Bad Example
In November's "Aural Robert" (p.154 in the print mag), music editor Robert Baird sees technological advancement as the major cause for the decline of the independent record store. He writes:
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Shoot the Videographer!
Excellent performance of "Crossroads" by a Cream that came to <I>play</I>. But kids, this video is evidence that you shouldn't take acid and operate a camera.
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Maybe We Should Call It "Ice 9"?
You'd think we knew pretty much all there was to know about water, wouldn't you? Well, zap it with high-energy X-rays, subject it to extremely high pressure, and make sure the proportions of H<SUB>2</SUB> and 0<SUB>2</SUB> are <I>just</I> right and you get "a highly energetic material."
A Toss Up?
Is coin flipping really random?
Heroes And Orphans
Well, one of <I>my</I> heroes, Mr. Tom Waits.
Have you tried a subscription to one of the satellite radio services? What do you think about it?
Satellite radio has been plugging away for several years now, and has garnered both rave reviews and criticisms. Have you tried a subscription to one of the services? If so, what do you think about it?
Listening #46
<I>"It's a series of tubes."—Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), explaining how the Internet works</I>
The Fifth Element #38
The Ultimate Audio Toy—Or, if you will, the apotheosis of the iPod.
Platinum Audio Solo loudspeaker
<I>Flip flip flip</I>]...Where the heck is it?...[<I>flip flip flip</I>]...Got it!" What am I looking for? There, in black and white, on p.634 of J. Gordon Holt's <I>Really Reliable Rules for Rookie Reviewers</I> (footnote 1), is the Prime Directive On Loudspeaker Setup: "Never, ever, choose a loudspeaker that has too much bass extension for your room!"
Hales Audio System Two Signature loudspeaker
When a loudspeaker designer produces a world-class product, it is usually the result of years, perhaps decades, of experience gained from designing less ambitious products. To review a particular designer's product history is to witness the learning curve in action as both his skill and technology advance. Successfully battling the laws of physics to produce a truly exceptional loudspeaker is thus thought of as the domain of the seasoned veteran whose vast knowledge and experience culminate in the pinnacle of his career—a world-class loudspeaker. Moreover, it is just these designers, working their way up to their masterpiece, who are the most successful at getting an ambitious design right. The high-end loudspeaker business is littered with the remains of companies that attempted to build a first product far too lofty for their skills.