One of the best interviews of JA (part1 and part2) on the net! Mirrors my experiences going back to 1967. I also experienced the LS3/5a in blind listening tests at Ring on Spadina. Bought my first Chartwells at Star on Avenue road. Former user of Altec A7-500, 604C and 604-8G. Recent purchaser of LS50 at audio excellence. Formerly director of product development at Sonic Frontiers.
I have the upmost respect for John Atkinson, not only for his job as and editor for Stereophile (which can’t be an easy task and often put them in “the line of fire” on objectivists, while using science to measure equipment and try to find the correlation on how it sounds with how it measures (I’m a huge fan of loudspeakers measurements in particular, which goes against most media which only gives subjective personal opinions without facts). Being from a musician’s perspective is also a plus for me, because many audio reviewers don’t have a clue to what they’re actually listening. And if that wasn’t enough, John also made several reference audio recordings, which demands a great knowledge on the capturing, recording and mixing side of music. Wearing all these hats puts J.A. in a unique place to understand several stages of sound (from the real instrument to the final playback chain) while adding the knowledge and work on measurements that are a tremendous reference for times to come. Audio reviewers will always have a lot to learn with J.A. , and many won’t ever get near the weight of the contributions that he did and still does for audio reviewing. Thank You, John.
I've also had less than ideal experiences with "corporate" ownership - - it's unbelievable, but not at all a "shocker" that Stereophile's corporate leadership, who are obviously not audiophiles but think they know what's best, would complaint about "too many words" and "why are you doing measurements?" - - both of those ridiculous criticisms are among the reasons I've remained a Stereophile subscriber for decades - excellent interview guys, thanks John - look forward to pt 2.
Look into the homes of millionaires and billionaires (i.e Corporate investors), not a single piece of decent hi-fi in sight, yet fabulous rooms, huge spaces where Focal Grande Utopias and Wilson's Wams could really sing, that's the corporate world.
Congratulations Adrian, that's huge for you guys to be able to get JA for the chat there ! He's no question one of the most respected man in the industry. It's interesting to hear he mentioned the best speakers he ever measured was the Revel salon speakers ( just happens I own a pair currently) thanks for sharing guys.
I would love to get his take on the PS Audio PerfectWave DS DAC.. I read somewhere that he was very critical ... then saw on TH-cam in a video where he did a seminar that he owned one and used it as his primary DAC... ??
Congrats! JA is audio royalty as it were...your channel has really arrived!
Adrian, these interviews are absolute GOLD. Archival quality interviews with the giants of the industry!!! And JA is indeed royalty!!!
One of the best interviews of JA (part1 and part2) on the net! Mirrors my experiences going back to 1967. I also experienced the LS3/5a in blind listening tests at Ring on Spadina. Bought my first Chartwells at Star on Avenue road. Former user of Altec A7-500, 604C and 604-8G. Recent purchaser of LS50 at audio excellence. Formerly director of product development at Sonic Frontiers.
I have the upmost respect for John Atkinson, not only for his job as and editor for Stereophile (which can’t be an easy task and often put them in “the line of fire” on objectivists, while using science to measure equipment and try to find the correlation on how it sounds with how it measures (I’m a huge fan of loudspeakers measurements in particular, which goes against most media which only gives subjective personal opinions without facts).
Being from a musician’s perspective is also a plus for me, because many audio reviewers don’t have a clue to what they’re actually listening.
And if that wasn’t enough, John also made several reference audio recordings, which demands a great knowledge on the capturing, recording and mixing side of music.
Wearing all these hats puts J.A. in a unique place to understand several stages of sound (from the real instrument to the final playback chain) while adding the knowledge and work on measurements that are a tremendous reference for times to come.
Audio reviewers will always have a lot to learn with J.A. , and many won’t ever get near the weight of the contributions that he did and still does for audio reviewing.
Thank You, John.
I've also had less than ideal experiences with "corporate" ownership - - it's unbelievable, but not at all a "shocker" that Stereophile's corporate leadership, who are obviously not audiophiles but think they know what's best, would complaint about "too many words" and "why are you doing measurements?" - - both of those ridiculous criticisms are among the reasons I've remained a Stereophile subscriber for decades - excellent interview guys, thanks John - look forward to pt 2.
Look into the homes of millionaires and billionaires (i.e Corporate investors), not a single piece of decent hi-fi in sight, yet fabulous rooms, huge spaces where Focal Grande Utopias and Wilson's Wams could really sing, that's the corporate world.
Congratulations Adrian, that's huge for you guys to be able to get JA for the chat there ! He's no question one of the most respected man in the industry. It's interesting to hear he mentioned the best speakers he ever measured was the Revel salon speakers ( just happens I own a pair currently) thanks for sharing guys.
I would love to get his take on the PS Audio PerfectWave DS DAC.. I read somewhere that he was very critical ... then saw on TH-cam in a video where he did a seminar that he owned one and used it as his primary DAC... ??
Ring Audio - OMG that brings back memories!
He is cool
yes he is.
really should dump the other 2 for some vids. Let them be in the background if necessary
i very much hope: 1. stepping down was HIS idea, and 2. that the decision has nothing to do with ant health issues.
Does Jay get to speak on part 2? :)))
Adrian took all the questions. I was sad - Jay
Stereo Acquisition Program , Ha Ha! Yeah.... :)