When most of the brick and mortar stores are gone, you will begin to see on-line sellers reducing their automatic return policies.
reviews have their place and purpose. yes, there is bias among reviewers and certain manufacturers. Take for example the stereophile (I believe) review of the Audio Research DAC8 a few years ago. The reviewer either hated Audio Research or was on drugs. Totally incorrect in his assessment and was so savage in the review that bias most certainly must have been there.
Anyway, without reviews, most of us wouldn't know products even existed. I don't take reviews as gospel. However, the physical description of products, comparisons (A/B) with other products, etc. do help. but, since it isn't my room, using my associated equipment, it can't possible describe what I would hear in my home. But, it helps.
Audio shows are the same. You get to see them, and if people shut up in the rooms long enough, you actually get to hear them. Unless they are playing finger nail on chalkboard music.
I've read with interest over this long period WC's journey in audio. I agreed with some assessments and disagreed with others. That is real and cool.
Brick and mortar stores going out-of business leaves local people without jobs. It prevents one from touching, hearing, seeing and trying on products. It is bad enough that audio stores are few and rare now, and even when you find one, locally, they can't possible carry many pieces in the same categories.
Auto dealers (although they have their ways of legally ripping of people), do carry most models. But, not their competition. But, you can go from one dealer to another and test drive. Try to do that with stereo equipment.
Anyway, WC, keep on keeping on.
enjoy
