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Why audio reviews are meaningless, though maybe fun to read

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Posted on May 19, 2004 at 07:21:44
abajaj11


 
Hi Everyone,
Here are some thoughts on why audio reviews today are meaningless:
1. AS anyone who has spent any time putting together very hifidelity systems knows, tuning a speaker to a room and an amp, and a source to an amp, for example can make HUGE differences.
Subjectively, a component may sound great in one setup, and lousy in another. Especially when the reviewer is really trying to split hairs (the bass was dark in one versus rich in another).
Some of us place great credence on measurements. Well, most audio equipment that makes it to a review measures pretty well, and in the range in which they all operate, knowing measurements is really not going to tell you:
a) how it will sound overall, and
b) how it will sound in your system and in your room. A compnent that measures even a thousand times worse (like an amp with 1% distortion) may sound MUCH better than a another (like an amp with 0.001 percent distortion).
SO, why read audio publications...becuase they are cheap and fun! But for God's sake don;t buy stuff based on theur recommendations...
-akhilesh

 

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There are certain reviewers who I have followed and, posted on May 19, 2004 at 09:37:42
"tested" over time and have come to trust.

I find reviews extremely helpful and informative, and I have made blind-buying decisions based on the opinions of a select group of reviewers. Sure, there are those that are amusing and some you have to take with a grain of salt.

 

Re: Not quite "meaningless"..., posted on May 19, 2004 at 09:40:58
mkuller


 
A good reviewer will work hard to get the most performance out of a loudspeaker, using a number of different amps and moving them around the room for best placement. When I was reviewing, I would try to hear a loudspeaker in at least two different rooms (sometimes the local dealer would be the second) and with a least three different amps (one tubed). If the reviewer is doing his job, the review should reflect pretty accurately the sonic signature of the speaker - what you will hear under similar circumstances. Entertainment value is important but not as important as care and accuracy IMO.

Even having said all that anyone who purchases a product based on a review, without auditioning the product at length, and preferably in their own system and room - well, is foolish. Reviews should be used as guides to add or eliminate products to your list to audition.
Regards,
Mike

 

Re: Why audio reviews are meaningless, though maybe fun to read, posted on May 19, 2004 at 10:01:45
clbeanz
Audiophile

Posts: 1693
Location: No.Ca.
Joined: March 2, 2004
If I do what you say then I can't follow your recommendation.I read them for so many reasons.I keep "all" the back issues for reference. The good reviewer who "is" trying to convey an idea of a piece under perusal can be an invaluable aid.I think of them as "my" research assistants in print,extra eyes and ears allowing me to cover more ground efficiently.In the final I will do as some implore,"judge for yourself".
It is nice to have someone "split hairs" and document measurements for me.Putting it out there under heavy fire is deeply appreciated by "this A-hound".If most measure well,then call it an quality assurance test for manufacturing competence.
Even if they are not one hundred percent,100% of the time it's nice to have a touchstone. I Monday Quarterback as badly as anyone else.
Meaningless for you ok I respect that.My 1st system was many class"C" pieces back in 95'and when I plugged it all in you may have had me in your camp.Over the years taking what I've learned en'route to now, that same system much improved still functions never having needed repair.Thanks Reviewermen ~B^)

 

The only thing less reliable than a subjective audio review is . . ., posted on May 19, 2004 at 10:29:15
allmodcons
Audiophile

Posts: 20
Location: NYC
Joined: May 16, 2004
...one based strictly on measurement.

You sound as if audio reviews are something more than the subjective opinion of the writer. They are not. Just as with film, concert, restaurant or automobile reviews, an audio review is about the emotional connection between the reviewer and what they are reviewing. The reason high end magazines often list the associated equipment and measurements is to give you the context of the review, but the final arbiter is ultimately subjective and personal.
I think that the audio magazines have been very forthright in stating that the review should be only but one part of the purchasing process, not some commandment from upon high.
For years there was a common conception that audio magazines took themselves too seriously, I fear you are reversing that particular fortune.

