Dear Editor (Apr. 1974)

More on Heyser

Dear sir,

Although I strongly feel that prior to purchasing a speaker system it must be carefully and critically listened to, I also believe that thorough and objective laboratory test results should be made available to the prospective buyer by the manufacturer.

If test results are to be utilized in the selection process, then standardization of test methodology becomes imperative if meaningful comparisons are to be made.

The average audio buff and even the serious audiophile is often relatively naive with reference to modern testing methods and equipment. Being in this category, I enjoyed Richard C. Heyser's article (AUDIO, Nov. 1973) because it made me aware of some of the technical complexities involved in testing contemporary loudspeakers.

The article also enabled me to clear up some technical misconceptions.

The style and type of information included in the article is of the type that is of concern to a consider able number of AUDIO's dedicated readers. Too few publications are presently available which emphasize the important role of the method by which specifications are arrived at.

I am looking forward to reading more articles of this nature in future issues of AUDIO.

-Arturo T. Rio; East Lansing, MI

Heresey!

Dear sir,

Your publication has always had a tendency to publish frequency response curves that looked dangerously like a speaker sounded, subjectively speaking, and now you've gone and reinforced those curves with a full testing procedure that shows a complete lack of respect for hype, Madison Avenue and the American Way. For Shame! As if that wasn't bad enough, you've got this upstart Heyser who has the gall to summarize the results in English without drooling. Doesn't he know that he could antagonize your advertisers by being a poor politician?

Keep it up.

-Paul M. Karagianis Charleston Heights, SC

A Complaint . .

Dear sir,

Attention is called to the classified advertisement by Mr. John Kountz in AUDIO, Jan. 74, page 82, column 3.

This ad reminded me that I have never received my NAB adaptors requested and paid for in May 1973. This may well have been an honest error but I wonder if other readers have had the same experience?

A copy of the endorsed check is enclosed and a copy of this letter is also being sent to Mr. Kountz.

-Harold W. Draper, M.D.; Silver Spring, MD

satisfied…

Dear sir,

I urge publication of Dr. Draper's question relating to not receiving mail "ordered" goods. This question is common to both buyers and, from my point of view, sellers and raises a good issue. In Dr. Draper's case, the hub adapters were sent first class mail on May 25, 1973--however, sending materials is no guarantee of their being received. Nor, as exemplified by Dr. Draper's situation, can the seller react unless notified by the buyer. To close this communication loop, may I suggest that the buyer contacts the seller if the cancelled check arrives before the ordered item(s).

Coincidentally, and germane, is the instance where items are shipped against a "bad" personal check. While such instances are rare, they do occur causing some mail order sellers to "age" orders to insure clearance of the buyer's check.

Fortunately, over the past three years I've been "stung" less than a half dozen times and therefore haven't resorted to "aging." And, since the bulk of those "stingings" came from dealers rather than individuals, I have concluded that either your readers are good guys or $3.00 is too low a figure to kite a check for.

-John C. Kountz; 1065 Van Dyke Dr., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

P.S. Two more NAB Hub Adapters were sent to Dr. Draper on January 15, 1974. If anyone else hasn't received theirs, please let me know.

Thanks from a Service Technician

Dear sir,

I just wanted to drop a note of appreciation for the article concerning the rash of complaints concerning service problems. I have been out of the States for over two years, and upon my return, have found a marked increase in the general "bitchiness" of service customers.

At first I thought it was my increased sensitivity to the attitudes of Americans that accounted for my increase of hassles. Now I realize that people really have gotten worse. Needless to say, I have found your article to be a tremendous boost to my sense of self-worth.

Perhaps "Naderism" has gone a bit too far in developing a general sense of distrust on the part of consumers.

Perhaps consumers should also take some responsibility for their self-education in the marketplace. Perhaps a place for quality is developing once again with consumers.

- W.R. Hester, Tech. Eng., Howard Sound; Denver, Colorado

(Source: Audio magazine.)

Also see:

Editor's Review (Feb. 1973)

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