Re: Julian Hirsch; The Godfather of Reviewing Art

If I recall correctly, High Fidelity magazine transferred equipment testing
to the "Hirsch-Houck (sp?) Labs" in the very late fifties, explaining that
H-H Labs had greater technical capability than their own labs.

Julian Hirsch later moved to Stereo Review.  During the sixties, as I was
succumbing to my own "golden ear" syndrome; I wrote Mr. Hirsch a letter,
polite but quite critical, about his refusal to describe the nuances he
heard while testing the equipment.

To my surprise, he replied with a most courteous note, quietly addressing my
criticisms and providing his rationale for his approach.  I wish that I had
saved it; the note was an wonderful example of civil conversation;
understanding my concerns, but explaining his testing and writing guidelines
for his reports.

Ed Presson