Anyone who buys kit on the basis of a review, deserves all they get, but I am sure 99% of people don't do that. They are a general guide to what you should consider auditioning yourself. I can think of a number of items I acquired that way, all of which were a success, in my view and that is all that counts. The Ayre QB9 DAC, Audio Research Ref 75, Modwright 36.5 pre, for example. What is the magazine I trust most, HiFi Plus? but that is still only, to look for an audition.
Following up on comments how much speakers are room dependent, absolutely true, but what you don't see discussed, is how much Speakers vary in their "fussiness". I can think of a number of models you can pretty well plonk down in your usual speaker position and get pretty good sound. Not perfect, but they don't seem to need weeks moving by inches and angst, to get right. I am sure others would disagree, but I would include Wilson Duette speakers here.
Following up on comments how much speakers are room dependent, absolutely true, but what you don't see discussed, is how much Speakers vary in their "fussiness". I can think of a number of models you can pretty well plonk down in your usual speaker position and get pretty good sound. Not perfect, but they don't seem to need weeks moving by inches and angst, to get right. I am sure others would disagree, but I would include Wilson Duette speakers here.