Agreed on both points. I like REG's stuff as well as Art Dudley, occasionally enjoyed Jonathan Scull's writing - used to wind me up so much I'd sometimes screw my copy of Stereophile up in anger - which is the reaction a good mag should get.

Hifi News has become such a deadly bore, I read (skim) and finish it in about 10 - 20 minutes or so. Totally agree with your sentiments re KK, you are guaranteed before you even read a review of his exactly what to expect - ie if its ARC its the best ever - (I was amazed when he gave the 10 grand REF3 a glowing review despite misgivings over the nasty display - it was actually a non review more an advertising pitch for a Marque that is no longer producing 'reference' products...imho), if its a big expensive electro static ML panel speaker its the best ever since the last one....etc etc. Early KK was a delight when he wrote with left field verve about components no one rated (decca cartridges, valve amps etc) in a time when everyone measured and just bowed blindly before Linn/Naim (I have no axe to grind here, I used to own an LP 12 and use a naim cd player....)