Letters (Mar. 1997)

We've Got a Lot of Nerve

Dear Editor:

I read Corey Greenberg's "Front Row" column in the September 1996 issue ("Shut the Hell Up, Geeks!") with interest. My only gripe is that, in the December issue, you had the nerve to publish Kevin Tatterson's letter on the subject and not address the nonsense it contained.

Which is better? To improve existing technology, such as analog and digital sources, or to build crap that isn't functional and disappears into obsolescence a year later? HDTV, DVD, laserdisc, Super Bit Mapping, digital signal processing, Dolby Digital--these all sound like technological advances to me. Where has this guy been for the last 10 years?

-Jonathan Hiatt; Apple Valley, Minn.

Platinum Prices Plummet

Dear Editor:

Your Annual Equipment Directory is a great service to everyone interested in audio. That said, I would like to update the prices listed in the October 1996 issue for Platinum speakers. These price decreases, the result of efficiencies we have gained in our 2 1/2 years of business, range from 11% to 42% (for our Duo model).

The new prices (per pair) are: Solo, $1,695; Duo, $2,195; Trio, $2,995; Quattro, $3,895; Studio I, $995; Studio II, $1,695; Reference I, $3,995; and Reference II, $6,500.

-Dan Verreault, Chief Financial Officer, Platinum Audio Bedford, N.H.

10cc Gets Shot in the Arm

Dear Editor:

In reference to Wayne Pflughaupt's letter regarding bad rock recordings and Daniel Levitin's response (January), I agree! From a recording standpoint, there is nothing better than listening to music when it's evident that the artists, producers, and engineers really care about what they're writing, playing, and recording. There's one name, however, that I would like to add to your lists of excellent musician/producers: Eric Stewart. As one of the four original members of 10cc, Stewart has been co-song writer, co-producer (with Graham Gouldman, Kevin Godley, and Lol Creme), engineer, and mix-down engineer for most of the group's recordings over the years. Listen to The Original Soundtrack, How Dare You, and Deceptive Bends (and the later work too). The musicianship, subtlety, and quality of 10cc's recordings are second to none. Even in the 1995 release, Mirror Mirror, where Stewart is at the mixing board, it's clear that he hasn't lost his touch. The surviving team of Stewart and Gouldman (with occasional input from Andrew Gold and others) is still creating and recording some wonderful music.

-Walker Burns; via e-mail

Antiquarius Repairius

Dear Editor:

Ken Kessler's "Audiophilia Antiquarius" ("Mondo Audio," November 1996) left out one American manufacturer that has sup ported its product line with parts and ser vice for 26 years, Audio Research Corporation. To this day, Audio Research makes a rigorous effort to stock components for every product we have ever manufactured since our first year of operation. Our Customer Service Department (612/939-0600) can repair and, in most cases, restore to original specification any product bearing our nameplate. It is part of our ongoing commitment to our customers, who have invested in products they can enjoy for a lifetime.

This long-term support for products al ready in service is, we believe, one of the distinguishing hallmarks of a quality manufacturer that is not often enough appreciated by audio reviewers and critics. Our thanks to Mr. Kessler for reminding your readers of its importance.

-Terry Dorn; VP., Marketing Manager Sales, Audio Research Corp. Minnetonka, Minn.

(adapted from Audio magazine, Mar. 1997)

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