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Bass Nut gets famous on pages of Stereophile!

207.91.86.2
Posted on October 14, 2009 at 15:11:12
Bruce from DC
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 So, Art Dudley tells the story of Richard "Bass Nut" Greene's banishment from the screens of the Asylum, in the current issue (which I just received).

To be perfectly candid, I had mixed feelings upon reading the story of Bass Nut's downfall on the pages of what I consider the #1 English-language audio magazine. I almost felt sorry for the guy.

Not that I disagree with the decision. As one of the original moderators of this place since it was started 10 years ago, I'm very familiar with how an overbearing poster can drive other, more thoughtful people away, leaving the place populated by a small group of screaming monkeys whose idea of a good time is to spend all day throwing shit at each other.

So, as they say, "ya' gotta do what ya' gotta do" when it comes to heading off a situation like that.

What's sad is that Bass Nut did give people some pretty good info about subwoofers and bass reproduction (although often in an excessively opinionated fashion). Speaking personally, it was through one of his posts that I was introduced to the inexpensive Behringer parametric equalizers/real time analyzers as a tool for "taming" a subwoofer (or, more accurately, taming the room in which the subwoofer is playing). On his suggestion, I actually bought one; and have been very pleased with the results, using two different subwoofers.

So, my point is: to that degree Bass Nut made a contribution to this place, which really is the whole idea. And it's too bad that he had to go and spoil it . . . by adopting the persona of an obnoxious buffoon.

I wish that part of the story had been in Dudley's column, although, in fairness to Art, he probably didn't see it that way.

My two cents . . .


Just recieved my copy..., posted on October 17, 2009 at 16:37:52
mkuller
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 ...had to search for the mention of Mr. Nut.

As Gertrude Stein said about Oakland, "There's not much there there."

True, but the reference to, posted on October 18, 2009 at 11:15:04
Bruce Kendall
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 one of our "notorious" inmates was hilarious, and didn't even require the mention of a moniker.



I was wondering why he returned to using his RBNG name from the brief Bob.Wire moniker, posted on October 16, 2009 at 22:39:12
musetap
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 - Robert "Bob" Wire - of last week.

It was a different moniker with the same tedious content.

He must be thrilled with the attention!

Wonder if he'll start referring to himself again as the "Cliff Clavin of Audio"?

"leaving the place populated by a small group of screaming monkeys whose idea of a good time is to spend all day throwing shit at each other."

Hey! Prophead!



“ Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination. ” -Michael McClure
He Back, posted on October 16, 2009 at 07:30:13
Frank I
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 The pain in the ass is back posting in speaker asylum

thank god and the asylum for that. n/t, posted on October 16, 2009 at 12:04:28
jdouglas51
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 n/t

RE: He Back, posted on October 16, 2009 at 07:31:24
Frank I
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 Sorry in General Asylum

Periodically, you'll see AJ doesn't understand, posted on October 16, 2009 at 10:37:36
E-Stat
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 the disappearing ink concept either.

rw

RE: He Back, posted on October 16, 2009 at 10:18:26
Bruce from DC
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 No he ain't. Banned posters sometimes find that their posts are written in disappearing ink.

Perhaps that explains it?


RE: He Back, posted on October 16, 2009 at 11:37:44
astralnavigator
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 What is doesn't explain is why you would feel a need to create a thread essentially setting up another human being for ridicule publicly, without allowing him recourse to state his point of view.

Mean-spirited.

You seem to relish the opportunity to delete him once again.

One has to wonder what sacred cows he butted in to.

Having solid rules is not an issue, inconsisent and/or unfair application of them is. Seems 'Critics" is really a Stereophile board, and your claim that Stereophile is the "Number 1 english language" mag is pretty much putting your biases up front (HiFi Plus, Bound For Sound, among others I consider far more interesting and entertaining).

Bassnut was not nearly as offensive as several other here (think Jazz Inmate) so one has to wonder why he was singled out - and set up again in this way.

RE: so you mean that more people visit "AA Critics" than read Stereophile?, posted on October 16, 2009 at 15:07:12
Bruce from DC
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 We wish.

"Number 1" usually refers to a quantitative designation, and with reference to publications, refers to circulation, not a qualitative measure. I'm pretty sure that Stereophile has a higher paid circulation that HIFI+ and I'm very sure it has a higher paid circulation than BFS.

Mr. Dudley's decision to make Bass Nut famous in the audiophile world was the subject of my original post (a concern that we apparently share) and is relevant to the reach of the publication where Bass Nut was mentioned, not to its quality. Hence, my use of "Number 1 audiophile publication."

But clearly, from the way that you read my original post, you have a different agenda.

So, you're welcome to it.


