the OP speaks very wise words. I'll never forget the incident about 10 years ago, a self-proclaimed guru was proclaiming how great his McIntosh amp sounded. yes, it did sound good. but it didn't sound $5000 good. it actually didn't image or soundstage as well as some $500 single ended pentode systems I've heard and owned in the past. I said so and was reprimanded and warned on the website, because he was the moderator. so I put up a video of my own system playing tapes in my 14' x 28' living room, on YouTube. the videos got noticed on the site, and praised the moderator then banned me, and also reported my video to YouTube for copyright infringement, because I played a few vintage rock tapes on it- and the video was silenced by YouTube. all this because the cheap $500 system could run with and image/soundstage better, than his high dollar McIntosh setup, and he did it because he was peddling the stuff. not to say McIntosh isn't really good- but stifling and stymying information to monetary gain, is really bad. I've seen this phenom again and again, on various message boards.
Beware the audio guru
There are a few contributors to these forums who apparently see themselves as gurus. They speak in absolutes, using words such as "always" and "never." They make pronouncements about products or techniques they’ve never heard or experienced, justifying their conclusions because contrary claims are "impossible" or "snake oil." Those who disagree are accused of being "deluded," or suffering some insurmountable bias, or attempting to further some commercial agenda. On occasion, they have taunted detractors with an appeal that they engage in a wager - one guy wanted $25,000 cash up front and an agreement drafted by lawyers. Another offered 5-to-1 odds.
I am not going to tell you who to believe. But for anyone who might be uncertain about sorting out conflicting claims here, I suggest they consider the behavior of experts in other fields. No good doctor offers a 100 percent guarantee on any treatment or surgical procedure, even if medical science suggests success. No good attorney will tell you that you have a case that positively can’t be lost, even if the law appears to be on your side. No true professional will insult you for the questions you ask, or abandon you if you seek a second opinion.
A doctor conducts his own tests. An engineer makes his own measurements. Neither will insist the burden of documentation falls upon you.
These might be details to consider as you sift through the many conflicting claims made on Audiogon. In short: Decide for yourself. Don’t let other people tell you how to think, or listen.
I am not going to tell you who to believe. But for anyone who might be uncertain about sorting out conflicting claims here, I suggest they consider the behavior of experts in other fields. No good doctor offers a 100 percent guarantee on any treatment or surgical procedure, even if medical science suggests success. No good attorney will tell you that you have a case that positively can’t be lost, even if the law appears to be on your side. No true professional will insult you for the questions you ask, or abandon you if you seek a second opinion.
A doctor conducts his own tests. An engineer makes his own measurements. Neither will insist the burden of documentation falls upon you.
These might be details to consider as you sift through the many conflicting claims made on Audiogon. In short: Decide for yourself. Don’t let other people tell you how to think, or listen.