 

Mind if I ask why you quit reviewing? (nt), posted on May 19, 2004 at 15:41:19
nt

 

Re: The only thing less reliable than a subjective audio review is . . ., posted on May 19, 2004 at 17:47:41
abajaj11


 
Not sure if you are agreeing with me or disagreeing, but no matter!:-)
I respect all your posts!
Having built speakers and amp (as a hobby) and tunng them, i find that a speaker that sounds JUST RIGHT in one room may be too bright in another, or with another amp, and so on. Similarly, a source that sounds great with one amp may be too rolled off for another. So the interaction effects :
component-component;
component-room;
component-listener,
room-listener,
room-component-listener

are SO IMPORTANT, that unless you duplicate all of them (assuming the reviewer knew what he was doing in the first place) you are not really going to learn anything. The logical end to this argument, as the astute reader has no doubt surmised, is that one HAS to build one;s own, and tweak for a while, or get someone else to do that for them.
Of course, audio is a lot about "feeling good" as well as hearing well, esp. high end audio. Which explains a lot of what passes for "haute audio" in the high end audio world.
-akhilesh

 

Re: Why audio reviews are meaningless, though maybe fun to read, posted on May 19, 2004 at 18:53:44
theprieb
Audiophile

Posts: 172
Location: MI
Joined: February 17, 2004
Sometimes they talk about thing other than how "it" sounds; like h,w,weight, how "it" is built. What colors or options "it" may have. A little bit about the company that makes "it". How the knobs work, how the wires hook up, and you can also show your wife the review of "it" and she may let you buy "it".
Theprieb

 

Re: Good question , Sue..., posted on May 20, 2004 at 11:01:06
mkuller
Audiophile

Posts: 38130
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: April 22, 2003
I ask myself that from time to time when I miss it. After 15 years of reviewing I decided I was finally tired of listening to different equipment constantly and just wanted to enjoy the music for a change. At the time, 4 years ago, I was starting a new business, my daughters were beginning to become teenagers and I decided my energy was better spent focusing on other things than trying to meet publishing deadlines. TAS was taking off in a different direction under new ownership and no longer had the "small family" feel of the past. It seemed like a good time to exit.
Regards,
Mike

 

Sheer genius!, posted on May 20, 2004 at 14:27:46
Every review should include a list of viable reasons or excuses that can be used on one's spouse to go out and buy that particular product.

Better yet, find ways of making these reasons seem valid.....
You'll never look fat in pants again.
Virtually guarantees that you'll always look accessorized.
Gives your skin that youthful glow and tightness.
Eliminates the need for dieting and exercise.

;~) (I couldn't resist)

 

Re: Why audio reviews are meaningless, though maybe fun to read, posted on May 20, 2004 at 15:43:06
johnniem15
Reviewer

Posts: 527
Location: New York City
Joined: December 20, 2003
Let he who has never followed a review cast the first stone.... What would you do to have the opportunity to be an audio reviewer? Just a thought...

 

Re: Sheer genius!, posted on May 20, 2004 at 20:29:16
theprieb
Audiophile

Posts: 172
Location: MI
Joined: February 17, 2004
My wife liked it when I showed her reviews of an amp and speakers I wanted. When she read that both had a womans touch(Manley-Eveana, and Thiel, Kathy G.), it was a done deal!
ThePrieb

 

I really don't mind the listening..., posted on May 21, 2004 at 04:40:51
...it's trying to lift the 100 plus lb amps with no handles and razorblade heatsinks that can be a challenge. And I've been known to utter a cuss word or two wrestling with power cords that weigh more than the components themselves. Other than that, things have been going fairly well so far. Although HP is the one who originally hired me, Robert Harley's a good guy and I enjoy writing for him as well.

 

Re: Hang in there and keep up the good work..., posted on May 21, 2004 at 10:05:50
mkuller
Audiophile

Posts: 38130
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: April 22, 2003
just try to keep out of the way of the inter-magazine politics. If I can help in any way, just let me know.
Regards,
Mike

 

Re: Thiel and Manley are a great combination which I've been using for years...(nt), posted on May 21, 2004 at 11:59:54
mkuller
Audiophile

Posts: 38130
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: April 22, 2003
(nt)

 

Re: Why audio reviews are meaningless, though maybe fun to read, posted on May 22, 2004 at 22:18:01
abajaj11


 
I can safely say i have never followed a review... ok i take that back.. i did buy my zen amp after reading all about it on the internet, calling and talking to the builder (decware) and then confirming there was a money back guarantee.

But i would NEVer spend loads of cash on some haute audio artifact, because some over fed critic was in a pleasant mood on the days when he/she reviewed it!
-akhilesh

 

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