In the old days, the reviewers at ABS and Stereophile used to list the records and equipment used to evaluate the equipment, and point out specific areas of the music where the equipment acted in a certain manner different from their reference. that way, you could play the same album and see if you heard the same thing. I thought that was a good way of transfering the reviewers experience to something I could recreate in my home. they seem to have gotten away from that.
ABS especially would have a number of reviewers review the same piece of equipment and have their counterpoint to the main reviewer. I found that to be useful also.
I suppose these days of instant gratification require a quick turnover of equipment to ensure that the latest and greatest gets reviewed and printed ASAP. Perhaps quantity over quality. When ABS and Stereophile were underground mags with fluctuating publishing schedules, they could take their time until they had enough to fill a magazine. Now, with monthly schedules they print what they have to fill the space, and not a lot of followup. But, it must be a more successful business model as the old journal style almost went under. I preferred that old, small book style. Seemed a little more important than the magazine format.
I dont have a problem with the reviewer publishing what the manufacturer states is their theory for the product, so long as we know thats what it is, manufacturer explanation. We can take it or leave it. I dont like when a reviewer just copies the manufacturers brochure to pass off as his own explanation of the science involved. Just tell me what it sounds like, and if it works properly with no quirks. If it takes a month to warm up before it sounds good, say so, and I will pass. If it only works with certain cables, to me, it is a flawed product and I will pass. If it blows up, send it back and move on.
ABS especially would have a number of reviewers review the same piece of equipment and have their counterpoint to the main reviewer. I found that to be useful also.
I suppose these days of instant gratification require a quick turnover of equipment to ensure that the latest and greatest gets reviewed and printed ASAP. Perhaps quantity over quality. When ABS and Stereophile were underground mags with fluctuating publishing schedules, they could take their time until they had enough to fill a magazine. Now, with monthly schedules they print what they have to fill the space, and not a lot of followup. But, it must be a more successful business model as the old journal style almost went under. I preferred that old, small book style. Seemed a little more important than the magazine format.
I dont have a problem with the reviewer publishing what the manufacturer states is their theory for the product, so long as we know thats what it is, manufacturer explanation. We can take it or leave it. I dont like when a reviewer just copies the manufacturers brochure to pass off as his own explanation of the science involved. Just tell me what it sounds like, and if it works properly with no quirks. If it takes a month to warm up before it sounds good, say so, and I will pass. If it only works with certain cables, to me, it is a flawed product and I will pass. If it blows up, send it back and move on.