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Have you ever thought it would be cool to have a stereo reviewer come to your house?

While I was listening to my system today, I started thinking it would be really fun to invite one or more stereo system reviewers from magazines or blogs over for a blind listening session. I wouldn’t let them see the room or the equipment at all. They could play whatever music they like, form their impressions, rate the system, and even guess how much was spent on it. After that, I’d reveal everything and see how close they came. I’ve always been curious how my setup stacks up against the kinds of systems these reviewers hear all the time.

baclagg
winoguy17
1,330 posts
 

 Rather have Jennifer Aniston stop by ...

erik_squires
17,560 posts
 

Kind of but then I started thinking about how much I disagree with so much of the reviews.  What passes for neutral and transparent in the high end rags is not what I strive for at all.  

I did once have several audiophiles over to listen to my system, 100% Class D amps, and not one of them said "Oh wow, that Class D sound..." 

Also, as a hobbyist speaker builder, there’s no real room for my speakers in their world.  I’m reminded of this recent Stereophile article by Herb Reichert, which was close to the OP’s idea.   They barely mention the speakers, the very heart of the system, perhaps because they are DIY models. 

jnovak's avatar
jnovak
503 posts
 

I've had both audio engineers and recording artists to my home. They were all polite but didn't really care about "audio systems". I've had upwards of 100 "audiophiles" over for a listen. VERY mixed reviews. We are quirky bunch!

garebear
1,273 posts
 

…….first off they would never do it as they no skin in the game or equipment to keep in order to do a favorable review that it is the best they have ever heard and secondly ; who cares ! Enjoy your music and if you like your system that’s all that matters . Strange post but still responded 

jallan's avatar
jallan
427 posts
 

@douglas_schroeder Without throwing any shade on your experience and accumulated expertise, I think you went a bit overboard with your statement about cables and audio knowledge. One can wind up with a variety of cables in one’s system intentionally, an action done with knowledge and comprehension. Your suggested solution of purchasing three complete sets to compare can be prohibitively expensive for more complex systems (such as my former setup of biamped Dahlquist DQ10’s with double subwoofers). I moved to going with Transparent cabling in the main routing of my system recently ($7K investment, a lot for me), but kept my older cabling for components I use less frequently (the older cabling is still decent, but the primary reason was to concentrate my resources on the pathways I listened to the most).

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