Call me jaded then, but I've been a subscriber for over 20 years, and I've seen the magazine grow into a glossy business rag. I wouldn't put integrity in the same paragraph as Stereophile anymore than I would put business and ethics together. Just as many other business' have learned to profit off their past reputation, so has Stereophile, they sold out a long time ago.
They do take good photos, 'audio porn' if you will. Also, they are somwhat helpful when reading about functional descriptions, balance control, phase invert switches, etc. You really can't take any of their subjective comments seriously though, and their recommended components is the pinnacle of all shams.
If you find yourself taking their recommended component section seriously, you should rush to the nearest audio store and listen for yourself. Then you'll realize it's all just a hoax. Yes, I do realize that they do have a strong influence, but this can also work for you. For example, take that last item that you like, and have been dreaming of, wait for Steerophile to review it, if you're lucky and it gets a poor review, then you'll save a boatload of cash when buying it.
Of course, if it helps you to sleep at night knowing that someone else thinks your stuff is 'da bomb', you can always pay more to have Stereophile endorse it.
Yes, the B&W 802D's do not belong in the Class A speaker section, according to the magazine's own policies. That should tell you all you need to know about the legitimacy of Stereophile's 'Recommeded Components' section.
I hope you don't take David Letterman's Top 10 lists this seriously too....
Also, I guess while I'm bursting your bubble on the 'Stereophile illusion', I might as well break the news that there is no Easter Bunny, Santa Claus or Tooth Fairy either.
Cheers,
John
