the quest for the best--within limits

Dover,
You make a good point, the audiogon archives are rich with information on many topics. Redundancy is expected I guess with most open forums. Classic example," what amplifier/how much power is needed to drive magnaplanars". You could spend a day reading the number of posts on that popular issue.
Regards,

People do have a hard time with the search function. (How long until competitive googling becomes a sport?) But I also think that looking for equipment on the used market expands the possible options far beyond what most people have seen or heard, and it's suspiciously easy to find reviews that say whatever it is that's being reviewed is the "best." Some people seem to find forum members more credible than reviewers ... not sure why. :)

I got to agree with Dover. There are some posters of these types of inquiries are just plain lazy. How many Oppo BDP-95 questions do you see that have been addressed before. A search through the A'gon archives or using their favorite search engine could easily get that info. For me I will always search the archives first and then post.

As for the trusting of forum members vs. reviewers. I find it weird too and I read both. Sometimes I feel the reviewers may not be the most objective. Who knows if they have been paid off to write what they say.

Also I think these best of within $$$ threads start up because buy and try and sell if you don't like is getting tougher to do. People want to save themselves the hassle of that whole process, trim down their lists or get an idea.

i think the basic issue is there is no best in audio. there will always be disagreement as to the superiority of one component over another.

what is best for one is not best for another, as there are many variables which determine what is best for a person with a particular stereo system.

Best is what you have until you find somthing better !!!!!