Firstly, I think Darko is right, there are a lot of synods in the audiophile hobby. However, take any hobby and you will find snobbery somewhere, it’s just humanity I guess.
As for ASR, the things I can’t stand are:
1. Even when Amir is wrong, he’s not wrong. Arguing with him and many others on the site is like arguing with a wall, so it’s best to not do it. You will never win.
2. The sycophantic relationship of a lot of his posters. Every time he posts anything, there are several “oh my god, you are the best and brightest in all the land…” type posts. Especially when he is bashing another reviewer or forum. It’s comical how they fawn over him like he’s the king of some kingdom.
3. I think he (and many on the forum) think they have “golden ears” when they listen to speakers and headphones. At his age and as loud as he evidently listens, there is no way he doesn’t have hearing loss. (In my head I think of him as Tin Ear Amir, but never on ASR, I’m sure that would awaken the ban hammer and ire of his sycophants)
4. the incredible arrogance displayed on there when it comes to reviews. I really think they believe that their reviews, and only their reviews, are worth anything. On one thread they implied that whatever was recommended by Amir is all that is needed. I said he hasn’t tested that much, so maybe they should allow for things Amir hasn’t tested. Of course it went over like a lead balloon.
It it his site, so he can pretty much do what he wants though. I still check it out for cheap recommends.