Example of a piece o’ crap, useless review


I’ve harped on how crappy and useless many “professional” reviews are because they lack rigor and omit critical information.  This one is from TAS that is a main offender of pumping out shallow/unsupported reviews, but most of the Euro mags among others are guilty of this too IME.  One key giveaway that a review is crap is that after reading it you still have little/no real understanding of what the piece under review actually sounds like or if it’s something you’d like to consider further.  I mean, if a review can’t accomplish those basic elements what use is it?  This review is so shallow it reads like it could’ve been written by someone who never even listened to the review sample and just made it up outta thin air.  In addition to failing on this broad level, here are some other major problems with the review:

- There is no info regarding any shortcomings of this “budget” turntable — everything is positive.  Sounds like it was perfect, ehem.

- There are no comparisons to another product in the same general price category or anything else.

- The reviewer doesn’t even share what equipment is in his reference system so we can at least infer what he may have based his impressions on.

In short, in addition to this review being so bad/useless for all the reasons stated it actually reads more like advertisement for the product than an actual unbiased review.  I can think of nothing worse to say about a review, and sadly many reviews out there are similarly awful for the same reasons.  Sorry for the rant, but especially as a former reviewer this piece of garbage pushed all my buttons and really ticked me off.  What say you?

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/sota-quasar-turntable-and-pyxi-phonostage/

soix

Showing 3 responses by oddiofyl

The table in question is the follow up to the Escape.   It's basically an Escape with a nice wood cabinet instead of a resin.   Too bad they didn't elaborate on its performance because if it is anything like my Escape / Origin Live Silver , it should be on your short list in this price range.  

High quality motor made in USA with the excellent Condor motor controller.  Sapphire bearing,, high quality spindle and platter.    Definitely worth a look.  

I totally get how it reads like an ad campaign and not a review but I bet it is a great table. 

That SOTA was one of the few things I have bought sight unseen and was surprised at really how good it was.   I did a little homework, demoed a few locally but I thought the SOTA was the best bang for the buck.    I don’t buy things based on reviews,  I like to “review “ it at home and let my ears decide.  
 

It is nice to have an idea of what a product’s level of quality and performance is and that’s why I like reviews.   A balance of specs, features, maybe some plots is good 

Yes, the Condor motor is plenty strong...  he was just putting too much pressure.  A lot of tables will slow down....  I hope anyone interested in Sota dismisses that.

My Escape is a great table and I probably would go up the line rather than to another brand after owning it.