You sound like a lawyer..., posted on October 16, 2009 at 17:11:50
astralnavigator
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 obfuscating is the term.

I never claimed more people visit AA Critics than read Stereophile. And you know it.

Referring to something as Number 1 is most often a qualitative attribute. Had you wished to refer to Stereophile otherwise, you may have referred to it as "best selling" or "largest circulation".

But all this is really deflection, so you don't have to own up and address the point in my post, isn't it?

Which is - why on earth would anyone want to set up a guy, another human being, for ridicule and abuse online - particularly since YOUR agenda is purely being rubbed that Stereophile's very brief comments may appear to cast AA in a less than fair light?

So let's not play silly bugger here, please.

Ahh, you mean obfuscating :-) nt, posted on October 16, 2009 at 17:23:49
Rick W
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 nt

Don't worry, the Nut appreciates the attention, good, bad, or indifferent, posted on October 16, 2009 at 13:48:33
bjh
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 he sucks it up.

As for others, was it think jizz, that sort mostly reside in the despot/sicko/racist/bigot/insane/fundamentalist friendly portion of the AA where just about anything goes.

Everything matters, don't forget to tweak your placebos!
maybe so..., posted on October 16, 2009 at 13:52:18
astralnavigator
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 but as a general principle, it doesn't speak swell of one in "authority" here to single out a former member and put his name up for ridioculoe, abuse and critical evaluation.

As for the jizz, unfortunately, he pops out of that gutter at times, and I would venture to suggest has driven more good folks away that Bass Nut.

The nut earned it all, posted on October 16, 2009 at 14:44:17
keith_d
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 I would tend to think that the subject is of too little importance to spend actual print on, though, unless it's a Lirpa type review in an April issue.

As opposed to a virtual, user generated place like this where a discussion of the nut is on par with most of the rest of the content.

Put his name up for ridioculoe, abuse and critical evaluation..., posted on October 16, 2009 at 14:34:53
mkuller
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 ...maybe you read Bruce's post differently than I did.

He pointed out Mr. Nut's mention in the most widely read audio publication in the world.

Who here isn't a little jealous.

Talked a little about the Nut's worthwhile contributions the attitude that got him banned.

Said he almost felt sorry for the guy.

I found it reality-based and firm but sympathetic.

RE: Put his name up for ridioculoe, abuse and critical evaluation..., posted on October 16, 2009 at 14:40:58
astralnavigator
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 That's not how I read it at all. I didn't find his post sympathetic, nor did I find it necessary.

Except....

Apparently the Dudley paragraph referring to Bass Nut paints his as somewhat of a victim, and I think that is where Bruce's post is coming from - it comes across as a defence of Audio Asylum, since Bruce wishes Stereophile had painted Bass Nut the way Bruce apparently sees him.

Bruce doesn't feel sorry for the guy. His glee in announcing his apparent return today (he made four posts today) would quickly be deleted shows that.

But again, other than feeling necessary to make sure Audio Asylum isn't portrayed in a manner other than how he wishes it to be, I see no point in his dragging Bass Nut out for ridicule and criticism.

A more elegant approach would have been to say nothing.

I haven't read Dudley's article yet - the Stereophile will probably arrive tomorrow..., posted on October 16, 2009 at 14:51:16
mkuller
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 ...but look at it this way - if Bruce and AA had been mentioned in the magazine, what would the Nut have posted here.

Mine arrived today,, posted on October 17, 2009 at 14:42:27
Bruce Kendall
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 and the first thing I selected to read was Art's article. Much to do about nothing, IMHO.



RE: Mine arrived today,, posted on October 17, 2009 at 15:09:11
astralnavigator
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 Exactly. A minor part of the article.

I wonder how anyone gets "Bassnut becomes famous" out of that, but I guess it did at least hit a nerve with the AA hierarchy.

I doubt Nut would be in favor of banning anybody from AA, including his most vociferous critics. nt, posted on October 16, 2009 at 16:38:38
Rick W
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 nt

Beside the point, posted on October 19, 2009 at 14:09:11
keith_d
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 It's completely beside the point whether a banned person would want someone else banned. Their judgement is precisely what's called into question when they're banned.

And he wasn't banned for being an objectivist or being wrong so often. He was banned for acting out.

Agreed, after all his motto is(was)..., posted on October 17, 2009 at 09:23:59
bjh
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 to live is to annoy!

