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The Audio Critic (1977-2005)


(by Peter Aczel. May 30, 1926 - June 22, 2017)

Volume 1, Number 1: Jan. / Feb. 1977

  • We discuss our attitudes, our goals, our methods.
  • We compare at length some two dozen preamplifiers, from $260 to $1800. (The $260 one sounded better than the $1800 one.) We begin our search for the best of all possible speaker systems.
  • We reveal the dirty little secret of tonearm designers: they hate math.
  • We start monitoring the ads of audio manufacturers.
  • And more

Contents:

Volume 1, Number 2: March/April 1977

In this issue:

  • We further explain our philosophy.
  • We conclude our preamplifier survey (as much as it will ever be concluded), with special attention to the moving-coil scene and to previously untested units. Final recommendations are made.
  • We bravely confront the almost invincible ignorance surrounding loudspeaker bass response and review some of the newer subwoofers.
  • We begin our comparative survey of power amplifiers.
  • Plus our regular features, including some interesting letters to the Editor.

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Editor and Publisher, Peter Aczel; Associate Editor Max Wilcox Consulting Engineer Bruce Zayde Technical Consultant Ted Lopatin Graphic Design Consultant Dick Calderhead Business Manager Bodil Aczel Assistant to the Publisher Elizabeth Boucher

The Audio Critic is an advisory service and technical review for con sumers of high-priced audio equipment. It is published six times a year by The Audio Critic, Inc., and is available by subscription only. To maintain total dedication to the consumer's point of view, The Audio Critic carries no advertising by equipment manufacturers, distributors, reps, dealers or other commercial interests. Any conclusion, rating, recommendation, criticism or caveat published by The Audio Critic represents the personal findings and judgments of the Editor and the Staff, based only on the equipment available to their scrutiny and on their knowledge of the subject, and is therefore not offered to the reader as an infallible truth applying to all extant and forthcoming samples of a particular product. Address all editorial correspondence to The Editor, The Audio Critic, Box 392, Bronxville, New York 10708.

Contents of this issue copyright 1977 by The Audio Critic, Inc. All rights reserved under international and Pan-American copyright conventions. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the prior written permission of the Publisher, which will be automatically denied if the reproduced material is to be juxtaposed to advertising copy or any other additional text serving a commercial purpose. The Audio Critic will use ail available means to prevent or prosecute any such unauthorized use of its material or its name. For subscription information and rates, see inside back cover.

Contents:

Volume 1, Number 4: July/August /September 1977

In this issue:

  • The speaker survey at last, with 15 systems from $224 to $5200 a pair compared in this first go-around. (The $5200 one sounded best, alas.)
  • Our power amplifier survey continues in a rather positive vein, especially since this second batch includes our new reference standard.
  • We launch what may be our most important and, to some, most disturbing inquiry so far: an updated investigation of the cartridge/arm/turntable relationship. Including 10 tonearm and turntable reviews for openers.
  • Plus, of course, our regular features.

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Editor and Publisher Peter Aczel Associate ; Editor Max Wilcox; Graphic Designer Dick Calderhead; Business Manager Bodil Aczel; Assistant to the Publisher Elizabeth Tinsley. Consulting engineers and other technical advisers are engaged on a project basis, some contributing under their by-lines, others working anonymously. The Audio Critic is an advisory service and technical review for consumers of high-priced audio equipment. It is published six times a year by The Audio Critic, Inc., and is available by subscription only. To maintain total dedication to the consumer's point of view, The Audio Critic carries no advertising by equipment manufacturers, distributors, reps, dealers or other commercial interests. Any conclusion, rating, recommendation, criticism or caveat published by The Audio Critic represents the personal findings and judgments of the Editor and the Staff, based only on the equipment available to their scrutiny and on their knowledge of the subject, and is therefore not offered to the reader as an infallible truth nor as an irreversible opinion applying to all extant and forthcoming samples of a particular product. Address all editorial correspondence to The Editor, The Audio Critic, Box 392, Bronxville, New York 10708. Contents of this issue copyright, 1977 by The Audio Critic, Inc. All rights reserved under international and Pan-American copyright conventions. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the prior written permission of the Publisher, which will be automatically denied if the reproduced material is to be juxtaposed to advertising copy or any other additional text serving a commercial purpose. Paraphrasing of product reviews for advertising or other commercial purposes is also prohibited. The Audio Critic will use all available means to prevent or prosecute any such unauthorized use of its material or its name. For subscription information and rates, see inside back cover.

