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I think what Brian did took both balls and chutzpah, because it is essentially a lose-lose gambit. If his versions were better people would say he used VM's version as a benchmark, and if not, he comes up with egg on his face. However, I found this to be extremely educational and valuable. First, a question. VM started with PCM files but the posted result was mp3. Brian started with the mp3 but posted a wav. Could he ever have gotten a better result, or does it not really matter whether the mp3 conversion loss happens at the beginning or at the end? (Maybe Lindell would post a full-res unmastered wav clip.) All that aside, what I found very interesting is that Brian's masters were very good, but IMO Vlado's was great. It moved air, the bottom was tight and huge, the snare hit you in the chest, and the highs were smooth and clear. It's the difference between good and great that makes careers. It can be a very fine line, but there is definitely a line. I can't really buy the all self-righteous outrage about this. Brian took the risk and put himself out there, that took conviction. His point was that comparable results can be had for a lot less $$, but whether he proved or disproved it remains in the ear of the listener. But you can't knock a guy for trying.
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