I have no problems with reviews and people relying on reviews to be informed about a product. I do find it a bit odd that once people hear something for themselves, they don't trust their own judgment. It is pretty simple to me, if you like something better than another thing, it IS better to YOU, and your preference is the only one that ultimately matters.
Can I "trust" my own ears after just an hour of listening on unfamiliar gear? No not really, but, I certainly trust my own ears in that circumstance more than I do any reviews. In such circumstances, I give something sounding "bad" the benefit of the doubt; if something sounds good under those circumstances, I know that the speakers are good (given the right equipment and environment).
There are FAR too many positive reviews of gear I have heard and don't like for me to trust any kind of "rave review." I at least know what I like, it comes with experience, which is not the case of everyone looking for gear.
Can I "trust" my own ears after just an hour of listening on unfamiliar gear? No not really, but, I certainly trust my own ears in that circumstance more than I do any reviews. In such circumstances, I give something sounding "bad" the benefit of the doubt; if something sounds good under those circumstances, I know that the speakers are good (given the right equipment and environment).
There are FAR too many positive reviews of gear I have heard and don't like for me to trust any kind of "rave review." I at least know what I like, it comes with experience, which is not the case of everyone looking for gear.