2. amps-preamps
  3. 180737-107

What should be mandatory in every professional published review-

When testing a company's newest amp, preamp, etc, and it is a refinement of a prior product that was on the market, ie, a Mark II, an SE version, a .2 etc, it should be mandatory that the review includes a direct comparison with the immediate predecessor. IMHO, it's not enough to know ion the product is good; it's also important to know if there is a meaningful difference with the immediate predecessor.

I'm  fan of Pass Labs, and I just looked at a review of an XP22 preamp. I find it very disturbing that there was no direct comparison between the XP22 and the XP20. And this lack of direct comparison is ubiquitous in hi-end published reviews, across all brands of gear tested. I don't blame the gear manufacturers, but rather the publications as I view this as an abdication of journalistic integrity.

 

Opinions welcome- 

128x128zavato
cd318
2,636 posts
 

@zavato

..it should be mandatory that the review includes a direct comparison with the immediate predecessor. IMHO, it’s not enough to know ion the product is good; it’s also important to know if there is a meaningful difference with the immediate predecessor.

 

If it was, and they did there’d be no point in doing reviews.

You only have to compare a 1980 NAD 3020 with a 2022 NAD 316BEE (whatever) to see just how much of what the reviews continue to imply, ie a solid 40 years of continuous onwards and upwards improvements, have actually achieved.

Nothing.

 

czarivey
5,946 posts
 

Professional reviews aren't necessary, because they really defy all purposes of reviews. By definition, a professional review is something that a professional makes living on.

Reviews must not be professional. They have to be taken from casual consumer

bigkidz
3,406 posts
 

yeah sure like the reviewer has one just sitting there to compare and why would they do that at all.  They are there to promote the industry not say well the older model was almost as good for a few grand less.  How would that help a manufacturer at all?

 

BTW if you think reviewers make a living at this stuff you are wrong!



 

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

Required? 

Nothing, other than they should really listen to the piece of equipment other than toss the gauges on it.  You know like that one website. 

dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,406 posts
 

If the word "mandatory" is freaking people out how about each publication developing its own "template" that their stable of reviewers would adhere to in order to insure some continuity and comprehensiveness to formally reviewed products. If I were the editor of such a magazine or online publication, I would suggest the following:

  1. Room dimensions along with any room treatments;
  2. Associated equipment;
  3. Statement of preferences--as an audiophile, what am I shooting for in terms of sonics;
  4. Relationship with manufacturer--any financial interest, discount offered on purchases, history with brand, etc.

Seems to me this would help the buying public make better sense of the reviewers findings.

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