Audiogon has made me buy more new audio equipment than Stereophile ever did.
If it wasn't for stumbling upon this site years ago while looking for a vintage Pioneer receiver, McIntosh, REL, Totem, Dynaudio, Magnepan, Musical Fidelity, and a few others would not have had a new customer.
While I don't necessarily distrust reviews in Stereophile or other magazines, A'gon usually gives me an owner's viewpoint, unbiased, personal - living with a piece of gear is quite different from being loaned it for review.
Almost everything I've bought used from other members here eventually steered me to purchase a new model from a B&M. Buying reputable products used from a reputable site is a good way for me to explore different brands without the higher financial considerations in buying new. I have had zero problems here with my sales and purchases from and to other members since signing on.
I do read Stereophile from time to time simply because I like to read in general. In my business and this business reviewers and magazines are always questioned and should be - it's only natural.
If it wasn't for stumbling upon this site years ago while looking for a vintage Pioneer receiver, McIntosh, REL, Totem, Dynaudio, Magnepan, Musical Fidelity, and a few others would not have had a new customer.
While I don't necessarily distrust reviews in Stereophile or other magazines, A'gon usually gives me an owner's viewpoint, unbiased, personal - living with a piece of gear is quite different from being loaned it for review.
Almost everything I've bought used from other members here eventually steered me to purchase a new model from a B&M. Buying reputable products used from a reputable site is a good way for me to explore different brands without the higher financial considerations in buying new. I have had zero problems here with my sales and purchases from and to other members since signing on.
I do read Stereophile from time to time simply because I like to read in general. In my business and this business reviewers and magazines are always questioned and should be - it's only natural.