GoodSoundClub - Romy the Cat's Audio Site

In the Forum: Audio News
In the Thread: "Not So Sweet Spot" /Absolute Sound, Jonathan Valin Comments etc

Post Subject: "Not So Sweet Spot" /Absolute Sound, Jonathan Valin Comments etcPosted by RobertG63 on: 1/26/2013

It was brought to my attention by a fellow member at our audio society meeting today that there have been some postings here regarding my letter to the editor in this month's Absolute Sound. I wont restate the total contents of my letter as they are in the current magazine for all to see. However, I was unaware until I received the magazine that Mr Valin was the person who I was "kicked out of my seat" for, and also that Mr Harley would have him respond to my letter. Initially, I wrote Mr Wilson & Mr Harley after returning from the show as I was still thinking about the event and wondering why I was treated so rudely at a consumer oriented show...and, how to stop this behavior as it is becoming a standard practice. Mr Harley has been responsive to me in the past and I have always respected that he takes the time to respond to a subscriber in a reasoned and courteous manner. He advised me he wished to print my letter and was aware of this problem. OK by me. Mr Wilson I do not know but he seems to have a good personal reputation and I have always admired his line of speakers. Then I get the magazine and see some new information and statements that cause me more concern. I didnt anticipate this event would continue but a new commentator joined the discussion.

I do have several points of contention regarding Mr Valin's comments. First, it is not my recollection that he ever spoke to me or tried to get me to sit back down after I had been asked in a rude and insulting manner to give up my seat when Mr Valin entered the room and was "working". If Mr Valin did make a comment to me I did not hear it, but as an audiophile my hearing is quite good. .However, after reading some other items on your site (i.e. Valin/Nordost incident) regarding Mr Valin I will simply ask readers to form their own conclusion based on his past behavior(s)/practices regarding the accuracy of his comments.

His characterization of events seems to reflect a writers propensity for exaggeration and creating a more colorful incident. He stated that I "stormed out of the room" and "was having none of it" (referring I assume to his humble/gracious nature when making this unheard statement). As a disabled veteran who was using a cane and carrying a 20 pound bag of literature/cd's/vinyl with my free hand I had enough trouble just standing up and leaving, let alone "storming" out as he has described my behavior. I was however followed out of the room by a lady who did ask me to return (not the humble/gracious Mr Valin) and I told her that their behavior/attitude and false contrition did not make me wish to have any further association with them or their products. However, Mr Valin wasn't totally inaccurate in his prose. As he stated I did freely express my disgust with the individual who treated me so rudely and I made sure everyone in the room heard my points: You don't treat potential customers like this and expect them to buy your products. Further, I also consider myself as "working" as I was just starting to listen critically, and take notes in my notebook for a subsequent report that I would brief to members of our society on return. But why should I need to justify being in my seat at consumer audio show that cost me $1500 in total to attend? I waited for the seat to become vacant before occupying it. Mr Valid did not. Is this normal for him? I really have no idea.

The so called "professional/reps" in that room made me feel very unwelcome by their behavior (words, inflection and body language). Mr Wilson's subsequent letter to me in response to my written complaint regarding this incident stated they were aware of the event but "none of his employees were involved". Great! They are innocent silent partners. Noted. See no evil, speak no evil etc. This was also correctly pointed out by Mr Harley. Wilson has been found "not guilty" your honor by the editor. Duly noted and understood your honor. Mr Valin's final conclusion about "cooler heads" strikes me as ridiculous and self serving. Any person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. I was not. If the event happened again, I doubt I would behave any differently. I did not respond with any profanity or violence. My cane was not raised in my hot headed angry pre-storm rage to assault the moronic reps. However, those who wish to turn the other cheek are welcome to let people walk on them and it seems there is no shortage of people at audio shows who will do just that. Please don't try it on me again! And dont expect me to embrace Wilson products or any of their associates in the near future. I guess I'm just not that Christian (if that is the right perspective). I doubt they even discussed the matter with the other associates. If they did, they certainly didnt advise me to that effect. So while my purpose in writing Mr Wilson & Mr Harley has been partially achieved by his publication of the letter, I still dont feel the matter was correctly resolved. Nor will Mr Valin be my Facebook friend or BFF.You see, the tragedy has unintended consequences.

I will read Mr Valin's reviews with a new sense of skepticism in view of his comments. Prior to joining this site today I had no information regarding him. The information on this site is all new to me, but not exactly flattering to him from what I have read. Well I guess I could be in for some bashing also. A retired Army officer turning pacifist at RMAF. How sad. Im sorry. Im pathetic. But Im not a reviewers doormat.

Finally, of course, these are my personal comments and have nothing to do with our audio society functions nor is it my intent to slander anyone. These dealers/manufacturers need to improve their people skills and remember who actually BUYS their products at MSRP from a dealer no less!Reviewers can use their press days, evenings, locked door showings, press packs, loaner products, special discounts, factory tours, and freebies to their hearts content. And if they still cant find a way to evaluate a product after all of the above then they can wait in line like the rest of us. OK?

Robert Guerin Lt Colonel, US Army (R) Co Founder, River City Audio Society of San Antonio, Texas

Rerurn to Romy the Cat's Site