2. analog
  3. 1364382162

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?
128x128syntax

Showing 9 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,837 posts
 
IT depends on the reviewer.

A lot is based on trust.

If a reviewer has a good track record over time, it means something. The product being reviewed is likely viable or competitive at a minimum.

Whether it would work best for you or not or if you will like it is still TBD.

But a good and trusted reviewer will know what makes a product tick usually enough so as to point out strengths, weaknesses, good or bad potential applications.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,837 posts
 
"Look, there is very little junk out there these days from reputable manufacturers. Most of the differences are ones of flavor, not competence, especially at the levels worth discussing on these sites."

Whoops, the secret is out!

High end audio, beware....
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,837 posts
 
"You are a wise persons and IMHO there are no true real facts where you can argue that tube technology is better than SS to work with real speakers"

Some say some tubes provide more linear gain at various frequencies than transistors. IF so, that would be one benefit of tubes.

Of course no single aspect of either technology tells the whole story.

I would say that as long as amp and speakers are well matched "electronically", good things can happen.

SS amps will tend to perform best with different speaker designs than tube amps. Tube amps will be more challenged to match SS performance with speakers designed for SS use. SS amps may be less challenged "electronically" to drive speakers that work best with tubes, but sound will be different and not like the one the speaker designer probably intended.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,837 posts
 
The reviewers whose opinions I trust are the ones who base their reviews on a solid foundation of facts. They will point out why one thing works well with another and not another. These kind of reviewers are admittedly in the minority perhaps, but they do exist. No doubt some have vested financial interests in particular products. Fine, as long as the facts support the conclusions. Some are just flat out ignorant of the key facts that goes into making good sound. Some good ones may just have an off day from time to time.

So I would be apprehensive about discounting all reviewers categorically or taking everything they say to heart. Like most things, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. It takes an educated reader to find where that is.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,837 posts
 
"Mapman is also a hero of mine."

Always glad to be of service to insomniacs everywhere! :^)
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,837 posts
 
One thing for sure, in the end, no substitute for trusting one's own ears.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,837 posts
 
I like that Raul says what he thinks. And that his views change over time as he learns as well.

I usually get the gist of what he says. Does that mean I now understand Japanese? :^)

A little humility like admitting one does not have all the answers can also go a long way, especially on social media sites like this.

Beware the "AHEE"........
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,837 posts
 
"We are really proudly on what we achieved, IMHO the design fulfil any cartridge needs and fulfil my audiophile expectations and self needs. We have no doubt that the design is a a clear an precise " border " where at the border side of our design exist only our design."

Translation: It's SOTA!!!

Wait until the evil AHEE get one to review! They must be conspiring as we speak on how best to rip RR a new one!

Of course, the contempt of the AHEE will only make the product more attractive, right? :^)
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,837 posts
 
A mainstream press review would be very entertaining, kinda like a good pro wrestling match, but I suspect RR would get powerbombed by the evil AHEE in the end, regardless of product's merit.
More to discover