Hi Everyone:
Well, not surprisingly, views are mixed on our "Harmony" section. I knew going in that some would feel we are abandoning our roots. I can tell you flat out, that affordable/reasonably-priced gear will always be our mantra. But the fact is that manufacturers have come to us wanting the higher priced gear reviewed. The BESL piece is a perfect example. I originally contacted Phil Bamberg about reviewing the BESL monitors, but after looking at the e-zine, he respected our work enough that he really wanted his full rangers reviewed. I knew that John Hoffman had a perfect setup for them and so he got the review.
To answer MJK points:
1. We originally started at $1k, and I still encourage the guys to look for pieces in that range. However, so many of our readers buy used gear at a max price of $1k, which makes it $2k+ when it was new. Therefore, I made the decision to widen the spectrum.
2. I'm constantly looking over gear that comes into Echo Audio in Portland that I can borrow. The problem becomes that Echo can only reasonably let gear out for a week at the longest, sometimes just between Saturday afternoon to Wednesday. Buying and then reselling on ebay takes some cash, plus one never knows if it is performing to spec. I do have 3 vintage reviews lined up starting in November from me.
3. The writers already have rigs in that range (I have two, an SS, and a tube). Over time they haved changed out a piece, that is why I encourage the guys to list the gear used in the review. To build systems just for a review takes takes the cooperation of many manufacturers at the sametime which is rarely possible.
4. An interesting idea, a version that we already try by getting the manufacturers to do an email interview that we can publish. Lots of times, when you read reviews by John, Anthony, Sean, and Patrick it's pretty obvious that a number of emails or phone calls have been made back and forth. that explains the detail in their reviews.
5. I think we do an excellent job of covering/reviewing lesser known manufacturers, and we will continue to do so. If you check our archives section you'll see the accuracy in my statement. Keep in mind, the small guys can only afford to have one demo piece instead of several, therefore, we have to wait in line.
6. Like other publications we have a pretty good idea whether a product is decent or not beforehand. The forums have a significant impact as word of mouth spreads explosively on the Internet. I won't search out poor or marginal equipment just to show we can rip a product. But if a poor review is the end result, then so be it. For example, I knew when Sonos came out with their music system that they really were eager to advertise with us and everybody else. I could have given them the glowing review like Stereophile and nobody would have known the difference and had pocket full of change. Instead, I pointed out a couple of flaws that I felt deserved attention and correction. Therefore, I refused to give my stamp of approval. Sonos was not happy, but my integrity was far more important than an account. Funny thing, within several months two of the three flaws were fixed in the manner I suggested, and the third was solved in a different fashion.
Finally, before I get to the three vintage reviews I have my "Harmony" level review due out next month. Even I couldn't resist the opportunity that came my way.
Thanks for the constructive and fair criticism, and the honorable/respectful way it was presented.
