MCD500 makes Stereophile Rec. Class A..

[es347]

As it certainly should but S'phile's lists are never comprehensive with lots of great gear never getting a sniff.

[Formerly YB-2]

Many things wrong with Stereophile, but it is pretty much the 'only game in town' equipment review-wise. And, I do like JA's technical analysis of the gear and music reviews and their techical columns and interviews (guess that about covers the whole magazine, doesn't it;-). It is cut-and-dried when you can see the results of the measurements. I do wish they would run the MC275MkV through their full review rather than through Sam Tellig, who is a bit of gas-bag. Don't really care what their reviewer thinks as I've reviewed my own many times and always comes out as the most wonderful amp I've owned. But, would like to see JA's measurements.

[f1 fan]

Originally Posted by es347

As it certainly should but S'phile's lists are never comprehensive with lots of great gear never getting a sniff.

Gavin...the Marantz SA11S2 made the class A list in 2009 now if only it had some digital inputs. Looks like I need to sell and get the 500.

Dave

[Hught]

MCD500 deserves an A+ instead.

[jdandy]

I found it interesting that my two channel tube system components were all Stereophile Class "A" Rated: C1000T, MCD500, MC275 amps, and Sonus Faber Guarneri Momento speakers.

Imagine my surprise. I didn't read a single one of Stereophile's reviews before making my purchases. Of course, I don't need some audio rag rating to know this two channel tube system is class A. I can clearly hear that.

[1KW]

Stereophile magazine reminds me of the auto magazines like Motor Trend. I enjoy reading them out of amusement but I never buy anything based on what they have to say. I may however not buy something if the reviews are lousy.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by jdandy

I found it interesting that my two channel tube system components were all Stereophile Class "A" Rated: C1000T, MCD500, MC275 amps, and Sonus Faber Guarneri Momento speakers.

Imagine my surprise. I didn't read a single one of Stereophile's reviews before making my purchases. Of course, I don't need some audio rag rating to know this two channel tube system is class A. I can clearly hear that.

I could tell too, Dan.....

Pete

[MC352]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Stereophile magazine reminds me of the auto magazines like Motor Trend. I enjoy reading them out of amusement but I never buy anything based on what they have to say. I may however not buy something if the reviews are lousy.

How can they really say a piece of equipment is a piece of garbage? If they did, they would see that companies advertising vaporize in front of their eyes.

I read the magazines, but I don't base my purchase on just that, I also scan the web for forum posts on the item.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by MC352

How can they really say a piece of equipment is a piece of garbage? If they did, they would see that companies advertising vaporize in front of their eyes.

I read the magazines, but I don't base my purchase on just that, I also scan the web for forum posts on the item.

I recently read a post somewhere noting why you will not see a trash review of a product. In the UK some company won a large lawsuit (not for audio) when one of their products received a bad review. Now everyone is reticent of incurring this type of penalty. It has a lot less to do with the advertising dollars.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Stillone

I recently read a post somewhere noting why you will not see a trash review of a product. In the UK some company won a large lawsuit (not for audio) when one of their products received a bad review. Now everyone is reticent of incurring this type of penalty. It has a lot less to do with the advertising dollars.

Jim.......Perhaps the lawsuit pendulum will eventually swing the other way one day. Someone will purchase a high dollar system based on a glowing review, be thoroughly disappointed that it does live up to the hype or expense, and file a lawsuit against the publication for representing the gear as a great value that influenced their purchase.

I subscribe to Stereophile, The Absolute Sound, and download HiFi+ and Tone when it is available, as well as pick up a copy of other audio publications from time to time. My reading is strictly for the entertainment value. I subscribe to four or five other publications that are not audio related for the same purpose. It keeps me abreast of what is out there, but I don't take any of it as the gospel. It's a hobby, not a religion, as so many of the editors and contributors of high-end audio publications appear to promote.