Not unlike many of you, I’ve seen too many online cable discussions (or comments to articles and reviews) devolve into incredibly vitriolic exchanges clearly dividing the camps on each side of the debate over the relative value of “wire” in an audio system. The Joy of Cable Reviews – or – I’d Rather Have a Root Canal With No Anesthesia! Having appraised many high definition audio components over the years, one gains a better insight into any reviewer’s biases and/or predispositions. However, one may not always be able to find a reviewer whose listening preferences and subjective aims are exactly like yours. Thus, when that individual describes a particular component as sounding “ analytical” or “ bright” or as being “ rolled off” or “ polite,” I can trust that conclusion. Not because any one individual is right or wrong but because I’ve concluded that a particular persons system and his component preferences and/or hearing perceptions and mine may appear to be similar. How and why would I do this? Because I’ve learned over the years to trust/value certain reviewers more than others. Keeping this in mind will obviously help the reader interpret the reviewer’s description of the component being scrutinized. They may also may have different preferences, biases, and priorities than the reader.įinally, the reviewer is most likely to have a different reference system and room acoustics than you - all of which are factors influencing the sound and impressions of any piece of equipment. However, it is equally true that the reviewer may have different hearing acuity than you. Yes, the reviewer may have developed a more critical ear for reviewing over the years – much the same way a wine critic develops a more sophisticated palette by tasting many different wines over many years. However, even if measurements are performed and included, a review ultimately boils downs to the listening impressions of another person. A review may even help the reader make a final decision if he/she is unable to audition the equipment under evaluation. It can be a valuable source of information which, if used properly, can help the reader understand more about the options he/she has in building a good sounding system. To me, a review is a tool - to be used like any other tool. My Backround and Views on Audio Component “Reviews” ~ After many years in this hobby, in 1999 I began writing reviews for Ultimate Audio (yes, a hard copy audio rag), StereoTimes, SoundStage, and Ultra Audio where I was privileged to write for some great editors and work with some excellent colleagues
As such, I wish to thank him for this wonderful opportunity to get back in the reviewing game after an eight-year sabbatical to focus on my legal career. Howard and I seemed to hit it off on many points but I could tell Howard was a genuine lover of both music and the audio equipment that conveys it.
I was asked a few months ago by our editor, Howard Milstein, if I’d be interested in joining the staff of The Sound Advocate.
Since this is my first review at The Sound Advocate, I’d like to take a few extra minutes to define my views on the subject of reviewing cables before jumping into the Art Audio cables under review. Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Frank Perraino and Howard Milstein give the Audio Art Cables an in-depth investigation which includes the SC-5 ePlus speaker cables, IC-3 e interconnect cables, D-1SE digital cable, and power1 e AC cord
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