Audiophile Essentials

What it is we do when we do this thing we do

Wes Phillips Aug 11, 2007 First Published: Aug 11, 2007

Back on April 13, Stereophile assistant editor Stephen Mejias posted the following thought on his "Elements of Our Enthusiasm" blog: "Is it possible to listen to music and listen to the hi-fi? Or are they two entirely different activities, incomparable and incompatible? Right now, for me, they seem to have nothing in common, whatsoever."

As We See It Audiophile Essentials

Missing In Action

Barry Willis Jul 19, 2007 First Published: Jul 01, 1997

Dear High-End Dealer,

As We See It Audiophile Essentials

Life, Love, and The Big Ahh

Jason Victor Serinus Jul 15, 2007 First Published: Jul 15, 2007

A fellow member of the Bay Area Audiophile Society recently forwarded to me a link to Wikipedia's entry for audiophile. It's a horror. Even before the page defines the word, it begins with a large question mark, circled in green, and the warning, "This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims. Please help Wikipedia by adding references."

As We See It Audiophile Essentials

Bridges to Babylon

Barry Willis Jul 13, 2007 First Published: Jan 01, 1998

Stadium rock is my idea of the inner circle of Hell. I hate crowds. I have zero interest in the rich and famous. And I've never been much of a Rolling Stones fan. Give me a choice, and I'll take Weslia Whitfield at the Plush Room 10 times out of 10: a cushy seat, some witty companions, a little Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. Heavenly.

As We See It Audiophile Essentials

Intoxication, Art, & the Audio Hobby

Jim Austin May 13, 2007 First Published: May 13, 2007

For art to exist, for any sort of aesthetic activity to exist, a certain physiological precondition is indispensable: intoxication.—Friedrich Nietzsche

As We See It Audiophile Essentials

Resistance Is Futile

Art Dudley Dec 11, 2005 First Published: Dec 11, 2005

The mechanical toys were very superior, and looked down upon every one else; they were full of modern ideas, and pretended they were real.—Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit

As We See It Audiophile Essentials

Academy? What Academy?!

Art Dudley Apr 04, 2004 First Published: Nov 01, 1998

It was the subhead that caught my eye: "Today's super-rich just don't seem interested in $300,000 stereos." Clunky writing, sure. But at least it gave some idea of what the next 2000 words were about, and spared the pain of having to read further.

As We See It Audiophile Essentials

Mentors & Audio Shows

Jon Iverson Jun 26, 2002 First Published: Jun 26, 2002

Where do audiophiles come from?

As We See It Audiophile Essentials

The Search for Musical Ecstasy

Barry Willis Nov 18, 2001 First Published: Nov 18, 2001

Every once in a while, some mainstream journalist discovers the audiophile underground.

As We See It Audiophile Essentials

Snobs, Slobs, & Marley's Ghost

Chip Stern Jul 16, 2000 First Published: Jul 16, 2000

As often as not, it ain't the heat—it's the stupidity. When confronted by the smattering of self-referential dilettantes, acrimonious Internut wannabes, and obsessive-compulsive types who suck the air out of our aural fun-house, I find myself overcome with the desire to program my phaser for CLIP.