Pop quiz for audio oldtimers!
This is from a 1982 review of the ABX Comparator, a piece of equipment that allows blind evaluation of hi-fi equipment. (Order of snippets reversed.)
"
The ABX Comparator
Now here's an inspired idea! A device which virtually guarantees the integrity of any comparative component-listening session. ...
... But it has to be used. Few audiophiles would pay $500 for a gadget that might do no more for then than prove they have been deluding themselves all these years. But audio clubs could afford them, and should use them. So can and should every component manufacturer that really wants to find out if its latest product is truly better than the competition. The device could cause more embarrassment in this world than the invention of the rattlefart, but whenever truth and conviction are at odds with one another, embarrassment for some is inevitable, good, and necessary for the advance of knowledge. The losers will be the dissemblers, the frauds, and those most skilled in the art of the autohype. The winners, ultimately, will be music and the rest of us who are interested only in the maximal fidelity of reproduced music."
Question 1. In which audio magazine did the review appear and who was the author?
Question 2. Which audio magazine editor/publishers adopted the device and published reviews based on its use? If they didn't, why didn't they?
Extra credit. Do you agree with the sentiments expressed above? If not, why not?
No cheating, now... We're on the honor system.
The answers to question 1 with full text can be found
here.
Who got it right?? Anyone surprised?
Feel free to discuss question 2 etc. in my absence... Time permitting, I'll post my thoughts tomorrow. But now teach has to grade last week's papers and get some sleep.
Best,
Professor Beau