Not sure about you guys, but if you read old Martin Colloms reviews - he did not pull punches although he has a Linn champion. If you speak to reviewers at shows you actually get the best/most honest info. Alvin Gold wasn't too bad back in the day, in addition to that there are others that have their moments ie: Roy Gregory, and Jason Kennedy. I chime in with what Syntax said that nobody writes bad reviews - that said I spoke to Simon Pope and he said that:
1. Really rubbish components are not made anymore;
2. If something is to be a shocker the manufacturer is told - they can get item pulled
3. manufacturers often ask for reviews and pay for them
In respect of turntables I spoke to the guy at Expert Stylus in the uk and he said that once you get to a certain level it's all about the cartridge/arm combo.
Jcarr from Lyra pops up here and there - he's pretty knowledgable and honest.
Surprisingly enough some manufacturers and shops can be very honest - especially the ones who are honest and confident enough to admit that an items sold by a competitor is as good or superior.
1. Really rubbish components are not made anymore;
2. If something is to be a shocker the manufacturer is told - they can get item pulled
3. manufacturers often ask for reviews and pay for them
In respect of turntables I spoke to the guy at Expert Stylus in the uk and he said that once you get to a certain level it's all about the cartridge/arm combo.
Jcarr from Lyra pops up here and there - he's pretty knowledgable and honest.
Surprisingly enough some manufacturers and shops can be very honest - especially the ones who are honest and confident enough to admit that an items sold by a competitor is as good or superior.