LOL
Everything matters, don't forget to tweak your placebos!
If they were all banned, there'd be no one here but him...(nt), posted on October 16, 2009 at 18:05:58
mkuller
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 (nt)

RE: maybe so..., posted on October 16, 2009 at 13:56:59
bjh
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 Agreed, but then it wasn't out of the blue, there was the SF related reference; perhaps Dudley is somewhat at fault, if nothing else perhaps for having too much time on his hands. :)


Everything matters, don't forget to tweak your placebos!
That's one thing about you that I admire, Bruce., posted on October 15, 2009 at 11:00:29
Bruce Kendall
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 You missed your calling. You should have played the role of some law enforcement character in cowboy movies.

Every so often the good citizens of Asylum get riled up at the bad guy du jour, and march off with torches, pitchforks and some hanging rope. And eight times out of ten, you stand up to the crowd and turn them back. "Sure he's a bad guy. He broke into Asylum's only saloon, stole all the booze and traded it to the local indians for some zip cord and an old Sansui receiver. And yes, he did kick the community dog around some. Then he hauled off and burned the saloon down to the ground! But he ain't all bad. He did reconnect those speakers behind the bar so they worked again before he set fire to the place. There'll be no hanging today. Y'all go home now."

Sure my tongue is in my cheek, but there's a sincere compliment in this post as well.



RE: That's one thing about you that I admire, Bruce., posted on October 15, 2009 at 12:31:49
bjh
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 You have no idea! What I had to do to get him to ban me from the, ah, from that, ah, not inside place, Lordy!
Everything matters, don't forget to tweak your placebos!
???, posted on October 15, 2009 at 12:54:21
Bruce from DC
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 Nobody is banned from Outside, but some get vacations.

Well, I take that back. There's a guy who runs a number of registered sockpuppets (I think he also uses anonymizer) to post some blatantly anti-Semitic rants Outside. I think he's banned and/or gets deleted on sight.

Let's just say if a newly registered inmate shows up Outside and has never posted anywhere else in the Asylum under that moniker, he's considered highly suspect.

I don't recall your being in any of those categories.


Well tell you what, I'm just going to run with I'm permanently banned from there,, posted on October 15, 2009 at 12:56:51
bjh
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 if you don't mind terribly.

:)
Everything matters, don't forget to tweak your placebos!
RE: Well tell you what, I'm just going to run with I'm permanently banned from there,, posted on October 15, 2009 at 13:35:31
Bruce from DC
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 Whatever excuse works for you!


Short of someone issuing threats of some kind, I'm against banning., posted on October 15, 2009 at 10:34:19
Rick W
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 I've been hangin' at AA for around 8 years. In that time there have been (and still are) a number of inmates whose posts and/or posting manner have annoyed the shit outta me. In the words of Miles Davis......so what?

I've always been free to ignore them entirely, post a reply expressing my annoyance, and/or post a reply saying exactly why I disagree with points they've made. There are whole forums here that I avoid because the inmates who frequent those forums annoy me and/or I disagree with most of what's said there. I don't get involved in some threads on forums I like because I know the OP is full of it and it'd be pointless to reply.

I did not find RBGN offensive. Basically all he did was challenge audiophile sacred cows -- at least on the forums I frequent (I don't go to Prop Head). He was both baiter and baited. Those who got tired of his rap shoulda just ignored him instead of arguing with him post after post after post.

I can understand mods imposing a "vacation" from either certain forums or all of AA for a relatively short time to clear the air a bit. Going beyond that seems silly and unnecessary to me. After all, its easy for us inmates to self-police this place. Just don't reply to posts or posters you find wrong headed and irritating, or an utter waste of bandwith. If you choose to get into raps/discussions/arguments with someone, how the hell can you be pleased with banning them?
Without BassNut…, posted on October 15, 2009 at 10:13:10
b.l.zeebub
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 … Propeller Head Plaza has become almost pointless in visiting as the self-proclaimed 'subjectivists' have taken over and shout every opposing view down.

So let's take it back!, posted on October 16, 2009 at 09:07:22
caspian@peak.org
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 Prop Head is supposed to be for the "scientific discussion" of audio topics, but has degenerated into Mony Python's Argument Clinic. The "subjectivists" got dragged in by certain "objectivists" aggressively challenging their claims to hear unquantifiable qualities of sound and their inability to objectively prove such claims. Aggression provokes counter-aggression, and all we have is 'Tis so! 'Tis not! You're deaf! You're delusional!

But it doesn't have to be that way. If more us start posting non-confrontational questions and opinions about the scientific aspects of sound reproduction, maybe that forum can become what it's supposed to be.

