AUDIO REPRODUCTION
THE FINEST RECORDINGS
THE AUDIO INDUSTRY
THE AUDIO PRESS
Audio Critique is intended to provoke a totally new manner of thinking about our audio world, without the politics and the suppression and censorship of information and opinion found in most print magazines and websites, especially those with advertising.
At present there are a variety of critical essays concerned with the high-end audio world; including the various businesses and the so-called "underground press".
THE PERSONAL ESSAYS
Audio Background: Of the author, Arthur Salvatore. I've been involved in audio for more than 35 years, but the essay is very short.
Audio Philosophy: Of the author. This is where my experiences, beliefs and basic outlook are presented in depth and in straight forward terms that even beginners can understand. The reasons for these beliefs are also found here.
My Audio System: Is described in detail here. An audiophile's personal choice of components is always an important aid to discover his or her real tastes and priorities, especially if you had to actually pay for them, as I did.
THE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE RETAILERS ESSAYS
Audio Retailers: As a retailer for almost 20 years, plus a retail customer before and since then, this essay offers an overview and some practical advise dealing with audio stores and "salons", and making audio purchases in general. I am also critical of how most audio stores have evolved in the last decade or so.
Purchasing Used LP's: This essay offers advice for those readers who are still purchasing Classical Music records. I describe my general experiences with different labels and pressings, but not specific recordings or pressings.
I am also extremely critical of most "used record dealers" and "collectors" and the self-serving, ignorant and nonsensical "information" they (have and still) advocate.
THE ESSAY AND COLUMN ON THE AUDIO PRESS
The Audio Press: Is an essay that is both very critical and quite lengthy. It is my strong belief that most of the audio magazines, or at least the most visible and famous, have betrayed their paying readers, and the entire audio world for that matter.
For many audiophiles, reading this essay will permanently alter their view of the audio press. My many criticisms go as far as they can without generating a libel case.
Reviewing the 'Reviewers': Is a totally unique column that is dedicated to taking a second look at some recent audio reviews, both in print and on the web. The purpose of all this:
No one in the entire audio reviewing establishment is too big, or too important, to escape scrutiny here, and all "the names" are named. These include: Michael Fremer, Harry Pearson, John Atkinson and Myles Astor.
THE AUDIO AND LP "HALLS OF FAME"
The List of Reference Components: Is very lengthy and exhaustive, covering all the components from the "Golden Age" of the 1950's to the present. This list took several months of research and writing to initially put together and countless hours since then to update.
It is different than any other list ever published, because all the components ever made are eligible. The standards of inclusion are described in detail (for once), and are also much more difficult to satisfy. All the "Reference Components" have short descriptions as to their capabilities, unspoken weaknesses and why they are included.
The Supreme Recordings: This is a list of the finest sounding LPs I have ever heard. There are more than 300 LPs on this list, and each one of them has a description of its sonic attributes, and the alternative pressings and recordings, if applicable.
Overrated (and overpriced) labels, pressings and records are also finally exposed for what they really are, and in detail. There are also additional essays on famous records and labels, objective LP comparisons, original pressings, reissues and a number of personal anecdotes concerning LPs.
This is a lengthy download and read, more than 150 pages. I intend this to be a true "Reference" of LP excellence for LP enthusiasts.
FURTHER: I have chosen the records that are the finest ever made of their type (Orchestra, chamber, jazz, choral, rock, ethnic, opera, most dynamic, piano, etc). Most of these LPs have never received serious recognition from any other source, and even better, some are still available new from the larger record mail-order businesses.
COMPONENT MODIFICATIONS
The Modification File now exists and has basic information and instructions, but it's still a "work in progress".
The other (much smaller) section of this website is High-End Audio Ltd., my former retail store, which is now closed down. It still has some remaining used components, demonstrators, tubes and accessories "on sale".
I hope that browsing this section first, in depth, will eventually help you in discovering your own general direction in audio and even give you the information, overview and confidence to help you in deciding the type and actual choice of your future audio components and some musical software (LP) selections.
LARGER UPDATES
The 2007 Digital Source Shootout!
This website reserves the right to post ALL communications sent to it.
Discretion may be used in the following circumstances:
A private individual's privacy, identity and address.
Personal information, from both public and private individuals, that is not relevant to the audio issues discussed on this website.
I respond to almost every e-mail sent to this website, but it may take a while, depending on my available time. The shorter and more precise the e-mail, the quicker it will be answered.
COPYRIGHT 1998-2008 ARTHUR SALVATORE AND HIGH-END AUDIO LTD.