Which is the best audio magazine?


I am getting back into high-end audio after a 20 yr hiatus and trying to educate myself on all the new technologies, sources & equipment choices.
What is currently the most objective & reliable audio publication that will support my research efforts?
Thank you.
thermals1

Showing 3 responses by cd318

I agree with the poster who said none.

The best ever was probably Peter Aczel's The Audio Critic 
http://www.biline.ca/audio_critic/audio_critic_down.htm
Hugely controversial unsurprisingly, much vilified but never refuted. It took me ages to accept what I was reading and even now I want to resist. However it's the only one that has stood the test of time for me. All the others I have read were mere entertainment, nothing more.

However there is one UK magazine Hi-Fi Critic which purports to be free from bias (I doubt it) and advertising (which can only be good). It's still not hard hitting enough for my taste but you can a flavour of it here, https://www.hificritic.

Or you might prefer one of the broadcast publications if you're happier with a more accurate and factual but drier presentation.
@roberjerman, yes you're right. It's difficult to get past the feeling that audio journalism is still nothing more than a way to pay the bills. 

Most of it should be seen in a similar context to pornography, glossy images that are fun and easy on the eye but ultimately bear little relation to reality. In fact some people do refer to it as audio porn! 
Peter Aczel was a man of strong views but he had an enormous amount of experience in audio. He could be described as the James Randi (supernatural sceptic/ buster) of the audio world. His views were never refuted and its unlikely they ever will be.

I'm sure most people involved in Hi-Fi journalism/entertainment (?) would rather he was quietly forgotten. It's difficult to refute evidence of blind tests where the sound of a straightened coat hanger is indistinguishable from a pair of $2000 interconnects.

Thank you for your work Peter.