I haven’t read the article you cite, but I find Richard’s case a bit curious., posted on October 15, 2009 at 09:01:44
regmac
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 Hi Bruce:

Though I don’t know him personally, Richard strikes me as a decent sort and I never fully understood the reason(s) for his becoming persona non grata. For once I find myself in agreement with Pat and RGA. His unfortunate “Bass Nut” moniker aside, Richard’s posts were entertaining, civil and free of profanity. Perhaps a bit one-dimensional insofar as subject and theme. (But he has *much* company in that regard.) Moreover, his self-deprecating humor was refreshing and greatly appreciated; if for no other reason than the fact that such humor is in short supply at this ego laden venue.

Richard’s mistake was in challenging the cherished orthodoxy of subjectivists, who bristled at his calling them “charlatans” for their lack of intellectual honesty when it comes to evaluating gear. Possessing knowledge of what you’re evaluating amounts to a rigged game and provides reviewers with too many opportunities to bring a certain bias to their conclusions.

Another mistake of Richard’s was in irritating a few highly influential types (on here) who probably -- I don’t know this for a fact -- lobbied behind the scenes for his removal. I do *know* that many of these people lobbied publicly for his removal and it wouldn’t take long to retrieve the posts.

Admittedly, Richard’s consistent criticism of the flawed methodology of audio critics could become a bit tedious at times (assuming one was foolish enough to take the bait on each occasion). That said, he did make cogent points that the other side could not refute. Instead, they adopted the intellectually lazy tactics of poking fun at his moniker and insisting he should be banned.

Years ago, the U.S. Little League Federation became miffed at the fact that Taiwan was winning the Little League World Series each year. What to do? Well, it was decided that Taiwan should be banned. The Federation’s philosophy could be summed up thus: “If you can’t beat’em, ban’em.” Unfortunately, this infantile mentality seems to apply here as well.

Another contributor to this thread characterizes Richard as a “climate change denier.” Untrue. And while PatD is correct to dismiss the charge as a non sequitur, I can’t help but wonder if this bit of heterodoxy also contributed to Richard’s banishment. If memory serves, Richard does not deny that climate change is occurring. (At least in none of his posts that I’ve read.) I suspect Richard would be quick to point out that global temperatures are *always* changing, and that what would be truly unique is if global temps. were to hold steady for 10-20 years. What Richard and myriad climatologists are unclear about is the extent (if any) to which man is responsible for rising (or as we have seen over the past decade) falling temps. Yet another example of Richard’s intellectual honesty.

For the record, posted on October 16, 2009 at 07:51:31
John Atkinson
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 >Another mistake of Richard’s was in irritating a few highly influential types (on here)
>who probably -- I don’t know this for a fact -- lobbied behind the scenes for his
>removal.

I don't know if I am regarded as "influential," but I did cross swords with RBNG on
many occasions on this forum. However, I never lobbied for his being banned (or
anyone else, for that matter).


John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile
John, my good man, you needn’t have bothered., posted on October 18, 2009 at 08:29:10
regmac
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 My problem with you has always centered around Stereophile’s inadequate review methodology, not your integrity. Perhaps you missed this:

Posted by regmac (A ) on July 15, 2009 at 08:41:00
"...my correspondence, over the years, with men such as John Atkinson and John Marks confirms to my mind that they are first-rate human beings."

It’s a given that first-rate human beings don't stoop to such gutless tactics.

RE: For the record, posted on October 16, 2009 at 09:16:10
soulfood
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 At face value, what you or your colleagues may have lobbied for would not be consistent with the article at issue here. So that makes you (Stereophile) clear, sort of.

So he's ok because you're one of the few who agree with his whacko views? LOL! (nt), posted on October 15, 2009 at 12:06:26
mkuller
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 (nt)

No, that's nutty. His claims regarding climate change data are anything but intellectually honest., posted on October 15, 2009 at 12:01:09
keith_d
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 I've read his claims over the years, about climate change and about audio.

As someone who took the Nut to task for many of his claims ..., posted on October 15, 2009 at 09:32:52
bjh
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 I must attest to an enormous disconnect between the caricature you paint and the zero-credibility propagandist he is in fact.


Everything matters, don't forget to tweak your placebos!
I have not received mine yet., posted on October 15, 2009 at 04:07:56
soulfood
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 Since he has decided not to post here on the issue, I'm curious to know what voice he used: inmate, voyager, or meddling critic? Admittedly, a straight faced obituary is also entertaining.

Actually, I don't think he was ever useful in terms of technical information, posted on October 15, 2009 at 00:46:40
keith_d
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 Any number of people could have told you about bass nodes or the Behringer, and without all the accompanying misinformation and personal BS. I mean, I'd rather not get technical information from a climate change denier, personally.

As I said, truth isn't always popular., posted on October 15, 2009 at 06:16:09
Pat D
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 K
"Any number of people could have told you about bass nodes or the Behringer, and without all the accompanying misinformation and personal BS."

