribers (only) to comment.

Kidding/not kidding; if it were technically feasible -- i.e, comments entered and then visible only to those uppaid subscribers -- they'd do it. But they can't on the platform they're using.

(EDIT: They should pay me a finder's fee when they implement this feature on a revived forum on their site. For that, they could make a paywall work. For all 10 people who pop for it.)

 

[Sal1950]

Kidding/not kidding; if it were technically feasible -- i.e, comments entered and then visible only to those uppaid subscribers -- they'd do it. But they can't on the platform they're using.

That wouldn't surprise me in the least. Not sure why the platform wouldn't allow it.
It's already a log-in forum type with set-able privileges already in place (I think).
No matter, that would only allow them a way to edit what gets published and support
their opinions, etc.

 

[jsrtheta]

Or sell orgone accumulator boxes. Willhelm Reich died in jail for violation of FDA but i doubt the current government would mind if you use them or sell them.

Orgone Accumulator Box - William Reich Handbook Summary

In the 1940s, an Austrian immigrant to the USA and refugee from Nazi Germany, Dr. Wilhelm Reich made the scientific discovery of a previously unknown energy existing within living organisms, in space, and in the atmosphere. Orgone energy as Dr. Reich discovered was synonymous with “life energy”,

www.orgoneenergy.org

As long as you cut them in.

 

[BeeKay]

Here’s Stereophile’s statement on the ominous decision to kill the comments:

We're Still Listening: Email Us Your Thoughts
Fri Jun 6 03:35:07 GMT 2025

Dear readers,

Thank you for being an engaged part of the Stereophile community. While we've retired the in-page commenting feature on our website, your voice remains essential to us.

Share your thoughts, questions, and system notes:

[email protected]

Selected letters will continue to appear in the magazine and online. Your feedback shapes our reporting and reviews. We appreciate every note you send.

—The Stereophile team

This is what a genAI makes from;

„Tell these online bastards to f*** right off and shove their annoying comments. Use maximum PR spin and put it nicely"