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Contents

Vol. 1, No. 5, Winter 1977/78

Overview:

  • The speaker survey continues, with glad tidings in the medium-priced sector and mostly unhappy discoveries in high-end esoterica.
  • We have our first look at headphones, including some rather impressive electrostatics.
  • Our power amplifier survey comes to its epilogue, but not before a new superstar is born.
  • We evaluate a whole new generation of preamps and find exciting evidence of progress.
  • We hail a quantum jump in cartridge performance and have good news in arms and turntables as well.
  • Plus the expected and unexpected extras.

Contents:

Vol. 1, No. 6, Spring through Fall 1978

Contents

Sophisticated Speaker Systems, Large and Small: Our Unending Survey: The Bass Mint Model 10/24 ; Canton Gamma 800L ; Cizek MG-27 ; Fried Model B/2 ; Fried Model T ; Janis W-1 ; Magneplanar Tympani I-D; Precedent MZ Mod 3 ; Pyramid Model T-1 ; Symdex 'Sigma' ; Thiel Model 03 ; Watson Laboratories Model 10-H; Speaker Summaries and Updates

Power Amplifier Postsurvey: Mop-Up and Afterthoughts--Audionics PZ 3-11 ; FM Acoustics FM-600A ; Futterman H-3aa (Improved) ; Kenwood L-07M; Rappaport AMP-1 (preview) ; Series 20 Model M-22 ; Stax DA-80; Power Amplifier Summaries and Updates

Preamps Without End (They Still Keep Coming) -- Apt/Holman ; Audio Research SP-6 ; Cotter NFB-2 ; Cotter PSC-2 (preview) ; DB Systems DB-1A ; Hegeman HPR/CU (follow-up) ; Precision Fidelity C4; PSII ; Rappaport PRE-2 ; Rappaport PRE-3 (preview) ; Series 20 Model C-21 ; Technics SH-901 Equalizer; Preamplifier Summaries and Updates

Cartridge/Arm/Turntable Follow-Up: Loose Ends and New Developments--ADC LMF-1 ; Cotter B-1 ; Cotter B-2 ; Fidelity Research FR-1 Mk 3F ; Fidelity Research FR-64s and FR-66s ; Series 20 Model PA-1000; Series 20 Model PLC-590 (preview); Signet MKIIIIE; Win Laboratories SDT-10 Type II; Cartridge/Arm/ Turntable Summaries and Updates

Notes Toward the Definition of Two Different "Reference" Systems

Two More Headphones: Infinity ES-1; Signet TK33; Headphone Summaries and Updates

Why We're So Mean, Vindictive, Arrogant, Negative--and Truthful

Records & Recording: A Discography for the Audio Purist, Part 1

The Admonitor--Comments on Current Ads

Box 392: Letters to the Editor

Classified Advertising

Vol. 2, No. 1, Winter/Spring 1979

Overview:

  • We publish Part I of the transcript of our all-day seminar on the State of the Art, where the juxtaposition of some of the best minds in the audio world resulted in the ultimate hi-fi bull session.
  • Our medium-priced, best-sound-per-dollar Reference B system is totally revised in response to new component developments.
  • An important guest article lifts the veil of obfuscation from stylus design and tip geometry.