Maybe, just maybe . . . but they don't. And what would the misinformation be?--Some things that disagree with unproven anecdotal accounts or some subjective reports read in Stereophile, TAS, AIG, UHF, IER, etc.?

"I mean, I'd rather not get technical information from a climate change denier, personally."

A red herring, among other things. Irrelevant to his opinions on audio.



"Probability is the very guide to life."---Cicero
Some people's truth..., posted on October 15, 2009 at 15:24:40
mkuller
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 ...and paradigm of reality are different than most everyone else's.

LOL. As if audiophiles' "truth and paradigm of reality" aren't different than most everyone else's., posted on October 16, 2009 at 10:12:00
Rick W
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 Not to mention that just on AA alone there are MANY "truths" and "paradigms of reality" expressed. Whose version of truth and reality will be next to go?


Important distinction, the one which for some reason escapes many here:, posted on October 16, 2009 at 10:58:48
carcass93
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 What "subjectivists" are saying is essentially "I hear X. If you don't, your system or hearing are not resolving enough".

With "objectivists", it's like "I don't hear X, so if you say you do, give me proof, or you're delusional (liar, gullible etc.)".


From a perspective of an unique individual, with unique sensitivity of ear/brain, armed with a particular (most likely one of a kind) audio system - what concept makes more sense to you?

Neither., posted on October 16, 2009 at 12:18:04
Rick W
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 I think you've presented extremes.

I can't relate to the "OMG, the soundstage opened up and trumpets came from my neighbor's house, subtle hues of colors and textures blossomed when I installed my new nano-quantum carbon fiber wall outlet cover" crowd.

OTOH I do not believe achieving what is currently considered excellent "measurements" indicates that a given hifi source/amp/preamp/spkr. will "accurately" reproduce a recording. In fact, I believe engineers bark up some wrong trees, and do not yet know some parameters to measure that might actually correlate better with "accuracy" than what is measured now.
No, spewing nonsense in one technical area is relevant to one's credibility in another technical area., posted on October 15, 2009 at 12:09:40
keith_d
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 It's a matter of rigor and basic thought processes when you find someone making the same old disingenuous arguments.

And the Behringer and, say, Toole's work regarding subs, have been discussed here many times without his involvement. Same for the Velodyne, Outlaw, Paradigm and Audyssey (sp?) bass node solutions. You can search. You are simply wrong on the claim that he was the only or main source on those topics. And he was often wrong on the facts in his most vaunted area of "expertise," too.

While I think it's important to raise the issue of double blind testing in light of the central nervous system's ability to deceive its owner, even the ways in which he did that were more about being contrary for the sake of being contrary, imo.

Towards the end he wasn't merely taking issue with subjectivists, he was braying and spamming and whining and goading...and so "goad" riddance. At least for a time.

Goad-riddance ---- Hey that's good, I like it! nt, posted on October 15, 2009 at 12:47:54
bjh
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 .
Everything matters, don't forget to tweak your placebos!
*Truth* is a powerfull word, posted on October 15, 2009 at 07:41:41
lancelot
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 and one that everyone should be careful using. It allows for no debate because one side is *right* and possesses the *truth*. If you really think yours ( and those like RBNG) strongly held opinions on subjective audio are, in fact, the *truth* , then you are part of the problem, not the solution.

I tend to think that in subjective areas like high end audio the *truth* actually varies ( and mutates) because of each individuals unique experience and values. The real problem is when one individual is arrogant enough to think their *truth* should be universal.

There are two kinds of truth., posted on October 19, 2009 at 07:21:34
regmac
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 There is absolute truth and then there’s the audiophile version: almost true.

Uhhh . . ., posted on October 15, 2009 at 12:20:15
Pat D
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 Do you in fact know my opinions on "subjective audio"?

"Probability is the very guide to life."---Cicero
Yes- your numerous posts on the subject make it obvious--NT, posted on October 15, 2009 at 13:43:28
lancelot
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 NT

I see you don't, either. (nt), posted on October 15, 2009 at 13:49:08
Pat D
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 .

"Probability is the very guide to life."---Cicero
Uhhh . . ., posted on October 15, 2009 at 12:57:21
bjh
Audiophile

Posts: 11876
Location: Toronto, Canada
Joined: November 22, 2003
 who cares?
Everything matters, don't forget to tweak your placebos!
RE: Uhhh . . ., posted on October 15, 2009 at 13:08:41
Pat D
Audiophile

Posts: 7558
Joined: June 20, 2000
 He brought up the phrase, so he must care about it.




