one thing, among many, about stereophile ratings that really bugs me is: they refer only to the products they choose to review. (i know, in many instances these "choices" are really based on what manufactures beg them to review; in other instances the reviewed products are those most heavily advertised--perfect case in point is the current honker "speaker of the year," whose manufactuter has bought 2-page spreads for many months. my, my, what a surprise!) other, unreviewed products that may be, and frequently are, equal to those in class "a" are left off the list or, what a deal, relagated to class "k." how many times have you seen somebody advertise "stereophile CLASS K!!!" face it, tho, if it weren't for these ratings, stereophile would be out of business. something that may happen soon anyway.
Wrong direction?
The few "threads" back, a young man was inquiring about class "A" amp. And of course, most of the responses were in regard to class "A" amplifier, also understood by myself as such. Later, the same individual mentioned if able to "...find amp like that, he would further look for class "A" speakers!" Class A speakers? Well, i was wondering what could that be?...For a second i realized that he is referring to a Stereophile grading of the audio equipment! While i have and will be guilty of buying the audio products, unheard, i sure didn't base my decisions on one reviewer opinion or another! Stereophile sale doubles, and sometimes triples during the months of October, and April. "Recommended components" run those months. And the biggest offender, i think, is What HIFI, which reminds of audio "Swap Meet" periodical, with their little flags of "Best buy", or "component of choice" etc, etc...! Stereophile rates their components in class A, B, C and on.... Let see,... between class A and B, what was the determine factor to place the certain product to one or another? Room, cables...mood? So many variables, and controlled and uncontrolled events to "make or brake" one company, or sway one potential customer from buying the pre-amp, that he thought and felt was the ONE. But just changing his mind to purchase another, which was graded one STAR higher! I think, the magazines would be doing the consumer a favor, if those ratings and grading are eliminated. Let the consumer to decide! Especially audio components.