What's the point of reviewing?

If you like quality stereo equipment, reviews are a good way to help separate the wheat from the chaff if you’re a consumer, and not an expert. You can look at product reviews online, comments by readers on Audiogon and other forums, and "best of the year" ratings by the major audio magazines etc. and find by consensus what components are among the best out there in your price range. Then you have a reasonable guide to know what’s worth seeking out for a demo. Some of the folks writing above are excellent sources of information.

Unless you live near a major metropolitan area, that’s about as good as it will get for you, short of when you’re able to return equipment that doesn’t quite work in your listening room or with components you might already have. You can often research compatibility too to preclude those type issues. If you’ve got more or better ways to make equipment purchases that would be good info to share here.

Mike

8th-note, the one thing you’re more likely to get from Audiogon and other sites forum members is honesty about the shortcomings of various products. Site members will often point out shortcomings of a product that many professional reviewers are loathe to bluntly address. You certainly less likely to get the expertise of professional reviewers, but you will be much more likely to be exposed to the other side of the coin on any components performance. That info is helpful to know prior to going to the audio store to listen to product demos.

Mike

I found when shopping for speakers a while back the then newish Magico A3’s had many glowing reviews from professional reviewers. On the other hand there were significantly more criticisms on audio forums, including here, from members who had listened to them at shows or dealerships.

The sometimes harsh criticisms provided things to listen for and evaluate at demos. I eventually did select the Magicos, but am glad to have been able to weigh in the negative inputs on both the A3’s, and the other speakers on my short list, and not overlook aspects of their performance that might be potentially annoying over the long run.

Mike