The most reliable reviewer is one whose interests and tastes match yours. It can take a long time to figure out who those are.
My music interests are mainly in classical music and other acoustic music, and my equipment interests are great sound and great engineering -- not a particular chip, configuration, efficiency rating, or so on (though I avoid tubes for heat reasons). My tastes run to even frequency response, natural timbre, and low irritation. The most reliable reviewers for me are Robert E Greene, Kal Rubinson, and Anthony H Cordesman. I also read with interest what Neil Gader and Steven Stone have to say. (I have noticed that Kal prefers a little hotter treble than I do.)
In the end, the most reliable reviewer is your own set of ears. Use the other guys to suggest items to listen to yourself.
As to conflicts, all reviewers have an inherent conflict in that they can buy the equipment for much less than you or I can, so their risk is much lower. I think the vast majority of reviewers are honest, though they are not always thorough or listening for the same things I might.
My music interests are mainly in classical music and other acoustic music, and my equipment interests are great sound and great engineering -- not a particular chip, configuration, efficiency rating, or so on (though I avoid tubes for heat reasons). My tastes run to even frequency response, natural timbre, and low irritation. The most reliable reviewers for me are Robert E Greene, Kal Rubinson, and Anthony H Cordesman. I also read with interest what Neil Gader and Steven Stone have to say. (I have noticed that Kal prefers a little hotter treble than I do.)
In the end, the most reliable reviewer is your own set of ears. Use the other guys to suggest items to listen to yourself.
As to conflicts, all reviewers have an inherent conflict in that they can buy the equipment for much less than you or I can, so their risk is much lower. I think the vast majority of reviewers are honest, though they are not always thorough or listening for the same things I might.