The Audio Critic Seminar on the State of the Art: Part 1 (a and b)

Speaker Systems, Large and Small: Updates and New Developments: Beveridge 'System 2SW-1' (follow-up); DCM 'Time Window' Pedestals; Dennesen Model 180 and SW-II; Fried Model C; Fried Model W; Pyramid Model T-1 (Improved) ; Symdex 'Sigma' (Improved) ; Thiel Model 03 (follow-up) ; Vandersteen Model II ; XRT 50 (interim report)

Symmetry ACS-1 -- John Curl's Perfectly Coherent Electronic Crossover

The Two Most Interesting Power Amplifiers for the Audio Purist: Hafler DH-200; Rappaport AMP-1 (follow-up)

Diamond Styli for True High-Fidelity Reproduction -- By Dr. Sao Zaw Win, Win Laboratories, Inc.

Cartridge/Arm/Turntable Developments: Fidelity Research FR-7; Koetsu ; Pyramid RW-1 and RW-2 ; Supex SDX-1000 (preview) ; Technics SP-10 Mk II ; Win Laboratories SDC-10 (preview) ; Win Laboratories SDT-10 Type IIC

Three New Step-Up Devices for Moving-Coil Cartridges: Audio Standards MX-10A; Fidelity Research FRT-5; Marcof PPA-1

More and Better Preamplifiers (Again and Again): Audionics BT-2 Series II ; CM 301 ;Cotter PSC-2 and CU-2 ; Dyna mod: FET-5 Mark V ; Hafler DH-101 (Improved, with DH-102); Hegeman HPR /CU (Improved) ; Hitachi HCA-7500 ; Mark Levinson LNP-2 ; Precision Fidelity C4 ; Rappaport PRE-3 ; Spatial Model TVA-1

Our Big and Our Little Reference Systems, Updated

A Challenge to All Critics of The Audio Critic

Records & Recording

Even Less Is Even More, by Max Wilcox--A Discography for the Audio Purist: Part II

Box 392: Letters to the Editor

Classified Advertising

Vol. 2, No. 2, Summer/Fall/Year-End 1979

In this issue:

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Contents:

The Audio Critic Seminar on the State of the Art: Part II

Speaker Wires and Audio Cables: Separating the Sense from the Nonsense

A Spats of Speaker Systems, Large and pro, Good and Bad: Axiom TLT-1 Beveridge System 3 B&W DM7 DCM 'Time Window' (further improved) Fried Model C (improved) Magneplanar Model MG-1; Onkyo Model F-5000; Perspective MK2 QLN I; Sound Lab R-1; Swallow CM70; Vandersteen Model IIA

A Genuine Breakthrough in Inexpensive Integrated Amplifiers: NAD 3020; NAD 3045

The New Generation of Power Amplifiers: Amber Series 70; Audionics BA-150; Audire 'Crescendo'; Audire DM700 39 Bedini Model 25/25 ; Bedini Model 45/45; Hafler DH-200 (follow-up); JVC M-7050; PS Model One; Rappaport AMP-1 (epitaph); Sonotron PA-2000

Further Developments in Step-Up Devices for Moving-Coil Cartridges: Denon AU-340; Denon HA-1000; Marcof PPA-1 (Improved) ; RWR Audio MCT-1 ; Signet MK12T

Cartridge / Arm / Turntable--Briefs and Interim Reports: DB Systems DBP-10 Protractor; Dennesen Geometric Soundtracktor; Denon DA-401; Denon DL-303; Denon DP-80; DiscFoot Isolation System; Fidelity Research FR-14; JVC MC-1; JVC TT-101 JVC UA-7045; Kenwood KD-650; Linn-Sondek LP12 (reappraisal); Ortofon MC30; Thorens TD 115; Wheaton 240 Type 2

FM Tuners: A Hopeless Dilemma for the Serious Audio Reviewer: NAD 4080; Sequerra Model 1; Series 20 Model F-26; Yamaha CT-7000

Yes, Preamplifiers Are Still Getting Better All the Time: Audionics RS-1 ; Audire 'Legato' 535; Bauman PRO-400 ; Hegeman 'Hapi Two' ; Precision Fidelity C7 PS III and PS LCC

