I agree that the way things are rated by some mags is not in the best interest of the consumer. While i'm not sure if any mag does do this, why don't they have specific categories ( tonal balance, soundstage, detail, etc ) and then score them by scaled points in each individual category? While those that are clueless would still tune into the "final score", others could look at how the component does in specific categories to see which aspects were most important to them. From there, you could then see how well the rest of the product was balanced and fit your needs by looking at the individual scores in each category. This way, you could get a very specific feel for the product as broken down by category with the same standards followed for each review. Does this make sense ? Is anybody doing something like this ? Sean >
Wrong direction?
The few "threads" back, a young man was inquiring about class "A" amp. And of course, most of the responses were in regard to class "A" amplifier, also understood by myself as such. Later, the same individual mentioned if able to "...find amp like that, he would further look for class "A" speakers!" Class A speakers? Well, i was wondering what could that be?...For a second i realized that he is referring to a Stereophile grading of the audio equipment! While i have and will be guilty of buying the audio products, unheard, i sure didn't base my decisions on one reviewer opinion or another! Stereophile sale doubles, and sometimes triples during the months of October, and April. "Recommended components" run those months. And the biggest offender, i think, is What HIFI, which reminds of audio "Swap Meet" periodical, with their little flags of "Best buy", or "component of choice" etc, etc...! Stereophile rates their components in class A, B, C and on.... Let see,... between class A and B, what was the determine factor to place the certain product to one or another? Room, cables...mood? So many variables, and controlled and uncontrolled events to "make or brake" one company, or sway one potential customer from buying the pre-amp, that he thought and felt was the ONE. But just changing his mind to purchase another, which was graded one STAR higher! I think, the magazines would be doing the consumer a favor, if those ratings and grading are eliminated. Let the consumer to decide! Especially audio components.