Ianrmack is absolutely right. I own the Mephisto II, and have been very happy, and don't really care if anyone has reviewed it. This is probably true for the content owners of the AA II.
I've been a subscriber to TAS for nearly 17 years, and read Stereophile off and on (just started a subscription this year - $1 a month is less than I spend on toilet paper . . . sad).
The funny thing is that I used to be convinced that reviews, especially positive ones, were related to how often manufacturers place ads, but the principals at Talon (i have a pair of Khorus-X speakers) told me they're pretty much through advertising in Stereophile, after nary a mention, even in the articles on the audio shows.
With the wealth of advice over a variety of sources on the 'net, and a little DD of your own, you can make a confident decision.
Good luck!
I've been a subscriber to TAS for nearly 17 years, and read Stereophile off and on (just started a subscription this year - $1 a month is less than I spend on toilet paper . . . sad).
The funny thing is that I used to be convinced that reviews, especially positive ones, were related to how often manufacturers place ads, but the principals at Talon (i have a pair of Khorus-X speakers) told me they're pretty much through advertising in Stereophile, after nary a mention, even in the articles on the audio shows.
With the wealth of advice over a variety of sources on the 'net, and a little DD of your own, you can make a confident decision.
Good luck!