[sharper]

AHC has been back writing reviews for a little while. I was just reading a review he did of the Legacy Focus and I was wondering if he has been approached or if he has approached Brian about writing a review of one of the VMPS RM models. His 1988 Ten Best All Time listing in Audio which included two VMPS models brought me and I'm sure many others into the fold. He would seem to have a favorable going-in opinion of VMPS and he's heard the best of the best in terms of large speakers...so his reference points are solid. Just curious.

[Stimpy]

I'm with you.  I always loved the writings of Anthony H. Cordesman; whether in Audio Magazine, Stereophile, or The Absolute Sound.  He (along with Corey Greenberg) were two of my favorites.  I missed both when they somewhat dropped out of the audio scene.  Glad to hear Cordesman is coming back.  Maybe the middle east is settling down enough to allow Anthony out of the think-tank!

Also, one of the reasons that I bough Audio Magazine, back then, for so may years, was to check out the Classified Ads section each month.  Between the Sound By Singer 'system-of-the-month' ads, and the 'pencil drawing' ads for these BIG speakers, with all these drivers (that I 'thought' could never sound any good), I kept buying the next month's issue, just to see what strange creature would pop up next.  And even though I was 'suspicious' of these new and different speakers, I noticed that there were always new drawings popping up, every so often, showing new models, usually with even more drivers (especially woofers)!  So, I began to wonder if these speakers were really any good?  Couldn't be?  And then, finally, a Cordesman review in Audio, of these same speakers, that I'd been curious about for so many years (or so it seemed).  And imagine my surprise when the VMPS speakers received a very positive (rave) review!  Wow!  This VMPS guy must be on to something!?!

Fast forward to 2003.  I couldn't believe it, I was working for a company that was sending me to a CES!  YES!  A dream come true!  And VMPS was there, showing off their then new RM-30 speakers.  As such, I got to meet Brian, John, James, and Shirley!  That was better than even hearing the 30's (which was a phenomenal experience in itself)!  And I've never forgotten the sound of those 30's!  Simply Awesome.  I can only imagine what Brian's bigger models must sound like?  Probably be the last speaker that I'd ever own (if I could afford 'em).

Brian is one of the last true audio pioneers, a true genius, still creating speakers for the love of it!  So, whatever audio praise Brian can garner, is more than deserved.  Well earned, IMHO.

[Brian Cheney]

I haven't spoked to Tony Cordesman in at least ten years.  I'm glad he's writing again.  If he makes it to CES this year I will certainly demo the RM50's and pitch him on a review.  If not, I'll send him an email.  He did much to establish a reputation for quality for our brand and I will always be grateful to him for that.  Also, he was a man who paid for review samples and never asked for freebies of any kind.