I've concluded audio is impossible to figure out. Better, worse, or just different, who knows? Heck, many times the differences amount to not much more than a feeling or perception. Getting real, defineable improvements require *large* increases in money spent, for the most part. Typically a 3X increase in cost by my estimation.
I appreciate being able to post less than positive comments on components and have never been deleted. So I don't know about "big brother".
I think most people here post exactly what they think with no financial gain in mind and even in such an "open forum" look at the varied perceptions of good vs. bad. No way a stereo mag can define what everybody will or won't like. Even if a reviewer says exactly what they think.
I'm not defending intentional deceit, just saying that you can't automatically say any component is good or bad.
There appears to be no such thing as right or wrong in audio. Only personal taste. Imagine how confusing regular life would be if we followed the same tao. Red lights mean stop .... unless you're late for work or it's your birthday. Speeding is illegal unless you're going to the beach. And on and on. Without rules and laws, society would fall apart. The audio world is one of anarchy it seems.
Unfortunately, however correct subjective reviewing is, I think it has thrown the audio world into the lunatic fringe (of which I am a member BTW) of consumer goods; Art Dudley giving a helping hand as of late, and resigned audio to an increasingly smaller sector of personal consumption.
I appreciate being able to post less than positive comments on components and have never been deleted. So I don't know about "big brother".
I think most people here post exactly what they think with no financial gain in mind and even in such an "open forum" look at the varied perceptions of good vs. bad. No way a stereo mag can define what everybody will or won't like. Even if a reviewer says exactly what they think.
I'm not defending intentional deceit, just saying that you can't automatically say any component is good or bad.
There appears to be no such thing as right or wrong in audio. Only personal taste. Imagine how confusing regular life would be if we followed the same tao. Red lights mean stop .... unless you're late for work or it's your birthday. Speeding is illegal unless you're going to the beach. And on and on. Without rules and laws, society would fall apart. The audio world is one of anarchy it seems.
Unfortunately, however correct subjective reviewing is, I think it has thrown the audio world into the lunatic fringe (of which I am a member BTW) of consumer goods; Art Dudley giving a helping hand as of late, and resigned audio to an increasingly smaller sector of personal consumption.