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A Question About Reviewer Techniques

I've been reading the audio rags since the mid-80's and continue to subscribe (albeit with much less enthusiasm) to TAS and Stereophile while also reading the online publications occasionally. I've always wondered why reviewers do not evaluate products in systems recommended by the manufacturers. For example, a recent review of a loudspeaker has generated some controversy because the journals main review system uses speaker cable from a national hardware chain. I'm not criticizing the use of these cables (haven't heard them) but rather the decision to evaluate a particular product (in this case loudspeakers) using cables that are not recommended by the speaker manufacturer. Why don't the review mags simply ask the manufacturer what cables, electronics and source materials will bring out the best in their products and then make an effort to evaluate the product using these components? Any novice knows that system synergy is vitally important in obtaining good sound but somehow this core principal is thrown out the window (for the sake of expediency?) by reviewers who simply pair products under evaluation with whatever happens to be lying around their listening room or with whatever works with their other components. Then they write a review which is somehow supposed to be "authoritative" but which may not show the product in the best possible light. Anyone else find this a little troubling?
dodgealum
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
You have a point, but there are other considerations. In my opinion, this type of practice would also bias the testing. Furthermore, what would you think if a reviewer is asked by a manufacturer to test and review their new $2,000 speaker, but the manufacturer suggests using cables that cost $20,000 because they really bring out the best in their speaker. I also think that it would be a marketing and financial fiasco for a speaker manufacturer to market their speakers as sounding best only with certain select electronics. They would be out of business in no time at all.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
If the speaker manuf. thinks Cable X is the way to go, the speaker should COME WITH a 3 meter set. extra charge for longer, rebate/credit for shorter.

Was the speaker not reviewed properly? Did it get 'panned'?
raquel
841 posts
 
The author of the thread has a point and I try to demo equipment with other equipment deemed to be synergistic by the manufacturer (particularly because most brick and mortar shops in my experience no longer care about two-channel equipment and do little toward careful set up).

Regarding reviews, it is important for readers to know that they are subjective because there are few if any constants - different ears listening to different equipment in different rooms with different levels of room treatment, different A/C power supplies and different music - scientific the process is not. In light of this, it helps to have familiarity with the various reviewers' respective systems, listening preferences and biases. I think many reviewers are conscientious and I do not intend to disparage anyone, but the only thing I tend to take seriously is Atkinson's measurements.
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
I wouldn't consider any audio magazine review as "authoritative". Audio magazines are businesses. They make money by selling ad spaces. Their prime objectives are to convince manufacturers to place ads and to promote "high end" to as many people as possible so that they can charge more for the ads. Have you noticed that most of the reviews read like promotional material from marketing department? So keep that in mind when you read them. And no matter what you do, never buy equipment based on reviews alone.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
All is solved, system synergy requires the manufacturer to send their component and all other parts, cables too, they want to be used to the review. This way, the system is reviewed. Now, if the manufacturer could just send the 'room' and all its furnishings and treatments, we would have perfect reviews, forever.
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