[imcarthur]

High end audio has always been an interesting blend of real science mixed with a heavy dose of fairy dust. The real science comes in the form of advances in product design or application. The fairy dust is produced either by propeller-headed pseudo-scientists with their whimsical ‘inventions’ or the marketing departments of well-funded companies with their ‘revolutionary advancements.’ You choose.

Sandy Gross was the marketing guru of Polk until 1988. His success there & with his next venture – Definitive Technology – is legendary. Not technical success per se but marketing success. He is one of the best ‘box movers’ in the CE business in North America primarily due to his ability to mold, shape and use the media to achieve his goal. Dealers are eagerly awaiting his new fling – GoldenEar Technology – to bring some life back to underused cash registers.

As an aside, his partner in this & Def Tech is a good friend & the man who brought me into high end many, many years ago. He has hired me three times – so far – for different projects . . .

As for my audiophilia, I am somewhat immune due to over-exposure. Not to say that new audio gear doesn’t still surprise me but I am gradually sliding into Pro Audio which - in many ways - is the antithesis of high end.

Ian