Reference System Revisions and Updates; Assorted Editorial Ramblings, Rumblings and Grumblings

Records & Recordings--A Discography for the Audio Purist: Part III

Box 392: Letters to the Editor

Classified Advertising

Vol. 2, No. 3, Spring through Fall 1980

Contents:

Introducing the First Speaker Designed to the Specifications of The Audio Critic -- Fourier 1

More Speakers, Ordinary and Extraordinary -- Audio Pro B2-50 , Dalco SW-3 , Dayton Wright XG-10 , DCM QED , DCM 'Time Bass' , Genesis 2+ , Mariah LS-1 , Mordaunt-Short 'Pageant Series 2' , Mordaunt-Short 'Signifer' , Pyramid 'Metronome 3' , Quad Electrostatic Loudspeaker , Sound-Lab R-1 (follow-up)

The News in Power Amplifiers: Mostly Very Good: Amber Series 70 (follow-up) , Bedini Models 25/25 and 45/45 (follow-up) , Denon POA-3000 , JVC M-7050 (follow-up) , The Leach Amp and The Leach Superamp , Sonotron PA-2000

The Ever-Changing Preamplifier Scene: Audio Research SP-6B (interim report) , Beveridge RM-1a/2a , Cotter System 2 (reappraisal) , Mark Levinson ML-7 (interim report), Precision Fidelity CTA , Robert Grodinsky Research Model Four

The Cartridge/Arm/Turntable Scene: Credible Improvements at Incredible Prices -- EON POD Disc Clamp, Fidelity Research MC-201, JMAS MIT-1 ; Platter Matter , Win Laboratories SDC-10, SDA-10, SDT-10-2 and SPG-10

Moving-Coil Step-Up Roundup: Audire 'Poco' , Fidelity Research FRT-3G, Nagatron Ag 9200; PS Audio (interim report) , RWR Audio MCT-1 (follow-up)

Reference A Update; B Update

Records & Recording-- A Few More for the Demo Shelf

Box 392: Letters to the Editor

Classified Advertising

Issue No. 10 Fall/Year-End 1987

Contents:

Note: All unsigned articles and reviews in this issue were written by Peter Aczel, Editor and Publisher.

Issue No. 11 Winter/Spring 1988

In this issue:

  • We return to our specialty, objective/subjective reviewing of speaker systems, with an in-depth study of four full-range ribbon loudspeakers and two others.
  • We review a brilliant $17,500 parody of the high-end power amplifier scene, along with some good amps and preamps for the common people.
  • The truly revolutionary new Win FET phono cartridge is reviewed in full for the first time anywhere.
  • Our first test-bench encounter with CD players and other digital equipment is reported, and the results of listening comparisons are discussed.
  • Progress in the orchestral sector marks the return of our "Records & Recording" column; and more features.

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The Audio Critic is a quarterly advisory service and technical review for consumers of sophisticated audio equipment. An conclusion, rating, recommendation, criticism or caveat published by The Audio Critic represents the personal findings and judgments of the Editor and the Staff, based only on the equipment available to their scrutiny and on their knowledge of the subject, and is therefore not offered to the reader as an infallible truth nor as an irreversible opinion applying to all extant and forthcoming samples of a particular product.

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Contents

Note: All unsigned articles and reviews in this issue were written .

Issue No. 12, Summer/Fall 1988

In this issue:

  • We immerse ourselves totally in the digital scene, with further probing of CD players (including unexpected double-blind listening results), plus our first DAT test.
  • We review a $4500-a-pair loudspeaker system, which is paradoxically an engineering masterpiece and at the same time a slightly disappointing listening experience.
  • For the first time since our resurgence, we make some tentative reference system recommendations.
  • In the belief that multimedia installations are the wave of future, we broach the subject of (surprise!) video equipment with the review a costly projection monitor.
  • Plus other reviews, articles, and features-and our new column on hot air, bull, and hype in the audio press.

