just hype?

I know some folks that have worked with their ribbon drivers on special projects and been extremely happy with them. Most of the comments that i've seen about them have been quite positive. While not trying to sound "elitist" by any means, i would take the "reviews" at AudioReview with a grain of salt. Many of the "reviewers" are limited in scope and experience so a decent product sometimes becomes "excellent" given their limited exposure. A good way to see if their findings hold water is to look at the associated gear and the other components that they compared it to. Obviously, someone with a Technics receiver and Sanyo CD player would not have the most resolving or musical sounding system to try and judge just how good another component would stack up. Sean >

Zen, my comments about the reviews on AudioReview were not aimed strictly at the Newforms but at all of the reviews there in general. I would agree that a product that consistently gets raves from it's owners says a lot, but i also look at the negative comments. I can't think of a product that i can't find SOMETHING that i think that they could have done better or in a different manner. When someone can't find ANY "flaws" about a product, they are either not real picky or haven't put the product through all of its paces yet. After all, NO manufacturer can make a product that pleases everyone all of the time. Another thing to consider is that some people have "reviewed" the same product 4 or 5 times on that site. They keep going back to say "man, this thing kicks ass" or to defend their point of view against someone that voiced criticism of it. This can add up to a LOT of very positive reviews but they might come from a handful of users. Like anything else, think for yourself and read between the lines. Having said all of that, the Newforms are PROBABLY well worth the money that they ask for them. Especially with the "no questions asked" return privilidge. Sean >