"Probability is the very guide to life."---Cicero
Pat, Pat! ... where'd ya go?, posted on October 16, 2009 at 10:52:30
bjh
Audiophile

Posts: 11876
Location: Toronto, Canada
Joined: November 22, 2003
 We were having such a intellectually stimulating exchange, why'd ya bail?
Everything matters, don't forget to tweak your placebos!
Uhhh . . ., posted on October 15, 2009 at 13:11:51
bjh
Audiophile

Posts: 11876
Location: Toronto, Canada
Joined: November 22, 2003
 maybe, maybe not, who knows, who cares?
Everything matters, don't forget to tweak your placebos!
Exactly...he was a "DBT fundamentalist" proselytizer ...(nt), posted on October 15, 2009 at 12:03:01
mkuller
Audiophile

Posts: 15946
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: April 22, 2003
Contributor
  Since: December 28, 2003
 (nt)

Superbly stated...(nt), posted on October 15, 2009 at 09:27:56
robert young
Audiophile

Posts: 2227
Location: new york
Joined: October 19, 2003
Contributor
  Since: July 13, 2004
 !

Right on - it's a shame that he doesn't, and never will, get it. N/T, posted on October 15, 2009 at 08:28:18
carcass93
Audiophile

Posts: 2634
Location: NJ
Joined: September 20, 2006
 N/T

Sorry but I'm for keeping Richard - vote 1 for allowing Richard to return..., posted on October 14, 2009 at 23:20:47
RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 6145
Joined: August 8, 2001
 I don't care what the guy's opinions are or if he comes across irritating or repetitive. As Craig Ferguson would say "Remind you of anyone?"

Seriously the guy gave excellent advice. This happens on every forum where people critical of subjectivists get run out of the forums. Have we really become a group of people that want to get rid of freedom of speech and become the internet equivalent of book burners?

My issue with DBT debaters is that it becomes a little repetitive with the same people making the same arguments to the same people over and over and over. I don't necessarily have a problem with moving that off to a separate thread but being critical of critic magazines on a critic's forum seems fair game to me.

I think one should do their best to try and be civil - and a warning if you're not - but I always felt Richard was being Sarcastic, Sardonic and tried to make valid points about the review industry, reviewers, etc. I have no problem with that. He should take us to task. There needs to be a check.

This happened on Audio Review several years ago - and the forum is a ghost town now. There used to be huge activity - long debates and then a bunch were booted out. Now there's a couple of posts a day - sad really.

vote 2 for a return...., posted on October 15, 2009 at 11:00:05
jdouglas51
Industry Professional

Posts: 651
Location: arizona
Joined: November 11, 2005
 Mr. Bass Nut was indeed a 'heartbeat' in an otherwise 'business as usual' forum. For every sea of debbie boone's, there must be an alice cooper.

Vote #3 (nt), posted on October 20, 2009 at 12:23:45
goldenthal
Audiophile

Posts: 128
Location: Ontario
Joined: March 28, 2003
 t

Unmerciful to kick out somebody from an Asylum, posted on October 15, 2009 at 01:08:12
Bill the K
Audiophile

Posts: 2322
Joined: June 3, 2006
 Perhaps some sensoring of the posts was in order but total banishment was undemocratic.A tinge of anarchy adds spice to the curry of thoughts.Vote No 2.

You're right..., posted on October 14, 2009 at 20:04:59
powermatic
Audiophile

Posts: 5600
Location: central oregon
Joined: November 24, 2005
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 2008
 in fact, your entire post is right on the money, including the good advice he gave re. the bass eq. Miss him? I'm not sure, but as I've said earlier, AA Bored may be turning us into The Truman Show. Though I might not say that if RBNG, Teresa, georgelouis, et al were still here.

And BTW and OT, why do you include a photo of Spiro Agnew with your posts?



"dammit"
not Spiro, posted on October 16, 2009 at 10:25:34
Bruce from DC
Bored Member

Posts: 18025
Location: U.S. Capital
Joined: October 13, 1999
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 1999
 he had slicked-back hair


Agree with all points and the question (nt), posted on October 15, 2009 at 13:05:48
Craiger56
Audiophile

Posts: 2397
Location: San Jose CA
Joined: April 3, 2002
Contributor
  Since: December 29, 2003
 .

Thanks., posted on October 17, 2009 at 21:03:44
powermatic
Audiophile

Posts: 5600
Location: central oregon
Joined: November 24, 2005
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 2008
 I realize AA is no place for ironic humor, and CC is a particularly humorless subset, but out of 419 views of my post (so far) you're the only one other than Bruce to get the 'joke', or bother to reply.

You're like the one golf swing on an eighteen hole tour that makes solid contact with the ball-for better or worse, enough to keep one coming back for more. Sir, I salute you!



