2. amps-preamps
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Over emphasis on reviews....

I understand that most individuals dont have the time, patience,energy, or resources to a/b and demo every audiophile choice under the sun...but the vastly different views of some componets is almost laughable...examples...the rotel 1072 cdp player was lauded in TAS but highly degraded in the Brit press(3 of 5 stars)...2 denon componets...cdp 1650 and pma-2000 were Stereophile componets while receiving lukewarm receptions over seas...the Quad L series was heavily applauded in the UK while virtually ignored in the states...I also understand that system matching is key in any review...but how many times have you read a review that labels something as "warm" only to find another review that labels it "nuetral"...there are probably better examples of my rambling...what gives?
128x128phasecorrect
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
I think the mags serve a purpose. For the new guys it is a good place to start. Now a days you can read plenty of online reviews. Reviews are a guideline/ opinion. You may have to do some of the work yourself.Seeking this reading helps educate us. I guess once we know it all we bash the mags??Every listner, every reviewer; has their preferences--in their equip. and in their "sound"--we have to find our own preferences. Knowing a reviewers preferences,helps.
aball
2,016 posts
 


Come to think of it, why do we have audio forums??

hahaha
mcmiller
30 posts
 
I can honestly say that I've never purchased a component based on a review in a magazine. I find that most of the reviews here and on a few related sites are the best for my needs even though the opinions sometimes differ widely. Those who write reviews about the gear I want have usually been through a similar upgrade path as me. They have usually worked within the same set of constraints. I'm not an early adopter. Most of the magazine reviews are about the latest piece of gear with the early adopter price tag. For components that have had some time in the field, I prefer the opinion of someone who has lived with a piece for a while and with different associated components.

What would really be useful is if the magazines published reviews from users who have lived with gear for a while. The PCA magazine does this for models that have been on the road for a few years and the feedback is much more helpful and interesting because it is real world experience instead of the impressions of a reviewer who spent an afternoon at the track.

I think that the main reason that the magazines still hold value is because most people won't take their laptop into the bathroom.
krelldog
311 posts
 
My Stereophile subscription costs me about 10 bucks a year. Thats about 83 cents an issue. Truthfully I don't put any stock in their reviews,but its certainly good reading for a session in the bathroom. Every once in a while I'll get some quality information,but I mainly read it to look at the pics of different gear. Oh and their music recommendations are good for a monthly laugh too............I can find more accurate info online in 5 minutes-than 20 years of any hifi mag(rag)........
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