Conference hips::uk_audioo

     Well, the mags I read are U.S. based - dunno if they're available
    internationally. They are: Stereo Review, High Fidelity, Audio,
    Digital Audio, Speakerbuilder, The Absolute Sound, and Stereophile.
    Listed in order (from least to most) of preference and cost. I like
    to keep tabs on what's coming up, and no one mag does it all.
    
     I like honest reviews, more focused on measureable, technical data
    than subjective listening tests. I enjoy CD reviews - Digital Audio
    is the leader here, with 50 to 100 reviews an issue. Speakerbuilder
    helps me in fashioning speakers, or modding existing ones. Stereo
    Review and High Fidelity are mainstream rags that try to please
    everybody (they fail). Audio is a step up from them. The Absolute
    Sound and Stereophile are written by the high end, lunatic fringe;
    honest reviews, but who's going to sell their home for audio gear?
    
     I really prefer to read about new developments, interviews with
    famous audio manufacturers/designers, and technical articles. I
    don't think we could do better here as far as technical evaluation
    of equipment goes, but subjectively, there isn't an audio critic
    in print that can touch this file. 
    
    
                                       Ken
    

    
    Well, I mainly read HiFi Review.
    
    I like Malcolm Steward's record reviews. He seems to have a taste that
    coincides with mine. 
    
    I have bought quite a few records based on his reviews, and have
    never regretted it. As for equipment reviews, I think that their
    relationships with British Manufacturers must be good, as they seem
    to get previews on new products very quickly. Unfortunately, the
    subjective-ness of the reviews can be a bit annoying as it is difficult
    to quantify what they are saying. For that reason, I prefer Noel
    Keywood's reviews on hardware, as he seems to like delving into
    the specs a bit. Generally, a good mag for keeping up to date with
    new equipment etc.
    
    I'm not too impressed with HiFi News and Record Review, as they
    go to the other end of the scale. After wading through test reports,
    and figures, I am left with the question "Yes, but what did it sound
    like ??"
    
    I don't buy What HiFi, New HiFi Sound or HiFi Answers too much,
    because I have been disappointed with them quite a few times. Anyway,
    any magazine that promises to "Tell you what HiFi to buy", is one
    for me to miss. I don't like being *told* to do anything. I prefer
    to think of it as a matter of choice.
    
    As, said before, I think the main role of the magazines is to tell
    you what is out there, and give a few alternatives to listen to.
    I also find them useful to find out which dealer to go to.
    
    Cheers.
    
    Mark.

    I gave up on the rags when I got myself a tame hi-fi dealer who
    kept up on all the stuff and would give quick demos of anything
    interesting.
    
    								jch

    A "tame" hi-fi dealer....  That sounds pretty interesting.  Where
    is he and what does he tend to stock?  (I'm pondering a new     
    receiver...)						John
    
   

    Sorry, it was quite a while ago when I was a poor impoverished postgrad
    in Nottingham.
    
    								jch

    I enjoy What Hi-Fi.
    
    Mainly because it's not too heavy going for me!

    
    
    I tend to read what hi fi from time to time, but am giving up on
    it because of the amount of add's appearing in it.
    
    I liked it because it served a purpose other than praising linn
    to the skies. I dont dispute that Linn's are good. Ive heard them,
    but I had to save hard (read starve) to buy my revolver second hand.
    Another friend gave me a k9 to use. 
    
    I fully intend on an axis as/when the cash comes along, but am not
    into the religion that exists about the products. An example was
    one copy of some rag where linn was mentioned, other than in
    advertising 117 times and the word naim 67.
    
    Compared to an equivilant brand, through the mag ie roksan, there
    name was mentioned 7 times.
    
    I have also found that the more "highbrow" the mag, the more the
    letters page becomes more of an "I own a sondek ittok troika and
    I find that.......ect ect ect. The pages just become boring with
    linn owners blowing there own trumpets.!
    
    juju
    xxxx
    

    Anyone got any thoughts on the new Hi-Fi Magazine in the shops,
    "High- Fidelity" I think. I read it and quite enjoyed it. ? Any
    other comments ? How many people Still read the magazines, even
    after their last upgrade ? Ie do people only read them when they
    are thinking of buying ?  
    
    Juju
    xxxx
    

    I have now almost read the third issue of Fast Forward (f.fwd).
     It's a bi-monthly and the third issues is as good as previous two.
                                           
    I find it very interesting and useful.  It is dedicated to In Car
    Hi-Fi, it's hardware, the dealers and services and a bit of in car
    comminucations.                        
                                           
    They have an installation of the month featured, installation notes,
    security.  This month's has a description of the RDS service and
    the bits used by most RDS units.

    That's just one guy's opinions.
    Robert.

  I'd like to obtain a copy of any UK mag which contains adverts for
  parts for DIYers. Specifically, I'm interested in adverts for output
  transformers and tubes for tube amps (ok, valves :-). If anyone would
  be willing to send me a copy, I'd be very grateful, and would offer to
  repay the favor in kind. It needn't be a recent issue -- anything from
  the last two years would be fine.

  Many thanks,

  - Mike