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Danny Richie and Stereomojo

Posted by jdarby (R) on April 2, 2008 at 07:13:32

Since someone has raised an accusatory issue about which he has no knowledge or facts again, let’s see if we can look at some reality.

Stereomojo thinks measurements are helpful in determining a product’s performance - as opposed to most other audio publications like TAS and 6moons to name just a couple who do not share that opinion. As such, we made an effort to implement meaurements in our reviews.

Danny Richie is one of the most respected speaker and crossover designers in the industry. He designs speakers and crossovers for such companies as AV123 and ERA – all extensively reviewed by many publications with outstanding results. Previously he designed such speakers as the Epiphany line source which was also highly reviewed. He is also the only American member of Usher’s prestigious International Design Team.

AV123, ERA, Epiphany, Usher and possibly others. Four different speaker makers with sparkling reputations.

It seems safe to assume that if those four important companies see no conflict of interest in Danny working with all four and others, that his working with Stereomojo should not either.

It was determined from the outset that Danny would not write subjective reviews of anything. Rather, he would only do objective measurements.

Of the dozens of measurements Danny has done, not one single company has objected, disputed or in any way impugned his results. Not one company for which he has done measurements for us has questioned his integrity or suggested any conflict of interest.

On his site, it says this:
“We offer many audiophile quality loudspeakers in kit form, high quality crossover components, audiophile grade drivers, and accessories. We also provide a wide range of design services from complete commercial product line design to assistance with individual custom products and upgrades.

Danny does not sell speakers – only DIY kits. As such, he does not compete directly with any speaker manufacturer. People can take his kits and do anything they want with them.

Here again, the poster contradicts himself and his publisher by doing exactly what he accuses me of doing – tearing down the industry. Accordingly, shouldn’t we all just be building it UP and never bring anything negative, whether factual or completely made up, to anyone’s attention? Does anyone else see more than a little hypocrisy here?

Now. Having said all of that, several months ago, Danny and I had a long conversation about conflict of interest and even though none exists in reality, we knew there was a potential that some mean spirited, cynical individual who was not well informed but liked to manufacture situations just to show how smart and important he was, could bring up the PERCPETION of a conflict. Danny and I both agreed that perception, however misguided, to many can become reality. We also agreed that the reputation of Danny and his GR Reseach (note the name is RESEARCH) as well as Stereomojo need not expose themselves to any such perception. In other words, we thought it better to avoid even any perception of impropriety.

Therefore, it was decided months ago that Danny would no longer retain his title of Technical Editor for us and sever any real or perceived connection between him and Stereomojo. A letter was sent to all of our staff members as well as select individuals and companies whose products were in line for upcoming reviews announcing that decision.

In the last 3 months we have been averaging about three new reviews per week. You will not see Danny mentioned in any of them.

We also discussed removing ANY reference to Danny’s association with us from every past review – something that is possible with a web-based publication. I thought that would constitute a lie because Danny was, in fact, associated with us at the time. Pretending otherwise would be dishonest. If we were a print magazine, it would be the same as recalling every issue and excoriating a name of a staff person that had moved on.

Danny and I have a lifetime track record of living and working in an honest way. We also have well documented lifetime resumes of building people, businesses and organizations up, though we are smart enough and experienced enough to know that there are others who do not hold our values and will attempt to “tear us down” by saying anything and everything they can think of – despite their exortations to just “build up” people and the audio press. Perhaps they should run for President where that type of behavior seems endemic.

I have no doubt that the poster and other bandwagon detractors may manufacture some reply, or simply call it “chaff” because the facts are meaningless to them and they have no respect for people who, from their own moral compass and deep held values, at least try to do the right thing. Or, like Mr. Telling (Gillett), just resort to ugly and baseless name calling and ridicule. That’s fine. I think that is more a reflection of their well documented basic character than ours.



I do thank them however for presenting us with the opportunity to publish the truth and point out important, positive differences between Stereomojo and others - the point being that not all audio publications are the same and should not all be grouped together or painted with the same brush. The law of unintended consequences can sometimes be a beautiful thing.

We have to prepare for our trip to Montreal this weekend for the FSI audio show and when we get back we will be consumed with putting our report together for our readers. Therefore, the time has come to exit this particular mess and leave the bickering to others. Thanks to those who have contributed positive, thoughtful and well considered support. Have fun.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

VH Audio

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