Looking Back, 2008

[Andrew]

Hi,

The March issue sees our yearly Looking Back feature, including the usual database and comments by the various reviewers as to what their favourite pieces of equipment were. What we'd be interested to hear, is comments from our readers as to what their highlights of the past year were - and yes, even the reviews that may have disappointed for one reason or another.

The comments will be published in the March issue, so please give your input some thought!

Thanks,

Andrew

[Prince]

 

I cannot remember so far back, must be a "middle-age" condition, so will have to go browse through the mags again to see, what captured my attention!!

 

[Andrew]

Hi guys, any feedback? Surely there must something for you to comment on?

[Prince]

My highlights for the year as follows:

Dec 07/Jan 08
- Yamaha DSP Z11 AVR
- Cambridge Audio Azur 840A/840C
- NAD C315BEE Intergrated Amplifier
- Pro-ject Debut III Phono USB Turntable
- Clearline SED-5000 Voltage Regulator

Feb 08
- Sharp Cover Feature
- B&W CM1 Speakers
- Yamaha RXV-1800 AVR
- Cambridge Audio 640R /DVD 89 & Mordaunt-Short Avant Speaker System
- Philips PET730 Portable DVD Player

March 08
- Nuforce Reference Cover Feature
- Samsung DVD 1080P7 DVD Player
- Accuphase E-450 Integrated Amplifier
- Airlive MU-7000AV Media Player
- Understanding HD-DVD Feature

April 08
- NAD T765 AVR
- Rega Exon 3 & Cursa 3 Pre & Power Amplifiers
- Kramer VP-418 Video Scaler

May 08
- Samsung Blu-ray Cover Feature
- Sennheiser HD205 Headphones
- Yamaha DVD-S1800 DVD Player
- NAD C515BEE CD Player
- Pro-Ject Pre & Amplifier Boxes

June 08
- Kramer VP-435 Video Scaler
- NAD T535 DVD/SACD Player
- B&W 684 Speakers
- Yamaha A-S2000 Integrated Amp & CD-S2000 CD/SACD Player

...the rest to follow, after I recover July, August and November mags...

 
*Thanx guys for a brilliant year in review!!

[Andrew]

Thanks, Prince - didn't mean to send you off on assignment! What was it about those reviews you highlighted, though? Was it just because they were of interest to you?

[Mervin]

There is a word in Portuguese that has no explanation for me in English which is 'saudades', which if trying to translate means basically 'a longing'.  'Saudades' for local content of local audiophile products.  The fact that AVSA reported on Vivid Audio, SonorAudio, Valve Audio and have an ample following locally is really rewarding for the small group.  The fact that we have a product from SA making waves throughout the world (Vivid Audio range) is really a bonus for us. Cudos to them!

The sad part of 2008 is the loss of 'Mr. Valve' due to uncalled violence in our country.

[Scrat]

I was pleasntly surprised to find the article that reviewed all the subwoofers, kind-of comparatively (Sep/Oct?). Hopefully we could have more of those...?

[GearSlave]

I agree, that was a very cool feature

[ghostinthemachine]

No particular highlights to for me personally.

But I would like to add...

I personally would like to see more reviews of analogue products and a few pages on "analogue 1 on 1" (how to set up a turntable, how to install a cartridge etc) I have asked about this a thousand times before to Joel and friends and the industry in general... there seems to be a lack of interest thought some wonder why the local hi-fi industry is in the state it is. 

Also an article about speaker placement and its sciences.

Good equipment support/racks.

Reviews with more body and less about how the specific piece of equipment was packaged etc.

[Blues]

august cover ...

[Andrew]

august cover ...

The only cover that was designed by a female that year! 

[Prince]

Thanks, Prince - didn't mean to send you off on assignment! What was it about those reviews you highlighted, though? Was it just because they were of interest to you?

I just had some time on my hands last week.  These listed reviews stood out for me, as they peaked my interest in more ways than one. I also have to agree with Scrat the Subwoofer shout-out in the Sept/Oct issue was very informative and interesting.