Am I too cynical?


I recently purchased a new set of speakers.  I spent a considerable amount of time reading the high end magazines and listening to various options.  I could not help but to be struck by how the positive magazine reviews were almost always accompanied by an advertisement (usually a full page or more) by the manufacturer of the product that received the rave review by the magazine.  No to pick on one, but Golden Ear must spend a great deal of money on advertising and it seems to pay off as their Triton speakers get universally great reviews.  

Given that great press I auditioned a pair (don't recall which model) and found them to be good, but not exceptional.  I also listened to some other well reviewed/advertised models by Dynaudio, Spendor, etc.  in the end I purchased a pair of Linn Majik 140s.  I have never seen a review for these speakers, nor have I ever seen them advertised.  

I don't want to sound naive about how the business of running a magazine works, but I would expect a little more objectivity on their part.  Or am I just too cynical?
jcs01

Showing 1 response by williewonka

I agree with Celtic66 about it being a "JUNGLE"

You can’t trust many of the reviews!!!
- they are all paid for.

You can’t trust the retailers!!!
- they change product lines and allegiances like changing socks!

You can’t trust manufacturers !!!
- they have been known to release the same product year after year
- some with just a different faceplate or in a different chassis/case

About the only trustworthy info is from posters on forums !

My BIG purchases (i.e. speakers and amp) have been products that leapt out and screamed "BUY ME" during an in-store audition - followed by an in-home audition.

I generally only trust my ears these days!

The one product where I "relaxed" that rule - Schiit Bifrost - but I researched the heck out of their other products and requested feedback here first - thank guys :-)

Regards...
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