"dammit"
Truth isn't always popular, I guess. (nt), posted on October 14, 2009 at 19:45:49
Pat D
Audiophile

Posts: 7558
Joined: June 20, 2000
 .

"Probability is the very guide to life."---Cicero
What "truth" would that be? (nt), posted on October 15, 2009 at 03:16:46
robert young
Audiophile

Posts: 2227
Location: new york
Joined: October 19, 2003
Contributor
  Since: July 13, 2004
 !

Bruce already stated it, posted on October 15, 2009 at 11:54:56
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 9840
Location: Central boonies
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 "And it's too bad that he had to go and spoil it . . . by adopting the persona of an obnoxious buffoon."

rw

You guys are terribly oversensitive! Probably because you can't refute his main contentions., posted on October 15, 2009 at 13:18:09
Pat D
Audiophile

Posts: 7558
Joined: June 20, 2000
 That can be irritating for ideologues.

"Probability is the very guide to life."---Cicero
Or...idealogues like you and he can be irritating...(nt), posted on October 16, 2009 at 09:54:51
mkuller
Audiophile

Posts: 15946
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: April 22, 2003
Contributor
  Since: December 28, 2003
 (nt)

He had "contentions"? Sorry, I missed that - looked just like regurgitated nonsense to me., posted on October 15, 2009 at 13:40:50
carcass93
Audiophile

Posts: 2634
Location: NJ
Joined: September 20, 2006
 Tell us more about ideologies though. We could use a lecture about religion, too.

I have no intention nor desire to refute what he can, posted on October 15, 2009 at 13:31:03
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 9840
Location: Central boonies
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 or cannot hear.

rw

What you didn't mention, Bruce..., posted on October 14, 2009 at 19:04:36
mkuller
Audiophile

Posts: 15946
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: April 22, 2003
Contributor
  Since: December 28, 2003
 ...is that while he was knowledgeable about bass and subwoofers, he was actually an anti-audiophile who argued that everything except speakers sounds the same.

Amps, CD players and especially wires and cables.

Funny at times but usually annoying.

>I almost felt sorry for the guy.>

Next you'll be inviting his Michigan WTMS audio club buddies, Arnie Kreuger and Tom Nousaine join the Asylum.

Isn't the reason AA was started to begin with - to get away from people like that?

Ironic he should make Stereophile - maybe he'll see it on the newstand.

Next Dudley will be writing in Stereophile about Spendor Harbeth, his harshest critic on Critics Corner.

Well, MIke, posted on October 15, 2009 at 12:45:22
Bruce from DC
Bored Member

Posts: 18025
Location: U.S. Capital
Joined: October 13, 1999
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 1999
 I'm not into enforced orthodoxy, even though everything you attribute to Bass Nut is true and even though, I disagree with Bass Nut about each of his three propositions that you mention. At least, that's what my ears of told me, despite the fact, that, with respect to cables, I didn't want to believe they made any difference.

Re the start of AA, remember "Mtrycrafts"? (I mangled his moniker, but it's close enough for government work.)

But, to answer your question, yes and no, I think. "Yes," to get away from dogmatic blow-hards and self-righteous "truth-tellers" who never tire of beating dead horses. But "no" with regard to any enforced orthodoxy. I'm not sure the remaining Bored members agree with each other about every point of "audio doctrine" (we've never taken a poll!), and we certainly have different "tastes" when it comes to audio.

But, as the "other Bruce" mentioned in his post, the point of my post that started this thread was to lament that a person who did make some contributions ultimately ruined it for both himself and the rest of us.

There are (or were) some other ex-Asylum posters who, in the memorable phrase of the U.S. Supreme Court trying to identify "obscenity," lacked "any redeeming social value." Just my opinion, of course; and I ain't gonna say who they were!

;-)


Speaking of mtrycrafts (self proclaimed "ditch digger"), posted on October 15, 2009 at 14:27:36
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 9840
Location: Central boonies
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 posted at AR for a while until he was banned there, too. Today he is an "Overlord" over at Audioholics where he metes out mediocrity to the masses! (BTW, mtry is an abbreviation for Monterey)

Also, Soundmind serves as a punching bag for Ken Kantor over at Classic Speaker pages where he drones on with his pontifications and unique perspective on audio. :)

rw

RE: "mtrycrafts", posted on October 16, 2009 at 09:38:37
Bruce from DC
Bored Member

Posts: 18025
Location: U.S. Capital
Joined: October 13, 1999
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 1999
 Funny I always associated it with "Motorcraft" Ford Motor Company's brand for automotive parts: oil filters, sparkplugs and such!

I kid you not.


