Shouldn't amp reviews employ multiple speakers?


In the December issue of Stereophile, both of the amp reviews (VTL S-400 & MF kW750) were conducted with a single set of speakers (Thiel CS6 w/ the VTL, Wilson MAXX2 w/ the MF). This seems like bad practice. Shouldn't an amp review try to assess how well an amplifier handles a variety of different speakers?

I've been out of audiophilia for a while, so maybe there's a theory behind single-speaker testing of amplifiers. But I always thought the amplifier-speaker interface was crucial. An amp might sound great with one set of speakers, but terrible with another (presumably due to some difference in impedence, frequency response, or other design characteristics).

Am I missing something, or is anyone else bothered by amp reviews that only use one set of speakers?
jpbach
Amp designers had to play their amps on at least one set of speakers. Good ones will use several. I wish they would disclose which speakers they use or have found to bring out the best in their designs. Years ago Magnepan and Audio Research did this. Anyone know of any modern unions?
Well they'd have to try the amp with several speakers, different room sizes, different preamps, different interconnects, different recordings, different racks they sit on, etc.

At some point you just have to take reviews as guidance. That's why you should listen for yourself before you buy.

As my system evolved, I noticed that my equipment may have different synergy but still seems to have the same characteristics no matter what you match it with.
An even more annoying habit in HiFi Plus, is to occasionally not list partnering equipment at all. You really don't know where you are then. I am sure we only use reviews as a guide to audition, but I have to admit to second hand unauditioned purchases on the basis of reviews. I am sure I deserve all the trouble I should get, but so far, I have'nt had any, just dumb luck I suppose. Seriously it is sometimes worth the risk second hand, as you can sell without too much loss.
To return to amp reviews and speakers, most reviewers keep a few speakers to hand, the problem comes in swapping the 200lb behomoths needed to test out the big SS monoblocks. Should we expect reviewers to suffer injury on our behalf? Why not, its a pretty good life otherwise.. Personally, I use low power amps(Viva Solista 18 Watts and Lavardin IT 50watts), I am interested in just how inefficient a speaker they can drive. Something you often can't glean from a review.