August AVSA Mag

[Andrew]

Well, this brings me back to a thread that I started some time back, but which unfortunately few here seemed to take very seriously: namely, which covers do you like, and why? Why is it that the August issue has attracted so much attention? The contents or the cover? And no matter what your answer, the question I'd really like answered is, why?

[georgev]

Well, this brings me back to a thread that I started some time back, but which unfortunately few here seemed to take very seriously: namely, which covers do you like, and why? Why is it that the August issue has attracted so much attention? The contents or the cover? And no matter what your answer, the question I'd really like answered is, why?

Has the August issue attracted more attention than others?

I buy it every month anyway.

It is known that certain colours do attract more than others, so I think there is something in the cover.

As to content, certainly the comparison would be helpful for folk who are in the market for an item. The individual reviews are helpful, but when in direct comparison to a competing item is more helpful. Yes we all do know that you must use your own ears and eyes, but when a reviewer says that this is "better" or has certain advantages, it makes the decision easier.
Hope that was helpful.

[DRNB]

Yeah great issue 

 but the cover    nah I don't agree with you guys, check the FHM cover it looks much better 

(just kidding.......... or maybe not  )

[DevillEars]

Cover versus content?  Content every time!!

When I buy magazines, I buy the title and what I expect to get from the content - the cover plays no part in the purchase!!!

But then, that's me - someone else may have a different basis for picking a magazine from the rack (as in a first time buyer).

Now that I no longer subscribe, the buying process comprises the following:

1) Check to see if any of the list of regular candidate purchase magazines are on the shelves
2) Open the 'qualifying' magazine(s) to the 'Table of Contents' page and check to see if there's anything interesting there
3) For those where the nothing appeals: Return to shelf
4) For those where the are some areas of interest: Add to basket
5) Influence on the process wielded by the cover?: ZIP! NADA! SFA!!

AVSA August edition: Areas of interest: NONE - Not bought!
HiFi Choice July Edition: Areas of interest: NONE - not bought! (Price also up from ~R95.00 to R110.00!!!!!)

But, then again, that's me - not everyone!!!

[Mervin]

Ok, I have eventually got round to getting a copy at CNA of the August AVSA Magazine. Always a read based on the fact that it is local and as in the other forum discussed one of the reasons why I buy it locally.  I must admit (and once again throwing a spanner in the works) if I have to choose based on the front cover it will not be the AVSA magazine of August and I would stick with my copy of Stereophile.

Before I get lambasted for bringing an international magazine in the picture, I have gone through the AVSA thread and some complaint were on the cost of international magazines.  Well my copy of Stereophile (I subscribe to it) cost me less for a year subscription compared to the local price of Stereophile at a news agency.  As a South African with a credit card it will set you back $53.97 for two years (that is R417.72 as this morning) and thus works out to R17.41 per magazine.  This is delivered to my postal box for the last 5 years without missing a magazine.  Local prices for imported magazine just is daylight robbery.  No wonder so many people are standing in CNA reading magazines instead of buying it.

AVSA (less VAT) is R18.92 currently much of a muchness in price but alas as per the content I was not taken aback.  I mean, 4 pages dedicated to a bedroom/bathroom radio system.  Ok nice network features et al.. but compared to 3 pages for the Lexicon review... and a single page dedicated to a 5 channel power amplifier.

AVSA content spread basically for August 60% content 40% adds from 82 pages I get about 49 pages of information.
Stereophile has more adds and is about 45% of the magazine however 132 pages for May 2008 which leaves me with 73 pages of reading to be done.  Just my input.. now ready, aim....

Also subwoofers.. not a comparative review as indicated by the footnote, but nice to see it all together.  Yes nice to see the amplifier power rating and size of driver as this can (I stress can) possible performance...but the most important specification (supplied by vendor) has been left out.  What is my fequency response on axis at -3dB?

The cover of August AVSA is a downgrade in eye-candy compared to the Vivid Audio Giya edition.

[Blues]

while it certainly was a laugh, it wasn't the cover that made me buy the august issue...
content over cover everytime for me as well.

I'm not into buying a subwoofer, but found this review to be a step in the right direction. not really a comparison, but it makes one hope...

[Hi-Phibian]

Local prices for imported magazine just is daylight robbery.  No wonder so many people are standing in CNA reading magazines instead of buying it.

Always thought it funny or even sad that those who used to comein to the shop comparing local to overseas prices were doing it froma mag that cost them more then double the cover price AND gets here a month late... Did they ever moan at CNA I wonder?

WRT the AVSA vs Stereophile stats, is the printing in Stereophile not smaller as well, ie more info per page.
Have not got my August copy of either from my box yet.

[Mervin]

True font smaller and lines per inch more

[Family_Dog]

True font smaller and lines per inch more

Which is why I gave up on my two-year subscription to Stereophile, I didn't even bother to open the last few issues. It became too much of a mission to read for my tired old eyes. The larger font and more intelligent layout of AVSA suits my needs much better! 


-F_D

[Mervin]

come on... dont be such a wus

[DevillEars]

come on... dont be such a wus

That was really nasty...   

 

[Family_Dog]

come on... dont be such a wus

[ODUODU]

I think the cover is nice. not the glossy but interesting.

Doesn't really matter what's on the cover. The contents great. Really a mag that captures the soul and essence of any sound/hi-fi lover.

see ya

[Roelof]

I view the cover as a indication of what the trend is of the contents that are to be dicovered inside. It is like a treasure chest to be dicovered and the visual creation of the contents in one's mind, as indicated by the outside appearance. After that brief experience I open it and scan through all the contents, then read the articles that realy attract my attention first, usually future planned purchases. Otherwise I start with the "Editorial comment" and read it through, from cover to cover.

I have been purchasing the AV mag since Aug1998 and is a subscriber for about 9 years now. A great mag close to our roots, enlighting us about all audio and video matters. But most importantly supporting and reviewing our own champions, Sonor Audio, Valve Audio, Vivid Audio ect. The other mags seems too distant, too foreign, not close to the soul.