All audio rags should be read for enjoyment only. They're good for giving you an idea of the range of equipment out there, and some of the characteristics you might enjoy the most. If I was in the market for a new pair of nice speakers, I'd use the reviews to get down to a list of maybe 10-12 lines I'm interested in, but not to pare down the list any further. There are just too many variables, and as others have said, too often there isn't enough context given to really know how your own experience would match up. I find most of the rags enjoyable enough for the price of admission. -Kirk
What Rags carry the most review weight???
What magazines, for review purposes, do you follow? Reason I ask is that for example, "Stereophile" gave a wonderous review of Creek 5350SE but "What Hi*Fi?" says it is "likable" and has a "not-quite 800 pound sterling feel". Do our mates across the ocean have different tastes than us US'ers? Reason I ask all of this is that I am trying to decide on an integrated amp. Right now, I think I am down to the 5350SE, Arcam Diva 85, Music Fidelity A3, Bryston B60. Want a new piece, I will be building a system so will be adding speakers, cd, etc to this but want to start with amp. I will be trying to audition these prior to purchase. Any thoughts? Thnx in advance!!