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Does anybody read reviews?

I spend lots of time (and occasionally money) on AudiogoN. I very much enjoy the threads and have read or started lots of them. I even wrote a review last week, but for the most part I don't read them unless it's about a piece of equipment I own. Part of the problem is the credibility of the writer. There are several people whose reviews I would read but I don't know most of the writers. Obviously that doesn't make their review less valid.
The review I wrote had two responses and they were both from people who have the piece of equipment I was reviewing.
I don't know if it's laziness or time constraints but I don't read most of the reviews and I was wondering if anyone else has the same experience.
I was also wondering if AudiogoN is trying to build up a data base of reviews for people to eventually peruse when they are looking to buy something down the road.
What do you think?
128x128nrchy

Showing 2 responses by esoxhntr

esoxhntr
196 posts
 
I hate to be critical in this forum - but I read three reviews and now pointedly ignore them. Each review read like a very poor ripoff of a trade magazine review, and each one stated that the piece of equipment in question was definitively the best that each of the "reviewers" had ever heard. I have no interest in a review that includes only glowing commentary. Every piece of equipment available has limitations and trade offs - so include them in the review, or be prepared to be taken less than seriously. Too often, these reviews are just somebody's way of advertising that they have bought a new piece of equipment.

I hate to sound bitter, but I really wish that the 'Gon would create a format for reviews and keep them separate from the discussion threads.
esoxhntr
196 posts
 
Jadem6:

In a backward sense, you just proved my point - your excellent efforts in writing a review will go completely to waste if audiogon does not come up with a system for proper composition/format. Your review on the Plinius was well thought out and informative - so much so that I will probably take more time to read your other reviews. BUT, that doesn't change the fact that most of the reviews are much less well written. In fairness, it is possible that with this being a new thrust (and with prizes available) that many people are getting a little carried away with the review writing.

Next, no piece of audio gear is perfect. It's just not possible. I would not expect anyone to make negative comments simply to gain favour with others, nor would I reasonably expect people to buy gear they don't like. This is not my point. What I am trying to say is that even though I very much like the sound of my system, I would never claim it to be the ultimate, and I would be careful to point out some of it's realistic shortcomings. I feel that this would be much more helpful to individuals who are prospective buyers of gear.

I like this site a lot - visiting it has taught me a great deal and I enjoy coming away feeling a little better informed. But that will only continue to occur with input from thoughtful individuals like yourself - not from anyone proclaiming the infinite audiophile magic and majesty produced by a piece of gear simply not capable of that kind of sound.
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