When a Reviewer "likes" something


... what does that mean in your opinion. I read in one of the last Stereophile mags a comment from Mr. Atkinson where he wrote about the differences in "opinions" in forums or in printed mags. After all he ended with the argument, a component is good when a reviewer likes it.
Isn't is more helpful, when a reviewer knows something about a real tone reproduction? Or is it ok, when he used every month another CD or LP he got for free, a kind of music nearly no one wants to listen to?
Harry Pearson used in the 90's always the same records for his reviews but that was an exception I think.
What is it worth for you when - for example - Mr. Dudley/Fremer/Valin/HP .... "likes" something? Do you have the same "taste" they have?
I know it is possible to like a Turntable even when that unit can't hold the proper speed, or is extremely sensitive to any influences, there are endless recommendations written about such units...what is it worth for you?
Atkinson for example measures units, some have top datas but they can sound very boring, far away from the real thing, some have no top datas, some "tests" are shortened because a unit can reach a area which can be pretty dangerous (see one of the latest Agostino units, just as an example) but they are rated Class A in recommendations anyway....
When someone "knows" what is right or not, then his "liking" is only a personal opinion which is more or less uninteresting or?
Most customers (not all of course) would prefer to know what a unit is really able to do sonically, or not? Would knowledge destroy the joy of Hardware rolling? Or is there a reason why reviewers use low efficiency speakers when they have a tube amp for review (for example Lamm ML2.1/ML2.2 with Magico Speakers)? Is the matching "expensive + expensive" the proper way to show competence?
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Showing 10 responses by rrog

"I agree that there's no conspiracy or collusion taking place, they just report what they hear and we either agree or disagree with their impressions."

How can you be so naive?
It means nothing to me when a reviewer likes something because they like their advertisers, manufacturers that give away equipment and their friends, nothing more. Stereophile continues to offer me a 2 year subscription for $14 and TAS continues to send magazines to expired subscribers so advertisers will not know their circulation is diminishing. Reviewers have written "I like these speakers so much I'm buying the review sample." and 2 weeks later they are for sale for 50% of retail, right Art? Magazines have been deceiving the public for decades and in my opinion they have caused irreparable damage to an industry we love. Use your own ears to decide if you like the way stereo equipment sounds. You don't need someone else to tell you if you should like it or not.
I gave you specific actual knowledge. Did you read it? Do you want more? All manufacturers have this knowledge. Be careful what you wish for. This could open the door to just how much corruption there really is in the stereo industry.

Naive is being duped by someone you think is a professional.
Manitunc, You are either the most gullible person in the world or you have some reason to support high end audio reviews.
Reviewers, politicians, lawyers, corporations or what have you deserve to be defamed if they are corrupt.
Rauliruegas, I enjoyed reading your post. You brought up some very good points.
Raul makes some very good points regardless of what the thread police and the posting critics think. It's not like this is the first time a thread has evolved into a broader topic.

"You seem very judgemental of alternative points of view."

You seem awfully touchy on the subject. Were your comments about me or were your comments about yorself? I have noticed on several threads you have found it important to only disagree with my postings. Is there a rub?

"Also so how he aquires a component should not be anyone's business either."

I totally disagree with this statement. How a reviewer aquires equipment is a concern because most reviewers are equipment whores and this creates biased reviews.