It's interesting to read all the different POV's listed here about what gets review space etc versus what doesn't. I travel a lot and have been into the vast majority of US HE B&M dealer showrooms. I also look in on AudioGon and AA from time to time to see what's in the news etc.
Over the last few years there has been an obvious and widening gulf between the different products that generate this or that temporary buzz on the chat forums and are often fleetingly popular, versus what holds its place and sells in the marketplace outside the net.
The posts above mentioning VSA, EMM, Green Mountain, Reimyo, Tyler and Caravelles are all _perfect_ examples of products you see generate conversation on the internet, but are not widely distributed in the US and are not found in many traditional B&M dealers. Some companies like EMM and VSA went through significant internal changes in distribution/personnel over the past few years. I think EMM had some history years ago with SP that may be a reason no new reviews came when they launched new products.
Largely, the products covered in Stereophile these days, and to some extent TAS and SoundStage reflect products that are more widely available in traditional B&M stores. Product lines that have stable US distribution outlets and have stood the test of time in the market place are far more likely to earn review space--at least to some degree. As everyone likely knows, successful HE B&M dealers are becoming harder to find. This acts almost like a natural filter for brands-- Manufacturer's must not only make products that perform well, but have exceptional production and delivery time, excellent dealer support staff, customer support and some manner of solid company infrastructure (bookkeeping/International etc).
The competition for market share among speaker lines especially, is incredibly intense, making it hard for new or unique products no matter how great, to find any footing at traditional dealers. Again, what you see reviewed in the magazines largely reflects what is available and successful at US traditional B&M dealers. This months Magico review/interview in SP and previously in TAS is an exception, but it also points out that that may well be a great products to check out.
You may see a preponderance of reviews for certain electronics/speaker lines mostly because those are very strong companies with exceptional service, a broad staff, solid distribution and time tested success at a majority of B&M dealers. In a way, there is some good in that. People that buy products that have long term success at established dealers may be more likely to have a better overall buying experience and receive better support, warranty service and re-sale value. There are many small companies that deserve better recognition and support as well. I am merely pointing to one of the reasons I think reviews at the majors fall the way they do.
Grant
Over the last few years there has been an obvious and widening gulf between the different products that generate this or that temporary buzz on the chat forums and are often fleetingly popular, versus what holds its place and sells in the marketplace outside the net.
The posts above mentioning VSA, EMM, Green Mountain, Reimyo, Tyler and Caravelles are all _perfect_ examples of products you see generate conversation on the internet, but are not widely distributed in the US and are not found in many traditional B&M dealers. Some companies like EMM and VSA went through significant internal changes in distribution/personnel over the past few years. I think EMM had some history years ago with SP that may be a reason no new reviews came when they launched new products.
Largely, the products covered in Stereophile these days, and to some extent TAS and SoundStage reflect products that are more widely available in traditional B&M stores. Product lines that have stable US distribution outlets and have stood the test of time in the market place are far more likely to earn review space--at least to some degree. As everyone likely knows, successful HE B&M dealers are becoming harder to find. This acts almost like a natural filter for brands-- Manufacturer's must not only make products that perform well, but have exceptional production and delivery time, excellent dealer support staff, customer support and some manner of solid company infrastructure (bookkeeping/International etc).
The competition for market share among speaker lines especially, is incredibly intense, making it hard for new or unique products no matter how great, to find any footing at traditional dealers. Again, what you see reviewed in the magazines largely reflects what is available and successful at US traditional B&M dealers. This months Magico review/interview in SP and previously in TAS is an exception, but it also points out that that may well be a great products to check out.
You may see a preponderance of reviews for certain electronics/speaker lines mostly because those are very strong companies with exceptional service, a broad staff, solid distribution and time tested success at a majority of B&M dealers. In a way, there is some good in that. People that buy products that have long term success at established dealers may be more likely to have a better overall buying experience and receive better support, warranty service and re-sale value. There are many small companies that deserve better recognition and support as well. I am merely pointing to one of the reasons I think reviews at the majors fall the way they do.
Grant