Contents:

Issue No. 13 Winter/Spring/Midyear 1989

In this issue:

  • We bring you Part I of the transcript of our "Seminar 1989," a morning-to-midnight bull session featuring the uncensored opinions of Bob Carver, Dave Clark, John Eargle, Stanley Lipshitz, Peter McGrath, and your Ed.
  • In an article comparable in importance to our classic tonearm geometry series of 1977-78, a new contributor to our publication establishes a mathematical basis for a method of speaker placement enabling you to obtain the best possible bass response in your listening room.
  • We identify and expose certain endemic asininities on the subject of CD's in our second "Hip Boots" column.
  • Plus our other regular columns and features, including reviews of some remarkable new organ recordings.

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Contents

  • Seminar 1989: Exploring the Current Best Thinking on Audio--Part I of the Two-Part Transcript
  • Hip Boots--Wading through the Mire of Misinformation in the Audio Press: Monster Cable (through Berkeley SoundLab); Michael Fremer in Goldmine; Dick Olsher in Stereophile (Not Again!)
  • Correct Speaker Placement for Optimum Bass Response: A Simple Mathematical Method, By William Rasnake, President, Pacific Northwest Audio Society Senior Product Planner, John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc.
  • Records & Recording: The Ultimate Organ-Music Experience on CD: Jean Guillou Playing the Organs He Designed, Recorded, by Craig Dory; Three Guillou Releases on Dorian Recordings And on Other Labels... Delos; Harmonia Mundi; Reference Recordings; Telarc
  • Can't Wait to Tell You ... Snell Type C/I; Waveform; Philips LHH1000; Carver M-4.0t
  • Box 978: Letters to the Editor
  • From the Publisher

Issue No. 14 Summer through Winter 1989-90

In this issue:

  • We review in depth seven different loudspeaker systems, between $798 and $3995 the pair, and try to figure out why no two of them sound remotely alike, not even those with the most accurate response.
  • The "Seminar 1989" transcript, now split into three parts, continues with Part II, again bringing you hours and hours of strong opinions on the major issues of audio, as argued by Bob Carver, Dave Clark, John Eargle, Stanley Lipshitz, Peter McGrath, and your Ed.
  • Once again, the terrifying subject of duplicating "the tube sound" with transistors raises its Gorgon head.
  • Plus other reviews, columns, and features, including another foray into the realm of high-tech video.

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Contents:

Issue No. 15 Spring through Winter 1990-91

Editor and Publisher Peter Aczel; Contributing Editor David Rich; Cartoonist and Illustrator Tom Aczel; Business Manager Bodil Aczel. The Audio Critic is an advisory service and technical review for consumers of sophisticated audio equipment. The usual delays notwithstanding, it is scheduled to be published at approximately quarterly intervals by The Audio Critic, Inc. Any conclusion, rating, recommendation, criticism, or caveat published by The Audio Critic represents the personal findings and judgments of the Editor and the Staff, based only on the equipment available to their scrutiny and on their knowledge of the subject, and is therefore not offered to the reader as an infallible truth nor as an irreversible opinion applying to all extant and forthcoming samples of a particular product. Address all editorial correspondence to The Editor, The Audio Critic, P.O. Box 978, Quakertown, PA 18951, USA.

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In this issue:

  • A new and highly accredited contributor to our journal discusses in depth the current state of CD player technology, from DAC architecture and digital filters to analog stage design, and rates the various approaches.
  • Inspired by the above, your Editor reviews a baker's dozen (count them: 13) CD players and D/A processors.
  • The introductory first part of our promised exposé of the wire/cable scene makes its delayed appearance.
  • A short (but not last) installment of the "Seminar 1989" transcript is shoehorned between timelier matters.
  • Plus our accustomed columns and features, including the return of "Hip Boots" and lots of CD reviews.

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Contents

 

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