RE: What you didn't mention, Bruce..., posted on October 15, 2009 at 07:34:58
Spendor Harbeth
Audiophile

Posts: 601
Location: Left Coast
Joined: May 15, 2009
 ...but no matter what, do NOT call me Spendor "Midrange Nut" Harbeth!

Hey!, posted on October 15, 2009 at 09:52:29
kerr
Audiophile

Posts: 3695
Location: Central Indiana
Joined: November 10, 2003
 That was damned funny! LOL!

Do we have a "treble nut" as well? -nt, posted on October 15, 2009 at 15:04:24
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 9840
Location: Central boonies
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 rw

JP Moncrieff of IAR used to talk frequently about the "trebles"...(nt), posted on October 16, 2009 at 09:56:39
mkuller
Audiophile

Posts: 15946
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: April 22, 2003
Contributor
  Since: December 28, 2003
 (nt)

RE: What you didn't mention, Bruce..., posted on October 15, 2009 at 04:49:02
John Atkinson
Reviewer

Posts: 1901
Location: New York
Joined: November 24, 2003
 >Next Dudley will be writing in Stereophile about Spendor Harbeth, his harshest critic
>on Critics Corner.

He did :-)

John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile
Excellent description, posted on October 14, 2009 at 17:53:31
lancelot
Audiophile

Posts: 1232
Joined: March 23, 2001
 of the reasons why he had to leave. I support the decision 100%. It simply amazes me that some members were entertained by his sometimes incoherent ramblings-- I'm not sure if he was serious or just seeing how long he could give audiophiles the finger before someone said enough already.

While you were laughing with him he was laughing at you.

RE: Bass Nut gets famous on pages of Stereophile!, posted on October 14, 2009 at 17:39:40
Willis
Audiophile

Posts: 93
Location: North Carolina
Joined: October 6, 2001
 Are you guys kidding me? He made the all time list of ten PITA's around here. You guys who think that his type liven things up must have a pretty dull or well arranged life. Some gave them selves away by saying they didn't know he was banned. Most not spend much time in the Asylum.

Willis

Some gave them selves away by saying they didn't know he was banned., posted on October 14, 2009 at 18:48:15
sogood
Audiophile

Posts: 676
Location: Flint, Michigan
Joined: September 30, 2002
 No, I don't spend much time here?....why should I? (I wasn't trying to give myself away though....:-)

Guess I better watch it.

He's gone???, posted on October 14, 2009 at 16:39:20
hesson11
Audiophile

Posts: 623
Location: Florida
Joined: December 8, 2005
 Maybe I don't read Critic's Corner enough, but I never thought of Richard as being particularly bellicose or offensive. To me, he always just seemed quite sure of his opinions. I've most often read his comments on other sub-forums, and often found them interesting and informative, even if I didn't always agree with him.

-Bob

Try PropHead - his latest bastion...(nt), posted on October 15, 2009 at 12:08:42
mkuller
Audiophile

Posts: 15946
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: April 22, 2003
Contributor
  Since: December 28, 2003
 (nt)

And Whiner's Woad... his chicken is roosting...N/T, posted on October 17, 2009 at 11:51:29
musetap
Audiophile

Posts: 6376
Location: San Francisco
Joined: July 8, 2003
Contributor
  Since: January 28, 2004
 N/T
“ Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination. ” -Michael McClure
RE: He's gone???, posted on October 14, 2009 at 17:10:27
robert young
Audiophile

Posts: 2227
Location: new york
Joined: October 19, 2003
Contributor
  Since: July 13, 2004
 He did his "best" work obver at Propheads. Almost everywhere else, he was really knowledgeable and often very entertaining.

RE: Bass Nut gets famous on pages of Stereophile!, posted on October 14, 2009 at 16:38:27
Peter Breuninger
Reviewer

Posts: 292
Joined: August 28, 2002
 I believe that the Asylum is for entertainment. I enjoyed the RBNG posts and (now) Spendor Harbeth is even growing on me. These guys are like Howard Stern sidekicks. They stir things up. And you know? Sometimes I agree with them. They are the true Asylum cage rattlers!

BTW, I lurk here often and had no idea that RBG was actually banned!

I better be careful, laugh!

Peter

RE: Bass Nut gets famous on pages of Stereophile!, posted on October 14, 2009 at 16:25:20
sogood
Audiophile

Posts: 676
Location: Flint, Michigan
Joined: September 30, 2002
 I didn't know he was gone....I really enjoyed his posts (It's our loss, far greater than his).....the guy knows his sh-t!

RE: Bass Nut gets famous on pages of Stereophile!, posted on October 14, 2009 at 15:16:43
jdouglas51
Industry Professional

Posts: 651
Location: arizona
Joined: November 11, 2005
 bass nut's opinions and style are missed.

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