@Igoler
"However, @soix was probably right to call Dave out for bashing his recommendation, maybe that wasn't cool, but I can also respect that Dave feels that the AZ's aren't offering as much value as what he's recommending."
THIS IS PRECISELY THE CRUX OF THE PROBLEM HERE. I really don't mean to prolong this, but the main problem keeps getting swept aside under the guise of audiotroy's "advice." It's NOT that he's pushing his own brands, which as others noted he's free to do here (although I'll note he does it much more frequently and forcefully than any other manufacturers or retailers here). It's specifically that they also berate or marginalize other recommendations and/or competitive products. Whether it's altruistic or not is completely irrelevant. Look at your case right here:
"but I can also respect that Dave feels that the AZ's aren't offering as much value as what he's recommending."
BINGO. RIGHT THERE IS THE PROBLEM. When Dave is pushing his products here he shouldn't be sharing what he "FEELS" (or anything else for that matter) about another recommendation or product if he doesn't sell it. Look how he just potentially affected your perception of my recommendation versus the product HE SELLS. It's a pure conflict of interest. And in this case his "FEELINGS" were based on hearing the Crescendos in a show setting. What??? Tell you what, here's what a couple respected and veteran reviewers said of these speakers when auditioned in their own systems with their own equipment:
Dick Olsher from Absolute Sound
"The Crescendo comes about as close to being an ideal resistive load as one can expect from a box speaker. It’s the sort of dream load every pentode amp would appreciate.
Acoustic Zen’s Robert Lee has crafted a magnificent transmission-line speaker, truly a perfectionist labor of love. The Crescendo is eminently musical and supremely well-integrated from top to bottom. It certainly pushed of all my emotional buttons and is currently my favorite box speaker under $30k. Make no mistake about it: The Crescendo is a fantastic value at its asking price. An enthusiastic five-star recommendation!"
Or Dave Clark from Positive Feedback:
"As a side note, the Crescendos did arrive with a complete set of measurements that are rather stunningly flat and overall quite excellent in all respects being very reminiscent of how the Tetons measure after the DEQX 'treatment'. Of which all points to Robert having done it right.
The Crescendos are a speaker that will open a door to what is in your music. They are a true audio "tool" to not only hear and see how the music was recorded, but to realize what is going on in your system. They will reveal things about your music and system that you might not want to know—they are honest and pure. For the $16000 you get an amazingly well-thought and a beautiful loudspeaker (fit and finish are superb) that competes with other designs costing several times their more 'affordable' price. How Robert does it, I have no idea as these are a true assault in defining a full-range SOTA loudspeaker. I loved my short time with the speakers and found them a wonderful window into my music. Kudos to Robert and the AZ team."
But then there's that DaveTroy "FEELS" the Crescendos aren't offering as much value as what he's recommending due to his hearing them at a couple audio shows. That'd be suspect enough as a response from any regular member, but that HE'S SELLING what he's recommending in these circumstances MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE HERE. Look at other reputable manufacturers and retailers here such as atmasphere, pbnaudio, audioconnection, and note how they NEVER, EVER, downplay another product or recommendation in favor of one of their own products despite undoubtedly having strong opinions. They know better. They have class. They respect the mission of this site and they do it right.
So here's the thing -- that I at all felt the need to have to come back on here and defend and support my prior recommendation AGAINST THE WORDS OF A RETAILER pushing his own product while detracting from mine is what makes audiotroy's behavior detrimental and a serious threat to this site. (Your own statement shows that his words affected your opinion of my recommendation). They may try to cloak their sales tactics under the guise of providing "honest" opinions, but the damage is still being done.
Last thought. Some people may still be willing to sweep audiotroy's tactics under the rug because they sometimes provide some seemingly unbiased information and help. But if they can continue to get away with criticizing and undermining other's recommendations here, what will this site become when other retailers start doing the same thing here? Will it still seem helpful then? It's a slippery slope, and I for one sincerely hope this stops here and now before it gets further out of hand and significantly undermines the usefulness and purpose of this site. Once again -- Peace out.
