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The Pros & Cons of Electrostatic Loudspeakers

J. Gordon Holt Feb 07, 2019 First Published: Jul 01, 1985 0 comments

The main inherent advantage of the full-range electrostatic loud speaker system is that it allows a single diaphragm to embody the conflicting attributes needed for optimal performance at both extremes of the audio range. Its thin-membrane diaphragm can be made exceedingly light, for superb transient response and extended HF response, yet it can be about as large in area as desired, for extended LF response.

Features J. Gordon Holt Think Pieces Historical

The Highs & Lows of Double-Blind Testing

Larry Archibald, J. Gordon Holt, C.J. Huss May 05, 1985 First Published: May 05, 1985 0 comments

Editor's Note: In 1985 and 1986, an argumentative thread ran through Stereophile's pages, discussing the benefits or lack of double-blind testing methods in audio component reviewing, triggered by J. Gordon Holt's review">http://www.stereophile.com//asweseeit/121/">review of the ABX Comparator. As this debate is still raging nearly 15 years later, we present here the entire discussion that bounced back and forth between the magazine's "Letters" section and features articles. It was kicked off by a letter from C.J. Huss that appeared in Vol.8 No.5.—John Atkinson

Budget Component Reviews Historical Stand Loudspeaker Reviews

Wharfedale Diamond loudspeaker

J. Gordon Holt May 26, 2026 First Published: May 01, 1985 0 comments

It wasn't too many years ago that no audio perfectionist would even consider owning speakers having woofers of less than a 12" diameter. Everyone knew that it took a BIG speaker to reproduce real bass, and pointed at the size of a double bass and an organ bass pipe as proof that there was no way of circumventing that particular law of physics.

As We See It J. Gordon Holt Historical

Down With Flat!

J. Gordon Holt Apr 29, 1985 First Published: Apr 29, 1985 0 comments

A tradition is anything we do, think, or believe for no better reason than that we have always done it, thought it, or believed it. Most traditions are followed in this mindless and automatic way, and, if questioned, are defended with the argument of, well, that it seems to work. It's time-tested, true-blue and, because so familiar, as comfy as an old slipper. So why rock the boat, throw a wrench in the works, or fix it if it ain't broke.

Solid State Power Amp Reviews Historical

Adcom GFA-555 power amplifier

Anthony H. Cordesman, Various Apr 05, 1995 First Published: Apr 06, 1985 0 comments

I am reluctant to call any given transistor power amplifier a "best buy" or "breakthrough." From my talks with designers and other audiophiles, it is clear that the state of the art in power amplifiers is about to change. From where I stand, the Adcom GFA-555 is the first sample of this new wave. It is so clearly superior to past amplifiers in the low- to mid-priced range—not to mention most amplifiers two to three times its pric—that I can unhesitatingly recommend it for even the most demanding high end system.

Floor Loudspeaker Reviews J. Gordon Holt Historical

Infinity Reference Standard 1B loudspeaker

Anthony H. Cordesman, J. Gordon Holt Sep 03, 2006 First Published: Apr 03, 1985 0 comments

I'll say one thing right off about the Infinity RS-1B: It sure looks as if you're getting your money's worth.

As We See It J. Gordon Holt Historical

The Absolute Sound of What?

J. Gordon Holt Feb 17, 1985 First Published: Feb 17, 1985 0 comments

One of the things that distinguishes a dedicated audiophile from Joe Q. Public is that he has some notion of what audio fidelity is all about.

As We See It Historical J. Gordon Holt

Snob Appeal

J. Gordon Holt Jan 12, 1985 First Published: Jan 12, 1985 0 comments

A number of recent letters have accused us of snobbishness and elitism because we devote so much space to reports about components that "common folk" can't afford. We are "snobbish" because we seem to look down on anything less perfect than a Wilson WAMM speaker system or an Audio Research SP-10 preamplifier. And we are "elitist" because we seem to show little interest in any components which fall short of state of the art. Far from being chastened by these letters, I am proud, to declare that they are right on target.

As We See It Historical

Happy 1985, Music Lovers!

Larry Archibald Dec 27, 2009 First Published: Dec 01, 1984 0 comments

Stereophile is happy to start off another year, only one issue behind our published schedule. For most magazine subscribers, this would seem a confession of weakness; underground aficionados will, however, know what I'm talking about. We did in fact publish eight issues last year, but the first one happened to be Volume 6, Number 6 (the last issue in that volume), so that puts us still one behind. Ambitiously, I predict we'll get out nine (count them, 9) issues in 1985 and catch up with our schedule.

Solid State Power Amp Reviews J. Gordon Holt Historical

B&K ST-140 power amplifier

J. Gordon Holt, Various Apr 29, 1995 First Published: Aug 29, 1984 0 comments

I must admit that even before I connected up this amplifier I was put off by the accompanying literature. B&K makes some persuasive points about the validity (or rather the lack thereof) of some traditional amplifier tests, but the literature was so loaded with flagrant grammaticides, syntactical ineptitudes, and outright errors that I could not help but wonder if the same lack of concern had gone into the product itself (eg, the term "infrasonic" is used throughout to mean "ultrasonic"). Good copy editors aren't that hard to find; B&K should have found one.