2. analog
  3. 189181-96

Example of a piece o’ crap, useless review

I’ve harped on how crappy and useless many “professional” reviews are because they lack rigor and omit critical information.  This one is from TAS that is a main offender of pumping out shallow/unsupported reviews, but most of the Euro mags among others are guilty of this too IME.  One key giveaway that a review is crap is that after reading it you still have little/no real understanding of what the piece under review actually sounds like or if it’s something you’d like to consider further.  I mean, if a review can’t accomplish those basic elements what use is it?  This review is so shallow it reads like it could’ve been written by someone who never even listened to the review sample and just made it up outta thin air.  In addition to failing on this broad level, here are some other major problems with the review:

- There is no info regarding any shortcomings of this “budget” turntable — everything is positive.  Sounds like it was perfect, ehem.

- There are no comparisons to another product in the same general price category or anything else.

- The reviewer doesn’t even share what equipment is in his reference system so we can at least infer what he may have based his impressions on.

In short, in addition to this review being so bad/useless for all the reasons stated it actually reads more like advertisement for the product than an actual unbiased review.  I can think of nothing worse to say about a review, and sadly many reviews out there are similarly awful for the same reasons.  Sorry for the rant, but especially as a former reviewer this piece of garbage pushed all my buttons and really ticked me off.  What say you?

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/sota-quasar-turntable-and-pyxi-phonostage/

soix
ernstmach's avatar
ernstmach
24 posts
 

The reviewer wrote " it’s strength is Pace, Rhythm, and Timing."

How can a machine that is supposed to spin the recording at a constant, specific speed provide that?

Is that not the responsibility of the musicians?

Pace: This refers to the tempo of music.

Rhythm: Rhythm encompasses more than just tempo. It involves elements like time signature, phrasing, syncopation, and accents. 

Timing: This is where things get interesting. Musicians rely on precise timing to sync with each other. (thanks google)

dogberry
582 posts
 

Every specialist interest has its jargon, designed to keep outsiders out more than to communicate clearly. "PRat" fits the bill perfectly. Personally, I have never understood what is meant by "air" in this context.

ghdprentice
6,533 posts
 

Language is the very foundation of rational thought. With an increasingly abundant and nuanced language surrounding a subject a person is able to perceive and understand more, as well as communicate to others.

Specialized language is not designed to keep others out, but on the contrary to allow others in… to teach and allow quick learning. Pre-existing language is the foundation used to teach so each person does not have to learn everything themselves. To take gross attributes and break them into more elemental pieces and allow them to be communicated among practitioners and help introduce newcomers to the nuances of a discipline.

 

@dogberry I would recommend starting a thread. Something like, could someone help me understand the term “air” as used in audio.

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
903 posts
 

PRAT is British jargon for "A stupid obnoxious person". The Linn Sondek was proclaimed as being a PRAT champion. Somehow this justifies it's exorbitant price! Legal disclaimer: I have an LP12 in my TT collection - a virgin still without the bs upgrades!

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,790 posts
 

@ghdprentice 

I love what you said so well in your post. Sadly, many here are not even grounded in basic grammar, like the difference between their and there.

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